Ecco: An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, has long been synonymous with literary excellence, publishing a diverse range of critically acclaimed works spanning fiction, nonfiction, memoir, history, and food writing. Founded in 1971 by renowned editor Daniel Halpern, Ecco has built a reputation for championing bold, thought-provoking books that push boundaries and challenge readers. Under Halpern’s leadership, Ecco cultivated a distinguished catalog that featured both literary heavyweights and emerging voices, fostering a legacy that continues to shape modern publishing.

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A Legacy of Literary Excellence

From its inception, Ecco set itself apart by publishing writers whose work defied categorization. The imprint has been home to legendary authors like Nobel Prize winners J.M. Coetzee and Czesław Miłosz, as well as contemporary literary powerhouses such as Joyce Carol Oates and Richard Ford. Ecco’s commitment to publishing high-caliber literary fiction has made it a sought-after home for authors who value strong editorial vision and literary prestige.

Beyond fiction, Ecco has built a reputation for championing thought-provoking nonfiction, amplifying voices that explore history, science, politics, and cultural criticism. The imprint has published works by New York Times bestselling author Michael Chabon, whose Manhood for Amateurs blends memoir and cultural commentary, as well as Roxane Gay’s Bad Feminist, a defining collection of essays examining modern feminism, race, and pop culture. Ecco has also been home to groundbreaking investigative journalism, including Lawrence Wright’s The Looming Tower, a Pulitzer Prize-winning account of the events leading to 9/11, and Eric Schlosser’s Command and Control, a gripping exploration of nuclear weapons and government secrecy.

Ecco has also carved out a significant space in food writing and memoir. The imprint has been behind some of the most influential culinary books of recent decades, including Anthony Bourdain’s Appetites: A Cookbook and World Travel: An Irreverent Guide, as well as the works of Ruth Reichl and Michael Ruhlman. Samin Nosrat’s Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat—now a Netflix series—became an instant classic, revolutionizing how home cooks understand flavor. Tamar Adler’s An Everlasting Meal challenged conventional thinking about food waste and sustainability, while David Chang’s Eat a Peach provided a raw, introspective look at the pressures of modern restaurant culture.

Ecco’s catalog extends far beyond literature and food, embracing poets, historians, and cultural commentators who shape the literary landscape. The imprint has published groundbreaking poetry collections from Sharon Olds and esteemed essayists like Meghan Daum, whose The Unspeakable explores the gray areas of modern life with humor and insight. By fostering a space for both literary giants and rising voices, Ecco has continually reinforced its reputation as a home for books that challenge, entertain, and inspire readers across genres.

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Ecco Under HarperCollins

In 1999, Ecco was acquired by HarperCollins, gaining the resources of a major publishing house while maintaining its editorial independence. Under the HarperCollins umbrella, Ecco continued to expand its reach, attracting a wider readership while staying true to its founding mission of publishing intellectually and artistically ambitious works. The imprint has maintained its reputation for curating a dynamic mix of literary fiction, biography, investigative journalism, and cultural criticism, ensuring that each title published under its name carries a distinct voice and vision.

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A Home for Modern Storytelling

Today, Ecco remains a leading imprint in publishing, continually evolving to meet the demands of an ever-changing literary landscape. Recent bestsellers, including Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography by Laurie Woolever and other compelling works across genres, reflect Ecco’s dedication to publishing books that inform, inspire, and challenge readers. The imprint continues to support writers who push creative and intellectual boundaries, solidifying its status as one of the most respected names in modern publishing.

By blending literary tradition with an innovative approach to storytelling, Ecco has ensured that its impact on publishing will endure for years to come. Whether through groundbreaking fiction, deeply researched nonfiction, or genre-defying works, Ecco remains committed to giving authors the platform they need to share their stories with the world.