Amy McWalters becomes senior commissioning editor at Penguin Life  

Penguin Life has promoted Amy McWalters to senior commissioning editor.  

Previously commissioning editor for Penguin Life, McWalters has been “rewarded for her commitment in seeking out new voices in the wellbeing and lifestyle sphere, publishing them with incredible commercial flair and contributing to the ongoing success of many of the imprints repeat brand authors”, Penguin Life said. She now reports into editorial director Emily Robertson.

“Amy is a skilled and strategic publisher, shown most notable in the huge success of Ellie Middleton’s Unmasked that was published last October – the book and author to break out from the slew of publishing on the topic of neurodivergence”, Penguin Life said. “Other recent publications include TV star Reverend Kate Bottley’s Have a Little Faith, Meik Wiking’s The Hygge Home and an ambitious partnership with luxury wellness brand NEOM.”

She has acquired authors including therapist and host of the "Best Friend Therapy Podcast", Emma Reed Turrell, ultra-athlete and world-record holder, Josh Patterson; Brown Girl Therapy founder, Sahaj Kaur Kohli as well as personal trainer and body positivity advocate Alice Living; and sexual wellness experts Billie Quinlan and Dr Anna Hushlak. 

“Amy’s attention to detail and eye for design mean that, along with Emily, she is the team’s illustrated books expert, working tenaciously on complex, multi-stakeholder projects including books by Dr Rangan Chatterjee, the Happy Pear and Dr Megan Rossi”, Penguin Life added. 

McWalters said: “I have loved building my list of talented authors at Penguin Life over the last couple of years. I’m excited to publish their brilliant books this year and expand my list even further with a particular focus on cookery, nutrition and relationships. I am hugely grateful for the brilliant Penguin Life team and wider Penguin General family who are a constant source of support and inspiration.” 

Robertson said: “Amy’s enthusiasm for her books and commitment to making them a huge success is impossible to miss. She’s hard-working, creative and always on the look out for the next big thing. There isn’t a trend or topic that comes by that Amy isn’t on to first. The care and attention she gives to her authors is second-to-none and both the team at Penguin Life and her authors adore working alongside her. Amy is a true expert in illustrated books, especially cookery, and I can’t wait to see how her list grows and develops in her new role.” 

In addition to this promotion, Pippa Wright will be joining the Penguin General Division as publishing director for Penguin Life and Penguin Business on Friday (8th March), as reported last November.