Publishing Director / Publisher

Job description

Who we are and what we do

With over 150 years of ground-breaking publishing from book lovers, original thinkers and market leaders, our unwavering mission at Hodder & Stoughton has been to publish the most compelling voices in every genre. We continue to find new ground, new audiences and new voices with every title we publish. We are passionate readers and believe in the power of words to change lives.

Hodderscape is the sci-fi and fantasy imprint of Hodder & Stoughton, providing out-of-this-world publishing, with a list of diverse and inclusive stories, curated by a dedicated team of lifelong fans for a community of passionate readers. We are home to some of the world's biggest brands and most beloved voices, including Robert Jackson Bennett, Pierce Brown, Becky Chambers, Grace Curtis, Chloe Gong, Callie Hart, Frank Herbert, Antonia Hodgson, Elise Kova, Elizabeth Lim, Sangu Mandanna, Kerri Maniscalco, Lynette Noni and Mary E. Pearson.

We were proud to have been shortlisted for Imprint and Editor of the Year at the 2026 British Book Awards.

Hodder & Stoughton is a division of Hachette, one of the largest publishing groups in the UK, with 10 publishing divisions and over 60 imprints. Everyone here is proud to be in the business of opening doors and minds.

What you'll be doing

As Publishing Director/Publisher, you will lead Hodderscape's next phase of growth, shaping the vision and direction of one of the world's most successful science fiction and fantasy imprints. Reporting into the Hodder Fiction Publisher at Large, you will combine strategic leadership, commercial accountability and editorial excellence, overseeing a publishing programme that encompasses some of the genre's biggest names while identifying and building the next generation of bestselling authors.

You will be responsible for the imprint's commercial performance and long-term growth, ensuring Hodderscape remains at the forefront of an increasingly dynamic and competitive market. Working collaboratively across departments, you will champion ambitious publishing and exceptional author care, while also leading, developing and inspiring the Hodderscape team, fostering a culture of collaboration and high-performance.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the Hodderscape imprint, with full responsibility for its strategy, budget, profitability and sustained growth
• Providing outstanding leadership to the Hodderscape team, developing and retaining exceptional publishing talent while fostering an inclusive, ambitious and collaborative culture
• Developing and delivering an ambitious three-year vision for the business, identifying new opportunities for expansion, audience growth and market leadership
• Acquiring and publishing a market-leading list of SFF authors, including both established brands and exceptional new talent
• Building and maintaining outstanding relationships with authors, agents and industry partners, ensuring Hodderscape continues to offer best-in-class publishing and author care
• Staying ahead of trends in the genre and wider publishing landscape, driving innovation and ensuring Hodderscape remains at the cutting edge of SFF publishing

Who we are looking for

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of acquiring and publishing leading science fiction and fantasy authors and brands, combined with strong commercial instincts and a keen understanding of a rapidly evolving market. They will be adept at identifying emerging opportunities, driving growth, and delivering publishing success, while bringing substantial experience of leading and developing high-performing teams.

Experience required:

• Demonstrable experience of managing a significant publishing list or imprint with direct responsibility for commercial performance.
• Substantial senior publishing experience, with a proven track record of acquiring, publishing and growing bestselling authors and brands
• Deep knowledge of the SFF market, including key authors, agents, publishers, retailers and emerging trends
• Experience of leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams
• Strong understanding of P&L management, budgeting, forecasting and financial planning
• Proven experience of developing and delivering long-term publishing strategies and business growth plans
• A successful track record of identifying, acquiring and nurturing new author talent with significant commercial potential
• Experience of contract negotiation and managing high-value author and agent relationships
• Strong understanding of the UK and international publishing landscape, including rights, audio, digital and export markets
• A strong network of industry contacts across the publishing, agenting and bookselling communities, both in the UK and internationally

What we offer

Our staff are our greatest asset, and our benefits reflect this:

• 28 annual leave days per year, increases to 29 days after 2 years' service and goes up to 30 days after 5 years' (+ bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Generous pension schemes
• Rent deposit loans
• 2 community days per year
• Summer hours (finishing at 1pm on Fridays during the summer months)
• Retail discounts through Hachette rewards
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Wide-ranging training library
• Development programmes (including mentoring)
• Up to 70% off book purchases
• A charity bookshelf
• An active range of staff-led employee networks that are voluntary, including AgeWise, Gender Balance, Thrive, Pride, All Together, Wellbeing, Women in Tech and religious networks
• Season ticket loans
• And much more!

The role will be based at our London office, with a blend of in-office (3 days) and homeworking (2 days) per week.

Our commitment

Hachette employs people on the basis of their abilities. We aim to attract and develop talent from a base as broad as the world of readers we want to reach, with a wide and representative range of age, faith, disability, race, gender, sexuality and socio-economic, regional and cultural backgrounds.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, you can let us know at the 'Reasonable Adjustments' section of your application. We'll make sure you're supported throughout the process.

The Book Trade Charity offers financial support to people looking to enter the book trade but who may struggle to afford the costs of attending interviews and undertaking junior roles. For more information visit https://btbs.org/grants