Melanie Hayes leaves Embla for women's fiction role at Simon & Schuster UK

Simon & Schuster UK has hired Melanie Hayes as commissioning editor for women’s fiction in a newly created role as part of the company’s expansion plans.

Reporting to editorial director for adult fiction Molly Crawford, Hayes will start her new role in January.

Currently the commissioning editor at Embla, Bonnier Books’ digital imprint, she worked with authors including Laura Starkey, Kate Ryder, Kathleen Whyman and Ally Wiegand.

Crawford said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Melanie to Simon & Schuster UK where she’ll be seeking out the next unmissable authors in the women’s fiction and romance space. Her passion for romance, commercial instinct and insight into what readers will make her the perfect addition to our team at this exciting time of growth for the company.”

Hayes said: “During my time at Embla, I’ve had the pleasure of working with incredibly talented authors and colleagues, and I’m so proud of the list we’ve built together over the past couple of years.

"But when the opportunity to join Molly, Clare Hey [publishing director] and the Simon & Schuster UK team came along, their passion for women’s fiction and dedication to publishing outstanding voices in this space inspired me – it was an offer I couldn’t turn down. I’m excited to build on their success and bring even more incredible books to readers.”

Hayes can be contacted on melanie.hayes@simonandschuster.co.uk from 2nd January.