About Caroline

→ Over 20 years’ experience in publishing, co-founding Hardman & Swainson in 2012

→ Represent a list of critically-praised, up-and-coming and bestselling writers

→ Develop strong working relationships with clients, providing editorial guidance and advice

→ Excellent connections with editors and publishers

→ Work with the right co-agent to option TV and film rights

→ Knowledgeable about global markets and translation rights, and attend all the major book fairs

 Client testimonials

  • ‘The beauty of having Caroline as my agent has been the sense of being in a safe pair of hands. Caroline really understands how to bridge the gap between publisher and writer, in a way that both promotes good, professional relations but ensures that my interests are paramount. More importantly, that's all done with a smile and a sense of humour. Caroline built my writing career from scratch, and I'm well aware that I couldn't have done it without her. When you're thinking getting about an agent, you want someone who is fiercely on your side, who knows the publishing industry inside out, who isn't afraid to tell you the truth, and who actually replies to emails! Caroline is the whole package.’

    Helen Fields, author of The Institution

  • ‘I’ve been represented by Caroline since 2011. She’s loyal, supportive, and refreshingly direct. I wouldn’t want anybody else fighting my corner.’

    Emma Christie, author of The Silent Daughter

  • ‘Caroline has been my agent for more than 15 years now. She's straight-talking, fearless, confident and everything you would want from a literary agent, but she's also warm, approachable, loyal, empathetic and fun to work with. She genuinely cares about her clients and building a long-term career for them, rather than signing people she thinks she can make some quick money from and then dropping them when the going gets tough. She's also something of a trailblazer in the literary world. I have a huge amount of respect for her and am so proud she is my agent.’

    Charlotte Duckworth, author of The Perfect Father

  • ‘Caroline Hardman has been my literary agent for six years. During that time, she has successfully negotiated four excellent publishing deals for my historical novels, and her agency have arranged multiple deals for foreign translations of my work. Caroline is everything I could hope for in an agent. She always has my best interests at heart, she is an excellent negotiator and has a great reputation in the industry. She is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of publishing, is quick to read and respond to all communications and her editorial feedback is always spot on. I highly recommend Caroline as an agent. I feel very fortunate to have her in my corner!’

    Louise Fein, author of Daughter of the Reich

  • ‘Caroline is a terrific agent, shrewd when she needs to be, but also a perceptive editor whose insights I trust. I feel so lucky that I landed on her books right at the start of Hardman & Swainson. It’s vital that your editor has your back through thick and thin, sickness and in health! And she does.’

    Dinah Jefferies, author of The Night Train to Marrakech

  • ‘I love working with Caroline, who has represented me from the beginning. I have now written six self-help books, and thanks to her literary agency, my books have been translated into nearly 30 languages. Caroline is always encouraging of my ideas, a champion of my work and a trusted friend in my corner. Caroline is incredibly well organised and professional, with a vast network and great relationships with publishers. She responds quickly, tells it to me straight and is an important ally in my writing business.’

    Beth Kempton, author of Wabi Sabi

  • ‘Caroline has been my agent for 13 years - my whole career - and I feel so lucky to be represented by her. I'm not sure I'd be a published writer at all without her. She is immensely talented, resourceful and tenacious; there is nobody better to have in your corner. She has steered me through every stage of my career with ingenuity, practicality and kindness, and I hope she will continue to be my agent until the day someone (possibly Caroline herself) comes along to prise the pen out of my cold, dead hand.’

    Rebecca Wait, author of I’m Sorry You Feel That Way

  • ‘Caroline is far-sighted, tenacious, principled, and tough when she needs to be. She spotted me, and encouraged me to write, when others were treating me as a pariah. I’ve always felt 100% supported and am so glad she has my back. Her instincts are invaluable.’

    Kathleen Stock, author of Material Girls

  • ‘Caroline has been instrumental in both of my books. She provided the seeds of ideas and then helped nurture them to grow, through wise advice and pairing with the right editor/ publisher. I’m extremely grateful for all she has done for my writing career.’

    John Tregoning, author of Live Forever

  • 'Caroline Hardman has been my agent for over a decade, and I couldn’t have asked for a better advocate and guide in my writing career. From the start, she has fought my corner with unwavering dedication, steering me through the highs and lows of the ever-changing literary landscape. Caroline isn’t just a champion for her clients; she’s also fiercely committed to uplifting important voices. Having Caroline in my corner has been a gift, and I feel so lucky to have had her support and wisdom throughout my journey. She’s not just an agent—she’s a true ally for any writer fortunate enough to work with her.'

    Tracy Buchanan, author of Wall of Silence and Dr Vanessa Marwood series

  • 'I’ve been incredibly lucky to have Caroline as my agent. From the start I’ve felt my writing is in the best hands, with someone who will ensure it reaches its widest audience, while also navigating all of the complexities of publishing process. It’s been so important to me to have someone who is not only enthusiastic and supportive, but insightful and honest when it comes to proposals and ideas. It’s been a joy to work on my first two books with her.'

     Victoria Smith, author of Hags

What does a literary agent do?

 

  • Work with our clients to shape their writing ready for publication 

  • Submit writers’ work to the right publishers and keep you informed throughout the process

  • Negotiate publishing deals in all formats (print, ebook, audio) and look after writers’ interests through publication and beyond

  • Provide honest ongoing career and market advice

  • Sell translation and film & TV rights (often working with select co-agents)

  • Collect royalties on behalf of writers and pay in a timely fashion 

  • Work on commission (usually 15% in the UK, 20% internationally)

  • Share author news on our websites and social media channels (but we aren’t book publicists or marketeers)