Oliver Malcolm
Oliver Malcolm brings two decades of Trade Publishing leadership to High Line Publishing Studio. His career has spanned senior roles at Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Hachette, including executive board positions at HarperCollins (UK and Australia) and Hachette (UK).
As Executive Publisher at HarperCollins, as well as running Non Fiction and setting up HarperNorth, Oliver commissioned over 15 Sunday Times Bestsellers, including War on the West by Douglas Murray, which reached Sunday Times Number One. In his subsequent role as Managing Director at Hodder & Stoughton, he delivered record-breaking financial results, and secured new long term deals with authors including John Grisham, Stephen King, and David Nicholls. Through Oliver Malcolm Publishing Transformation (OMPT), Oliver has provided strategic guidance to major publishers and authors. Recent projects include orchestrating a transformation plan for Simon & Schuster UK and International, and securing a major multibook global deal with Penguin Random House for author L J Ross. Beyond consulting, Oliver serves as mentor and coach to authors, publishing professionals, and agents navigating challenges within traditional publishing.
Three books that have stuck with me:
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzen — An incredibly poignant novel examining the last octile of our lifespan, but also a delicate and moving reflection on the relationship between a man and his best friend — a dog named Sixten. I did have a bit of a sob at the end!
The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal — I know, I am a little behind the times, but an astonishing achievement, and a huge motivational force for me personally.
Ten Seconds by Robert Gold — the latest thriller from my incomparable former boss Rob Waddington (Sales Director and Audio MD at Penguin Random House), who has endured nearly 50 rounds of chemotherapy in the last 18 months. Rob is a brilliant manager, an extremely talented author, but most of all he is an exceptional god father and role model to my kids!
Something people are always surprised to learn about me:
I have provided this answer in so many corporate ice breakers over the years (!), there is every chance it is actually no longer surprising. I once played international cricket for Chile, and won the HSBC International Man of the Match against Brazil in Curitiba, 2003!
If I could instantly become an expert in one thing, it would be:
Eating white chocolate toblerone. I am well on the way to becoming an elite grand master, but there is still room for growth.