Hilary Black

About Hilary Black

Highly skilled commercial content strategist with extensive literary contacts * Consummate connector who specializes in creating and sustaining business partnerships * Gifted line editor, copywriter and “book doctor” with proven ability to transform problem projects into commercial hits * Collaborative leader who empowers cross-functional teams to achieve company priorities

Experience

1. Executive Editor

   National Geographic

   Mar 2018 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Key division executive responsible for increasing revenue, expanding content range, and raising industry profile for boutique nonfiction imprint publishing 25-30 titles a year. Executes editorial strategy and list planning; oversees acquisition process and budgets; determines editorial staff assignments; approves sales, marketing, and editorial copy; represents publishing list internally and externally; manages high-profile author relationships; supervises editorial staff; engages in collaborative problem solving across the division. Lead editor, celebrity publishing program: Spearheads development of high-profile narrative titles with critical and commercial potential. Bestselling authors include astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, health and lifestyle guru Michael Roizen, “Blue Zones” innovator Dan Buettner, and travel journalist Frances Mayes. Lead editor, National Geographic Channel/Disney+ publishing program: Conceives and acquires books by prominent in-house television personalities, including “Dog Whisperer” Cesar Millan, “Running Wild” star Bear Grylls, “Life Below Zero” star Sue Aikens. Lead editor, National Geographic branded publishing program: Develops books by key company personalities (Titanic explorer Robert Ballard) and titles that support major cross-platform initiatives (including WOMEN, a photography collection tied to a flagship magazine special issue and museum exhibit.) Creator of collaborative book partnerships: Builds publishing relationship with closely aligned organizations like Life Is Good, Feeding America, and AARP. Skilled line editor: Provides hands-on editorial guidance for a wide range of authors, delivering books on time and on budget. Impassioned brand ambassador: Brings attention and broader opportunities to imprint through personal relationships with high-profile authors, literary agents, industry executives, and press.

Education

• Tufts University

  B.A., English, Psychology

  1989 — 1993

Skills

• Publishing
• Radio
• Entertainment
• Non-Fiction
• Online Publishing
• Books
• Editing
• Public Relations
• Magazines
• Content Development
• Web Content
• Television
• Press Releases
• Social Networking
• Publications
• Journalism
• Newsletters
• Blogging
• Editorial
• Copy Editing
• Marketing
• Creative Writing
• Content Strategy