M A R G A R E T K . M c E L D E R R Y B O O K S
ABOUT MARGARET K. McELDERRY BOOKS
Founded by legendary editor Margaret K. McElderry in 1972, Margaret K. McElderry Books is a boutique imprint of Simon & Schuster’s Children’s Division, recognized internationally as a publisher of literary author-driven fiction and non-fiction for the teen, middle-grade, picture book and poetry market. We specialize in high quality literary fantasy, contemporary and historical fiction, as well as character-driven picture books and poetry for all ages. McElderry Books is proud of our global identity. We are a leader in acquiring properties from foreign publishers as well as being known for attracting and nurturing talent from other countries.
Justin Chanda, Vice President and Publisher
Justin Chanda joined the editorial staff at Simon & Schuster in 2005 after an eight-year stint at HarperCollins Children’s Books. A graduate of New York University, Justin was named publisher of the S&S Books for Young Readers imprint in 2007 and McElderry Books and Atheneum Books for Young Readers in 2009. He is keenly interested in publishing books that are equal parts commercial and literary, books that make a contribution to the tradition, while truly entertaining kids. Aside from having the honor of working with the best editorial staff in the industry, he also has the opportunity to edit some of its best talent including the likes of: Jon Scieszka, David Shannon, Loren Long, Kenneth Oppel, Patricia MacLachlan, Mac Barnett, Adam Rex, and Michael Ian Black.
Karen Wojtyla, Editorial Director
Karen Wojtyla edits a wide variety of books written and illustrated by some of the smartest and most talented people around. She is always looking for literary fiction in all genres and for all ages. She enjoys fantasy, mystery, comedy, drama, and anything with remarkable characters and riveting dialogue, from heartbreaking to hilarious. Atmospheric settings are lovely, and unusual narrative voices welcome, in fiction as well as poetry and nonfiction. Some of the award-winnning and bestselling authors and artists she has worked with include David Almond, Tony Auth, Holly Black, Cassandra Clare, Robert Cormier, Bruce Coville, Susan Fletcher, Karen Katz, Eric Kimmel, Annette Curtis Klause, Hilary McKay, Jim Murphy, and Zilpha Keatley Snyder.
Ruta Rimas, Associate Editor
Ruta Rimas joined Simon & Schuster in July 2011. She edits and acquires picture books, middle-grade novels, and teen novels for both the Atheneum and Margaret K. McElderry imprints. Prior to S&S, Ruta worked for the Balzer + Bray imprint at HarperCollins. She’s had the honor and privilege of working with some of the most talented authors and illustrators in the industry, including Laura Numeroff, Felicia Bond, Kadir Nelson, Heidi Ayarbe, Dan Wells, Maryrose Wood, Elissa Brent Weissman, Melissa Wiley, Janet Ruth Young, and many others. Ruta loves characters that come to life on the pages, stories that resonate long after the last page is read, and fiction that challenges our preconceived notions of the world.
Emily Fabre, Assistant Editor
Emily Fabre joined Simon & Schuster in February 2009 and assists Karen Wojtyla. Before coming to McElderry Books, Emily attended the University of Pennsylvania, working at the Annenberg Rare Book and Manuscript Library there, and completed an internship at Farrar, Straus, and Giroux. She is interested in literary fiction and fantasy with strong, loveable voices and characters, as well as charming and humorous picture books.
Danielle Young, Editorial Assistant
Dani joined Simon & Schuster in 2010 and assists Justin Chanda and Anne Zafian. She spends her time reading just a little too much, but managed to squeeze in an English degree and Classics minor at the University of California: Irvine, internships at Scholastic, Levine Greenberg Literary Agency, and Bloosmbury USA Children’s Books, and recently received her M.S. in Publishing at New York University. When she’s not busy, she still loves to get lost in a great story with strong, likeable characters, particularly YA fiction of the fantasy, dystopian, historical, and romance variety.
Anne Zafian, Deputy Publisher
As Deputy Publisher, Anne Zafian works closely with the Publisher on key aspects of our business. She oversees our marketing team and marketing plans and works closely with both the sales team and supply chain organization to maximize sales and manage inventory. Anne has been with Simon & Schuster for more than five years, previously as a VP in our sales department responsible for both adult and children’s book sales. Prior to that, she worked at what is now known as Hachette Book Group USA, including Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, where her love of children’s books was first fostered.
OUR EDITORIAL TEAM
BLOOD RED ROAD by Moira Young
is an ABC New Voices Project 2011
extended list selection!
Society of Illustrators
2011 Original Art Show:
HIDE AND SHEEP
by Andrea Beaty
illustrated by Bill Mayer
ONE STARRY NIGHT
by Lauren Thompson
illustrated by Jonathan Bean
BEAR'S LOOSE TOOTH
by Karma Wilson
illustrated by Jane Chapman
New York Times Bestselling Picture Book
(9/18/2011)
#6
BEAR'S LOOSE TOOTH was
featured in the New York Times!
THE DEMON'S SURRENDER by Sarah
Rees Brennan received a starred review in
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's
Books: "As the culmination of a
breathlessly suspenseful series punctuated
throughout with keen humor and
heartbreaking emotional resonance,
it's a stunner."
ONE STARRY NIGHT by Lauren
Thompson and illustrated by Jonathan
Bean received a starred review in
Kirkus Reviews: "This unforgettable
interpretation stands out as a bright,
multifaceted star in the crowded
constellation of Christmas Eve stories."
Lessons from a Literary Legend:
Recalling the Work and Influence
of Margaret K. McElderry
Listen to an audio recording of
this program on the
New York Public Library website.
NEW RELEASES
FEATURED BACKLIST
RESOURCES
Anne Zafian, Deputy Publisher
Seasonal Catalog
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Backlist Catalog
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Activity and Color Sheets
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