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 markets. 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 spent her time growing up 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 Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books, as well as an M.S. in Publishing at New York University. Assisting Justin Chanda, she’s worked with authors and illustrators such as Mac Barnett, Michael Ian Black, Peter Brown, Jane Chapman, Carter Goodrich, Bruce Eric Kaplan, Loren Long, Patricia MacLachlan, Jeff Newman, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Kenneth Oppel, Jon Scieszka, Eric Wight, and Karma Wilson. When she’s not busy, she still loves to get lost in a great story with strong, likeable characters, particularly YA and middle grade fiction of the fantasy, dystopian, historical, fairy tale adaptation, 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
MARGARET A. EDWARDS AWARD
FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Awarded to Susan Cooper for
The Dark is Rising Sequence
ALA/YALSA 2012:
Best Fiction for Young Adults
Red Glove
Holly Black
Blood Red Road
Moira Young
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers
Perfect
Ellen Hopkins
Burnout
Adrienne Maria Vrettos
Rainbow (GLBTQ)
Perfect
Ellen Hopkins
Zombies vs. Unicorns
Edited by Holly Black
and Justine Larbalestier
Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults
Forbidden Romance:
New York Times
Paperback
CLOCKWORK ANGEL
by Cassandra Clare
#6 (2/26)
CBC Children’s Choice Book
Award Nominations
Teen Book of the Year
City of Fallen Angels
Cassandra Clare
Perfect
Ellen Hopkins
CADDY'S WORLD by Hilary McKay
received its second starred review
from School Library Journal:
“The Cassons are back. Huzzah!”
THE CHAOS by Nalo Hopkinson
received its first starred review from
Kirkus Reviews: “Noted for her fantasy
and science fiction for adults, Hopkinson
jumps triumphantly to teen
literature. . . . Rich in voice, humor
and dazzling imagery, studded with
edgy ideas and wildly original, this
multicultural mash-up—like its
heroine—defies category.”
The gorgeous cover for TILT
by Ellen Hopkins was revealed
on EntertainmentWeekly.com's
ShelfLife!
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
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