We are not currently accepting

queries and submissions except by

invitation or referral.

Submission Guidelines

The Cooke Agency represents authors of literary fiction, commercial fiction (science fiction, fantasy, and romance), non-fiction (specifically narrative-driven works in the areas of popular culture, science, history, politics, and natural history), and middle-grade and young adult books. We do not represent illustrated, photographic or children's picture books, US political thrillers, or poetry.

Please note:
—We do not represent original screenplays for theatre, film or television.

Submission Process

By email:
If you wish to submit by email, please begin with an email query only — no attachments. We will then invite you to send further material. Please note that due to the very large number of email queries we receive, we do not respond to email queries unless we intend to further consider your work. We suggest you include "Author Query" in the subject line to get around the spam filter. Email queries should be directed to Elizabeth Griffin at egriffin@cookeagency.ca, but you may mark your submission to the attention of a specific agent.

By regular mail:
If you wish to submit by mail, send your complete submission to our Toronto office:

The Cooke Agency
Attn: Elizabeth Griffin
278 Bloor Street East, Suite 305
Toronto, Ontario M4W 3M4

If you do not have an email address, include a stamped self-addressed envelope for our response. If you wish to have your submission returned to you, please include a stamped self-addressed envelope (in the appropriate size and with adequate postage); otherwise, your material will be promptly recycled. (Please also note that US stamps do not work in Canada.) If neither an email address or SASE is provided, we will not respond to your submission. Do not send original documents, illustrations, photos, CDs, DVDs, or videos; we cannot be responsible for misplaced or damaged materials.

Submission Material
We expect submissions to include the following:

1. A query letter with:
— a brief description of the book
— the genre (e.g., fiction – commercial women's; non-fiction – biography)
— the approximate word count
— the author’s contact information

2. A brief bio (which may be part of the query letter) that includes the author’s writing experience, relevant qualifications, published works, awards, etc.

3. The first 30 pages (fiction) or a sample chapter (non-fiction) in double-spaced single-sided format, i.e. 30 double-spaced pages total for fiction.

4. If a non-fiction submission, include:
— an outline of the project and its market
— the chapter headings with a brief description of the material covered

5. The submission history of the project.

We try to respond within eight weeks of receipt of material, but please appreciate that this isn't always possible. While we carefully review everything that is submitted, you will not receive detailed criticism of your work unless we are interested in representing it.