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Macmillan Children’s Books is creating two new publishing divisions—Macmillan Under 6s and Macmillan Over 6s—to focus on brands and customer needs.
Stephanie Barton [left] will take on the role of publisher of the Under 6s, which will look after books for babies up to emerging readers. Authors and illustrators that come under this umbrella include Julia Donaldson, Axel Scheffler and Lydia Monks.
The Over 6s, headed by publisher Venetia Gosling [right], will focus on books for children ranging from early readers up to and including young adults.
“We recognised that there are two different businesses so now they will be able to operate in a more efficient way,” Macmillan Children’s Books publisher Belinda Rasmussen told The Bookseller. “We really want to get a strategic lead by being as market, customer and consumer-focused as possible.”
Macmillan Children’s Books will target brands more than ever before, she said. “The leadership [of Barton and Gosling] will enable us to unlock the potential of our existing brands,” she added. “We’re proud of what we’ve done this year but we can do even more next year.”
The new divisions will also be open to new digital developments, Rasmussen added.
Both Gosling and Barton will report to Rasmussen. Gosling will also work with Pan Macmillan publisher Jeremy Trevathan on crossover titles.
In other appointment news, Gaby Morgan will be editorial director and Rachel Petty senior commissioning editor in the Over 6s. In Macmillan Under 6s, Suzanne Carnell has been appointed publishing director, picture books and pre-school, while Jackie McCann is taking on the role of editorial director, Campbell and Nursery.