Testimonials

“Kate’s passion, loyalty and commitment have never flickered.  Writing can be a solitary path but with Kate I have always felt I’m on the winning team.” 

Holly Smale, author

“Even if our first book together hadn’t been a NY Times Bestseller, I would work with Kate Shaw in a minute, every minute.  Her eye for talent and her editorial vision are a boon to any editor.  Plus, she’s responsive and helpful and fun to talk to.”

Sara Nelson, VP Executive Editor, Harper, Harpercollins

“Kate’s a joy to work with, balancing her clients’ interests with the exigencies and practicalities with aplomb, realism, honesty and charm.” 

Kate Wilson, Managing Director, Nosy Crow

“I instantly liked Kate’s no-nonsense, insightful and empathetic style. I thought this is a woman I could work with and who I can trust.” 

Alex Crawford, OBE, Sky News journalist and author

“It is always a pleasure working with Kate. She has impeccable taste – with stand-out projects and great authors – and is a true advocate for her authors.” 

Samantha Smith, Publisher, Fiction, Non-Fiction and Picture Books, Macmillan Children’s Books

“It’s simple - Kate is the agent I’d choose if I wrote a book that needed guiding, refining and directing to the right publisher.”

Barry Cunningham, OBE, Publisher and Managing Director, Chicken House  

“Kate is a delight to work with. She is professional, agile, bright, courteous, fair - a passionate champion of her clients and always with an eye on building long term careers.” 

Sam Eades, Publishing Director, Orion Fiction

“Kate is a wonderful agent to work with - always a great support to her authors, and clear and communicative with all parties in all the best ways. She also has great taste in manuscripts!”

Ruth Alltimes, Group Senior Publisher, Hachette Children’s Books

“Kate has perfect instincts - not just as an insightful and bare-knuckle reader of manuscripts, but, like a badass PT trainer, she knows when to cajole, when to reassure and when to make me do the literary equivalent of 100 push-ups.”

Melanie Finn, author

“Kate is a true gem of an agent and a person. Her eye for talent and professional drive are impressive, and her clients’ books go to the top of my pile. It’s a real honor to co-agent on her behalf!”

Allison Hellegers, Literary Agent & Rights Director, Stimola Literary Studio

“When a manuscript arrives from Kate it always gets immediate attention. Kate has amazing taste and seems to be able to match an author with an editor who she knows will engage passionately.” 

Jane Harris, Children’s Group Publisher, Welbeck

“Kate is a brilliant champion for her authors – dedicated, creative, supportive and clear-sighted – and a total pleasure to work with for editors. She also happens to be one of the loveliest people in publishing.”

Laura Barber, Deputy Publishing Director, Granta Books

“Kate's straight-talking, intelligent and great fun to work with. My writing career has gone from strength to strength since meeting her.” 

Isabel Ashdown, author

“Kate has phenomenal editorial instincts, deep market and industry knowledge, infectious passion for great stories, and is just a total joy to interact with – even in the midst of tough-as-nails negotiations!”

Linas Alsenas, Editorial Director, Penguin Random House Children’s Books

“Kate is a loyal and dynamic agent, with keen insights and great experience. She is equally ready to celebrate success and to offer support during challenges.”

Lucy Adlington, New York Times bestselling author