Simon Trewin, Literary Agent to Booker Prize Winners, Dies at 60 2026

Simon Trewin, the revered literary agent who championed Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch and John Boyne, has died of a brain tumour at the age of 60. His career spanned three decades, during which he built a community of writers who trusted his honesty, loyalty, and sharp negotiating skills.

Early Life and Family Legacy

Born in north London, Trewin attended Highgate school and later university, following in the footsteps of his father, Ion Trewin, who was literary editor of The Times and publishing director of Hodder & Stoughton. His grandparents, JC Trewin and Wendy Trewin, were noted theatre critics, and his mother, Sue, was a marriage guidance counsellor from whom he inherited his interrogative talents. “Nobody escaped his curious and often playful questions,” recalls a colleague.

Career Highlights and Notable Clients

Trewin represented a diverse roster of authors, from debut novelists to international bestsellers. He was the first and only literary agent of John Boyne, author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. He signed Catherine Banner when she was just 16. He also helped Chloé Esposito secure deals worth £2 million for her Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know trilogy. In 2016, he received a manuscript from Paul Lynch, who had two respectfully reviewed novels but no publisher for his third. Trewin said, “I want to save your career.” It took 14 months to sell Grace, which went on to win the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year. Five years later, Lynch won the Booker Prize for Prophet Song, thanking Trewin as his “consigliere.”

Comparison: Trewin vs. Typical Agents

Key Takeaways from Simon Trewin’s Career

• Loyalty matters: Trewin’s clients stayed with him for decades because he genuinely cared about their careers.
• Patience pays off: He spent 14 months selling Paul Lynch’s Grace, a risk that led to a Booker Prize.
• Family influence: His literary lineage shaped his instincts for storytelling and editing.
• Personal touch: He remembered names, asked questions, and built community.

How He Worked

Trewin was known for his poker-faced negotiating style, which belied his natural shyness. He often gave authors the titles for their books, as he did for Chloé Esposito’s trilogy. His curiosity never faded; even during his final illness, he engaged carers with playful questions. “Some agents are fair-weather friends,” wrote a long-time client. “Not Simon Trewin.”

FAQ

Simon Trewin leaves behind a legacy of steadfast advocacy for writers. His community of authors will remember him as more than an agent—he was a confidant, a critic, and a friend. The publishing world has lost one of its most dedicated champions.