Chronicle Books publisher Christine Carswell to retire in April

Chronicle Books has announced that its long-time publisher, Christine Carswell, will retire in April 2023. Carswell first joined Chronicle Books in 1994 as the executive editor of the adult trade division, ultimately becoming publisher of Chronicle Books in 2007. 

Starting her career at Chatto & Windus in the UK, Carswell left the company as its deputy managing director and publisher of The Hogarth Press, to settle in the US. During her tenure at Chronicle Books, she has worked on the creation of bestsellers such as The Beatles Anthology, Dolly Parton: Songteller, Snoop Dogg’s From Crook to Cook, and titles with Bobbi Brown and Nick Bantock.

Carswell worked on Chronicle’s adult trade programme, but also its children’s list, gift programme, the Ridley’s Games, Games Room, and Petit Collage ranges of toys and games. 

Chronicle Books president Tyrrell Mahoney said: “Christine Carswell’s talent for originating publishing that is uniquely Chronicle in its look and feel has been the not-so-secret sauce of the house’s success under her direction. In addition to her myriad achievements as publisher, Christine has been a steadfast mentor and inspiring leader. 

“She has nurtured the talents of countless authors, artists, and, most importantly, hundreds of past and present ‘Chroniclers’. Though this news is bittersweet, Christine’s influence and expansive legacy will endure for years to come, in the way we work together, collectively strive for distinctiveness and celebrate as colleagues.”

Carswell said: “Little could I have imagined way back as a student in Scotland determined to get her start in publishing, that one day I’d be here in California with the best job in the business! It has been the gift of a lifetime to collaborate with partners near and far, especially my beloved and super-talented Chroniclers, on a purpose we all hold so dear: to spark explorations, connections, and new ways of seeing—and to bring smiles of discovery, enrichment, and enjoyment. 

“Now, what new adventures await me? And what will my wonderful, always innovative colleagues at Chronicle Books think of next?”