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Virago has appointed Olivia Barber, currently commissioning editor at Hodder & Stoughton, as editorial director of the Virago Modern Classics list.
Barber will join Virago on 17th July, reporting to Carla Josephson, publishing director, and will oversee the publishing and strategy for the Virago Modern Classics list, including acquiring new titles.
At Hodder & Stoughton, she has published fiction including Jessica George’s debut, Maame; Katherine J Chen’s feminist reimagining of Joan of Arc, Joan; and the Richard & Judy Book Club pick The French House by Jacquie Bloese. She started her career at David Higham Associates before spending three years at Orion Fiction, where her acquisitions included Anna Mazzola’s The Clockwork Girl and Lucie Britsch’s debut Sad Janet.
As Virago Modern Classics looks towards its 50th anniversary in 2028, Barber will work alongside Josephson and publisher Sarah Savitt to ensure the list continues to honour its feminist and literary heritage of publishing the best writing by women and people of underrepresented genders, while being daring, creative and bold in how it brings books to the widest possible audience.
Barber said: “After two brilliant years at Hodder, the opportunity to join the Virago team and to work on the iconic Virago Modern Classics list was completely unmissable. I can’t think of a more exciting role than to champion the women writers I love so fiercely, and to help shape a list that continues to challenge and expand our understanding of a modern classic, and which profoundly influenced my own identity as a reader.”
Josephson commented: “I am delighted Olivia is joining the Virago editorial team. She combines a deep passion and knowledge for the Virago Modern Classics list, a strategic publishing eye and an excellent commercial background. Olivia will be a confident, energetic champion for the VMCs as we look to the future of this iconic list.”
Barber’s appointment follows the departure of Donna Coonan after nearly 20 years with the Virago Modern Classics list.