HarperFiction launches new YA fiction imprint 'Magpie'

HarperFiction is launching Magpie Books, a new YA fiction imprint, in January 2023. 

It will be led by HarperVoyager publishing director Natasha Bardon with editor Vicky Leech Mateos commissioning across both HarperVoyager and the new list – and will include YA fantasy, science fiction, speculative romance and horror. It will be based in the HarperFiction division and ran by the HarperVoyager team as a parallel imprint.

HarperFiction said it will “look to publish stellar names in the YA space, much like the HarperVoyager imprint, which has had recent success with crossover authors such as Cari Thomas, Sue Lynn Tan, Kester Grant and Rebecca Ross”. 

The titling of the list, ’Magpie’, reflects “the must-have books of the moment that are covetable in their design and high-quality in their content”. 

Executive publisher Kimberley Young said: “HarperVoyager has always held a prestigious place in the halls of science fiction and fantasy publishing, it’s also been one of the most forward-looking and exciting imprints in the industry for decades, we’re so thrilled to be launching a new imprint under its wing that I know will set the trends for many decades to come.” 

Bardon added: “I’m looking forward to launching this incredible new list at HarperCollins. HarperVoyager has grown brilliantly over the past five years which is testament to its authors, but also the incredible team behind the books. I’m excited for this new challenge and venture.”