Editor Panel: Publishing Options in 2019 - Ken Wright

Ken Wright

Ken Wright is the president and publisher of Viking Books for Young Readers and Philomel Books, two imprints in the Penguin Young Readers Group, a division of Penguin Random House. Authors and illustrators Ken has worked with include Max Brallier, David Arnold, Ruta Sepetys, John Flanagan, Gianna Marino, Oliver Jeffers, Chelsea Clinton, Gayle Forman, Julie Berry, Mac Barnett, Greg Pizzoli, Elizabeth Partridge, Frank Cammuso, Deborah Freedman, and many others.

What's the right way to publish? Well, there's a greater number of options than ever before. Ken Wright is with one of the true big five trade publishers, a term that's evolved over time, but essentially encompasses the broadest range of markets, retailers, and formats that books exist for and in. In a nutshell, their goal is to make the best books they can, then go out to market with them.

Ken doesn't think anyone would say they're published by Random Penguin House, because authors don't identify as being part of a big conglomerate. There;s no acquisitions meeting at Viking and Philomel - he consults with editors, marketing, sales, and finance have their say, they do P&L statements, but in the end Ken is the one who makes the final call. He'll accept submissions from all conference attendees through the end of August; complete manuscripts only, please.