Ciara McEllin

I am an Associate Agent a Watson, Little and I am building my list with writers of fiction and non-fiction who I can work closely and considerately with to build a career. I am actively looking for voices that continue to remain underrepresented in the publishing industry.

In fiction, I read widely across literary, upmarket and book club fiction. Within these areas, I am drawn to novels that examine family and relationship dynamics, sexuality, identity, and vulnerability. I am keen to hear from writers who take a fresh approach to these themes, whether that be a new perspective on a traditional narrative or a focus on characters and voices that remain underrepresented. I will always want to read beautifully written novels with a strong sense of place, tangible characters and an essence that stays with you – living deep in your bones – long after you’ve finished reading. Some books that I have read recently that have left a lasting mark on me: What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt, Loved and Missed by Susie Boyt, Trespasses by Louise Kennedy, Monkey Grip by Helen Garner, My Phantoms by Gwendoline Riley and Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck

At the moment I am particularly eager to see:

• Stories that explore polyamory, ethical non-monogamy and other sexual boundaries not often represented in literature, especially if the approach is compassionate, thrillingly original or deeply funny such as Detransition Baby by Torrey Peters, Mrs S. by K. Patrick and Bellies by Nicola Dinan
• Epic storytelling that breaks you and then makes you whole again in the vein of Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead and Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
• An intelligent and enthralling romantic-comedy that you want to place into the hands of everyone you know, think The Wedding People by Alison Espach, Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld or When Harry Met Sally
• Relationship drama; whether it be warm and wise, like the fiction of Laurie Colwin, or tender and vulnerable like, Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson or The Lesser Bohemians by Eimear McBride
• An intoxicating coming of-age-tale that captures the aliveness, intelligence and wildness of girlhood like Brutes by Dizz Tate, The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides and The Girls by Emma Cline
• Books that are intimate and bruising, similar to Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel, Kick the Latch by Kathryn Scanlan and Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

In non-fiction, I enjoy narrative, memoir and essay collections. I am interested in hearing from experts, academics, critics and journalists writing about society and culture and I am excited by writers seeking to revise, reshape or revolutionise the conversation in their area of expertise. Some of my favourite non-fiction titles include How To Survive A Plague by David France, The Transgender Issue by Shon Faye, the Living Autobiography Series by Deborah Levy, Last Witnesses: Unchildlike Stories by Svetlana Alexievich, King Kong Theory by Virginie Despentes; and I particularly enjoy the work of Annie Ernaux, Natalia Ginsburg and Helen Garner.

I am especially keen to add more cookbook and food writing to my list and am looking for emerging and distinctive voices in this area, particularly for someone who can work across both these forms. Some personal favourites include: M.F.K Fisher, Laurie Colwin, Ruby Tandoh, the Vittles Project, Ixta Belfrage, Alison Roman and Russell Norman

I am not looking for Children’s, YA or Fantasy.