Senior Publicity Manager, HarperNonFiction

A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced Publicist to join HarperNonFiction to work on innovative campaigns for some of the leading names in commercial nonfiction.

HarperCollins is one of the UK’s foremost, diverse and innovative multi-platform publishers. We publish a wide range of books, from cutting-edge contemporary fiction, to block-busting thrillers and from fantasy literature to children’s literature, countless genres of non-fiction and enduring classics. With nearly 200 years of history, we publish world-famous authors and bestsellers, from Nobel prize-winners to the likes of Agatha Christie and JRR Tolkein. HarperNonFiction is at the cutting-edge of commercial non-fiction, working with the biggest brand names and unearthing the hottest new talent. We lead the way in entertainment, sport, cookery, wellness and culture – including Jay Shetty, Grace Dent, Ant Middleton, Gill Sims, Marcus Wareing, Dr Rupy Aujla, Debbie Harry, Adam Buxton, Sam Warburton and Patrick Hutchinson. Our books aim to get people talking, inspire new thinking or capture a moment, and we work hard to share each author’s vision with the widest possible audience

Core responsibilities

• Plan and implement fully integrated PR campaigns for books across our list (imprints include Harper Element, Mudlark, Thorsons, Gift & IP) by liaising with the media, festivals, bookshops, and by using our digital platforms. Develop innovative and creative publicity campaigns in line with key objectives across individual titles or brand authors

• As part of the Marcomms team, deliver creative and stand-out publicity campaigns across both traditional and new media channels, on brief and within budget. Generate and foster review and feature coverage across relevant media, including newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, online and social media

• Plan and execute author tours / visits to raise author profile and generate sales

• Work closely with the Editorial, Marketing and Sales teams to ensure publicity opportunities are fully maximised and communicated across the Division

• Present publicity strategy and campaigns to internal and external stakeholders including editors, authors and agents

• Maintain, develop and grow relationships with key journalists, producers and new media contacts across all channels

• Generate trade press releases and announce new title acquisitions

• Stay in tune with trends and news within nonfiction publishing, to maintain an awareness of the market.

Experience required

• Demonstrable publicity background within publishing.

• A genuine passion for and experience in commercial nonfiction publishing. Experience across a variety of genres including memoir, sports and cookery to wellness, self-improvement and smart thinking.

• Experience of working on fully integrated and dynamic PR campaigns, and experience of organising and managing author tours and events  

• Proven track record of providing high levels of author care

• Excellent knowledge of different media opportunities across print, broadcast and online and an established relationship with key media contacts

Skills required

• A team player with excellent communication and people skills at all levels

• Extensive and proven network of media, literary and bookseller contacts

• Energy, passion and enthusiasm to juggle workload under pressure, prioritise work effectively and be part of a small and dynamic marcomms team

• Innovative and creative with a strong eye for detail

• A motivated self-starter with a ‘can-do’ attitude

• Fantastic organisation skills

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for events etc.

If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to our Recruitment Manager at Kally.simmonds@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.