Sophie Blackman joins Watkins 

Sophie Blackman has joined Watkins Media as health and well-being commissioning editor, reporting to Watkins and Nourish publisher Fiona Robertson.

Blackman has worked in adult non-fiction publishing for more than 10 years, including previous roles at Bonnier, Quarto and Quercus. She was most recently a senior editor at DK Life, where she worked on illustrated titles across the areas of natural history, gardening, parenting and health and well-being. 

“I am delighted to be joining Fiona and the hugely talented team at Watkins,” Blackman said. “I’m excited to work with new voices and subject experts alike to bring fresh perspectives to both cutting-edge and traditional topics within health and well-being." 

Blackman said she was on the lookout for "titles that give us the nudge we need to live our best lives, with a special focus on creating health and well-being books for a mainstream audience of millennial and Gen-Z readers. 

“Within adult non-fiction, I am particularly passionate about projects from under-represented voices and activists that explore ideas within science, nature and the environment, psychology, feminism, and art and culture, with a focus on how these topics affect our well-being. I have a particular interest in the connection between our minds and bodies, and in the ways that we can harness our psychology for all-round health and well-being.”  

Robertson added: “As recently discussed with The Bookseller, we love finding the recipe for a well-balanced, but no less groundbreaking, list at Watkins. We love collaborating with new non-fiction authors and subject experts to bring ideas to life. I have no doubt that Sophie’s keen eye, expertise and passion for health and well-being will bring even more writers with fresh perspectives on new and traditional topics to our list.” 

Blackman can be reached at sophie.blackman@watkinspublishing.com. She is currently open to agented submissions.