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Carolyn Mays has joined Bedford Square Publishers, the new independent founded by Laura Fletcher and Jamie Hodder-Williams, effective 1st February.
May spent 10 years as managing director of Hodder & Stoughton, and more than three decades with the company in total, before leaving in late 2022.
She was the long-time editor of Peter Robinson, Jasper Fforde and Sara Paretsky and published Charles Frazier, Sophie Hannah and Jodi Picoult. In her new role, which does not have a title, she will concentrate on acquiring fiction, from crime and suspense to romance, as well as literary and non-genre novels.
She said: “I’m incredibly excited to be working with Laura and Jamie in a start-up publisher and to be focusing again on acquisitions and close work with authors. Bedford Square has already shown what an agile and eclectic publisher it’s going to be and after decades in a big company I can’t wait to experience life in an independent.”
Hodder-Williams said: “I have always been in awe of Carolyn’s wide-ranging tastes, her international industry knowledge and her ability to spot major bestsellers. But more than that she’s a great colleague who authors and team members will love working with.”
The former Hodder & Stoughton c.e.o. launched Bedford Square alongside ex-John Murray sales strategy director Fletcher last December.
The publisher will focus on reading-group fiction, crime, smart-thinking books and wellness and aims to publish 30 titles in its first full year. It has also acquired the specialist crime publisher No Exit Press.