FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who are you and which agency are you with?
I’m Sara O’Keeffe, a London-based expert literary agent representing debut and established authors in literary, reading-group, and intelligent commercial/genre fiction. I’m part of Andrew Nurnberg Associates, an international agency with offices in the UK and in thirteen other locations around the world.
What is your background?
I’ve worked in publishing for over 20 years, first as an editor on the publishing side and now as an agent. Books I’ve published include:
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
The Bourne novels by Robert Ludlum
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
I’ve also championed bestselling authors such as Minette Walters and Elizabeth Buchan.
What kind of books do you represent?
I’m interested in:
Literary fiction
Upmarket and reading-group fiction
Sophisticated genre fiction (for example, thrillers with depth and strong writing)
I don’t represent children’s fiction, non-fiction, poetry, short stories, or screenplays.
Do you work with authors outside the UK and Ireland?
Yes — I welcome submissions from writers anywhere in the world but they must be written in English.
Do I need a finished manuscript before submitting?
Yes, please - for fiction, I only consider completed manuscripts.
What should I include in my cover note?
Keep it short:
A one or two paragraph pitch or summary of your book
A few lines about you (only relevant background)
Comparable titles if helpful
There is no need for a full CV or anything overly formal.
How do I submit my work?
Send me the first 50 pages of your manuscript plus a short cover note via my submission form.
What happens after I submit?
I read the first 50 pages.
If it’s a fit, I’ll request the full manuscript.
If I’m still excited, I’ll arrange a meeting (online or in person). I may then offer representation.
If we decide to work together, we will then work editorially to polish the book before submitting to publishers.
How long will it take to hear back?
I aim to reply within 8 - 12 weeks, though I usually manage to respond within a month. I try to respond to every novel I receive though this cannot always be guaranteed.
Do you give feedback if you don’t take something on?
Not usually — I can’t provide detailed notes on every submission. If I’ve read the full manuscript, I’ll try to share constructive feedback.
Do you accept simultaneous submissions?
Yes — I understand you may want to approach several agents at once. If you receive an offer elsewhere or another agent has called in your full manuscript, please let me know straight away.
Can I submit to more than one agent at your agency?
Please only submit to me if you think I’m the right fit. If not, you’re welcome to try another agent at Andrew Nurnberg Associates.
Do you charge fees?
Never. I only earn a commission when I sell your work.
What excites you in a submission?
Voice, voice, voice. I want writing that feels fresh, distinctive, and emotionally engaging — books I can’t put down and that linger in my mind afterwards.
Do you offer editorial support?
Yes. My editorial background means I work closely with authors to strengthen their manuscripts before submitting them to publishers. Many agents don’t do this level of work, but I find it can make an incredible difference to the outcome of the submission process and can help writers to achieve much higher advances and greater backing from their publisher.
What happens if you take me on?
We’ll work together to strengthen the novel, then I’ll pitch your book to editors whom I’m confident will respond to it. I’ll handle submissions, negotiations, contracts, and rights — and continue to support you throughout your career.
What kinds of rights do you handle?
Through Andrew Nurnberg Associates, I can negotiate:
UK & US publishing agreements
Audio
Translation
Film, TV & streaming rights
What commission do you take?
15% on ‘home’ deals (for instance, if you’re based in the UK, then that counts as your home market. The same applies if you’re based in the US etc.
20% on foreign, film & TV rights
How often will we be in touch?
It depends on the stage:
During edits or submissions: very regularly
Between projects: regular check-ins to discuss ideas and career planning
I aim to be approachable and available whenever my authors need me.
Do you have a track record of success?
Yes — my authors include Catherine Ryan Howard, Leo Vardiashvili, Amy Jordan, and Eithne Shortall, (to name just a few) whose work has sold in auctions and pre-empts, won awards, and been translated worldwide. It is not unusual for novels I represent to end up in competitive auctions.
What do your authors say?
“I have complete trust in her advice … I can't recommend her highly enough.” — Catherine Ryan Howard
“She genuinely falls in love with the writing she represents … she sold my novel to nineteen publishers around the world.” — Leo Vardiashvili
“She has been supportive and helpful at every stage of the publishing process.” — Amy Jordan
“Sara is wonderful to work with, patient, insightful and empathetic.” — Rachel Donohue