Nigel J. Yorwerth, the esteemed foreign rights agent, publishing consultant, and champion of authors and independent publishers, died in March at the age of 72. The cause was cardiac arrest.
Yorwerth was born in Wales, grew up in England, and moved with his family to New York when he was 17. After graduating from Bucknell University, he worked in sales, advertising, and marketing until he discovered his passion for book publishing.
In the early 1980s he worked as manager of the Spiral Staircase Bookstore in Topanga, Calif., and went on to serve as v-p of sales for SBI Book Distributors and Bookworld. Later, he served as director of sales and marketing for SBI and for such book publisher as Summit University Press and Power Press.
In 2003, he founded Yorwerth Associates publishing consultancy, where as a consultant he guided many authors and publishers in the self-help and spiritual genres. In 2005, he also took on the role of literary agent at Yorwerth Associates and soon became a fixture of the London and Frankfurt Book Fair.
“His combination of old world charm and cutting-edge marketing savvy is not only impressive but very unique,” said author Ann Louise Gittleman. “His personal relationship with bookstore managers and book buyers was most impressive to me. I have worked with many other publishing coaches in the past. I can honestly say that Nigel Yorwerth is at the top of his profession.”
Stan Madson, co-owner of the Bodhi Tree Bookstore, described Yorwerth as “a sincere and trusted colleague” and Lucile Yaney, owner of the Spiral Staircase Bookstore, remembered Nigel as "in a class apart.”
Gabriel Wilmoth of SCB Distributors remembered Yorwerth as "one of the most genuine, personable people I have ever worked with, and he lit up every meeting and book fair.”
Yorwerth's work will be carried on by the team at Yorwerth Associates.
