Keir Alekseii
Associate Agent
Azantian Literary Agency
Age: 36
Years in publishing: 3
First job: Administrative assistant
Favorite book read this year: Those Beyond the Wall by Micaiah Johnson
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Good mentorship and a supportive community are the keys to success. It is important to find a supportive community of publishing professionals, whether it’s others at your publisher or agency or a group of folks across other organizations.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Trust your instincts. You deserve to be here; don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back.
Alekseii was nominated by Jennifer Azantian, founder and literary agent at Azantian Literary Agency, who describes the nominee as passionate, an advocate, and fearless. “From the moment I met Keir, I knew she was someone special who I’d love to work with in any capacity that I could,” Azantian says. “She’s a brilliant literary agent, educator, activist, and former research scientist born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. As a queer, neurodivergent person of color, she always had and has such a clarity of focus on spotlighting stories from similar writers with a special interest in stories from BIPOC who are born and raised in the Global South.”
Kurestin Armada
Literary Agent
Root Literary
Age: 33
Years in publishing: 10
First job: Restaurant hostess
Favorite book read this year: The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Join a book club with smart people you enjoy talking to and mix up reading recent titles with the giants and classics. Talk about how one book changes your reading of another, about how you feel about the one that was a bestseller and the one that wasn’t. Learning how to speak respectfully and joyfully about books when there’s no assignment involved is a necessary first step to thinking like a professional. Widening your perspective beyond a simple “Did I like this?” is the second step.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Get into a physical activity or hobby, because years of sitting at a desk and then reading at home all evening adds too many aches and pains!
Armada was nominated by Carrie Pestritto, a literary agent at Laura Dail Literary Agency, who describes the nominee as warm, enthusiastic, and talented. “I’ve been friends with Kurestin for a long time and am always so impressed by her,” Pestritto says. “She does an amazing job of not only being there for her clients but supporting her fellow colleagues. In an industry that can feel isolating at times, her encouragement and advocacy make her special.”
Amy Ashby
Vice President and Editor-in-Chief
Warren Publishing
Age: 39
Years in publishing: 17
First job: Rock climbing instructor
Favorite books read this year: The Beekeeper by Myron Brown, about this by Bonnie Tobias, and Expert Witness by Karen Knutson
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? The first job you have will not be “the job,” and that’s okay. It’s also okay to not know how to do something. Nobody expects you to know everything from the start, and “I’m not sure” is a perfectly acceptable answer, as long as it’s followed by “Let me find out.” Ask tons of questions—because that’s always better than having to do something twice—ask for help when you need it, be patient, do your best, and you will get where you want to be.
Ashby was nominated by Lacey Cope, marketing director at Warren Publishing/Pipevine Press, who describes the nominee as patient, passionate, and meticulous. “Amy has an incredible passion for helping aspiring authors create and turn their manuscripts into books that they can be proud of while taking the time to share and collaborate with them,” Cope says. “Our authors are always complimenting her when I speak to them about how their editorial process went. They love the collaboration aspect, and the expertise and precision that she brings to the editorial process and really feel like she has their best interest and intentions at heart.”
Adria Batt
Marketing Strategist
Girl Friday Productions
Age: 32
Years in publishing: 8
First job: Resident adviser
Favorite book read this year: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Your voice matters, and people value your opinion. Take the opportunity to speak up in a brainstorming meeting and share the idea you have been thinking about. Even though you’re the intern and the newest to the industry, everyone on the team recognizes your dedication and values what you have to say.
Batt was nominated by Georgie Hockett, marketing director at Girl Friday Productions, who describes the nominee as smart, thorough, and caring. “Adria cares,” Hocket says. “Her quiet confidence and proven book smarts make her more than a valued member of a small but mighty marketing team, but also a champion for all the authors she works with. Going beyond her job description and pushing what’s possible is all in a day’s work for this young, next-gen marketing leader who thinks outside the book cover.”
Lauren Bieker
Vice President and Literary Agent
FinePrint Literary Management
Age: 34
Years in publishing: 8
First job: Lifeguard and swim instructor
Favorite book read this year: First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Trust your instincts on every project that is put in front of you. Whether you like or dislike something, figure out why you feel that way and learn how to articulate it. If you feel a particular way about a story, someone else will, too.
