At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Crime & Thriller publishing strategy and manage top authors.
- Company: Join HarperCollins, a leading name in book publishing.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holiday, and wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of thrilling stories and work with bestselling authors.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in trade fiction publishing required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
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 stephanie.jemmett@harpercollins.co.uk with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days.
Publisher, Crime and Thriller employer: HarperCollins Publishers
HarperCollins Publishers offers an inspiring work environment where creativity thrives, particularly for those passionate about Crime and Thriller fiction. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, a hybrid working model, and extensive professional development opportunities, you will be empowered to shape the future of publishing while enjoying a supportive culture that values diversity and innovation. Located in the heart of London, employees benefit from a vibrant city atmosphere, alongside unique perks such as private healthcare, generous leave policies, and a focus on sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Publisher, Crime and Thriller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events, online forums, or even social media. The more people you know in the publishing world, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for Crime & Thriller! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to share your favourite authors and titles. This will show them you're not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely care about the genre.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent publications. Knowing their latest releases and what makes them tick will help you stand out as a candidate who’s truly invested in their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the HarperCollins family.
We think you need these skills to ace Publisher, Crime and Thriller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Crime & Thriller:When you're writing your application, let your love for the genre shine through! Share your favourite authors or books and explain how they inspire you. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and the impact you can make.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in trade fiction publishing. We’re looking for someone with a strong background in acquiring bestsellers, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements in this area!
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your unique perspective and experiences that have shaped your approach to publishing. Remember, it’s all about showing us who you are and what you can bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at HarperCollins.
How to prepare for a job interview at HarperCollins Publishers
✨Know Your Crime & Thriller Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the current trends in crime and thriller publishing. Familiarise yourself with both the commercial and boutique lists at HarperCollins, especially the authors and titles that are making waves. This will not only show your passion for the genre but also demonstrate your understanding of the market dynamics.
✨Showcase Your Editorial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in trade fiction publishing, particularly within the crime and thriller genre. Highlight specific examples of bestsellers you've acquired or managed, and how you’ve contributed to their success. This will help establish your credibility and fit for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
Think about ambitious strategies you could implement for both the commercial and Hemlock Press lists. Be ready to share your ideas on how to attract new talent and maximise publishing opportunities. This shows that you’re forward-thinking and ready to take the lead in shaping the future of HarperFiction.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Team Culture
Since you'll be leading an editorial team, it’s crucial to convey your approach to fostering a positive team culture. Share examples of how you've championed development and wellbeing in past roles, and how you plan to do the same at HarperCollins. This will resonate well with their values and expectations.
