Harriet Bourton to join Orion Fiction as publishing director

Harriet Bourton, editorial director at Transworld, is joining Orion Fiction as publishing director.

Bourton will make the move to Orion late this summer, reporting to group publisher Jon Wood.

Bourton started her editorial career at Headline before moving to Transworld in 2013, where as editorial director she has been responsible for shaping and running the commercial women’s fiction list, working with bestselling authors including Danielle Steel, Trisha Ashley, Cathy Bramley and, most recently, the The Unmumsy Mum.

David Shelley, c.e.o. of Little, Brown and Orion, said: "I am so excited about Harriet joining the Orion team. I have long admired her work, and I love both her energy and her publishing vision; I think she will be a great addition to the company."

Orion m.d. Katie Espiner said: "I could not be more delighted to be welcoming Harriet to Orion. David and I are huge admirers of her publishing – she is innovative, passionate, and has impeccable instincts.  Quite simply, she is one of the best commercial publishers in the business. She will be a huge asset to the team here, helping to lead our already stellar fiction programme to new heights."

Bourton commented: "I have enjoyed my time at Transworld immensely, but the invitation to join David and Katie at Orion was one I couldn’t resist.  I love commercial fiction and am excited to broaden my acquiring scope within a list of such talent, and to play a part in the exciting plans for Orion Fiction’s future."