HarperCollins is the latest publisher to launch its own new digital-first imprint.
HarperOne, announced Thursday, “seeks to discover and publish new authors of visionary and transformational fiction in the digital-first format," according to HarperCollins.
We're excited to launch HarperLegend, our digital first imprint. Send us your visionary & transformational fiction. https://t.co/cOmUpTbL3X— HarperOne (@HarperOne) November 12, 2015
The New York-based publishing house, which dates back to 1817, has long been experimenting with digital formats. Two years ago, HarperCollins helped start-ups Oyster and Scribd by offering some of its backlist titles at their launches. The publishing house also worked with Accenture to sell e-books, such as the works of C.S. Lewis, directly to consumers.
HarperOne's first title is expected to be released in early 2016. The imprint is also accepting manuscripts from authors who aren't represented by agents.
The announcement comes as more and more traditional publishers embrace the digital space.
Last year, Simon and Schuster teamed up with Hollywood’s United Talent Agency to launch the digital imprint Keywords Press. The Weinstein Co. and multi-channel network AwesomenessTV have also launched their own publishing divisions with YouTube creators in recent months.