Macmillan Children’s Books announces editorial and rights appointments
Macmillan Children’s Books (MCB) has appointed Carla Hutchinson and Arub Ahmed to its Fiction & Non-Fiction editorial team, with Anne-Marie Hansen joining MCB’s rights team.
Carla Hutchinson joins as editorial director for First Ink, Macmillan Children's Books’ dedicated teen and YA imprint. Hutchinson has twelve years of experience across previous roles at Simon & Schuster, Bloomsbury, and Bonnier Books UK, where she worked on books by bestselling and acclaimed authors including Busayo Mataluko, Adam Silvera, Kalynn Bayron, and Sarah J. Maas.
Arub Ahmed has been appointed senior editor, joining from Simon & Schuster Children's Books, where she was instrumental in the Skandar brand team. She has acquired books by Radiya Hafiza, Zohra Nabi and Nazima Pathan, and has worked editorially with Annaliese Avery and Catherine Doyle. In her new role at MCB, she will be focused on developing market-responsive IP fiction and acquiring fiction across middle-grade and YA.
Additionally, Anne-Marie Hansen has joined MCB’s rights team as senior rights manager, steering MCB's fiction and non-fiction rights strategy. Hansen brings more than 30 years’ rights experience, having previously worked for leading children’s publishers including Scholastic and Oxford University Press.
The new hires will support Macmillan Children’s Books’ mission to reach readers by publishing high-quality commercial, inclusive books that encourage reading for pleasure. MCB’s fiction and non-fiction team is strategically focused on putting readers at the heart of its publishing, with a drive to anticipate evolving market trends. The approach has seen notable success, with MCB’s value sales outpacing overall children’s market growth.1
‘The whole team is passionate about working alongside talented authors and illustrators, be they debuts or established bestsellers, to excite readers and reach them where they are, with a commercial and inclusive ethos that shines through every book we publish.’
— Eishar Brar, Publisher for Fiction & Non-Fiction at MCB
Eishar Brar, Publisher for Fiction & Non-Fiction at MCB, commented:
"I’m looking forward to welcoming Carla and Arub to our extraordinary editorial team at an ambitious stage of Macmillan Children’s Books’ growth. The whole team is passionate about working alongside talented authors and illustrators, be they debuts or established bestsellers, to excite readers and reach them where they are, with a commercial and inclusive ethos that shines through every book we publish. I was impressed by Carla’s vision for First Ink, especially her focus on engaging teen and YA readers in a rapidly evolving market. I know Arub’s commercial instincts and commitment to author care will be a huge asset to our team and our wonderful authors. Exciting things to come!”
Carla Hutchinson, Editorial Director for First Ink, said:
“I’m delighted to be joining the MCB and First Ink editorial team at this exciting time in their development. At such a crucial moment for reading for pleasure, it feels right to be joining a company that puts readers at the heart of its publishing with commercial, inclusive books. I’m really looking forward to being part of Eishar’s team and helping to shape the future of the trailblazing teen and YA First Ink imprint!”
Arub Ahmed, Senior Editor, added:
“I am so excited to bring my experience and passion for children’s books to Macmillan Children’s Books. Their focus on inclusive books that centre readers feels especially important right now when we want to encourage children to fall in love with reading. I can't wait to join an incredibly talented team of editors and to publish fresh, fun and standout books for children!”
Michele Young, Rights Director, Macmillan Children's Books, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Anne-Marie to steer our fiction and non-fiction rights strategy. She brings a brilliant blend of significant industry experience and expertise, vibrant energy, and a deep-seated belief in the power of children's publishing that aligns perfectly with our vision for international growth.”
Anne-Marie Hansen, Senior Rights Manager, Macmillan Children's Books, commented:
“I am so looking forward to working closely with the talented Macmillan Children’s Books team and this fantastic list built to inspire and engage readers globally. MCB is a hotbed of creativity, innovation and heart, and it continues to be my privilege to contribute to building children’s authors, illustrators and brands abroad, sharing their talent with our international publishers and partners.”
Carla Hutchinson will start her new role on 21st September, while Arub Ahmed starts on 5th October. Both will report directly to Eishar Brar, Publisher for Fiction & Non-Fiction.
Anne-Marie Hansen, joins MCB on 4th September, reporting to Michele Young, Rights Director.
1Up 3.7% year-to-date, outpacing overall children's market growth of 2.5%.
