Puffin’s Jones joins Macmillan Children’s Books as editorial director

Emma Jones is leaving her role as senior commissioning editor at Puffin to join Macmillan Children’s Books as editorial director for fiction and YA.

Commencing on 3rd May, Jones’ brief will be to focus on commissioning the best new voices in middle grade and YA. 

During her seven years at Puffin she has published authors including Femi Fadugba (The Upper World) and Kat Ellis (Harrow Lake), led on the extensive Extraordinary Lives series from conception to publication, and worked on Adam Kay’s publishing. She has also been a mentor for Penguin Random House’s WriteNow programme. 

Samantha Smith, publisher of fiction, non-fiction and picture books at Macmillan Children’s Books, said: “I am so pleased that Emma is joining us. She made a great impression on us from the very start with her passion and positivity. She is well-respected by agents and her publishing track record speaks for itself. I know that she will be a brilliant addition to my senior team.”   

Belinda Ioni Rasmussen, m.d., added that Jones was a strong appointment for Macmillan Children’s Books at a key time when ambitions are high for the publisher’s next stage of fiction growth. 

“Given her successful track record and excellent reputation, I am confident she’ll bring a fresh perspective to the list and exciting new acquisitions,” she said. “I look very much forward to welcoming her to the MCB family.”  

Jones said: “I have long admired the children’s list at Macmillan and the team’s bold and innovative approach to their publishing and I couldn’t be more thrilled to come on board and help shape the future of the list. I have absolutely loved my seven years at Puffin where I have been lucky enough to work with some amazing authors but it was impossible to resist the opportunity to join Sam’s team at this incredibly exciting time for Macmillan.”