Team Member
Lara Blackman, Executive Editor
Lara Blackman joined Dutton as an Executive Editor in March 2026, with a focus on acquiring mysteries and thrillers. She’s drawn to propulsive plots, complex characters who challenge social and cultural norms, and stories that take readers to places they’ve never been. Prior to Dutton, she held editorial positions at Simon & Schuster and Audible,…
Read MoreEmi Ikkanda, Executive Editor
Emi Ikkanda is an Executive Editor publishing a diverse list of culturally relevant nonfiction and fiction at Tiny Reparations Books, Dutton, and Plume at Penguin Random House. She has edited #1 New York Times and international bestselling authors, and edited winners or finalists for the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, Carnegie Medal, Financial Times Business Book of the…
Read MoreLydia Yadi, Senior Editor
Lydia loves publishing books for ambitious readers who are curious about how to do their best work and live well. She’s interested in fresh perspectives and prescriptive books on success, careers, female empowerment, psychology, self-help, and entrepreneurship. She also has a soft spot for gripping narratives and memoirs about creative industries like fashion, music, and…
Read MoreNina Rodríguez-Marty, Executive Editor
Nina Rodríguez-Marty (she/her/hers) joined Penguin Life in 2022 and publishes prescriptive and idea-driven nonfiction across self-help, personal development, psychology, and health. She gets excited about books that push traditional wellness scripts, especially by offering new takes on old problems. Her list includes brilliant experts and leaders in their field, including New York Times bestselling authors…
Read MoreCharlotte Peters, Associate Editor
Charlotte Peters joined Dutton in 2022. She is interested in commercial genre fiction with clear, unique hooks, escapist romance simmering in magic (literal and figurative), and transportive romantasy, from dark to cozy. In nonfiction, she seeks relatable pop culture-focused works that appeal to enthusiastic fanbases, witchy lifestyle guides, and fun, quirky history. Recent and upcoming…
Read MoreMegan Wenerstrom, Associate Editor
Megan joined Portfolio in 2022, drawn to big ideas that push boundaries and inspire new perspectives. Her authors span a diverse range of thinkers—entrepreneurs, philosophers, environmentalists, tech experts, activists, and even cowboys —bringing fresh insights to readers. Before publishing, Megan’s career began as a public school teacher, where she cultivated her talent for sparking curiosity and meaningful dialogue.…
Read MoreLauri Hornik, President and Publisher
auri began her career as an editorial assistant at Houghton Mifflin Children’s Books in 1988, right after graduating from Harvard.
Read MoreLisset Lanza, Editorial Assistant
Lisset Lanza joined Dutton in April 2022 as an editorial assistant. She previously reported on local news and politics and her published magazine work is focused on health and lifestyle content. Lisset hopes to acquire voice-driven literary and commercial fiction with a focus on cultural critique and family dynamics. She’s interested in themes of mysticism,…
Read MoreVeronica Velasco, Editorial Assistant
Veronica Velasco joined Portfolio in September 2021. She is repeatedly drawn towards nonfiction that aims to help us better connect with each other, professionally and personally, through idea-driven books and compelling narratives. With a particular interest in journalism, politics, psychology, sociology, feminism, and self-help, she is eager to seek out books with stories that aim…
Read MoreAshley Garland, Publicity Director
Ashley Garland has worked on dozens of national media campaigns for award-winning and New York Times bestselling Riverhead authors including James McBride, Daniel Pink, Anne Lamott, Danzy Senna, Michele Harper, and Randall Munroe.
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