Danielle Pender promoted to publishing director at HQ non-fiction

Danielle Pender has been promoted to publishing director at HQ non-fiction effective immediately, reporting to executive publisher Lisa Milton. 

Prior to her new role, Pender was deputy publishing director, alongside publishing director Louise McKeever (currently on parental leave). The editorial team will continue to report to Pender until McKeever returns. 

Pender previously served as editorial director at Fourth Estate and worked as brand director at Penguin Classics. She founded Riposte Editions, a collection of literary journals, and Riposte Magazine, a biannual publication celebrating women’s voices. She has also written for Vogue, Elle, Apartamento and Refinery29. 

Pender said: "I’m thrilled to join the HQ team and look forward to working with authors who bring unique insights, guiding readers through life’s pivotal moments and helping them navigate today’s uncertainties. I’m drawn to books that offer fresh perspectives on social issues and culture, memoirs and essay collections that explore unique, yet relatable personal experiences, and commercially engaging titles focused on self-optimisation, psychology, work, and smart thinking."

Milton said: "I’m delighted to promote Danielle to publishing director. Danielle has already made some exciting acquisitions and is publishing Louise’s titles with care and panache. HQ non-fiction has had considerable success in our first eight years including 35 Sunday Times bestsellers, three industry number ones and five Nibbies. I’m proud of our achievements to date and excited about our potential for growth. Danielle and Louise will make a dynamic, exciting team leading our ambitious non-fiction publishing."