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Kate Jones dies

01.02.08

Literary agent Kate Jones of ICM (International Creative Management) died this morning. Jones, a former editorial director of Viking and Hamish Hamilton, joined ICM in 2003 to open its London office and handle UK publishing rights.

The news of Jones' death was announced this afternoon by ICM's foreign rights director Margaret Halton, who said that any messages could be sent care of ICM. She said that the family has asked people not to send flowers and donations can be made to the Marie Curie nurses. The funeral will be private and there will be a memorial party.

The tragic news comes as ICM finalises a co-agenting agreement with Curtis Brown.

On his blog, Simon Trewin of United Agents, wrote: "I have known Kate for 15 years or so from her days as a great editor at Hamish Hamilton up to the present day as the head of ICM Books in London. Kate was a wonderfully warm individual with an infectious smile and the sort of passion for her work that inspired loyalty from her authors both as an editor and an agent."

Todays Picks ICM Agents Kate Jones

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By Ian Florance

I knew Kate when I was a manuscript reader and unsuccessful prospective author at Macmillans. Her way of pointing out the shortcomings of tyro works was wonderfully warm but sharp. Her laughter at a good book report was infectious. And her instinct for kitsch religious postcards sent from faraway places was magnifiucent. What sad news.

01 Feb 08 16:06

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By Chris Humphreys

Kate was my agent for the last five years. Half of what I've written is down to her. She was a personal manager in the truest sense of the word - a guide with the lightest touch,most brilliant eye and a laugh you'd crave to hear. I will miss her sorely as both friend and mentor.

02 Feb 08 07:12

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By Peter Benson

Kate picked my first novel out of a slush pile in 1986 when she was working as Tessa Sayle's assistant. She then went on to work as my editor at Macmillan and although we both moved onto other publishers, she remained a close friend and confidant. Funny, wise and always ready for a juicy gossip, Kate will be missed so much. This is the saddest news.

04 Feb 08 14:41

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By Lucy Cavendish

Kate Jones was my agent and my friend. I could not have met someone who was as kind, as funny and as wise as Kate. Somehow she managed to make everyone feel important and supported whoever they were. Everything about Kate was amazing and I shall miss her and her mischvious sense of humour most dreadfully

05 Feb 08 22:13

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By BERNARDINE EVARISTO

Kate Jones was my agent at ICM for the past eighteen months and she was so warm, powerful, charismatic and supportive. I am so deeply saddened by her passing.

06 Feb 08 09:00

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By Catriona Smith

Kate was my aunty. She was very kind to us. Last summer she took us to Keyhaven for 2 weeks. She also bought me lots of signed books by Charlie Higgson.As well as getting my bro a Ukalalee she got him books as well!!!!!

06 Feb 08 18:55

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