Wilson joins Hachette Children's after decade at HarperCollins

Harriet Wilson will join Hachette Children’s Group (HCG) as publisher of fiction brands and classics, after more than a decade with HarperCollins Children’s Books. 

Wilson will start her new role on 31st January, reporting to Ruth Alltimes, senior group trade publisher. She will work alongside the current fiction editorial team to drive further growth for HCG’s biggest author brands, including Enid Blyton, as well as acquiring talent herself, to further boost the commercial success of frontlist and backlist titles. Alex Antscherl, editorial director of Blyton and fiction brands, will report to Wilson, along with a new person in an editorial role, who will be recruited in the New Year.  

She will work in both Hachette’s London office and its Bristol office, as well as working from home in Cornwall under Hachette’s flexible working policy. 

Wilson has worked in children’s publishing for more than 20 years, starting at Random House Children’s Books, then Macmillan Children’s Books. Currently, she is publishing director at HarperCollins Children’s Books where she has worked since 2010, building and delivering list strategy for its children’s fiction and classic author brands.  

“In her 10 years at HarperCollins, she has built an exceptional list and worked with some of its biggest names and brands, including this year’s bestselling hardback debut, Hannah Gold, and industry number one David Walliams,” HCG said. “Her work on classic brands includes the repackage for Judith Kerr’s fiction and Mary Poppins and the Divergent 10th anniversary publishing.”  

Wilson said of her new appointment: “Having spent 10 fruitful years at HarperCollins it took a very special opportunity to tempt me away, but the chance to join the team at Hachette Children’s Group was irresistible. The HCG list presents a wealth of diverse opportunities and I am excited to work with the talented team, authors and illustrators to further grow this exceptional publishing programme.” 

Hilary Murray Hill, chief executive officer of HCG, commented: “Harriet is a highly creative and experienced publishing director, with a strong track record of commercial acquisitions and successes in fiction. This year has been our strongest year yet and I’m looking forward to welcoming Harriet to the team at this pivotal time. We are committed to developing our authors and illustrators and investing in their long-term careers. Harriet’s contribution to the strategic management of our fiction list will be instrumental in facilitating further growth and strengthening our children’s fiction programme.”  

Alltimes said: “I have long been a huge admirer of Harriet’s exceptional levels of author and illustrator vision and care – everything from title-by-title planning to overall strategy, all envisaged with the utmost consideration. We are absolutely delighted to welcome Harriet to our already brilliant fiction team, and look forward to soaring to even greater heights with Harriet in this key role.”