HarperCollins' Natasha Harding moves to Bookouture

Natasha Harding, who is currently commissioning editor at HarperCollins imprint Avon, is to join e-book publisher Bookouture as associate publisher in April.

In her role at Avon, Harding acquired digital bestsellers Philippa Ashley and Sam Carrington as well as editing authors including Fiona Gibson, Claudia Carroll and Marnie Richies. Previously at Pan Macmillan, she worked with commercial fiction authors including Kerry Wilkinson, Annie Murray, Lucy Diamond and Catherine Ingelman-Sundberg.

Harding said: "It has been a privilege to work with the wonderfully talented and versatile team at Avon on such an impressive list of authors. However, the impact that Bookouture has made on the publishing industry in the last few years has been hugely impressive and inspiring, so I am delighted to be joining such a creative and passionate team at an incredibly exciting phase as they become part of Hachette UK."

Harding will report to publisher Claire Bord.

Bord said: "Natasha has very strong commercial instincts, finding great talent and turning them into huge bestsellers. Her clear publishing vision has led to enormous success for authors such as Gill Paul and Elaine Everest. We are absolutely delighted to welcome her to the Bookouture team."

Harding will join Bookouture on 11th April and can be reached from that date on natasha@bookouture.com

Meanwhile, Jennifer Hunt is joining the publisher as publishing assistant, reporting to Jenny Geras. Hunt worked for three years as assistant to Araminta Whitley at LAW literary agency, where, she managed Sophie Kinsella’s social media among other projects. She can be reached on jennifer@bookouture.com.

Ellen Gleeson also joins as publishing assistant reporting to Harding. Gleeson previously worked at HarperCollins. She can be reached on ellen@bookouture.com.

Bookouture was acquired by Hachette UK earlier this month.