Caitlin Mahony, a rising star in the literary world, has been promoted to partner at William Morris Endeavor (WME), a testament to her remarkable contributions to the publishing industry. As a book agent specializing in commercial fiction, Mahony has carved out a niche for herself by championing authors who blend romance with speculative elements, a genre affectionately known as "romantasy." Her journey into publishing began with an insatiable love for reading, particularly romance novels, which she often credits as her escape and comfort. This passion led her to WME in 2016, where she has since become a driving force in bridging the gap between traditional and non-traditional publishing spaces.
Mahony’s career has been marked by her ability to identify and nurture talent from unconventional platforms. She has consistently sought out authors from fan-fiction communities, such as Archive of Our Own (AO3), and self-published writers on Kindle Unlimited (KU). One of her most notable successes is her work with SenLinYu, a fan-fiction author known for their Harry Potter-inspired story Manacled. Mahony played a pivotal role in adapting this work into a traditionally published novel, Alchemised, set to release in September 2025 under Penguin Random House’s Del Rey imprint. This deal exemplifies her ability to recognize the potential of stories that resonate deeply with readers, even when they originate outside the mainstream publishing ecosystem.
In addition to her work with SenLinYu, Mahony has an impressive roster of upcoming releases for 2025, including Hungerstone by Kat Dunn, The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings, and Brimstone by Callie Hart, among others. These titles reflect her commitment to genre-driven fiction that captivates readers with its emotional depth and imaginative storytelling. Mahony’s approach to scouting talent is both intuitive and methodical. She immerses herself in online communities, reads Goodreads reviews, and scours Amazon listings to uncover books that have the potential to thrive in traditional publishing. Her ultimate goal is to ensure that these stories reach readers like her mother, who might not be active on platforms like TikTok or KU, but would nonetheless love these books.
Mahony’s success is not just about signing big deals; it’s about building sustainable careers for her authors. She emphasizes the importance of longevity, focusing on how to grow and maintain readerships over time. Whether through book tours, special editions, or strategic marketing, her aim is to create a lasting impact for each author she represents. This long-term vision extends to her views on the recent surge in popularity of romantasy, a genre that combines the emotional intensity of romance with the imaginative world-building of fantasy. According to Mahony, the rise of romantasy can be attributed to its ability to foster community and spark passionate discussions among readers. Books in this genre often take readers on an emotional rollercoaster, making them irresistible to share and discuss, whether on social media, with friends, or in book clubs.
The shift in how romance and fantasy are published has also played a significant role in the genre’s growth. Mahony points out that romance novels are no longer confined to mass market paperbacks in grocery stores but are now being published as trade originals or hardcovers, making them more visible and accessible in mainstream bookstores. This change has helped bridge the gap between romance and fantasy readers, introducing each audience to new worlds and storylines. The success of titles like ACOTAR and Fourth Wing further underscores the genre’s appeal, proving that romantasy is more than just a trend—it’s a cultural phenomenon that continues to expand its reach.
Looking ahead, Mahony’s primary goal as a new partner at WME is to empower her authors to shape culture through their stories. She is drawn to books that offer more than just entertainment; they explore complex themes like grief, longing, and identity in a way that resonates with readers on multiple levels. While she loves how romance novels can brighten a difficult day, she believes they also have the power to challenge readers’ perspectives and foster deeper understanding. Mahony’s ultimate ambition is to bring these stories to as many people as possible, regardless of where they live or how they consume books. Her work is a testament to the transformative power of literature and the importance of championing voices that might otherwise go unheard.
