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Michael Joseph has appointed Joel Richardson, formerly publishing director of digital-first imprint Twenty7, Bonnier Zaffre, to the new role of crime and thriller publisher. Richardson will report to publishing director and head of fiction Maxine Hitchcock and will commence his new role next week on 27th March.
In wake of Richardson's departure, at Bonnier Zaffre Sophie Orme, formerly senior editor at Pan Macmillan imprint Mantle and editorial director (maternity cover) for Simon & Schuster imprint Scribner, has been appointed editorial director.
Richardson, who was hired as publisher for Bonnier Publishing's new digital-first adult fiction imprint, Twenty7, in 2015, was a recipient of a 2016 Bookseller Rising Star and his recent bestsellers include the CWA Dagger winner Stasi Child. He was also part of the team behind Nomad and Maestra.
Hitchcock said: "Joel’s impressive track record at Bonnier Zaffre, both in terms of his acquiring and publishing, and his passion and knowledge of the crime and thriller genre make him the perfect person to join our dynamic team. His energy, enthusiasm and author care is second to none and we can’t wait to welcome him on board."
Also joining Michael Joseph is assistant editor Matilda McDonald, formerly at Harlequin, who will work with Hitchcock on the commercial female fiction list, and Rebecca Hilsdon, formerly at Little, Brown, as editorial assistant for the fiction team. Completing the new arrivals is publishing co-ordinator Victoria Bottomley, reporting to publishing director Rowland White.
Stepping up to the role of publisher, and continuing her responsibility for growing the division’s reading group and literary fiction publishing, is Jessica Leeke, formerly editorial director, whose recent titles include Ali Land’s Good Me Bad Me and The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen Aged 83 3/4. Forthcoming publications include Chloe Esposito’s Mad, which publishes this summer, and a new novel from Fredrik Backman.
Editor Jillian Taylor is promoted to senior editor, working with established authors such as Conn Iggulden and Dawn French as well as acquiring her own titles which include Elizabeth Enfield’s debut novel Ivy and Abe and recent acquisition Susi Fox’s psychological thriller Mine.
Eve Hall, editor, will now have sole responsibility for several of her own authors including Isabelle Broome and Daisy Styles, with a remit to acquire across female fiction and crime and thriller.
Hitchcock commented: "I am honoured to be working with such a talented, creative and energetic team who leave no stone unturned in their quest to bring success and acclaim for their wonderful authors and who continue to ensure Michael Joseph’s deserved reputation for discovering and nurturing new talent and taking established bestsellers to new heights."