Bieker was nominated by Peter Rubie, CEO and senior agent at FinePrint Literary Management, who describes the nominee as sharp, determined, and passionate. “Within two years of Lauren joining FinePrint, I was impressed enough with her that I promoted her to associate agent, and within five years she had a number of multibook sales under her belt and a growing list of authors she represents,” Rubie says. “Once she became a full-time agent, as well as acting as royalties manager for the company, her dedication and worth to FinePrint grew. In 2023 I promoted her to vice president.”
Jocelyn Bright
Associate Publicist
Tor Publishing Group
Age: 33
Years in publishing: 4½
First job: A summer job at the public affairs office on the local army base
Favorite book read this year: The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Keep putting yourself out there! Being passionate about reading is a necessary ingredient, but a deeper understanding of what you want to do and why you are suited for the jobs you’re applying for are also important.
Bright was nominated by Caro Perny, senior publicity manager at Tor Publishing Group, who describes the nominee as thoughtful, brilliant, and genuine. “Jocelyn is always so measured in her approach to book campaigns, but her calm demeanor does nothing to dim her incredible passion for books and the publishing industry,” says Perny. “Watching her flourish in this industry is a real joy, and years from now, I’ll be so proud to say, I knew her when.”
Olenka Burgess
Production Manager
Catapult
Age: 38
Years in publishing: 9
First job: Nordstrom shoe department salesgirl
Favorite book read this year: Language City by Ross Perlin
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? A publishing degree or certificate is worth considering, especially if you’re looking to shift careers. This can be an efficient way to gain a broad understanding of the industry and high-level hands-on experience that might not be accessible through an internship or entry-level job. Aside from that, just keep following the north star of your own obsessions and proclivities.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Professional growth is inextricable from personal and creative growth. Develop a meditation habit, take midday walks, and carve out space for artistic experimentation.
Burgess was nominated by Wah-Ming Chang, senior managing editor at Catapult, who describes the nominee as resourceful, focused, and kaleidoscopic. “Olenka is special because of her patience with colleagues, with building systems, with learning and collaboration,” Chang says. “I nominated her because she makes our part of the industry feel sustainable.”
John Cavalier
Owner
Looziana Book Co. & Cavalier House Books
Age: 40
Years in publishing: 21
First job: Maintenance helper at a pipe fabrication shop
Favorite book read this year: The Bookshop by Evan Friss
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Community is everything! Build it, cultivate it, grow with it.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? The thing I’ve told myself while working on our first publishing project is to listen to feedback and don’t do anything that someone else can do better.
Cavalier was nominated by Robert Wilson, assistant director at the Louisiana Center for the Book in the State Library of Louisiana, who describes the nominee as having integrity, initiative, and being invested. “John is so relentlessly positive and genial that I legitimately look forward to interacting with him every chance that arises,” Wilson says. “He is deliberate and thoughtful in everything he does and seems to have a wellspring of energy inside him. While so many people look for immediate gratification, his ability to stay focused on long-term goals is an inspiration to me. Additionally, John is active in his community and served on merchant association boards and small business councils. He advocates for independent businesses, climate resilience, and so much more.”
Megan Ciskowski
Publicist
Lerner Publishing Group
Age: 29
Years in publishing: 6
First job: Bucking and stacking hay for local farmers
Favorite book read this year: Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Publishing is full of incredible individuals from the authors to the sales team, and it takes all of them to create the books. Listen to and learn from as many people as you can. Build those communities intentionally and let them inform your career. You can work in a lot of different jobs, but it’s the people that make the difference.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Relax. Everything is going to be fine.
Ciskowski was nominated by Lindsay Matvick, publicity director at Lerner Publishing Group, who describes the nominee as delightful, reliable, and creative. “Megan is a delight to work with and her commitment to supporting Lerner’s authors and illustrators shines through daily,” says Matvick. “Her capable and cheerful demeanor, can-do attitude, and keen interest in children’s publishing make her a top-notch publicist. As a graduate of Hamline University’s MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults, Megan not only understands the industry from a publishing perspective, but through the eyes of aspiring authors as well.”
