Hilary McMahon

My agent, Hilary McMahon, has been a gracious and unwavering champion for me and my work for fourteen years. The entire team at Westwood Creative Artists is smart, effective, ethical and well-connected in Canada, the U.S. and internationally. I couldn’t ask for better representation.

Susan JubyAuthor of Mindful of Murder

Pursuing a degree in journalism and English was a practical career choice for someone obsessed with the written word. But after graduating and working in public relations and the magazine industry, I realized that my true passion was reading the work of others, rather than producing my own. I joined Westwood Creative Artists in 1995 and never looked back. Now I’m a senior agent and shareholder, representing the company in New York, Frankfurt and London. I speak regularly about publishing and agenting at events across Canada. As an extrovert and a diplomat, I’m also in charge of human resources at the agency.

Now that I have a robust client list I’m very selective about taking on authors

…but I still love the thrill of discovering a new voice. I’m particularly proud of the authors I’ve nurtured since the beginning of their careers, such as Susan Juby, Susin Nielsen, and Carrie Snyder.

I’m drawn to compelling and unique voices in fiction, and fresh stories that provoke a strong emotional reaction, whether it’s laughter or tears. I’ve been in a book group for more than twenty years and am always hunting for those upmarket fiction titles that are perfect for word of mouth success, such as New Girl in Little Cove by Damhnait Monaghan, and literary gems like The Clay Girl by Heather Tucker.

My picture book list is overflowing with prolific masters

…so I’m particularly selective in the genre, but I make room to amplify new voices, including Jordan Scott and Rahma Rodaah. I’m open to realistic, accomplished, middle-grade and YA.

I love narrative non-fiction that makes me look at the past and the present in a new way; that is immersive (Charlotte Gray and Dean Jobb set the bar), engages my curiosity, and provokes contemplation and discussion.  I want the singular project that speaks to an author’s unparalleled authority – like Ann Dowsett Johnston’s Drink – and is exceptionally written.

I’m drawn to compelling and unique voices in fiction, and fresh stories that provoke a strong emotional reaction, whether it’s laughter or tears. I’ve been in a book group for more than twenty years and am always hunting for those crossover literary/upmarket fiction titles that are perfect for word of mouth success, such as The Translation of Love by Lynne Kutsukake. In non-fiction, I want the singular project that only that author has the authority, skill and perspective to deliver, whether it’s a memoir like Juliet’s Answer, an expose like Jacques Poitras’ Irving vs Irving, or a cookbook like Lucy Waverman’s Flavour Principles.

I’m not the right fit for

  • Genre fiction
  • Fantasy, sci fi, mysteries, horror, romance
  • Prescriptive non-fiction
  • Politics

My approach

I work hard and I expect my authors to do the same. Both of our names are attached to outgoing submissions and that means working through as many drafts as it takes. I value the enduring, rewarding relationships I have with my clients; relationships built on honesty and respect.

Amusing miscellany

My parents are Newfoundlanders, which explains my love of laughter and my tenacity. As the mother of two very sporty boys, I am a late-blooming athlete, far more enthusiastic than skilled. In the office I am known for my whistling and my addiction to chocolate. No intervention required.

Founding member of PACLA

Selected Clients