Storm appoints Penguin Press’ Smith as commissioning editor

Kate Smith is joining Storm Publishing as commissioning editor on 13th February from Penguin Press, where she is currently publicity manager.

During her time at Penguin Press, Smith worked on campaigns for books including Edible Economics by Ha-Joon Chang, The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell and Humble Pi by Matt Parker. She has also worked with authors such as Adam Tooze, Steven Pinker and Samantha Cristoforetti, and is also author of two middle-grade novels published by Hachette.

In her new role she will report to Claire Bord, Storm’s deputy managing director. She will be acquiring commercial fiction and can be contacted at kate@stormpublishing.co

Smith said of the move: “I’ve loved my time working with brilliant authors and colleagues at Penguin Press. Starting my editorial career at Storm is an exciting next step for me. Making the transition to editorial as part of a small but hugely experienced and talented team is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.

“I really admire the innovative, author-focused ethos of Storm and I’m thrilled to be joining the company at this exciting early stage. I look forward to working closely with exceptional writers of commercial fiction and to helping their books reach readers far and wide.”

Oliver Rhodes, managing director of Storm, commented: “Kate is a real talent. Her experience at Penguin Press and her own successful writing career gives her a unique perspective on the publishing industry. She understands both storytelling and connecting authors with readers. Kate is also incredibly smart and forward-thinking, and I know she’ll go on to achieve great things at Storm. We can’t wait for her to start.” 

Smith’s appointment brings the team to seven, with more hires expected in the coming months, the publisher said.