Dan Hurst, Publisher, Lifestyle, DK Life
I commission food & drink and oversee our health & home publishing, working with authors who enrich people’s lives, whether in eating better, developing hobbies or finding an element of joy in the everyday.
I’m looking for books that genuinely help people live well – ideas with clear purpose, delicious flavours and engaging, trustworthy voices. I love concepts that make skills feel achievable, whether that’s mastering techniques, building confidence or bringing fresh energy to everyday cooking. I’m drawn to ideas with clarity and usefulness, and thrill in finding new and underserved audiences. I’m especially drawn to authors who know their audience and have a meaningful platform – through teaching, social reach or real-world community.
A book I’m proud of…
I’ve worked with lots of brilliant cookery authors, from chefs Magnus Nilsson and Ferran Adrià to home cooks like The Batch Lady and Cardiff Mum. Recently, I’m proud of John Gregory Smith’s The Greatest Traybake Cookbook Ever – an instant bestseller and HBNF number one.
A book I wish I’d published...
A forever-favourite is Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat – Samin Nosrat has a brilliant knack for explaining complex methods in a way that feels friendly and accessible. It has definitely made me a better cook.