Faulkner-Willcocks and Morgan in Avon promotions

HarperCollins imprint Avon Books has made some "key" changes to its editorial team following publishing director Helen Huthwaite’s maternity leave this October.

Commissioning editor Rachel Faulkner-Willcocks has been promoted to senior commissioning editor. Since joining the team in 2016, Faulkner-Willcocks has made some "exciting" acquisitions, including Judy Leigh’s A Grand Old Time and a new series from bestselling author Phillipa Ashley, said the publisher. During Huthwaite’s absence, Faulkner-Willcocks will be leading the Avon editorial team.

Editor Phoebe Morgan has been promoted to commissioning editor. Morgan has produced some "stand-out" event publishing including Amanda Robson’s Obsession and more recently, Elisabeth Carpenter’s 99 Red Balloons, both of which became bestsellers, according to the publisher. Morgan’s role will also see her take a major focus on driving acquisitions and growth in the US and Canadian businesses.

Rachel Faulkner-Willcocks, Phoebe Morgan and Victoria Oundjian

Victoria Oundjian joined the team as editor earlier this year. Formerly head of HQ Digital, she has published many number one kindle bestsellers including Between You and Me by Lisa Hall. Oundjian will manage Avon’s backlist repackage program as well as driving acquisitions across both the division and the digital-first list. She will be launching an open submissions program via the Avon website.

Oliver Malcolm, publishing strategy director, said: “We are committed to growing the Avon division, and I am therefore delighted that we are expanding and strengthening an already incredibly dynamic editorial department.”