Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers established in 1961, has been closed, resulting in layoffs and moves within PYR.
A representative at Penguin Young Readers confirmed the closure, but declined to offer further comment or details regarding the names and number of staffers affected. According to industry sources, several individuals are being let go from PYR, and three Dial editors are being moved over to G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, where the Dial books will be absorbed.
Reports are that Kate Harrison, editorial director of picture books and graphic novels at Dial, and two other editors from the imprint are moving to Putnam, while associate publisher and editorial director Nancy Mercado is among those who have been laid off. In addition, a few other staffers have reportedly been let go from outside of Dial: two at Viking Books for Young Readers, one at Kokila.
Dial Books for Young Readers was a hardcover division publishing roughly 65 children’s titles a year across age ranges. Prominent creators that were published by Dial include Newbery Honor author Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Leo and Diane Dillon, James Marshall, Printz Medalist Jandy Nelson, Richard Peck, Jerry Pinkney, B.J. Novak, and Mildred D. Taylor.
