Katherine Harrison

About Katherine Harrison

I\'m a media professional with over 15 years of experience in children\'s book publishing and a lifelong passion for storytelling in all its forms. During my time at Knopf, my primary focus has been books for middle grade and young adult readers, and many of the projects I\'ve edited have gone on to become award-winners and bestsellers. These include Alexandra Bracken\'s #1 New York Times Bestseller SILVER IN THE BONE, Elizabeth Lim\'s bestselling SIX CRIMSON CRANES series, Liesl Shurtliff\'s (Fairly) True Tales, A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS by Matt Haig, Pura Belpré winner LOLA by Karla Arenas Valenti, OUR FRIEND HEDGEHOG by Caldecott honoree Lauren Castillo, THE BLUE HOUSE by Phoebe Wahl, HOW TO SOLVE A PROBLEM by climbing champ Ashima Shiraishi, and Pulitzer-winner Dave Eggers\'s THE LIFTERS. On the horizon, I\'m particularly looking forward to the publication of LIFE ON THE MOON by Matthew Swanson and Robbi Behr, THE EDUCATION OF KIA GREER by Alanna Bennett and WHEN WE WERE MONSTERS by Jennifer Niven.I\'m always on the lookout for fresh new voices and stories that challenge us to see the world in a different way. I relish the opportunity to work with authors who experiment with form or break the mold, not only because this excites me as a reader, but because it affords the opportunity to grow and adapt as an editor. A good story must have something to say, but the best stories will surprise you in the telling—and as an editor my role is to work within an author\'s vision to ensure that the telling serves the story as best it can.

Experience

1. Executive Editor

   Penguin Random House

   Nov 2022 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Acquire and edit 10-12 books per year, including picture books, middle grade and YA, fiction and nonfiction.• Shepherd projects from acquisition to publication. Negotiate contracts and permissions. Guide authors through large-scale revisions and line-edits. Solicit blurbs and assist in publicity efforts. Develop jacket, catalog and web copy as well as supplemental back matter and ideas for future books. Coordinate with all departments to ensure that each book keeps to schedule and gets the support it needs.• Present at launch, sales conference, librarian previews, writers\' conferences, and industry events, developing strong public speaking skills. Cultivate relationships with agents and authors.

Education

• New York University

  BA, International Relations, Spanish Language & Literature

  2004 — 2008

Skills

• Social Media
• Copywriting
• Journalism
• Editing
• Website Copy
• Proofreading
• Blogging
• Line Editing
• Spanish
• Speaking Engagements
• Public Speaking
• Advertising Copy
• Mix Tapes
• Conference Speaking
• Copy Editing
• Songwriting
• Publishing
• Fiction