Publisher, Crime and Thriller

HarperFiction, a division of HarperCollins UK, is seeking an exceptional Publisher to lead our Crime & Thriller publishing, overseeing both the upmarket, boutique crime fiction list Hemlock Press, as well as our commercial Crime & Thriller list. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our publishing strategy and drive the success of leading voices in the genre. Reporting directly to the Managing Director & Publisher, you will lead an experienced editorial team, play a crucial role in acquiring and managing major authors and titles and developing ambitious strategies to maximise the publishing across both lists. You will also be a key member of the HarperFiction Publishing Board.

About Crime & Thriller at HarperFiction

HarperFiction is one of the UK’s leading publishers of Crime & Thriller fiction, across its commercial and Hemlock Press lists. The commercial Crime & Thriller list comprises some of the very biggest brands writing in the UK today, including Jeffrey Archer, Karin Slaughter, Lucy Foley, Lucy Clarke and Clare Mackintosh, as well as debut authors including Ben Miller. Hemlock Press, established in 2023, is a curated list of upmarket crime, historical suspense and thrillers, with authors including Abigail Dean, Jane Casey, S J Parris, Charles Cumming and Andrew Taylor.

Key Tasks and Accountabilities:

• Collaborate with the MD to set clear goals and strategies for both lists, ensuring each has a distinct identity and focus.

• Champion a culture of development and wellbeing within your editorial team.

• Provide hands-on editorial guidance for a roster of leading authors, driving their publishing strategies and ensuring exceptional author care across the team.

• Utilise your extensive network of agents and scouts to attract and secure the best new talent, ensuring HarperCollins remains at the forefront of Crime & Thriller publishing.

• Work closely and collaboratively with all teams across the business to deliver market-leading publications and maximise opportunities across all formats.

Skills Required: 

• Significant experience in trade fiction publishing at a senior level.

• A history of acquiring and publishing bestsellers within the Crime & Thriller genre.

• A deep understanding of the publishing process and market dynamics.

• A forward-thinking mindset that allows you to anticipate market trends and consumer preferences.

• Strong editorial expertise with P&L responsibility.

 Benefits

• Hybrid working model (3 days in the office)

• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (option to buy and sell holiday days)

• Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave

• Private healthcare cover and life assurance

• Summer Hours 

• Free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal

• Season ticket loans (from day 1 for entry level) and cycle to work scheme

• Relocation Rent Support Loan 

• Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work, Pride at HC, Social Mobility Network and Neurodiversity at Work

• Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal, management courses (up to MA level) and mentoring programmes

• Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers

• Gym membership discount

• Onsite physiotherapy (London only)

• Charitable donation matching and 2 volunteering days

• We're a certified Carbon Neutral company

• Green Electric/Hybrid Car Benefit Scheme (salary sacrifice)

• With Trees for Life we plant a tree in the Highlands of Scotland for every permanent hire

• Free e-books and audiobooks, digital newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books

• Subsidised canteen and retail discounts

• Onsite prayer room

At HarperCollins, we value authenticity and integrity in our recruitment process. To ensure a fair and accurate evaluation of all applications, we ask that all responses to assessment questions reflect your own thoughts, experiences, and capabilities.  This allows us to fairly assess your knowledge, skills, and experience to determine how they align with the role. We value diverse perspectives and genuine contributions, even if answers are not perfect. The use of AI tools or external assistance to generate responses is discouraged unless explicitly permitted for specific tasks.

If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to [email removed - click apply for more details] with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.