HarperCollins Focus today announced the launch of a new, boutique-style publishing imprint, Harper Select, that will be led by industry veteran Matt Baugher. Harper Select will focus exclusively on memoir and narrative nonfiction titles with Baugher acquiring, managing, and editing each book project.
“My vision is to hand-select an exclusive number of projects each year that are uniquely positioned to capture the interest of the reader through amazing experiences and the people who’ve lived them,” said senior v-p and publisher, Matt Baugher. “Harper Select will be a natural extension of the HarperCollins Focus overall position in the marketplace—one that equips readers to lead a life of significance, integrity, and purpose.”
Baugher continued, “Our stories matter, and we have the opportunity to learn so much from each other, should we choose to do so. Harper Select’s sole purpose will be to find unique and life-changing stories of hope and determination that make us think, feel inspired, and bring us joy.”
With more than twenty years in the publishing industry, Baugher has worked with many well-known cultural influencers, including co-founders of Magnolia, Chip and Joanna Gaines. In 2016, Baugher published their debut book The Magnolia Story (Thomas Nelson), and together, they have worked across multiple imprints within HarperCollins Publishers to develop a broad collection of works. Last month, the Magnolia Publications pilot initiative was announced—to place projects vetted by the Magnolia team with the HarperCollins publishing group most aligned to take the book to market—that Baugher will manage, in addition to his role as publisher of Harper Select.
In addition to Chip and Joanna Gaines, Baugher’s acquisition portfolio has included bestselling authors Gary Sinise, Kathie Lee Gifford, Zachary Levi, Rory Feek, and Andy Andrews, and published international bestsellers Heaven is for Real, Finding Gobi, Same Kind of Different As Me, and many more.
Harper Select will be based out of Nashville, Tenn. For more information please visit www.HarperCollinsFocus.com/HarperSelect.
