Deacon to lead Amazon Publishing UK

Laura Deacon has been appointed to lead Amazon Publishing UK's editorial team, succeeding current editor-in-chief, Emilie Marneur, who is moving to Amazon Video to become its head of film acquisition.

Deacon, who reports into Eoin Purcell, head of Amazon Publishing UK, joined the e-commerce retailer's publising division in July 2017 from Penguin Random House, where she ran the Windmill paperback imprint. Prior to becoming Windmill editorial director at Cornerstone in September 2014, she had been at HarperCollins’ imprint Blue Door since 2009.

Outgoing editor-in-chief Marneur joined Audible as content director in 2005. She moved to Amazon Publishing UK in 2013 and has led its editorial team for the past five years. During that time, she oversaw and supported the careers of authors including Mark Edwards, Kevin Wignall and Damien Boyd, and more recently Amanda Prowse, John Marrs and Teresa Driscoll.

Following the changes in the editorial team, editors Jane Snelgrove, Victoria Pepe, Jack Butler, Alex Carr and Sammia Hamer will continue in their respective roles.

Deacon commented: “I’m delighted to take over the reins from Emilie. Amazon Publishing had a fantastic 2017 in the UK, with established author Mark Edwards passing the 1.5 million downloads milestone. John Marrs and Carol Mason saw over 150,000 downloads for their new titles in less than a year and most recently Teresa Driscoll passed the 200,000 mark. We have a hugely exciting list for 2018 and a great team in place to take us from strength to strength.”