Avery Cook
Associate Marketing Manager
Nosy Crow
Age: 25
Years in publishing: 3
First job: Cashier at an apple orchard in my hometown
Favorite book read this year: Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Do your research into all aspects of employment in publishing. Publishing happens in the most expensive cities in the U.S., so keep cost of living in mind as you gather information about industry standards for compensation and benefits.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? I don’t think I would tell myself to do anything differently. I couldn’t have predicted the path that brought me to Nosy Crow, but I’ve landed on a team and in a role that fit me better than I could have ever hoped. If anything, I would underscore the importance of keeping an open mind, because you never know what will lead to a new learning experience or a new opportunity.
Cook was nominated by Ally Russell, marketing manager at Nosy Crow, who describes the nominee as diligent, cheerful, and witty. “Avery has been an incredible boon to Nosy Crow in its early stages,” Russell says. “She has brought an infectious energy to our team. It is nearly impossible to not get excited about children’s books when you’re in the same space as Avery, and she carries this excitement with her wherever she goes.”
Cara Donaldson
Group Managing Editor
The Quarto Group
Age: 38
Years in publishing: 11
First job: Working retail at a bookstore
Favorite book read this year: We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Make sure to savor the early years in your career. You might feel like things are moving too slow, but be patient and trust the process. Learn all that you can from everyone that you can, even if they are outside of your department. Knowing a little about a lot will go a long way in both your personal and professional development.
Donaldson was nominated by Giuliana Caranante, director of marketing and publicity at the Quarto Group, who describes the nominee as tenacious, creative, and ambitious. “Cara is an exemplary colleague, mentor, and editor,” Caranante says. “Cara’s leadership in the Diversity Internship Program has created opportunities for underrepresented voices in the publishing industry, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic environment at Quarto. As a founding member of Quarto’s DEI committee, she has played a crucial role in shaping policies and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the company.”
Tabitha Dulla
Executive Managing Editor
Penguin Random House
Age: 34
Years in Publishing: 13
First Job: Cater waiter at a banquet hall
Favorite book read this year: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? If you can’t find a job in publishing right away, try to work with books in some capacity and connect with as many people as you can. Before landing my first job at PRH, I was a bookseller at Barnes & Noble, a children’s library assistant, and a literary agency assistant. I learned so much about the before and after of making a book and still apply some of those lessons in my decision making today.
Dulla was nominated by Nico Medina, VP director, managing editorial and production editorial, at Penguin Young Readers, who describes the nominee as dedicated, collaborative, deliberate. “Managing editors are the unsung heroes of the publishing world,” Medina says. “Over her 10-year career at Penguin Young Readers, Tabitha Dulla has demonstrated a knack for effective collaboration with her colleagues across multiple imprints, all while being an enthusiastic cheerleader for the thousands of books she’s helped bring to market.”
Daniel Duval
Marketing Coordinator
HarperCollins Publishers
Age: 30
Years in publishing: 2½
First job: Stock associate at a PetSmart
Favorite book read this year: Infinity War by Adam Silvera
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? I would tell new-to-publishing me to attend as many networking and author events as possible. There are so many people in the company that you’ll never meet in person or cross paths with on your day-to-day, but there might be opportunities to meet them during social events. The same goes for authors!
Duval was nominated by Soraya Hebron, director of DEI and culture at HarperCollins, who describes the nominee as bold, imaginative, and collaborative. “Daniel has a refreshing passion for publishing that extends far beyond his personal ambitions,” Hebron says. “He is committed to driving change for a more inclusive industry and demonstrates that, not only in his work as a creative writer and marketer, but also by volunteering for initiatives that inspire others to make their voices heard and pursue their goals.”
Bradley Englert
Executive Editor
Orbit Books
Age: 32
Years in publishing: 10
First job: Artist at a sandwich shop
Favorite books read this year: Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah and Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Passion is important, but perseverance is key. A lot of doors will be closed before one is finally opened, but one will eventually open. When it does, make the most of that opportunity. Make yourself invaluable—within reason!
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Ask a lot of questions. Actively listen. Try to learn as much as possible from as many people in as many departments as possible. Trust your instincts, but always be open to conversation.
Englert was nominated by Alex Lencicki, VP associate publisher at Orbit, who describes the nominee as smart, thoughtful, and capable. “Bradley is an exceptional SFF editor who handles complex IP projects with the same care and insight he brings to groundbreaking debut novels,” Lencicki says. “He’s also a big fan of all things horror. His knowledge of the genre has helped us grow our horror publishing from a few titles a year to a new imprint, Run for It, launching in summer 2025.”
