Alexa von Hirschberg replaces Brackstone as head of Faber Social

Bloomsbury editorial director Alexa von Hirschberg is to replace Lee Brackstone as head of Faber Social.

She will be responsible for commissioning and “shaping the future direction of the iconic music list”, the publisher said, taking up the role in September and reporting to Alex Bowler.

The news comes three months after it was revealed that Brackstone would leave the independent publisher after nearly 25 years to launch a music-centric imprint at Orion. He left Faber in May, Faber said.

Von Hirschberg has worked at Bloomsbury for over a decade, publishing a list of many bestselling writers including Kate Tempest, PJ Harvey and Reni Eddo-Lodge’s award-winning Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race. She started her career at Canongate Books before joining Bloomsbury as an editorial assistant in 2008.

Bowler said: “Over the past decade, the brilliant team behind Faber Social has established the list as the leading destination for the best writing on music and pop culture, and as one of the most dynamic publishing enterprises in London. Alexa’s reputation as an editor of exceptional taste and the most skilful and creative of publishers precedes her. With her arrival, the Social has a new leader with an instinctive feel for all that has come before, and the vision, style and curious, radical spirit to grow the list in bold new directions. I can’t wait to see where she takes us.”

Von Hirschberg said: “I am delighted to be joining Faber to run the Faber Social list. Over the past 11 years at Bloomsbury I have worked with exceptional colleagues and grown a list of authors I am fiercely proud of. But the opportunity to combine a life-long passion for music with award-winning writing at Faber Social is irresistible. I’m looking forward to working with existing authors and to bringing fresh talent and new readers to this unique list.”

The Faber Social list formed in the late 2000s featuring all types of music writing including autobiography and memoir to lyrics and cultural commentary. It features writers such as Jon Savage, Paul Morley and Nick Kent as well as musicians such as Kate Bush, Kim Gordon, Viv Albertine, Neil Tennant, Van Morrison, Cosey Fanni Tutti and Billy Bragg, Faber published literature associated with pop music and the world of pop culture for more than 30 years.

Bloomsbury has not yet confirmed who will replace von Hirschberg in her role.