Whether you’re transforming your publishing strategy, aspiring to a leadership role, or navigating complex publishing terms, Oliver Malcolm PT is here to guide you to success.
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Navigating The Complex World Of Publishing Can Be Overwhelming
Without the right insights, it’s easy to feel lost in an ever-evolving industry. Whether you’re a publisher, agent, aspiring leader, or new writer, challenges arise that require expert knowledge and strategic advice. Without a clear path, your potential can be left untapped.
Why listen?
I Know What You’re Thinking. Not Exactly Joe Wicks Am I?
Based just outside Richmond upon Thames, I’m Oliver (Oli) Malcolm, and with over 20 years in UK Trade Publishing, I’ve seen every corner of the industry—from Sales and Strategy to Editorial and Leadership roles. Now, I’m bringing my experience to help publishers, literary agents, and authors achieve meaningful transformation in an industry facing unprecedented change.
My Services
Take Control. Gain Confidence. Transform Your Results.
Publishing Transformation
With increasing competition and global shifts, publishers, agents and authors face huge challenges. I partner with senior leaders and their teams to help solve the most pressing questions.
I work with publishers on 1, 3, and 6-month consultancy programs to assess current strategies and deliver personalised, actionable solutions. Whether you’re looking to optimise structures, assess your publishing processes, explore new business models, or future-proof your team, I’ll provide transparent, practical insight—tailored to your business. I am also available for one off or residential training programs for authors and agents.
Increase Sales & Market Reach
Expand into new formats and regions while optimising your title count and workload.
Automate & Upskill
Leverage automation and upskill your teams to stay competitive in a rapidly digitising market.
Enhance Author Relationships
Offer more value to authors than ever before, outpacing self-publishing and AI-driven alternatives.
Personal Transformation
I coach publishers, agents, and authors to develop the leadership and creative skills needed to thrive in this fast-changing industry.
My coaching is practical, transparent, and built around real-world industry challenges – empowering you to make bold, informed decisions and accelerate your career.
For Leaders
My tailored 6- or 10-session coaching programs focus on developing the strategic thinking and confidence needed to lead departments or reach board level positions.
For Emerging Talent
I professionally mentor up-and-coming leaders to help them stand out, equipping them with the tools to navigate career progression in a highly competitive environment.
Neurodiverse Support
As someone diagnosed with ADHD inattentive type, I have a deep understanding of the challenges neurodiverse individuals face in publishing. I offer free, confidential support sessions to anyone who might benefit.
Professional Talent Management
While I am not a literary agent, I do work with future authors and agents looking to navigate the many complexities of the publishing world. I primarily work with non fiction authors, with an emphasis upon personal development, politics, history, sport and growth mindset. I am always extremely mindful of conflicts of interest, and work with preferred US and international partners to maximise global rights.
For Agents
I am able to advise on specific deals, bespoke business models and help you secure the best deal for your clients, either on a one-off or ongoing basis. I also deliver bespoke presentations for your teams, clarifying exactly how modern publishers function, sharing senior and prescient perspective.
Confidential Negotiations
Having negotiated for some of the world’s biggest authors, and with the likes of Amazon and Walmart over the years, I can provide confidential support in volatile negotiations, working on a no-win, no-fee basis to help agents and authors achieve the best possible outcomes.
Why Work With Me?
Over my career, I’ve held senior positions at Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Hachette working with some of the biggest authors in the world and helping lead transformational growth across these publishing giants. I’ve been a board member for Hachette and HarperCollins in both the UK and Australia, and I’ve worked with authors including George R. R. Martin, Stephen King and Ella Mills to deliver unprecedented results.
Some of my career highlights include:
Leadership
As Managing Director at Hodder & Stoughton, I’ve led structural transformations that resulted in record-breaking financial performances in 2023 and 2024, while delivering international bestsellers like David Nicholls’ “You Are Here” and Stephen King’s first UK No. 1 in over 21 years. Hodder was shortlisted as Publisher of the Year in 2023, an award we won twice whilst working at HarperCollins.
Editorial
I personally published over 15 Sunday Times non fiction Bestsellers from 2019 to 2023, and multiple international bestsellers (including Rise/Siya Kolisi). My publication, Think Like A Monk/Jay Shetty won Audiobook of the Year in 2021, a title I acquired as underbidder.
Sales Success
I helped create and launch the original Tesco Book Club, transformed sales teams at HarperCollins, and led campaigns for global authors including J.R.R. Tolkien and John Grisham.
Publishing Strategy
I oversaw the transformation of Avon into an international digital publisher with Avon winning Bookseller Imprint of the Year 2020. I led HarperCollins’ biggest non fiction division – HarperNonFiction – back to profitability, focusing on building strong author relationships and innovative IP. I also launched HarperNorth in Manchester, UK achieving a Sunday Times No. 1 Bestseller within its first year.
Let’s Talk
Whether you’re a publisher, literary agent, or author, I’m here to help you navigate this exciting transformation in publishing. Let’s unlock your potential and embrace the future of publishing together.
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