Laura Hackett: The Brilliant Literary Editor Shaping British Books Journalism
From Oxford scholarship to influential fiction coverage at The Times and The Sunday Times, Laura Hackett has built a respected career through careful reading, clear judgment, and a deep commitment to literature.
Introduction
Laura Hackett is a British literary journalist, critic, and editor known for her work with The Times and The Sunday Times. She currently serves as Deputy Literary Editor and Fiction Editor across both newspapers, placing her near the center of British books journalism. Her role includes reviewing books, guiding fiction coverage, and interviewing authors.
In a media culture shaped by quick headlines, Hackett represents a thoughtful tradition. Her career has developed through Oxford study, student journalism, freelance reviewing, and national newspaper editing, giving her work an informed, accessible quality.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Laura Hackett |
| Profession | Literary journalist, book critic, and editor |
| Nationality | British |
| Current Position | Deputy Literary Editor and Fiction Editor |
| Publication | The Times and The Sunday Times |
| Education | BA in English Language and Literature |
| Postgraduate Degree | MSt in English 1550–1700 |
| University | University of Oxford |
| Academic Achievement | First-Class BA and MSt with Distinction |
| Known For | Literary criticism, fiction reviews, author interviews, and British books journalism |
| Notable Honour | Charles Oldham Shakespeare Prize |
| Career Field | Journalism, publishing, literature, and cultural criticism |
Early Life and Academic Background
Reliable sources share little about Laura Hackett’s private life. Public information shows that she comes from County Down in Northern Ireland.
Studying English at Oxford
Hackett studied English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford from 2016 to 2019, graduating with First-Class honors. She then completed a Master of Studies in English 1550–1700 with Distinction in 2020.
Her postgraduate specialism covered Renaissance and early modern literature. Studying this period requires close attention to language, history, form, and interpretation, and those skills later became central to her evidence-based criticism.
Recognition for Shakespeare Scholarship
At Oxford, Hackett received the Charles Oldham Shakespeare Prize for outstanding academic performance in Shakespeare studies. She also gained recognition for student journalism, showing that her interests were already moving toward public cultural criticism.
The Beginning of Laura Hackett’s Journalism Career
Hackett developed her early career through student publications and freelance reviewing. In 2018, she was named Student Critic of the Year by BBC Radio 4’s Today program. The award recognized her thoughtful cultural commentary.
Building a Distinctive Critical Voice
Her early work explored literature, art, Irish writing, motherhood, trauma, and Renaissance culture, and she contributed to respected publications including the Times Literary Supplement and Literary Review.
Hackett’s criticism often looks beyond plot. She considers voice, structure, character, historical context, and the tradition surrounding a book. This helps readers see how a work succeeds or falls short.
Laura Hackett at The Sunday Times and The Times
Hackett joined The Sunday Times in 2021 as assistant books editor, moving from freelance criticism into national newspaper editing.
Becoming Deputy Literary Editor and Fiction Editor
Her responsibilities later expanded, and she now works as Deputy Literary Editor and Fiction Editor across The Times and The Sunday Times. The role gives her influence over fiction coverage in two major British newspapers.
A fiction editor must assess literary novels, crime, historical fiction, translated books, debuts, and commercial releases. The job involves more than deciding whether a book is enjoyable; it also requires judging originality, cultural importance, audience interest, timing, and writing quality.
An Expanded Focus on Fiction
In early 2026, Hackett’s position was described as having an increased emphasis on fiction, and her recent work has included reviews, recommendations, interviews, and public literary conversations.
In May 2026, she hosted a Times and Sunday Times “Meet the Writer” event with novelists Ann Patchett and Meg Mason, discussing their books, careers, and storytelling and showing how literary editors now work across print, digital platforms, and live events.
Her Importance in British Books Journalism
Laura Hackett’s professional strength lies in balancing scholarship with readability. Newspaper criticism must be intelligent without becoming inaccessible, and her work occupies that useful middle ground by offering analysis that remains clear to general readers.
Why Literary Editors Still Matter
Thousands of new books compete for attention each year. Publishers, retailers, influencers, and social media trends all shape what people notice. Literary editors provide independent judgment within that crowded environment.
They select important releases, commission informed reviewers, identify promising writers, and compare current books with established traditions. They also test promotional claims by asking whether a book truly delivers what it promises.
Hackett’s role therefore carries responsibility. Books chosen for national coverage may gain new readers, wider discussion, and cultural visibility. Strong editorial judgment requires curiosity, fairness, independence, and a willingness to recognize both ambition and weakness.
The Future of Laura Hackett’s Career
Laura Hackett has progressed from an award-winning Oxford student critic to a senior editorial figure at two major British newspapers, and her expanded fiction responsibilities suggest that she will continue influencing conversations about new novels, emerging authors, literary prizes, and changing reading habits.
Her career demonstrates that literary journalism remains a specialized craft. It demands broad reading, historical knowledge, concise writing, editorial discipline, and confidence. As publishing becomes faster and more competitive, critics who read carefully and communicate honestly become even more valuable.
(FAQs)
Who is Laura Hackett?
Laura Hackett is a British literary journalist, critic, Deputy Literary Editor, and Fiction Editor for The Times and The Sunday Times.
Where did Laura Hackett study?
She studied English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford and completed a postgraduate degree in English 1550–1700.
Which awards has Laura Hackett received?
Her early honors included the Charles Oldham Shakespeare Prize and BBC Radio 4’s Student Critic of the Year award.
When did Laura Hackett join The Sunday Times?
She joined The Sunday Times in 2021 as assistant books editor before progressing into senior literary and fiction editing roles.
Why is Laura Hackett well known?
She is known for reviewing fiction, shaping national books coverage, interviewing writers, and bringing informed literary judgment to a broad readership.
Conclusion
Laura Hackett’s career combines academic excellence, critical independence, and practical editorial skill. From Oxford scholarship and early reviewing to her current position shaping fiction coverage, she has become a notable figure in British literary journalism. Her work shows that thoughtful criticism still matters because readers need more than publicity or quick recommendations. They need context, honesty, and judgment that helps them understand why literature deserves attention.
