Jennifer Besser, formerly of Disney, will become v-p and publisher of Putnam Books for Young Readers.
Mar 16, 2010
Penguin
Young Readers Group has announced that, effective April 12, Jennifer Besser
will join the publisher as v-p and publisher of G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for
Young Readers, a position previously held by Nancy Paulsen, who is launching an eponymous imprint with Penguin.
Besser
was previously executive editor at Disney Book Group, where she edited Rick
Riordan's bestselling Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, as well as books
by Melissa de la Cruz and Ally Carter. In announcing Besser's hiring, Don
Weisberg, president of Penguin Young Readers Group, praised her as "respected in
the industry for her strong editorial vision and keen understanding of what
attracts today's young readers. She has the rare ability to find books that
balance literary merit and commercial appeal."
In a statement, Stephanie Lurie, editorial director of Disney-Hyperion Books, said, "We thank Jennifer Besser for the many years she has contributed her talent to the Disney-Hyperion team. We are happy for her as she takes on her new role, as we have watched her develop her skills over the past few years here at Disney Book Group."
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