Papercutz, an independent children’s graphic novel publisher, has laid off its v-p of marketing, in addition to a production coordinator and at least several freelance editors.
Although Papercutz declined to respond to inquiries, PW confirmed the layoffs took place just prior to BookExpo 2017.
Sven Larsen, v-p and director of marketing at Papercutz since 2013, was among the layoffs. Larsen confirmed that he has left the company.
Larsen is an experienced and well-known figure in comics and graphic novel publishing. Before joining Papercutz, he worked for Marvel Comics, Penguin, and Warner Books UK among other companies. He can be reached at svenplarsen@gmail.com.
The layoffs come as something of a surprise. Papercutz celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2016 and the company has come to symbolize the growth of children's graphic novels in the book trade, a category that essentially didn't exist when it was founded.
Papercutz publishes between 50 and 60 graphic novels a year mostly aimed at children ages 8-12. The Papercutz list includes licensed media properties, foreign imports, archival reprints of classic comics, and original graphic novels.
The house’s imprints includes the Super Genius (teen readers), and Charmz (tween girls). This year Papercutz will release Jessica Abel’s Trish Trash: Roller Girl of Mars and Metaphrog’s The Little Mermaid.
