Harper named as new managing director at Gallic Books, succeeding Aitken

Joe Harper has been named the new managing director of Gallic Books, succeeding Jane Aitken. 

Harper will start on 3rd October and will run publisher Gallic and independent bookshop Belgravia Books. Aitken is retiring from executive responsibilities but retains ownership. 

Harper previously served as a director of the translated and English language fiction publisher Arcadia Books, which was sold to Quercus in 2021, and as an associate at mergers and acquisitions brokerage MediaFund. Most recently he has been involved in the launch of the HENI Art Club, an e-book membership platform for art and architecture enthusiasts. 

Gallic Books was originally created to publish "the best of French in English", and has introduced French authors such as Antoine Laurain and Muriel Barbery to British bookshelves. Over 15 years, the list has since expanded to publish English language authors such as Edward Carey and more offbeat offerings including the graphic novel of Proust’s iconic In Search of Lost Time. 

This October, Gallic Books will launch Orpheus Builds a Girl, the dark debut of award-winning writer Heather Parry. Next year’s list promises new titles from both Laurain and Barbery, as well as Second Best, the hit French novel from David Foenkinos about a man haunted by his failure to be cast in the Harry Potter films. Gallic will also publish an eclectic selection of English language titles including a tense, psychological novel set in Rome from Polari Prize-shortlisted Charles Lambert. 

Aitken said: “Joe has extensive experience of the challenges of independent publishing but also brings a wider experience of commercial ventures and community building. Best of all he brings enormous enthusiasm for our books and I can’t think of a more suitable candidate to take Gallic Books forward to its next phase.” 

Harper added: “I am delighted to be joining the team at Gallic and Belgravia Books, which has an astonishing track record of publishing commercial, literary books from France and beyond. I look forward to helping build on Jane’s remarkable achievements as the company moves into the future.”