What we do

hhb agency was founded in 2005 by ex-publisher Heather Holden-Brown with the aim of being approachable, imaginative, tenacious and successful.

We believe that our role is to help our authors with every aspect of their careers and to respond to each client’s particular needs, offering services that range from experienced editorial advice, highly effective book representation and contract negotiation, to creative brand-building. We bring our expertise to bear on overseeing every stage of the publishing process from first pitch onwards.

We have strong relationships with sub-agents for US, translation and other sub-rights, enjoying discovering all possible avenues for our authors to work in, from film and television to personal appearances and relationships with national newspapers and magazines.

hhb agency is a full member of the AAA.

Who we represent

Our family of fantastic writers now includes established bestsellers and talented, fresh voices. In the years since our foundation we have taken delight in the success of authors ranging from journalists to historians, cooks to comedians, critics to crafters, vets, doctors, adventurers, entertainers, and those who simply have an extraordinary story to tell. In fiction, we specialise in thoughtful but commercial women’s writing, intelligent crime and thrillers, and exceptional historical novels.

Who we are

hhb agency ltd was founded in 2005 by Heather Holden-Brown, a publishing editor for 20 years with Waterstone’s, Harrap, BBC Books and Headline. The following year the agency became a member of the Association of Authors’ Agents.

Heather Holden-Brown is a member of Kingston University’s Publishers’ Advisory Board and in 2004 assessed the food and cookery books for the André Simon Memorial Fund’s annual awards. 

 Elly James first joined hhb agency ltd in 2007 having previously worked in television and film development finding programme ideas, fresh talent and promising scripts. Moving over to the book world enabled her to keep enjoying the challenge of seeking clever communicators, great storytellers and people with passions who have interesting perspectives and original voices.
For non-fiction she likes books that give an insight into worlds we don’t know about – that educate, illuminate and transport. She is looking for writers of: memoir, history, nature, science, self-help, self-development, original thinking, lifestyle, food, entertainment and humour. Elly is also looking for book group fiction to get readers talking, commercial women’s fiction with engaging characters and uplifting plots, and psychological thrillers.