Amanda Harris, the Global Managing Director of YMU Literary, has announced her departure from the prestigious British agency. Harris, who has been with the agency since 2019, will be leaving in spring 2025 to start her own talent business. This move marks a significant change in her career and opens up a new chapter in the world of literary representation.
During her time with YMU, Amanda Harris has overseen the publication of several bestselling books by prominent figures such as Paloma Faith, Claudia Winkleman, Matt Lucas, Ant and Dec, Fearne Cotton, Stacey Solomon, and Tom Daley. One of the standout achievements of YMU Literary under Harris’s leadership was representing Davina McCall’s “Menopausing,” which was awarded Book of the Year at the 2023 British Book Awards. The literary division also boasts an impressive roster of authors including Francois Bourgeois, Jemma Solomon, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, and Sarah Hiscox.
A Career Defined by Success
Before joining YMU, Amanda Harris had an illustrious career in the publishing industry, working with renowned publishing houses such as Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette. She founded two successful imprints at Orion and has edited and published works by acclaimed authors like Jackie Collins, King Charles III, and Paul McCartney. Harris’s reputation as a talented literary agent has been recognized with three nominations for Literary Agent of the Year in the past four years.
The Changing Landscape of YMU
Harris’s departure from YMU comes on the heels of former Global Managing Director for Entertainment, Holly Bott, leaving to start her own agency, Little Arrow. YMU underwent restructuring and staff cuts due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, culminating in a major agreement with Permira Credit becoming its lead shareholder. Despite these challenges, YMU continues to represent a high-profile client list that includes Simon Cowell, Graham Norton, David Walliams, Stacey Solomon, and more. With offices in London, Manchester, LA, and Washington, YMU remains a significant player in the entertainment industry.
As Amanda Harris embarks on this new chapter in her career, the literary world eagerly anticipates the launch of her own talent business. With a track record of success and a wealth of experience in the industry, Harris is poised to make a significant impact in the world of literary representation. Her departure from YMU may signal the end of an era, but it also marks the beginning of an exciting new journey filled with possibilities and opportunities.