Kathryn Stockett

Stockett worked in magazine publishing while living in New York City before publishing her first novel,^[1] which she began writing after the September 11 attacks.^[2] The Help took her five years to complete, and the book was rejected by 60 literary agents before agent Susan Ramer agreed to represent Stockett.^[1][3] The Help rose to the number one on the New York Times bestseller list for over a year after its publication^[4] and climbed best seller charts a few months after it was released.^[5][6] As of 2025, it has sold 15 million copies^[7][8], has been published in 39 languages^[9] and spent more than 100 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list.^[10][11] The novel was adapted into a critically acclaimed film released in 2011, featuring an ensemble cast and earning nominations for several major awards.^[12][13][14]

Stockett's second novel, The Calamity Club is set for release on May 2026.^[15][7][16]

Stockett grew up in Jackson, Mississippi.^[17] After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in English and Creative Writing, she moved to New York City. She lived there for 16 years and worked in magazine publishing and marketing. She is divorced and has a daughter.^[6][18]

Reflective of her first novel, Stockett was very close to an African American domestic worker.^[19]

A lawsuit was filed in a Mississippi court by Ablene Cooper, a housekeeper who used to work for Stockett's brother. It claimed that Stockett used her likeness in the book.^[20] A Hinds County, Mississippi judge threw the case out of court, citing the statute of limitations.^[21] Stockett denies her claim of stealing her likeness and says she only met her briefly.^[21]