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LITERARY AGENT OF THE YEAR
OVERVIEW This shortlist is notable for the impressive years. The efforts of both established and more people from been vital steps towards proper representation in that, the eight agents on this all-female shortlist—six of them nominated for the
FELICITY BLUNT Curtis Brown’s Felicity Blunt was the steady hand behind some of 2022’s most talked-about fiction authors, including Waterstones Author of the Year Bonnie Garmus, multi-award-winning Claire Keegan and Gillian McAllister. Authors value her editorial flair, attention to detail and kindness, among many other qualities. “Felicity Blunt has changed my life,” said one.
ABI FELLOWS Abi Fellows, senior agent at The Good Literary Agency, has been on the frontline of publishing’s efforts to be more inclusive. As well as striking good deals, she provides outstanding client care and helps authors find safe spaces in publishing. One author commented: “Abi’s dedication to promoting and representing marginalised writers is unpar- alleled in publishing.”
ELLA DIAMOND KAHN The Diamond Kahn & Woods Literary Agency punches above its weight in the trade, and genre fiction authors benefiting from its boutique approach have included Chris Lloyd, Sharon Gosling and Jayne Cowie. Diamond Kahn is also active on industry bodies including the Association of Authors’ Agents’ EDI working group and the Stationers’ Foundation.
LAURA MACDOUGALL United Agents’ Laura Macdougall delivered deals for authors including Margot Douaihy—the first name signed to Gillian Flynn’s new imprint— and did good work for Jeremy Atherton Lin, Joelle Taylor, Sophie Ward and other LGBTQ+ writers. “She’s diligent, smart and supportive, approaching everything with professional- ism and a much-needed dose of humour,” said one author.
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AMANDA HARRIS Publisher turned agent Amanda Harris, global managing director at the YMU agency, had no fewer than 16 Sunday Times bestsellers in 2022, with an eclectic range of non-fiction names, from Ant Middleton to Davina McCall to the Hairy Bikers (above). She set up YMU’s New York office too, and founded the agency’s new diversity and inclusion internship programme.
ANWEN HOOSEN Anwen Hoosen worked in comms and PR before setting up the Bird Literary Agency, and her experience has served her clients very well. In 2022 she brought Welsh-language writer Caryl Lewis into the mainstream and had other successes from Kirsty Capes and Jodie Lancet-Grant. While securing good deals, she always ensures her authors’ wellbeing comes first.
JANE GRAHAM MAW Jane Graham Maw’s agency had one of its best ever years in 2022, with good deals and sales across areas of non- fiction, led by social media sensation Vex King (pictured). Just as impressive was her investment in people from communities poorly served by publishing. One publisher noted: “Jane is an incredible advocate for her authors and her passion is infectious.”
CLAIRE WILSON The head of RCW’s children’s department had a 2022 to remember, with the remark- able success of the UK’s sixth- biggest-selling author, Alice Oseman. Hannah Gold, Anna James and Katherine Rundell delivered more six-figure sales and awards. Wilson also found time to advocate on inclusivity, sustainability and copyright as vice-president of the Association of Authors’ Agents.
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