Abrams is launching akaSTORY, a commercial fiction imprint that will make its debut in January 2027 with six novels. akaSTORY's mission is to "showcase fiction that honors the art of immersive, escapist storytelling with content tailored to the digital social media age," noted the publisher, adding that in a nod to Abrams' origin as an art book publisher, akaSTORY titles will feature "elevated packaging that readers will be excited to display on their shelves and in their feeds."
The new imprint is helmed by editorial director Anne Heltzel, an adult fiction writer and acquiring editor of the Lightlark Saga romantasy series who has nearly two decades of experience in commercial fiction and creative development. She is joined by senior editor Kate Roddy, who has been with Abrams since May 2025 after managing the Cosmo Reads imprint at Sourcebooks. The imprint reports to senior v-p and publisher Lori Benton.
"We created akaSTORY because we know readers come to books for different reasons at different moments in their lives--sometimes you need an escape, sometimes you're craving connection, sometimes you just want your heart to race," said Abrams president and CEO Mary McAveney. "At Abrams, we've spent 75 years understanding how books on art, design, and lifestyle enrich people's lives, and now we're bringing that same philosophy to commercial fiction. These are the stories readers reach for when they need entertainment that meets them exactly where they are, whether that's curled up seeking comfort or looking for that next unputdownable story they can't wait to share."
Heltzel commented: "I am grateful to Abrams for the opportunity to lead our first ever imprint dedicated to adult commercial fiction, particularly during such an exciting and collaborative time for readers. At our core, we value storytelling as a means for fostering connection, and we aim to contribute to the current atmosphere of dynamic, community-driven book events by becoming a go-to resource for book clubs everywhere."
The inaugural akaSTORY list includes Her Life in Ruins by Cynthia W. Gentry (January 2027); Martha Wants a Baby by April Vellacott (February 2027); He Always Comes Back by Elle Engel (February 2027); The Sins of Good People by Kelly Young Chang (April 2027); The Paris Proposal by Kristen Chaudière & Erin Baldwin (May 2027); and Dog Mom by Madi Stine (July 2027).