Joel Richardson steps up amid 'transformational growth' of Penguin Michael Joseph fiction list

Joel Richardson has been promoted to the newly created role of senior fiction publisher at Penguin Michael Joseph (PMJ) as Maxine Hitchcock takes on more responsibility recognising the “transformational growth and change” of the fiction list.  

Previously fiction publisher, Richardson will continue to publish key authors such as Alex Michaelides, Chris Chibnall, Holly Jackson, Mark Edwards and KL Slater, as well as working more closely with publishing director Hitchcock to oversee the management of the fiction team.  

Hitchcock takes on directional responsibility for non-fiction deputy publishing director Ione Walder and her team of publishers spearheading the self-help and cookery lists. PMJ managing director Louise Moore will continue to run the acquiring of the non-fiction team, with publishing directors Rowland White and Daniel Bunyard reporting directly to her.   

Moore said: “We have seen significant growth across the list and we need to adapt to be in the best possible shape to respond to the changing publishing landscape. Maxine, along with her stellar team, has led the fiction team through transformational growth and change in recent years.  

“As well as publishing a broad range of amazing fiction voices, she has championed our successful Romantasy and Fantasy publishing as well as driving our joint venture with US publisher Entangled – which has launched the much-respected Red Tower imprint here at PMJ with another imprint, Mayhem, to follow next year. Her strategic vision and leadership will be a great asset across our non-fiction business too.  

“I am delighted to be promoting Joel – who is an exceptional and talented publisher, as his success this year with Holly Jackson’s Not Quite Dead Yet and Chris Chibnall’s Death at the White Heart will attest. Maxine and I look forward to working with him in this newly created senior role in PMJ’s fiction team.”