Book publisher HarperCollins and its HQ imprint have announced the launch of Juniper, a new literary fiction imprint set to debut in spring 2026, publishing industry news website The Bookseller reported on Wednesday.

The new imprint will publish eight to 12 novels annually and aims to redefine literary fiction by offering thought-provoking titles that cross generational and genre boundaries.

Juniper will be led by publisher Manpreet Grewal, who will continue her roles at HQ Fiction and Akan Books. The imprint's inaugural title, Five by Ilona Bannister, was acquired by Grewal in a competitive seven-way auction for UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada. US rights for Five were secured by Amy Einhorn at Crown in a separate auction.

The novel is a literary drama centred on five strangers waiting for a train, with one destined to die within five minutes.

Juniper's upcoming list will also include Mother, Ghost, Mango Seed by Natalie Gregory and Mr Sidhu's Post Office by Amman Brar, the latter acquired in a pre-empt. Both titles are scheduled for publication in summer 2026.