Bookouture announces promotions and new hires

We’re excited to announce a raft of internal promotions and new hires following another year of incredible growth and the launch of our new online writing academy, PageOne by Bookouture.

In the editorial team, Ellen Gleeson has been promoted to Publisher. Ellen joined Bookouture as a Publishing Executive in 2017 and has progressed at great speed since then. She is the publisher of Freida McFadden’s Housemaid series and her other bestselling authors include Melissa Weisner, Nicole Trope, Roger Stelljes, Debbie Johnson and Kerry Wilkinson. She has been twice shortlisted for Editor of the Year at the British Book Awards.

Ellen said,

‘I’m absolutely delighted to be taking on a new challenge and a new role at Bookouture. I’ve spent an amazing nine years here, working with some of the most hardworking, creative and talented commercial authors. I’m very grateful to all of them, and to all the talented publishing colleagues I’ve had the privilege of working alongside and learning from here too.’

Natasha Harding has also been promoted to Publisher and IP Director. Natasha also joined Bookouture in 2017 and has published multiple bestsellers including Daniel Hurst, Anna Stuart, Alison James, JD Kirk and Shalini Boland. Her new job title reflects the leadership role she has played in steering Bookouture’s IP creation alongside the Rights team.

Natasha said,

‘I feel so lucky to have spent the last nine years working with such an amazing team of dynamic, innovative, collaborative colleagues and so many incredibly talented authors at Bookouture. The company’s growth has been nothing short of astounding, and I’m so proud to have been a part of this. I’m excited for my next chapter at Bookouture!’

Both Natasha and Ellen will report into Executive Publisher Ruth Tross, who said,

‘Natasha and Ellen are both brilliant, creative, thoughtful and smart editors, publishers and team leaders. I’m delighted to see that recognised in these very well-deserved promotions, and I’m very much looking forward to working with them in their new roles, and seeing what exciting new books and initiatives they’ll bring to Bookouture.’ 

Mandy Kullar has been promoted to Commissioning Editor, moving from her previous role in Managing Editorial, and Jess Zahra has also joined the company as Commissioning Editor. Jess was formerly an Assistant Editor at Avon, where she worked on crime-based IP and commissioned cozy crime. Izzy Beaumont has also joined as Publishing Executive after previously working as a bookseller for Waterstones.

A new hire has also been announced in the communications team as Eleanor Pilcher joins the company as Head of Digital Marketing and Campaigns. Formerly a freelance marketing consultant for both trade publishers and independent authors, Eleanor has previously worked at Bonnier, Avon and Canelo.

Eleanor said,

‘I’m delighted to be taking on the role of Head of Digital Marketing and Campaigns alongside the excellent team at Bookouture. I’ve long admired their innovative publishing and the strength of their list, and I’m thrilled to be joining at such an exciting time.’

Russell Antcliff has joined as Head of Digital Operations. Russell previously worked at Oxford University Press for 14 years where he progressed into several roles, most recently serving as Senior Delivery Team Manager for Content Operations. Kiah Tooke has also joined as Digital Operations Assistant.