HarperFiction Presents launching to showcase books and authors

HarperCollins is launching a new event and content programme called HarperFiction Presents, showcasing its books, authors and the publishing teams.

It will see a year-round line-up of virtual and physical events, both live and pre-recorded, that will also be broadcast across digital platforms. The initiative aims to unite the division’s consumer-facing events under one brand identity and the rethink has partly been prompted by the effect of lockdown.

HarperFiction Presents will offer three content streams: Author Spotlight, Publishing Masterclass and Behind the Book, showcasing the division’s roster of authors and titles, alongside the publishing teams and industry experts who help bring them to life.

After initial broadcast, all events, both live and pre-recorded, will be hosted in a central archive hub on YouTube which will become home to all HarperFiction Present’s content and provide a destination point for readers.

Executive publisher Kim Young explained: “Talking about books is at the heart of what we do and the launch of a 365 programme of events that celebrates this feels brilliantly positive. For writers, transparent access to editors and industry professionals is going to be a key part of the schedule, whilst readers will be able to connect with authors and see more of the creative process behind their work. HarperFiction Presents will be a destination; a place to talk all things books.”

It will launch at the end of June and will see Author Spotlights start with S J Parris and go on to feature Kester Grant, Emma Gannon, Dawn O’Porter and Layla AlAmmar.

The Behind the Book strand will mark Independent Booksellers Week, go behind the scenes at a local bookshop, and meet the HarperFiction editorial team with "A Day in Life" series.

Finally, the Publishing Masterclass section will give people the chance to brush up their writing skills with author “How to” guides and appearances from industry experts.

Liz Dawson, PR director, said: “The recent challenges of taking all author events online has provided a fabulous opportunity to rethink how we produce events. Readers want to be entertained, informed and inspired. HarperFiction Presents is an event programme to do just that, with the additional benefit of an easily discoverable and accessible archive channel.”