Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing is splitting into "two core publishing entities," according to Jon Anderson, president & publisher, as outlined in a memo sent to staff yesterday.
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| Justin Chanda | |
One group will focus on traditional trade publishing, concentrating on picture book, middle grade and teen publishing. Leading the Trade Publishing Group is Justin Chanda, senior v-p & publisher, trade publishing. In addition to his current responsibilities overseeing the S&S Books for Young Readers, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, Salaam Reads and Denene Millner Books imprints, he will add the editorial staff of the Simon Pulse teen imprint, which is joining the Trade Publishing Group.
Paula Wiseman, v-p & publisher, Paula Wiseman Books, and Allyn Johnston, v-p & publisher, Beach Lane Books, will continue to manage their respective imprints within the trade group, reporting to Jon Anderson.
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| Valerie Garfield | |
The other group will focus on branded publishing, a growing area that encompasses preschool, beginning readers, chapter books, graphic novels, licensing and middle grade brands, as well as IP publishing efforts. Heading the Branded Publishing Group is Valerie Garfield, v-p & publisher, licensed, novelty and branded publishing. In addition to her current responsibilities overseeing the Little Simon and Simon Spotlight imprints, she will take on responsibility for the Aladdin Books imprint, as well as the entire Aladdin staff. As part of the reorganization, she will be hiring a manager of global brand strategy.
Liesa Abrams, v-p & editorial director of Simon Pulse, will take on the new role of v-p, executive editor-at-large, focusing on her core Aladdin authors and continuing to find new middle grade authors to join their ranks. She will report to Valerie Garfield.
With the reorganization, Mara Anastas, v-p & publisher, Aladdin and Simon Pulse, will be leaving the company. She has had what Anderson called "a long and storied career at Simon & Schuster, serving over the past 20 years in almost every capacity imaginable ranging from sales, to subsidiary rights, to deputy publisher, and publisher. We're all deeply grateful for the many ways Mara has contributed over the years and wish her the best in her next endeavor."
Anderson added, "I am certain with this new structure in place, our Children's Publishing Division will be even better positioned to serve our authors and brands, to publish with the creativity and skill for which we are known, and to compete and succeed in the constantly evolving marketplace."