Pan Macmillan

Did you know black job applicants are up to 50% less likely to be called to interview than identically qualified white people? In the groundbreaking The Science of Racism (Picador), Professor Keon West explores decades’ worth of clear, factual, rigorous science – the data that reveals truths about racism that are shocking and tragic, but also (somehow) funny and entertaining. Read his interview with Caroline Sanderson at The Bookseller via the link below. #TheScienceofRacism #Racism #KeonWest #Picador

Children's reading enjoyment has plummeted to its worst level in two decades, according to new research from the National Literacy Trust. 2 in 3 children and young people don't enjoy reading - the worst levels recorded by the charity in almost two decades. Frank Cottrell Boyce, Waterstones Children's Laureate, has warned that "we are at risk of losing a generation". To address the crisis, the National Literacy Trust is urging the government to form a reading taskforce and action plan with multi-sector partners. Alison Ruane, M.D. of Macmillan Children's Books said: "We are committed to finding and creating the very best books to engage young people. We will tirelessly promote the joy and benefits of reading and we will continue to engage with partners and the wider industry to improve access to books through libraries in schools and the community. Our mission has never been more urgent or important." You can read the full report via the link below.

We are thrilled to share the news that Ause Abdelhaq has been shortlisted for Society of Young Publishers' First Chapter Award 🎉 The judges were particularly impressed by Ause's "strong focus on reaching back and helping junior colleagues succeed" and commitment to "always uplifting others". Congratulations to Ause for this much deserved recognition and best of luck for the winners announcement on 11th November. #awards #talent #workinpublishing #careersinpublishing

The book trade must advocate for copyright on authors’ behalf while innovating in AI to combat big tech’s “move fast and break things” ethos argues Sara Lloyd as this year's #FrankfurtBookFair opens its doors. #AI #innovation #publishing #fbf24 https://lnkd.in/e2EpqKJF

Claire Evans has been appointed to the newly created role of director of insight, leading a cross-divisional consumer insight function at Pan Macmillan, embedding the consumer at the heart of its business throughout the publishing process. As the same time Poppy North has been promoted to communications director - publicity. Poppy joined Pan in September 2023 from Penguin General where she was associate communications director. Christine Jones said: “This is a really exciting development for Pan Macmillan and I’m thrilled to be working with Claire who is the perfect candidate for this role. As insight director, Claire will be able to bring her passion and experience in consumer insight to support and drive our business as a whole, across both adult and children’s divisions.” Lucy Hale said: “Poppy is a superb publicist and brilliant team leader, leading on attention-grabbing campaigns for Rick Astley’s Never and Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough’s From Here to the Great Unknown and helping to secure Pan's phenomenal 77 Sunday Times appearances so far this year. "This is a much deserved promotion and I look forward to continuing to work with Poppy to realise Pan’s ambitious plans for the future. I’d also like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Claire for all of her great work during the last seven years and wish her the best of success in her new role.”

We are thrilled to announce that Jamie Forrest has been promoted to communications director at Macmillan Children's Books, while Cheyney Smith is stepping up to become head of marketing. Jamie - currently marketing director at Pan - will work with the division’s senior team to drive influential, audience-facing communications strategies across the whole Macmillan Children’s Books list—including imprints Campbell Books, First Ink, Two Hoots and Kingfisher—maximising engagement and reach. Alison Ruane, managing director of Macmillan Children’s Books said: "I’m thrilled with these senior appointments to the Macmillan Children’s Books team as we prepare for future growth. "Jamie is a marketing heavy weight, has led successful teams and knows how to deliver number one bestsellers, build brands and nurture new talent. He has significant experience in developing and growing audiences for books, and using reader insight to inform strategy. He blew me away with his passion for children’s books and clear understanding of the market and I cannot wait for him to join my senior team in the new year. "Cheyney has been with Macmillan Children’s Books for nearly a decade now and continues to impress with her astute commercial understanding, consumer viewpoint and creative marketing strategies. Cheyney is ambitious for [our division] and I’m delighted that she will be part of the team, in this more strategic role, driving bestsellers and future growth." #peoplemoves #workinpublishing #publishingcareers #promotions

We were honoured to be joined by the incredible Katarina Johnson-Thompson in The Smithson last week to celebrate the upcoming publication of her memoir, UNBROKEN (Macmillan, 21 November) 🏆 In this intimate, heartfelt autobiography, Johnson-Thompson tells her story as she never has before. She opens up about the pressures of representing Britain at the London Olympics while just sixteen years of age, and about her complex relationship with mentor-turned-rival Jessica Ennis-Hill. UNBROKEN is a rare insight into the inner workings of a champion's mind: the rigorous discipline, the undying passion for sport, and the unshakable belief in one's self despite the odds. #unbroken #katarinajohnsonthompson #olympian #worldchampion #memoir

Thank you to WHSmith for sharing this wonderful video highlighting the impact of our Gift a Gruffalo campaign. 📚 #readingforeveryone #booksforeveryone #giftagruffalo https://lnkd.in/eEtiapc4

We're so proud to have our recent brand refresh designed by Evoke featured in the newly relaunched Design Week. The purpose of the project was to create a cohesive brand identity that better reflects our values and the breadth and diversity of our publishing, bringing our brand and the books we publish closer together. As a company with an 180 year heritage, we wanted to retain our established double M logo, whilst making the brand more expressive and joyful to work with. Thank you Evoke for you great work. #brandrefresh #branding #design #designweek #books #publishingbrands

This year's Black British Book Festival attracted a record 5,500 attendees. The festival is a vital celebration of Black British literature and culture and we were so proud to be the headline sponsor of the event for the third consecutive year. Bringing together a rich line-up of Black British authors, thought leaders, and readers, the festival celebrated the importance of Black British literature, culture, and storytelling through a series of engaging panels, inspiring keynotes, and vibrant workshops. Headline acts included rapper and actress Eve, Charlene White, and Diane Abbott. This year we hosted a careers panel "So you think you want to work in publishing?" to help demystify the industry but also discuss honestly how we can be more inclusive. The panel was chaired by author Georgina Lawton with Susan Rice (Assoc CIPD), Jodie Williams (Head of DEI and Social Impact) and Kieran Sangha. We also ran careers drop in sessions on our stand for aspiring authors, illusttrators and publishing professionals and gave away 100 Pan Mac totes including samplers of The Science of Racism by Keon West (Picador, January 2025), James by Percival Everett bookmarks and chocolate boxes from Black-owned brand Dark Sugars Chocolates. Congratulations to the Black British Book Festival team on such a successful event and thank you to all of our brilliant volunteers. (Photos: Rich Barr) #BlackBritishBookFestival #BlackBritishLiterature #BlackBritishculture #WorkinPublishing