Bradbury promoted to publishing director of PRH’s sci-fi and fantasy imprint Del Rey

Sam Bradbury has been promoted to publishing director of Del Rey, the home of science fiction and fantasy at Penguin Random House UK, with immediate effect.

She will report into Century publisher Selina Walker and work alongside publishing director Ben Brusey, as well as continuing to manage the Del Rey editorial team, including senior commissioning editor Kate McHale, who joined the imprint from Waterstones’ head office in April.

Del Rey publishes genre writers and entertainment franchises including Star Wars, Stranger Things and Lore Olympus.

Sam Bradbury joined Del Rey in February 2020 as part of the relaunch of the imprint at Cornerstone and was promoted to editorial director in January 2022. Since she joined, according to the publisher, Del Rey has published 14 Sunday Times bestsellers, doubled its UK TCM market share, and grown its international sales by more than 300%.

Bradbury has also been responsible for publishing The Scholomance series by Naomi Novik, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe and Book of Night by Holly Black. She will continue to lead the imprint, and acquire adult and young adult crossover fantasy, science fiction and horror.

Walker said: “This is such a well-earned promotion and reflects all that Sam has achieved in the short time she’s been with us at Del Rey. It reflects her passion for the genre, her expertise and her keen publishing prowess. Del Rey is such an exciting imprint to be associated with, and I know Sam will take it from strength to strength.”

Bradbury commented: “I’m incredibly proud of everything Del Rey has achieved so far and count myself as extremely lucky to work with a team of extremely talented, passionate and hardworking colleagues, authors and agents. I’m thrilled to be stepping into the role of publishing director, and I can’t wait to see where the future of Del Rey takes us.”