Holgate to step down as Sunday Times literary editor after 14 years

Andrew Holgate is stepping down as literary editor of the Sunday Times this autumn. 

He has worked in the department for 23 years, nine as deputy literary editor and 14 as literary editor. He told The Bookseller “now feels like the right time to leave”. 

He added: “I feel that I’ve done all I can in those years and that it’s now time for someone younger to take on the role and the rapidly changing culture. Most importantly, I have family commitments I need to fulfil.” 

Holgate will leave in mid-October but said he does not want to exit the book world completely. He added: “I’ve been in it for 42 years, in bookselling, publishing and literary journalism — and hope there will be things I can do going forward and opportunities that arise. But I just need to recalibrate my life. 

“It will be a huge step for me to leave what is one of the best jobs in the books world. I feel incredibly lucky to have been Sunday Times literary editor — a job when I was young that I never in my wildest dreams imagined I’d do — and immensely lucky to have worked with so many outstanding people.  

“I feel very proud of the influence the pages still have, and proud of and grateful to the outstanding writers who contribute to the pages. I’m getting older, and it’s time.” 

The Sunday Times will be advertising for his successor in due course.