The Simon Trewin obituary celebrates a towering figure in the publishing world. Simon Trewin, a legendary literary agent who died of a brain tumour at 60, was known for his fierce loyalty, sharp negotiation skills, and ability to spot talent. He represented authors like Paul Lynch, John Boyne, and Catherine Banner, helping them achieve remarkable success.
Early Life and Family Legacy
Born in north London, Simon Trewin attended Highgate school like 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 renowned theatre critics. His mother, Sue, a marriage guidance counsellor, passed on his interrogative talents.
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Career Highlights
Simon Trewin began his career as a literary agent and quickly built a reputation for championing difficult projects. In 2016, he received a manuscript from Paul Lynch, a Limerick-born author with two respectfully reviewed novels but no publisher for his third. Trewin famously said, “I want to save your career,” and worked 14 months to secure a deal. That book, Grace, became the Kerry Group Irish novel of the year 2018. Five years later, Lynch won the Booker Prize for Prophet Song, thanking Trewin as his “consigliere.”
| Client | Notable Work | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Lynch | Prophet Song | Booker Prize 2023 |
| John Boyne | The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas | Bestseller, adapted into film |
| Catherine Banner | The Eyes of a King | Signed at age 16, acclaimed YA author |
| Chloé Esposito | Mad, Bad, Dangerous to Know trilogy | Deals worth £2m |
Key Takeaways from Simon Trewin's Career
- Unwavering loyalty – He stuck with authors through rejection, often spending over a year to find the right publisher.
- Sharp negotiation – His poker-faced style belied a natural shyness, securing multi-million deals.
- Community builder – Many clients followed him from company to company, trusting his vision.
- Mentor to young talent – He discovered Catherine Banner at 16 and nurtured her career.
FAQs About Simon Trewin
Who was Simon Trewin?
Simon Trewin was a celebrated literary agent known for representing Booker Prize winners such as Paul Lynch and John Boyne. He was also the son of Ion Trewin, a prominent publishing figure.
What was Simon Trewin's most famous discovery?
He discovered Paul Lynch, whose novel Prophet Song won the Booker Prize in 2023. Trewin also signed Catherine Banner at age 16.
How did Simon Trewin die?
He died of a brain tumour at the age of 60, surrounded by family and the writers who loved him.
Simon Trewin's legacy lives on in the books he helped bring to the world. His dedication, honesty, and wit made him the literary agent every author dreams of. To learn more about his life and career, read the full obituary and explore the impact he had on modern publishing.
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