An opportunity has arisen to join the publicity team within HQ, Mills & Boon and Pavilion, a division of HarperCollins Publishers. We are looking for a self-starting Press Officer who will bring to the role, energy and drive; the capability to manage the publicity demands of our exciting list; and to work on innovative campaigns for some of the leading names in commercial fiction and non-fiction. Specialising in commercial fiction, non-fiction and innovative digital publishing, HQ is an ambitious, and award-winning imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. It launches debuts, builds brands and publishes Sunday Times bestselling authors such as Adele Parks, Linwood Barclay, Sarah Morgan, Louise Candlish, Erica James, Georgina Moore, Tj PowerandCaroline Hirons’ record-breaking Skincare. Davina McCall and Dr Naomi Potter’s Menopausing was crowned Book of the Year at The British Book Awards in 2023. It also publishes June Sarpong’s award-winning work on DE&I including the recently launched new imprint, Akan Books. HQ prides itself on publishing books that are bold, brave, inclusive, and always with a compelling story to tell. Founded in 1908, Mills & Boon has been sweeping readers off their feet for over 100 years and is the UK’s dedicated romance publisher. Renowned for its extensive and diverse catalogue of romance novels, it offers a wide array of genres, including contemporary, historical, suspense, and spicy romances. Pavilion Books is expert in publishing illustrated lifestyle non-fiction. Our list is defined by the long-term success of our award-winning authors, brands and collaborations, including Sunday Times bestsellers Hasan Semay, Paul Ainsworth and notable award winners Alex Jackson and Ravneet Gill. The imprints main subject areas are food and drink, crafts, interiors, gardening, health, gift and nostalgia – all with distinctive design, well-researched content and uncompromising production values. HarperCollins is based in the News Building, which is shared with our News UK and Dow Jones colleagues in the London Bridge Quarter. Core Responsibilities Devise and implement fully integrated PR campaigns for books across our list (HQ, Akan Books, Mills & Boon and Pavilion) by liaising with the media, festivals, bookshops, and by using our digital platforms. Develop innovative and creative publicity campaigns in line with key objectives across individual titles or brand authors As part of the publicity team, deliver creative and stand-out publicity campaigns across both traditional and new media channels, on brief and within budget. Generate and foster review and feature coverage across relevant media, including newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, online and social media Plan and execute author book tours and visits to raise author profile and generate sales Work closely with the Editorial, Marketing and Sales teams to ensure publicity opportunities are fully maximised and communicated across the Division Generate trade press releases and announce new title acquisitions Maintain, develop and grow relationships with key journalists, producers and new media contacts across all channels Stay in tune with trends and news within fiction and non-fiction publishing, to maintain an awareness of the market. Experience Required Experience of working on fully integrated and dynamic PR campaigns Demonstrable experience or knowledge of working within a publishing house is preferable Proven track record of providing high levels of author care Proven experience of organising/working on author tours and events Excellent knowledge of different media opportunities across print, broadcast and online and an established relationship with key media contacts A genuine passion for commercial fiction and non-fiction books Skills Required A team player with excellent communication, organisation and people skills at all levels, and the ability to build and maintain first-rate relationships with internal and external contacts Innovative and creative with a strong eye for detail A motivated self-starter with a ‘can-do’ attitude Energy, passion, and enthusiasm to juggle workload under pressure, prioritise work effectively and be part of a dynamic publicity team Ability to work evenings and weekends as required Benefits Hybrid working model (3 days in the office) 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (option to buy and sell holiday days) Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave Private healthcare cover and life assurance Summer Hours Free access to HeadSpace, employee assistance programme (24 hour helpline), mental health first aiders, and a wellbeing portal Season ticket loans (from day 1 for entry level) and cycle to work scheme Relocation Rent Support Loan Employee networks: HC All In (open forum), Elevate (for ethnic minority colleagues), HarperParents, Menopause at Work, Pride at HC, Social Mobility Network and Neurodiversity at Work Unlimited training on our Learning and Development portal, management courses (up to MA level) and mentoring programmes Virtual GP and eyecare vouchers Gym membership discount Onsite physiotherapy (London only) Charitable donation matching and 2 volunteering days We're a certified Carbon Neutral company Green Electric/Hybrid Car Benefit Scheme (salary sacrifice) With Trees for Life we plant a tree in the Highlands of Scotland for every permanent hire Free e-books and audiobooks, digital newspaper subscriptions and discounts on books Subsidised canteen and retail discounts Onsite prayer room At HarperCollins, we value authenticity and integrity in our recruitment process. To ensure a fair and accurate evaluation of all applications, we ask that all responses to assessment questions reflect your own thoughts, experiences, and capabilities. This allows us to fairly assess your knowledge, skills, and experience to determine how they align with the role. We value diverse perspectives and genuine contributions, even if answers are not perfect. The use of AI tools or external assistance to generate responses is discouraged unless explicitly permitted for specific tasks. If you wish to discuss anything regarding this position and/or your application to this role, please reach out directly to Tarni.Crossley-Leesharpercollins.co.uk with subject heading ‘Vacancy Query’ plus the job title and we will aim to get back to you within 5 working days. Please note, if you are interested in the role you would need to submit your application via Applied. We do not accept email applications.