Personnel issues galore - Contract Administration HarperCollins Employee Review

1.0
Jan 26, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Remote work, popular publishing company

Cons

No training provided, many high-level employees couldn't answer simple procedural questions that I had regarding my (and their) position, hostile work environment, witnessed editors talking about their own teammates behind their backs. Counsel in New York was in charge of divisions about which they knew nothing. Not all employees were on the same page, that is, instructions were given to me on how to process contracts, but others would provide completely different instructions and then would become hostile toward the messenger instead of the employee that communicated the incorrect information. In general, once you are hired, you are expected to read minds and know exactly what each department requires, you will get no training, and you will become a scapegoat. It's obvious that many employees at this company are scared of their supervisors. The employees belonging to the union were striking due to unfair conditions and pay. If you think you are joining a team to produce excellent product for the people, you are mistaken. Each department works in silos and each speaks poorly of all others. I've never worked for a company that does not consider itself a "team" and does not put employees first - until now. I was extremely disappointed with my experience at this organization.

Explore other reviews about HarperCollins

5.0
May 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Fully remote with all necessary tech provided, weekday schedule, great benefits, good leadership, small close-knit teams, generous PTO in addition to paid holidays

Cons

Base salary could be better but is offset with benefits package. Employee retention is high (a huge plus IMO) butcould limit upward mobility if you're looking for it.

5.0
Jan 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Publishing executive position at a major publishing house

Cons

I worked at Harper & Row Publishing who then merged with Collins Publishers creating the new company HarperCollins. I remember when the merger went down I was working at the ole Harper building at 10E 53rd. St. Rupert Murdock who purchased Harper created a company that was a reputable respectful giant in the industry. The division I was working was the College division where we produced and sold college textbooks. Then one day HarperCollins was up for sale (just the college division) and was sold off to Pearson Publishers who then moved everyone to NJ. Today, the ole Harper building is no longer as Harper has moved its corporate offices to lower manhattan however the legacy of Harper remains always.

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