Amanda Harris, the Global Managing Director of YMU Literary, has announced her departure from the British agency in spring 2025 to launch her own talent business. This move comes after serving at the London-headquartered agency representing high-profile clients like Simon Cowell for over two years. While the exact details of her new venture remain undisclosed, the departure was described as “completely amicable” by YMU, indicating a sense of mutual respect and understanding between the parties involved.
With Harris’ exit, YMU will now have to search for a suitable replacement to fill her role at the helm of the literary division. During her tenure, YMU Literary saw significant success in publishing bestselling books from renowned personalities such as Paloma Faith, Claudia Winkleman, Matt Lucas, Ant and Dec, Fearne Cotton, Stacey Solomon, and Tom Daley. Her representation of Davina McCall’s “Menopausing,” which won Book of the Year at the 2023 British Book Awards, further solidified her reputation in the industry.
Prior to her role at YMU, Harris had an extensive career in the publishing industry, working with leading houses like Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette. She also founded two imprints at Orion and edited/published works by notable authors such as Jackie Collins, King Charles III, and Paul McCartney. Harris’ accomplishments have earned her three nominations for Literary Agent of the Year in recent years, highlighting her expertise and influence in the literary world.
Harris’ departure follows a series of changes within YMU, including Holly Bott’s exit last year, who went on to establish her own agency, Little Arrow. These transitions come in the wake of a restructuring at YMU due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to staff cuts and revenue challenges. Despite these setbacks, YMU remains a prominent player in the entertainment industry, representing a diverse roster of clients spanning from Simon Cowell to Steve Aoki across multiple global offices.
Amanda Harris’ decision to depart YMU Literary Agency marks a significant shift in the organization’s leadership and strategy. Her contributions to the success of YMU Literary, coupled with her reputation as a seasoned professional, leave a lasting imprint on the industry. As she embarks on her new venture, the literary world will be watching closely to see how Harris’ entrepreneurial spirit shapes the landscape of talent representation in the years to come.