HarperCollins Drops David Walliams’ Entire Backlist
HarperCollins Drops David Walliams’ Entire Backlist
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Key Points
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HarperCollins published all 23 of Walliams’s children’s books, beginning with 2008’s The Boy in the Dress; six of those titles have been adapted for television. His books and author page have since disappeared from the publisher’s website.
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Industry data from NielsenIQ BookScan ranks Walliams as the UK’s fourth-biggest author by both volume and value, with 26.6 million copies sold for £154.7 million. Since HarperCollins dropped him in late 2025, his books have still sold 141,000 copies worth £936,000 through the UK consumer market.
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The Bookseller reported that it is not yet known whether publishing rights will revert to Walliams or whether another publisher might acquire his works after HarperCollins phases them out.
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Walliams has remained a significant presence in UK libraries, ranking as the country’s ninth most-loaned author this year according to NielsenIQ’s LibScan.
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The decision to end the relationship followed Kate Elton’s succession to the HarperCollins UK chief executive role; the publisher said its decision not to issue new Walliams titles was made “under the leadership of its new CEO.”
HarperCollins is phasing out children's author David Walliams' entire backlist, removing physical books from stores and eventually e-books and audiobooks. Deadline reports the decision follows allegations of inappropriate behavior toward young female employees. Walliams strongly denies the claims and says he was never informed of the publisher's investigation or given a chance to respond.
The pullback marks a dramatic reversal for one of Britain's bestselling authors. LBC notes Walliams' books have sold over 60 million copies worldwide, including titles like The Boy in the Dress and Gangsta Granny, six of which became TV adaptations. His entire catalog has vanished from HarperCollins' website.
A Backlist Pulled After One Year of Silence
HarperCollins first stopped acquiring new Walliams titles in late 2025 under new CEO Kate Elton. Metro reports the publisher is now eliminating his entire 23-book catalog. Physical copies will disappear from bookstores first, followed by e-books and audiobooks. The company has not disclosed a timeline.
Walliams claims he was kept in the dark. He says he received no notice of any investigation and had no opportunity to defend himself against the allegations. Deadline notes the allegations centered on his conduct toward junior female employees who reportedly were advised to meet him in pairs and avoid visiting his home.
Industry Data Shows Walliams Still Selling Strong
Despite HarperCollins' pullback, Walliams remains a major commercial force in the UK. Head Topics reports industry data ranks him as the nation's fourth-biggest author by volume and value, with 26.6 million copies sold for £154.7 million. Since his drop in late 2025, his books still sold 141,000 copies worth £936,000 through the UK consumer market.
Libraries tell a similar story. Head Topics states Walliams ranked as the UK's ninth most-loaned author this year. His backlist remains a library draw even as his publisher moves to distance itself from him.
Rights Status Unclear as Publishers Watch
A major question remains unanswered: who will own Walliams' books once HarperCollins phases them out? Head Topics reports it is not yet known whether publishing rights will revert to Walliams or if another publisher might acquire his works. The uncertainty leaves his future in publishing in limbo.
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