Emily Engwall
Marketing Associate
Poisoned Pen Press
Age: 25
Years in publishing: 3
First job: Museum docent
Favorite book read this year: The Book That Wouldn’t Burn by Mark Lawrence
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Don’t be afraid of opportunities that are outside of your comfort zone. It can be difficult to deviate from the career path you originally planned for, but being open to new opportunities can lead you on a path you never thought possible. Publishing can be a hard industry to break into so take any opportunity to get your foot in the door.
Engwall was nominated by Cana Clark, a marketing associate at Sourcebooks, who describes the nominee as enthusiastic, brilliant, and creative. “Emily Engwall brings excitement and expertise to all of her work,” Clark says. “She is always offering her time to help her coworkers, and her team has benefited by learning from her eye-catching pitches. Her creativity makes Poisoned Pen Press’s books pop on social media, and her pitches get lots of hits. Emily’s growth mindset has brought Poisoned Pen Press’s titles to new audiences. Sourcebooks is lucky to have such a tremendous team member.”
Tamara Grasty
Young Adult Editor
Page Street Publishing
Age: 29
Years in publishing: 6
First job: The high school paint team; we painted all the schools in the district every summer
Favorite book read this year: We Are Big Time by Hena Khan
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Make friends! Whether you are making friends with people in your program or reaching out to industry professionals you admire, it’s always worth it to reach out and ask. Go into conversations with more enthusiasm and less expectations for what you might find out.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Please remember that everyone is “just some guy.” Your supervisors and role models may have more experience, but everyone started knowing nothing. Don’t feel intimidated by people you admire—you’re learning and someday people will admire you, too.
Grasty was nominated by Fin Leary, program manager at We Need Diverse Books, who describes the nominee as passionate, detail-oriented, and determined. “I nominated Tamara because in the time that they have been working with Page Street Publishing, I have seen them rise to the occasion time and time again” Leary says. “Tamara has edited award-winning novels and has truly grown the Page Street YA imprint of titles.”
Kitanna Hiromasa
Associate Publicist
Riverhead Books
Age: 27
Years in publishing: 3½
First job: Teaching English in Japan
Favorite book read this year: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? I think the biggest piece of advice would be to try to not be scared. It’s okay to open up, to share your ideas, and to trust your intuition on things. I know sometimes you feel like an imposter, but you worked hard to get here and you deserve it. Plus, there are so many ways to get more involved in publishing—panels, planning committees—that are incredibly helpful when making friends and getting settled into this industry.
Hiromasa was nominated by Claire McGinnis, associate director of publicity at Riverhead Books, who describes the nominee as exuberant, generous, and inspired. “Since starting at Riverhead as a publicity assistant, Kitanna Hiromasa has brought an authentic enthusiasm for books and introducing them to new readers and audiences, in addition to an incredible warmth, confidence, and generosity,” McGinnis says. “She has been eager to learn and grow, absorbing as much as she can about publicity and the greater industry, and forging meaningful connections with authors, the media, the bookselling community, and event organizers.”
Asia Jannah
Gift Buyer and Bookseller
Watchung Booksellers
Age: 26
Years in publishing: 9
First job: Working at the bookstore was actually, and luckily, my first job
Favorite book read this year: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Don’t be afraid to explore your options and find your niche. There are so many creative and interesting areas of publishing and endless ways to work closely with books. Don’t limit yourself to just one thing.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Never lose the love you have for reading. Keep the excitement about anticipating new titles, gushing over book jacket designs, and geeking out with other readers about what you’ve read and what you want to read. Publishing is a great space to meet other people who have the same love for books as you do.
Jannah was nominated by Caroline Shurtleff, school event coordinator and bookseller at Watchung Booksellers, who describes the nominee as precise, compassionate, and creative. “I really believe in her,” says Shurtleff. “I admire her daily attentive labor at the bookstore. Her curated selection in gift-buying is excellent; she always prioritizes local artists and quality gifts. All the customers adore her. She’s so good at her job, and it’s really lovely to witness.”
