HarperCollins taps Hirshey

Brings strong background in topical non-fiction

NEW YORK -- HarperCollins Publishers has tapped former Esquire deputy editor David Hirshey as its new exec editor -- with a mandate to get more topical non-fiction writers in the house.

HarperCollins prexy and CEO Jane Friedman announced Tuesday that in his new post, within the pub house's adult trade division, Hirshey will acquire titles ranging from pop culture and celebrity books to politics and current affairs.

"This feels like a natural step for me," Hirshey said. "I've had the pleasure of working with some of the very best writers in journalism in shaping ideas that could easily have been expanded into books."

Hirshey began his career at the New York Daily News and spent 12 years at Esquire. He recently served as a guest editor at both the New Yorker and TV Guide.