What's Happening?
Diane Roback, the Senior Vice President and children's book editor at Publishers Weekly (PW), will step down from her current role on March 2, 2026. She will transition to an editor-at-large position. Roback has been a pivotal figure in children's book coverage
since 1986, when she was appointed by then-editor-in-chief John Baker. Her tenure has been marked by significant contributions, including the creation of the first national children's bestseller list in 1988 and the establishment of a dedicated children's reviews department. Roback also launched the Children's Bookshelf newsletter in 2005, which has grown to 47,000 subscribers. Her efforts have been instrumental in elevating children's publishing to a major category within the industry.
Why It's Important?
Roback's departure from her current role marks a significant shift in the landscape of children's book publishing. Her work has been crucial in validating children's publishing as a legitimate and important sector within the broader publishing industry. By establishing platforms and systems for children's book reviews and news, she has provided a voice to those working in this field and helped to elevate its status. Her influence has been acknowledged by industry leaders, such as Barbara Marcus, who noted Roback's fair and impactful coverage. The transition in leadership at PW could lead to changes in how children's books are covered and perceived, potentially affecting publishers, authors, and readers alike.
What's Next?
As Roback steps into her new role, Emma Kantor will take over as PW's children's news editor, and Amanda Bruns will become the associate reviews director for children's books. This leadership change may bring new perspectives and strategies to PW's coverage of children's literature. The industry will be watching to see how these changes impact the publication's influence and the broader children's book market. Roback's continued involvement as editor-at-large suggests she will still play a role in shaping the future of children's book coverage, albeit in a different capacity.