Jackson Keeler
Book-to-Film Literary Agent
Inkworks
Age: 32
Years in publishing: 3½
First job: Lifeguard at a local swim club
Favorite books read this year: All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Every agent is different, but my strengths and passion lie heavily in story development and editorial. Developing your personal taste for material is essential and if you can find ways to elevate the story, even better. Take time to read widely and critically, cultivate an understanding of what resonates with you and why. Building relationships is equally important; they form the backbone of the industry. Be patient, persistent and grateful when fostering connections, as they often open doors that skills alone can’t. The journey can be slow, but well-honed instincts and a solid network will serve you well.
Keeler was nominated by Christine Witthohn, managing agent, U.S. and foreign rights & licensing, at Book Cents Literary Agency, who describes the nominee as professional, hardworking, and focused. “I nominated Jackson because of his work ethic and dedication to every project he takes on,” Witthohn says. “As a book-to-film agent, he marries his experience with his seasoned editorial skills and his attention to detail. I look forward to seeing what projects he gets behind in the future.”
Kathleen Keenan
Editor
Kids Can Press
Age: 36
Years in publishing: 11
First job: Part-time bookseller at Chapters
Favorite books read this year: We Are Definitely Human by X. Fang, The First Week of School by Drew Beckmeyer, and Greetings, Floof! by C.J. Hong and A.J. Smith.
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Go to events, join committees, introduce yourself to people. Publishing, especially in Canada, is a small world, and you never know what new opportunities you might find in unexpected places. I first met some of my current colleagues and creators while volunteering with IBBY Canada.
Keenan was nominated by Dorson Plourde, an author published by Kids Can Press, who describes the nominee as fearless, steadfast, and a champion.“Kathleen takes chances on new ideas and honors the capacities of young readers,” Plourde says. “She challenges what a picture book can hold between endpapers and invites her authors to rise to the occasion. We need individuals in publishing who are as brave in their conviction and willing to bring the unexpected into this domain.”
Lori Kusatzky
Associate Editor
Crown
Age: 29
Years in publishing: 5
First job: Agent assistant at Innovative Artists
Favorite book read this year: True Crime Story by Joseph Knox
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Read everything. Read every think piece, read the books you think you won’t like, read the biggest hits and the biggest flops, read the Twitter threads going viral, read the Substacks. You can’t have a fully developed opinion about the state of the marketplace and what the reader craves if you aren’t being the reader yourself.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Showing up consistently will pay off.
Kusatzky was nominated by Amy Einhorn, SVP and publisher at Crown, who describes the nominee as a go-getter, organized, and hungry. “There are some people you know have ‘it’ and are going to be stars, and Lori has that in all caps,” Einhorn says. “She is driven, works harder than everyone else, and knows more about Bravo TV than one person ever should.”
Fin Leary
Program Manager
We Need Diverse Books
Age: 31
Years in publishing: 7
First job: Writing tutor at the Westfield State University writing center
Favorite book read this year: Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? There are many ways to make an impact on the industry, and many of them seem or feel small—but none of them are. Whether it’s proofreading or copy editing and catching an error before it goes to print or securing foreign rights for a book in a country it’s never been published in previously, they all make a difference. We also all have a responsibility to fight for equity, antiracism, and accessibility in this industry, and in that way, small actions can create meaningful and lasting change at your company, so I always believe in speaking up.
Leary was nominated by Caroline Richmond, executive director of We Need Diverse Books, who describes the nominee as empathetic, insightful, and generous. “I nominated Fin because he is an incredible team member at WNDB and a dedicated advocate of diverse books in the greater literary community, giving so much of his time and efforts to uplift marginalized voices and books,” Richmond says. “Fin has furthered WNDB’s mission in his capacity as our communications manager, where he ran our blog and led a team of 20-plus volunteers—shining a light on hundreds of diverse titles—before he switched to a programming role.”
Bibi Lewis
Literary Agent
The Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency
Age: 32
Years in publishing: 10
First job: Summer camp counselor
Favorite books read this year: Knock Out by Sarah Maclean and The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Trust your gut. Publishing is a long game, there will be major ups and downs, but your instincts are good. This is an industry where the deals we make now are for books that will, at the earliest, come out a year or two away, let alone multibook deals. Consistency pays off and what you know to be good now will be good when it comes out. Stay the course and it will pay off.
