Bloomsbury USA has announced the launch of a new science fiction and fantasy imprint, Bloomsbury Archer, which the publisher says will "publish across the constellation of speculative fiction," including romantasy, horror, mythological retellings, and more.
The new imprint will be led by publishing director Noa Wheeler and VP of marketing and publicity Erica Barmash, with another editorial position to be filled in short order. Wheeler and Barmash have worked closely together as the editorial and marketing leads, respectively, of Bloomsbury's Sarah J. Maas group, and will continue to do so as they take the helm of Bloomsbury Archer. Barmash will also continue to head up marketing and publicity for Bloomsbury's children's division.
Wheeler is currently acquiring for the inaugural Bloomsbury Archer list, which will launch in the U.S. in 2026. The imprint plans to publish roughly 12 books per year, and Bloomsbury authors Samantha Shannon and Alan Moore will move over to the imprint upon its launch. Bloomsbury Archer's U.K. arm, which debuts this fall, will be led by publishing director Vicky Leech Mateos.
Wheeler, who joined Bloomsbury USA in 2020, began her career at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, where she spent 10 years acquiring and editing books by such authors as Leigh Bardugo and Kekla Magoon. Barmash joined Bloomsbury USA in 2012 after stints at HarperCollins and Abrams.
Sales of Sarah J. Maas's fantasy and romantasy novels, which include the blockbuster A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City series, helped the U.K.–based Bloomsbury Publishing net record profits last year. The company saw its profits soar 57% in the fiscal year ended February 29, 2024, thanks in large part to Maas, who Bloomsbury chief executive Nigel Newton called "a publishing phenomenon." Maas's most recent book, House of Flame and Shadow was published in January 2024; Bloomsbury has not yet announced any forthcoming titles by Maas.
"As an established powerhouse publisher in the fantasy space, we are thrilled to launch this new imprint dedicated to the genre," said Bloomsbury USA president Sabrina McCarthy. "More and more readers have come to fantasy in recent years, and we look forward to bringing them a whole new slate of books to fall in love with."
