Crane joins Octopus as commissioning editor

Nicky Crane has joined Octopus as commissioning editor for its growing Aster, Gaia and Godsfield division after stints at Hodder, John Murray and Little, Brown. 

Reporting to publisher Stephanie Jackson, Crane will develop a new list with a particular focus on nature books for the recently relaunched imprint Gaia, in addition to wellness, self-help and lifestyle titles for Aster. This follows the recent announcement that Gaia would take on a new direction, focusing on books about the natural world.  

Crane has previously worked at Hodder Education and John Murray, and most recently was a commissioning editor at Little, Brown on a parental leave-cover contract. At Sphere, she helped publish titles My Farming Life from shepherdess Emma Gray, Born to be Mild by Rob Temple and A Plot to Kill from criminologist David Wilson, as well as the next instalment in the multimillion-copy bestselling series Asterix. She also acquired the cocktail guide Mixed in Minutes, "Geordie Shore" star Vicky Pattison’s first self-help book The Secret to Happy, and forensic psychiatrist Dr Sohom Das’ professional memoir In Two Minds.

Crane said: “I’m over the moon to join Aster, Gaia, Godsfield (AGG) and the incredible team at Octopus, especially at such an exciting time of energy and growth. I’ve long admired AGG’s dynamic and diverse list and feel so privileged to be a part of shaping its future and maintaining its momentum of rapid growth—especially for the recently relaunched nature list at Gaia. Nature books are a part of the market which continues to thrive, and I can’t wait to bring new, commercially successful titles to the list in this area, and to find fresh and exciting voices in wellness and lifestyle for Aster, too.” 

Jackson said: “Nicky’s brief at Aster, Gaia, Godsfield is to seek out smart, creative and commercial opportunities from bright stars, important voices and emerging talent in nature and beyond. I’m thrilled that Nicky has joined our team at Octopus, and I can’t wait to see her list flourish in the months to come.” 

Crane can be reached on nicola.crane@octopusbooks.co.uk