Lewis was nominated by Kurestin Armada, a literary agent at Root Literary, who describes the nominee as visionary, committed, and kind.“Bibi Lewis is an agent that sees the full picture for her clients in a way that grows their careers exponentially,” Armada says. “Any agent can see the value of a big-dollar domestic deal, but it takes a truly special agent to grow an author through strategic sub rights deals, a hybrid publishing approach to building a fan base, and creative dealmaking on the domestic front. Every step of the way, she’s one of the kindest people I’ve met in the business.”
Lauren MacLeod
Senior Agent
Aevitas Creative Management
Age: 39
Years in publishing: 17
First job: Grocery store cashier
Favorite book read this year: Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Publishing, as anyone who has ever attempted to explain it to a parent will attest, is an unusual industry. And agenting can be particularly lonely. Having a strong network of peers you can turn to for advice, trade favors with, or simply commiserate alongside is invaluable when it comes to finding your footing. And don’t limit your circle to just your agency.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Have the confidence to listen to yourself. Early in my career, I wasted too much of my own time pretending that any project I wasn’t 100% sure about might still be a “yes.” It isn’t, and it shouldn’t be. And also: don’t panic, publishing isn’t actually going to collapse. The industry has felt like it’s on the brink since my first day and yet, here we are.
MacLeod was nominated by Maggie Cooper, another agent at Aevitas Creative Management, who describes the nominee as forward-thinking, a collaborator, and an advocate. “Whether or not they are aware of it, agents and authors everywhere have benefited from Lauren’s work with the AALA and her commitment to advocating for authors,” Cooper says. “She cultivates long and fruitful relationships with the writers she represents, supporting their creative growth and helping them build a career even as the market shifts.”
Rebecca McGuire
Audiobook Partnerships & Licensing Manager
Spotify
Age: 34
Years in publishing: 10
First job: High school English teacher
Favorite book read this year: The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Maintain your curiosity. The more you can learn about the various parts of the business that may seem unrelated to the direct work you are doing, the better off you will be. I was very fortunate to benefit from the informal mentorship of great colleagues spanning all areas of the publishing business, and I still keep in touch with many of them today.
McGuire was nominated by Duncan Bruce, global director of audiobook partnerships and licensing at Spotify, who describes the nominee as passionate, curious, and fun. “Rebecca has been instrumental in the successful launch of audiobooks on Spotify,” Bruce says. “She has established strong relationships with the publishers around the world that she works with, building trust through her curious nature and deep understanding of their needs. She is open and authentic, and has a deep passion for how to find new and creative ways to bring books to a new and younger market. Most of all, she is fun and engaging and, as well as being a brilliant partner to publishers, is a joy to work with.”
Kaitlyn Nash
Publicist
Dark Horse Comics
Age: 29
Years in publishing: 2
First job: Camp counselor
Favorite books read this year: Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig and I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Learn as much as you can about publishing and keep your mind open to which department you want to work in. You might be surprised by where you end up. I almost gave up on publishing because I didn’t seem to fit in any of the editorial assistant positions that I applied to, but when I found a position in marketing and publicity, I said, “Why not?” and applied. If I hadn’t taken that step, I probably wouldn’t be in publishing, and I definitely wouldn’t have found out how much fun it is to be a publicist.
Nash was nominated by Ally Raney, publicity manager for Dark Horse Comics, who describes the nominee as thorough, bold, and decisive. “Kaitlyn is special not because they do the work but because of their effect on the clients who consistently rely on their expertise and creativity in a world where creativity can feel dangerous or scary,” Raney says. “I nominated them precisely because they dared to do more, do better, and be hungry for the next thing.
Lauren Ortiz
Publicity Manager
Little, Brown
Age: 28
Years in publishing: 4
First job: NBCUniversal page
Favorite book read this year: Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? I would tell my younger self to embrace the learning curve and not be afraid to ask questions. Publishing is a complex industry, and it’s okay not to know everything right away. Build a strong network of peers and mentors, as those relationships will be key to your growth. Trust your instincts, even if they differ from others—you bring a fresh perspective that’s needed. Lastly, take time to celebrate your wins, both big and small, because they’ll motivate you to keep pushing forward.
