In an exciting, and absolutely brilliant move for UK Fantasy & Science-Fiction, former commissioning editor John Wordsworth, is to join Zeno Agency Ltd as a literary agent. John previously headed up Headline’s SF, Fantasy and Horror list – signing up Fantasy-Faction favourites such as Richard Ford, Jennifer Williams and Myke Cole (all three got 5* ratings by the way), among others. For those unfamiliar with Zeno, they’re – in my opinion – the best of the UK’s agencies specialising in genre fiction and work with authors such as Ben Aaronovitch, Anne Lyle, Jack Campbell, Brandon Sanderson, Charlaine Harris, Peter V. Brett and William Gibson, among others.
John Berlyne, Director of Zeno, said: ‘We’re going through a vital period of growth. John Wordsworth is the perfect choice to further our ambitions to develop the careers of our fantastic authors, and to continue to discover wonderful new talent. I’ve been extremely impressed with John’s list-building at Headline, and am really looking forward to adding his particular flair for genre fiction to Zeno.’
John Wordsworth said: ‘Working with authors and discovering new talent has always been a passion of mine. Joining Zeno is a fantastic opportunity to do this at a grassroots level. It’s exhilarating to be making the move from commissioning editor to agent. Zeno has an amazing client list and I can’t wait to start adding to it.’
Knowing both men, John Wordsworth especially, I have to say that this is a perfect match. From the outside, Zeno are a HUGE firm and it is incredible to think they have operated for as long as they have – and so successfully – with one man managing the list as a sole practitioner. Adding another man, and such a talented one, to the mix will certainly help Zeno with their aims to further expand. Personally, I can’t wait to see the positives that come from this working relationship; high fives go out to both!
Jennie Ivins