Testimony

For my latest book I just knew I needed an agent, and a lovely client suggested J. P. Marshall Literary Agency. What incredible luck. Jaime does me the honour of ‘getting’ my book and of understanding why it appears to straddle genres in such a reckless way. He gave me detailed feedback, phrased in a way that I could hear. I adopted almost every one of his suggestions, all of which improved the book considerably. He has made me laugh, has encouraged, has challenged, has negotiated on my behalf in every sense – legal, financial and psychological. He has broad and deep insider knowledge of the publishing world. And most of all, he knows how to nourish the fragile ego of an author without colluding or losing sight of the soul of the book.

Jenny Rogers

Jaime is not the first literary agent I’ve worked with, but he’s the first to come up with a book idea. I was reluctant, because I had preconceived ideas about what “that kind of book” had to be. But Jaime recognised that I have a deep interest in the subject, and a passion for it. He persuaded me that I had an opportunity to write about the subject in my own way, and indeed that this was the only workable approach. We worked closely together on the proposal, and I found it a huge pleasure to write it with Jaime in mind as my ideal reader. I know what it’s like to try writing without such a person in mind – horrible. I could go on at some length about the many things Jaime does to keep me on track, to nudge and prod others gently on my behalf, but won’t. Quite simply, I wouldn’t have written my latest book without Jaime’s ideas and encouragement. I wouldn’t have dared to write the one I’m currently working on. And I wouldn’t be so excited about the one after, that just recently appeared on the horizon.

John-Paul Flintoff

Jaime and I have worked together for about fifteen years — first on my behavioural economics book and then on my first trade book, which was signed by Penguin Random House. It was his vision that led to the former book, which in retrospect was perfectly framed and timed. And it was his gentle prodding and advice that actually made me complete the project – on time, as I recall. He was no less influential in turning my inchoate ideas about economics into a book proposal that sang (his word) and that quickly got the attention of several top publishers. He knows all aspects of the business, having worked on all sides of the operation, and is an all-around great human being – always a pleasure to talk to, and always helpful (and keen to be) no matter where you are in the project.

Erik Angner

Jaime is a fantastic agent. Within six months of working together, he had helped me put together two proposals I was very happy with and secured deals with two top publishers. He knows the industry inside out, his input is always insightful, and he is consistently enthusiastic, focused on making the projects the best they possibly can be.

Elizabeth Cripps