Ortiz was nominated by Gabrielle Leporati, a publicist at Little, Brown, who describes the nominee as radiant, dedicated, and capable. “Lauren excels not only in her role but also in her unwavering support and encouragement of others,” Leporati says. “Her ability to be a thoughtful sounding board, enthusiastic advocate, and dedicated champion shines through in every task.”
Ramiro Portnoy
Editor
Boom! Studios
Age: 30
Years in publishing: 5
First job: Working retail at a hardware store
Favorite book read this year: Eden II by K. Wroten
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Read with eclectic hunger, but don’t be afraid to focus on and hone your knowledge in what really interests you. Find both the people that you like and the ones that make the stories you like, and advocate for them. Form connections with them. That will be the ultimate catalyst for making things that feel genuine, things that you’re proud of.
Portnoy was nominated by Matt Gagnon, editor-in-chief of Boom! Studios, who describes the nominee as visionary, versatile, and conscientious. “Ramiro Portnoy entered the industry just four years ago, but through his strong work ethic, unique voice as an editor, and undeniable talent, he has already made an incredible mark on comics,” Gagnon says. “Ramiro is one of the most gifted editors I’ve worked with in my career. This recognition is just the beginning of him establishing himself as a leading creative voice in comics.”
Mimi Rankin
Associate Director of School and Library Marketing
HarperCollins Children’s Books
Age: 31
Years in publishing: 6
First job: Summer camp counselor
Favorite book read this year: First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? You’re obviously already a reader, but learn to read like a bookseller or librarian. As you read, notice what stands out about the writing style, what hooks the book has that would be good for marketing, and any similar titles that you might pair together. In every area of publishing, we want to create good books, and we want people to want to read them. The industry has had its ups and downs, especially in the last couple of years, but I truly believe readership is up, so keep going! It’s a great industry; book people are good people.
Rankin was nominated by Jena Groshek, sales coordinator at BookPage, who describes the nominee as admirable, dedicated, and passionate. “Mimi Rankin is an exceptional leader to work with,” Groshek says. “In the past six years her title has gone from intern at a small company in Smyrna, Tenn., to associate director at a Big Five, and I truly believe that is unheard of and difficult to achieve unless you exude nothing but love and commitment to your work Mimi is always glowing when talking about her work, from the authors she is representing at trade shows to her day-to-day role at HarperCollins Children’s.”
Lena Reilly
Senior Publicist
Random House Children’s Books
Age: 27
Years in publishing: 5
First job: Waitress at a Japanese BBQ restaurant
Favorite book read this year: The Night She Disappeared by Lisa Jewell
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? While this is far easier said than done, try not to stress so hard about the small stuff. You are about to work on the most incredible books that you desperately wished you had as a kid—all of which are bursting with the representation and inspiration that you always craved. You will get to work with authors who will leave you in awe with their talent, vision, and bravery. You’ll remember none of the specificities of these overwhelming moments, but rather look back on them and be proud of how they’ve shaped you into the person that you are today.
Reilly was nominated by Kathy Dunn, executive director of publicity and school event strategy at Random House Children’s Books, who describes the nominee as conscientious, hardworking, and focused. “Lena is an amazing person and publicist with the ability to both multitask and make all of her authors feel seen and appreciated,” Dunn says. “Her calm demeanor and ability to handle anything that comes her way makes her the perfect publicity team member, and no matter her workload, she is always willing to help her colleagues and support the junior staff.”
Cat Reynolds
Senior Editor, Dr. Seuss Publishing
Random House Children’s Books
Age: 26
Years in publishing: 5
First job: Editorial and administrative assistant at Sesame Workshop
Favorite book read this year: Shark Heart by Emily Habeck
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Don’t be afraid to follow what you love. When starting off in publishing, it can be tempting to look for any entry point. Instead, be selective with where you dedicate your time and energy, and search for roles and projects that truly excite you. When you have a genuine interest in what you do, it shines through everything. That enthusiasm not only creates better work, but it also strengthens your professional relationships, helps you overcome challenges, and leads to a fulfilling, meaningful career.
Reynolds was nominated by Alice Jonaitis, executive editor, Dr. Seuss Publishing, at Random House Children’s Books, who describes the nominee as creative, focused, and original. “Whether leading interdepartmental approval meetings with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, chatting with new hires as an RHCB Buddy, promoting our books as a PRH Employee Ambassador, or lugging cake on the subway to share at the weekly craft lunches she organizes, Cat is the kind of person who helps make Penguin Random House a great place to work,” Jonaitis says. “She not only has the potential to go far, but she’s the kind of person you really want to go far. For everyone’s sake!”
