Penguin Young Readers
Kenneth Wright, President & Publisher
Kenneth Wright is the president and publisher of the Philomel Books and Viking Children’s Books imprints. After graduating with a BA in English from the University of Colorado at Boulder, he worked his way up the editorial ladder to become an editorial director at Scholastic in 2001. In 2006 he joined Writers House as a literary…
Read MoreCheryl Eissing, Editor
Cheryl Eissing, associate editor at Flamingo Books, joined Penguin Random House in 2017 as assistant editor at Philomel Books before attaining her current role. She holds a BA in English from Rutgers University.
Read MoreGabriella DeGennaro Assistant Editor
Gabriella grew up in New Jersey watching a lot of TV in her Nonna’s basement and reading anything that was about magic. She holds degrees in creative writing and screenwriting from Ithaca College, where she focused on children’s media.
Read MoreMaria Elias, Senior Art Director
Maria joined Penguin Young Readers in 2019, and previously designed for Random House, Disney Hyperion, and Workman Publishing. Before falling in love with book design, she worked in news and magazine. Maria’s work has been recognized by AIGA 50 Books/50Covers, the Type Directors Club, and the New York Book Show. She is also a member of the LatinX in publishing community and supports diversity in books.
Read MoreRise X: Read More
Publishing books for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers is an immense responsibility. At RISE, we have the power to inspire our readers to become a generation of empowered, confident, self-loving, empathetic, and resilient people… all through the power of exposure. Every book we publish serves to help children feel smart, capable, important, safe, and loved.
Read MoreChristopher Hernandez, Senior Editor
Chris Hernandez joined Razorbill as a senior editor in April 2019, acquiring picture books, middle grade, young adult, and graphic novels.
Read MoreCasey McIntyre, Vice President and Publisher
Casey McIntyre joined Razorbill as associate publisher in 2014. Prior to coming to Razorbill, McIntyre was the publicity manager at HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Read MoreKelsey Murphy, Senior Editor
Kelsey Murphy, editor at Philomel Books, joined Penguin Random House as an editor in 2018. She graduated from New York University with a degree in dramatic literature, film studies, and theater history, and a minor in creative writing. Kelsey edits picture books, middle grade, and young adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as select graphic novels.
Read MoreDana Leydig, Executive Editor
Dana Leydig is Executive Editor at Viking Children’s Books. She began her publishing career as an intern for Puffin Books in 2008, and returned full-time in 2010 before moving to her current role at Viking in 2018. A graduate of the University of Florida (Go Gators!), she earned a degree in English with a minor…
Read MoreJenny Bak, Senior Executive Editor
Jenny Bak is Senior Executive Editor at Viking Children’s, where she edits middle grade and young adult fiction, as well as the occasional picture book. She is drawn to stories at the intersection of commercial and literary, especially those with irresistible hooks, a swift pace, clever storytelling, unexpected twists, and authentic, diverse voices. In young adult,…
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