Penguin Random House Canada Merges Two Imprints to Create Penguin Teen

Penguin Random House Canada announced yesterday the launch of its newest young adult imprint, Penguin Teen. The imprint combines YA titles previously published under the imprints Doubleday Canada Books for Young Readers and Razorbill Canada.

Tara Walker, publisher of Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers and VP of Penguin Random House Canada, explained the thinking behind the launch in a press release. “In 2015, the Canadian children’s imprints came together under one group as part of the larger Penguin Random House merger," said Walker. "Since then, we’ve been reviewing our lists and looking for opportunities to build on our strengths. Given the impressive legacy of our young adult programs, we felt we could best serve our authors and their readers with one focused imprint for our YA titles."

It's expected that PRH Canada will release the first  Penguin Teen titles in the summer of 2017.

Read the complete press release below.

Toronto, Canada; October 12, 2016 -- Penguin Random House Canada is pleased to announce the creation of a new imprint for young adult (YA) titles, Penguin Teen. Penguin Teen will bring together the rich library of YA titles published by the company, formerly under the Doubleday Canada Books for Young Readers and Razorbill Canada imprints, into one combined list.

Tara Walker, Publisher, Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers, and Vice President, Penguin Random House Canada, says, “In 2015, the Canadian children’s imprints came together under one group as part of the larger Penguin Random House merger. Since then, we’ve been reviewing our lists and looking for opportunities to build on our strengths. Given the impressive legacy of our young adult programs, we felt we could best serve our authors and their readers with one focused imprint for our YA titles. Penguin’s brand is widely recognized around the world, by teens and adult readers alike.”

Lynne Missen, Publishing Director, will oversee the day-to-day activities of Penguin Teen. “Bringing together all of our outstanding teen titles in one list is tremendously exciting,” she says, “and a wonderful opportunity to showcase our powerhouse YA publishing program.”

The first Penguin Teen list will be published in Summer 2017, with works by award-winning and acclaimed authors Susan Juby, Elizabeth Wein, Catherine Egan, and Emily Barr, as well as debut author Melanie Fishbane.

Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers consists of three imprints — Tundra Books, Puffin Canada, and now Penguin Teen. The editorial team, Senior Managing Editor Elizabeth Kribs, Editor Samantha Swenson, Associate Editor Jessica Burgess, and Editorial Assistant Peter Phillips, in addition to Walker and Missen, works across all imprints. Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers is also supported by a dedicated sales and marketing group. Walker adds, “We are a close-knit team, united in our commitment to publishing the very best of children’s literature.”

Penguin Random House Canada President and Publisher Kristin Cochrane says, “In the past year, since Tara’s appointment to the role of Publisher, I have seen the amazing energy, focus, and creativity of the team under her leadership. Our children’s group offers authors and illustrators the personalized attention and care of a boutique publisher, bolstered by the support of a big house. And of course underlying all of this is an incredible passion for kids’ books.”

Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers is home to three imprints: Tundra Books, Puffin Canada, and Penguin Teen. In addition to our successful Canadian and U.S. publishing programs, we are recognized internationally for our beautiful, award-winning books. Our list boasts a stellar roster of bestselling Canadian and international authors and illustrators, including Kelley Armstrong, Isabelle Arsenault, Jonathan Auxier, Linda Bailey, Cary Fagan, the Fan Brothers, Chris Hadfield, Rachel Hartman, Marthe Jocelyn, Susan Juby, Sophie Kinsella, Kyo Maclear, Julie Morstad, Susin Nielsen, Shane Peacock, Caroline Pignat, Lemony Snicket, Ashley Spires, Teresa Toten, Frank Viva, Nicola Yoon, Moira Young, Eric Walters, and Mélanie Watt.