Simone Roberts-Payne
Assistant Editor
Penguin Young Readers
Age: 26
Years in publishing: 3½
First job: Circulation desk at the library
Favorite book read this year: There There by Tommy Orange
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Follow your passion. If you have an interest in comics or historical fiction or adult romance, you should put yourself in the position to commit to what interests you. You will strive to be better the more you get to work on things you love.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. You have to remind yourself that you were hired for a reason, and nothing gets done by being silent.
Roberts-Payne was nominated by Ruta Rimas, senior executive editor and publishing director at Putnam, who describes the nominee as discerning, bright, and determined. “Simone has proven time and time again that she can handle all the curveballs that this industry throws—including through the toughest and most heartbreaking of times—and she handles all the projects and asks with grace and excellence,” Rimas says. “She also steps up, asks the right questions, and is an invaluable contributor to the Putnam editorial team with her keen insights into manuscripts and informed feedback on covers.”
Lena Shekhter
Production Manager
Macmillan
Age: 39
Years in publishing: 17½
First job: Capitol Hill intern
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Publishing is not limited to the stereotypical career paths like editor, publisher, or bookseller. As with my own path into this industry, there is a wide range of opportunities for people with backgrounds in manufacturing, finance, legal, and IT, all of whom play a crucial role in the process of publishing a book. If you love books, there is a place for you in the publishing industry.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? It is important to learn what people in adjacent roles do. This broader awareness creates a foundation for mutual support and improves collaboration.
Shekhter was nominated by Chris Leonowicz, associate director, production, at Macmillan Publishers, who describes the nominee as dedicated, thorough, and hardworking. “Lena excels in balancing demanding schedules and costs, while maintaining strong project management skills,” Leonowicz says. “She expertly handles multiple book editions with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest degree of quality possible. She is also a dedicated team player, offering training and support to colleagues.”
Sidney Thompson
Business Development Manager
Independent Publishers Group
Age: 27
Years in publishing: 3
First job: Pulling weeds and putting in wire for the vines to grow on at the local vineyard
Favorite book read this year: Leaving the Atocha Station by Ben Learner
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Be open to meeting new people, having new experiences, and learning new things. The publishing industry is complex and constantly in flux. It’s a lot easier to navigate if you understand the landscape and how different aspects work together, have a diverse network to share with and learn from, and can adapt and think in new ways as things evolve.
What advice would you give to a new-to-publishing you? The “end goal” will inevitably change. Take it one day at a time. Every day, write down, Where are you today? Where are you going? How do you get there? And what did you learn? This will help you stay grounded in the moment, recognize what you already know, and make thoughtful, strategic decisions about your projects, career, and personal growth.
Thompson was nominated by Joe Matthews, CEO of the Independent Publishers Group, who describes the nominee as hardworking, curious, and diligent. “I nominated Sidney because she moved so quickly from office administrator to front-of-the-house business manager, where she works with IPG’s most important asset: our publishers,” Matthews says. “Her role requires knowledge of all aspects of the publishing industry, which she has absorbed in just a few short years by engaging with every department in the company, her own independent learning, and her work with others in the industry including PubWest, where she now sits on the board of directors.”
Sydnie Thornton
Literary Agent
Word One Literary
Age: 25
Years in publishing: 3
First job: Florist
Favorite book read this year: The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden
What advice would you give to someone interested in joining the industry today? Be adaptable. Publishing journeys are often nonlinear; pursue every opportunity and see what best suits your natural talents and personal goals. If you’re not uncomfortable, then you’re not growing fast enough. Ask a million questions and always thank whoever is taking the time to give you answers. Remember to celebrate small successes. And when you’re in a new environment, be brave and ask your peers to coffee. They could end up inspiring and supporting you for years to come.
Thornton was nominated by Barbara Poelle, president of Word One Literary Agency, who describes the nominee as goal-oriented, precise, and effervescent. “Sydnie continues to impress and inspire with her ability to identify talent and uplift underrepresented voices,” Poelle says, “and her editorial eye is decisive, sharp and spot on.”
