Little hits back at Rowling over 'disappointing' split

The Bookseller - 04.07.11 | Charlotte Williams

J K Rowling's former agent Christopher Little has broken his silence about the author's surprise defection from his agency, saying that he was "disappointed and surprised" by the "premature news". Responding to Little, Rowling's PR said the decision was "painful" but "unavoidable".

The Bookseller reported last week that Rowling had "terminated her association" with the Christopher Little Agency, after Neil Blair had earlier sent out an email announcing his own split from the Christopher Little Agency with the launch The Blair Partnership, which will now represent Rowling.

Little refused to speak at the time, but the Sunday Telegraph has reported that he is considering legal action. A Little spokesman said there was no comment as to whether any legal action would be taken against Neil Blair and Rowling, but issued the following statement: "Christopher Little has worked closely with J K Rowling since the very beginning 16 years ago. He greatly admires her and her extraordinary talent and is proud to have played his role throughout this journey. However, he is disappointed and surprised to have heard the premature news about the proposed new arrangements. Christopher Little will not be making any further comment at this time."

A spokesperson for Rowling said the author had been in negotiations over a different outcome for sometime. The statement read: "This was a painful decision, especially as Ms Rowling had actively sought a different outcome for some weeks. However, it was not taken without good reason and it finally became unavoidable. There won’t be any further comment.”

Neil Blair declined to comment when contacted by The Bookseller. Rowling announced her new project Pottermore ten days ago, with Blair listed as one of the directors of a new company Pottermore Ltd