Neil Blair discusses publishing JK Rowling’s books

Exonian Neil Blair (1986, Jurisprudence) spoke at Exeter College on 20 February about working with JK Rowling and the publishing industry.

Mr Blair addressed a packed audience of students, alumni and staff in the Rector’s drawing room as he talked about his career and how he ended up as literary agent for JK Rowling.

After graduating Mr Blair went into law with a large London-based firm, Linklaters. He then took a job at Warner Brothers where he played a part in securing the Harry Potter franchise, the highest-grossing film franchise of all time.

Mr Blair was offered a role at the Christopher Little Literary Agency in 2001, where he helped JK Rowling achieve not just financial success but also to charter new waters with innovative e-book ideas and a website for fans, Pottermore.

In 2011 he left Christopher Little and set up his own literary agency. Among the books he has helped to get published is JK Rowling’s first book for adults, The Casual Vacancy.

Neil Blair in the Rector’s Lodgings