Tonkinson joins Bonnier as editor-at-large

Carole Tonkinson is joining Bonnier as editor-at-large in a newly created role, joining the company’s leadership board, after almost a decade at Pan Macmillan.  

Starting in the autumn, she will publish across both adult trade divisions – Zaffre Publishing Group and Black & White Publishing Group. Her role as editor-at-large will see her work alongside the company’s established non-fiction imprints and publishers to acquire into their lists, as Bonnier Books UK "takes the next significant steps forward in its ambitious strategy for sustainable, long-term growth," the company said.

Tonkinson arrives after nine successful years at Pan Macmillan, where she founded the soaring Bluebird and One Boat imprints. Winner of Editor of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2020, her tenure at Bluebird has seen 33 titles land on the Sunday Times bestseller list, hitting the number one spot on 68 occasions. 

Tonkinson commissioned and published both Joe Wicks and Pinch of Nom; debut brands that sit among the bestselling food and drink titles of all-time. She has also published bestsellers by the likes of Vex King, David Harewood, Cathy Rentzenbrink and Mo Gawdat.

Tonkinson said: “The last nine years at Bluebird and Pan Macmillan have been wonderful. I could not have asked for lovelier, more generous colleagues or more inspiring, genuine and ground-breaking authors. Still, it is time for a new challenge and I have been watching Perminder build a vibrant, inclusive, visionary business at Bonnier. I could not resist her invitation to become part of her talented team.”

Perminder Mann, c.e.o. at Bonnier Books UK, added: “I’ve long admired Carole’s incredible publishing and impeccable commercial instincts from afar, and am truly thrilled to welcome her into the Bonnier Books UK fold. Her achievements at Bluebird and One Boat, acquiring ahead-of-trend authors and curating distinct, thriving lists has been extraordinary to watch. We look forward to supporting Carole in this next step and harnessing her considerable expertise and experience to push forward our strategy for growth across our own expanding non-fiction lists. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.” 

Joanna Prior, c.e.o. at Pan Macmillan, said: “Carole has built a wonderful business at Bluebird over the last nine years and leaves a stellar list of books and authors who we are immensely proud to publish. She has also built a committed and talented publishing team who will continue to acquire and publish wonderful books that help readers live happier, healthier, more fulfilled lives. We all wish Carole the very best as she embarks on this next stage of her impressive career."