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Hachette Children’s Group has promoted Katie Sassienie to the role of senior commissioning editor for picture books, from her role as commissioning editor.
In her new role, Sassienie will be responsible for acquiring and developing a “focused and commercial” list of authors and illustrators.
Sassienie has previously developed the Little Bugs, Big Feelings series with Hollie Hughes and Nila Aye; has grown the Magic Pet Shop series; commissioned bestselling middle grade author, Sam Copeland, for the picture book audience (The Bear Behind, illustrated by Pippa Curnick); acquired Erika Meza’s “powerful and timely” story To The Other Side and has been the editor for Benjamin Zephaniah’s poetry picture books, illustrated by Nila Aye (Nature Trail and People Need People).
Prior to working at Hachette Children’s Group, Sassienie was editorial assistant at Headline, where she worked on the Fortnite licence as well as commercial fiction. In 2022 she received The Printing Charity’s Rising Star Award and recently became co-chair of Hachette’s Jewish Employee Network.
Emma Blackburn, group picture book and preschool publisher commented: “Katie is an exceptionally talented picture book editor. With energy, creativity and an abundance of ideas, alongside a strong commercial awareness for both UK and international trends, she has commissioned some of the most exciting new talents on the HCG picture book list. I know that she will thrive in her new role and I can’t wait to see her, and her list of authors and illustrators, continue to achieve great things.”
Sassienie said: “I’ve loved being part of the picture book team at HCG over the past three years, working with and learning from such creative, talented and supportive colleagues. I’m delighted to be stepping up and continuing to develop our fantastic list, collaborating with brilliant picture book creators and ensuring new voices are heard so every child’s experience can be reflected.”