Little, Brown Books for Young Readers has implemented a number of strategic changes to its editorial operations, including the launch of a new boutique imprint and the establishment of two distinct editorial groups.
Alvina Ling, most recently VP and editor-in-chief for the division, has been named VP and publisher of an as-yet-unnamed imprint. Ling, a recipient of the Medal for Editorial Excellence from the Center for Fiction, has been with LBYR for 25 years and in her current role since 2014. Ling has overseen the publication of numerous award-winning titles as well as many commercial hits, including The Wild Robot by Peter Brown, which was made into an Oscar-nominated film and has sold over seven million copies worldwide, per the publisher.
According to the LBYR announcement, additional information about the new imprint, including its name, logo, and launch list, will be announced next year. LBYR president and publisher Megan Tingley said the creation of the new imprint will “no doubt” continue Ling’s "stellar" career.
With Ling’s new role, the LBYR editorial team will now be divided into two editorial groups, one focused on Young Reader (0–12) and the other on Older Readers and Upper Nonfiction (12+).
To fill the Young Reader position, LBYR has hired Erin Berger, a children’s publishing veteran who has most recently been at Scholastic where she served as SVP of trade marketing and publicity for six years. She will join LBYR on November 10 in the newly created role of VP and publishing director, overseeing picture books, middle grade, and graphic publishing.
Lisa Yoskowitz, formerly VP and executive editorial director at LBYR, has been promoted to VP and publishing director, overseeing LBYR’s titles for older readers, including the young adult, new adult, and upper nonfiction categories. Yoskowitz joined LBYR in 2014 following positions at Dutton and Disney-Hyperion and is the founder of Requited, LBYR’s recently launched new adult imprint.
In her new role, LBYR said Yoskowitz will bring her editorial vision and expertise to oversee LBYR and Requited’s portfolio of books for ages 12+ while expanding their presence in the e-book and audiobook market. She will also continue to acquire and edit select titles for both lists.
All three executives will report to Tingley.
A previous version of this article said Alvina Ling has served as editor-in-chief for 25 years. She has been with LBYR for 25 years, and has held the EIC role since 2014.
