You are viewing your 1 free article this month. Login to read more articles.
HarperCollins to launch Manchester-based North division
HarperCollins will launch a new Manchester-based publishing division, Harper North, later this year headed by Oli Malcolm.
Malcolm, who is promoted to executive publisher, will continue to oversee HarperNonFiction and Avon, reporting to Kate Elton.
In its first year, Harper North will publish up to 20 titles across all formats and multiple genres, excluding children’s books, HarperCollins said. C.e.o Charlie Redmayne hailed the move as a way to invest in new markets.
It is understood the new division will be based in the News UK building on Manchester’s Piccadilly.
Malcolm said: "I am delighted to share the news that Harper North will be open for business very soon, based in one of the UK’s fastest-growing cultural hubs, and increasing access for authors outside London.
"We are looking forward to publishing innovative, fantastic books with regional, national and international appeal, and I can’t wait to hear from passionate publishing talent that wants to help shape this exciting new division."
Harper North is currently recruiting a publishing director after which it will be accepting applications for fiction and non-fiction commissioning editors alongside other roles.
Malcolm, who was appointed publishing strategy director in 2015, is expected to stay in London but the new team will be based in Manchester.
HarperCollins c.e.o. Charlie Redmayne said: "This is a great example of HarperCollins growing its footprint and capitalising on our current success by investing in new markets and driving sales.
"Harper North is a natural extension to our operations in London, Glasgow, Honley [West Yorks] and Dublin, and I look forward to seeing Oli, who has done such a fantastic job with HarperNonFiction and Avon, shape this new team and its list from the ground up."
The news follows an announcement last year that Hachette UK will be opening an office in Manchester this year, with picture book development director Emma Layfield scouting for talent. Penguin Random House has also been exploring options for a presence in the city.
