Anne Schwartz and Lee Wade now have in hand copies of the four picture books launching their new imprint at Random House Children's Books. V-ps and co-directors of Schwartz & Wade Books, the two worked together for years at Simon & Schuster's Children's Publishing, where Wade directed the design department and Anne was editorial director of Anne Schwartz Books. Schwartz moved to RHCB a year ago, and Wade followed two months later, to form their imprint, which focuses primarily on picture books but will also publish middle-grade fiction, nonfiction and an occasional YA title. Associate editor Annie Kelley and designer Rachael Cole round out the imprint's staff.
The line's debut list contains four picture books: Duck & Gooseby Tad Hills; HowHigh Can a Dinosaur Count? And OtherMath Mysteriesby Valorie Fisher; Sky Boys:HowThey Built the Empire State Buildingby Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by James E. Ransome; and The Boy Who Loved Wordsby Roni Schotter, illustrated by Giselle Potter.
The idea of joining forces had been brewing for some time, Wade reported. "For years, Anne and I talked about the possibility of creating an imprint together. Over the past 12 years, we collaborated on many projects, and knew we enjoyed working together. So when the time came to contemplate changing companies, we decided that the time was right for Schwartz & Wade Books." Schwartz underscored what a truly joint effort the venture is: "We feel that the best picture books grow out of a kind of seamless process of back-and-forth, give-and-take between the designer and the editor. I love being involved in the design and illustration elements of a book, and Lee has plenty to contribute to the text."
Referring to what is perceived as a currently soft picture-book market, Gibson noted, "We want to be strongly positioned when the picture book market comes bounding back, as it will. In fact—though God knows I don't want to jinx anything—some sales folks say that there are signs that the long awaited rebound may be beginning. If so, this is doubtless due in part to the first books of Schwartz & Wade hitting the market."
Corey to Head Own Imprint
Another former S&S staffer landed at Random's children's division this week: Robin Corey will join Random as v-p and publishing director of Robin Corey Books, as of February 27, reporting to Gibson.
Until last March, Corey was executive v-p and publisher of novelty books, media tie-ins, and teen publishing at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. Her imprint will focus on novelty formats, especially pop-ups. Corey was at S&S for 11 years.
