HarperAlley, the graphic novel imprint at HarperCollins that launched in 2020 with a focus on the children's market, will expand its purview into the adult graphic novel, manga, and manhwa spaces.
First titles and their publication dates have yet to be announced. Among the graphic novels published by the imprint to date are the National Book Award finalist Nimona by N.D. Stevenson and the Newbery Medal–winning New Kid by Jerry Craft, both published in conjunction with HarperCollins Children’s Books imprint Quill Tree, as well as Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas, a Coretta Scott King Honor book and a National Book Award longlister.
The imprint publishes approximately 50 books a year and intends to maintain that number across all its publishing areas, said Rich Thomas, senior VP and executive director of publishing at HarperCollins Children's Publishing, where HarperAlley is an imprint. “These new categories of focus will be part of the overall mix but, as always, we’re publishing books that we believe have strong potential no matter who the target audience is,” he said. “You can expect our upcoming lists to have more variety in terms of readership.”
As a result of the expansion, Andrew Arnold, who has led HarperAlley since joining HarperCollins in 2019, has been promoted to VP and publisher, and Rose Pleuler has been promoted to senior editor. In addition, Maddy Price has been promoted to designer, and Sophie Schmidt to assistant editor.
“With experience as a designer, editor, and cartoonist, Andrew is an invaluable asset to the team,” Thomas said, adding: “In addition to their editorial acumen, Rose’s collaborative spirit and positive attitude make them a delight to work with.”
The news follows the announcement, earlier this month, that Macmillan would launch a sister imprint to its own graphic novel imprint, First Second Books, called 23rd Street Books, with a focus on graphic novels for adults. The moves come despite a 7% dip in sales of comics and graphic novels last year following years of growth, first in children's and then in the manga space.
