William Morris Endeavor has acquired Washington, D.C.–based literary agency Ross Yoon Agency. As part of the transaction, Ross Yoon’s president Gail Ross and principal Howard Yoon will join WME as partners. Ross Yoon agent Ethan Bassoff and coordinator Dara Kaye will also join WME.
The acquisition signals WME's deepening focus on literary talent as Ross Yoon's clients will join WME's roster. The deal will specifically expand WME's nonfiction roster. It also marks the expansion of WME into Washington, D.C., establishing the agency’s first physical location in the region.
WME’s book department is now in its fourth decade and WME's book agents are based in New York, London, Nashville and Beverly Hills, Calif. In 2022, the department had over 50 New York Times bestsellers and closed nearly 1,000 publishing deals around the world. The book department also coordinates speaking engagements for its authors.
“This acquisition is a natural evolution of WME’s long history of representing bestselling authors and helping bring their visions to life across platforms,” said WME co-chairmen Christian Muirhead and Richard Weitz. “We are proud that after so many hugely successful independent years Gail and Howard chose WME as their partner in this next phase of growth.”
“Gail and Howard set the gold standard of nonfiction representation. They have impeccable taste, unparalleled editorial chops, and an admirable sense of purpose about the authors they represent,” said Jay Mandel, partner and head of WME’s book department. “Ross Yoon is the perfect complement to our book business, with a brilliant client base that will be supercharged by all WME has to offer.”
