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HarperCollins Launches New Imprint Storytide for Young Readers
This spring, middle grade and teen audiences can anticipate an exciting influx of new fiction as HarperCollins unveils its latest imprint, Storytide. With a projected catalog of over 30 new titles set to debut in 2025, alongside a selection of previously published works joining this brand, Storytide aims to amplify a diverse range of literary voices.
At the helm of this new venture is Tara Weikum, the VP and publisher whose expertise is instrumental in shaping Storytide’s mission. Weikum elaborated on the creative process behind the imprint: “During the development of Storytide, we dedicated considerable time to understanding the unique qualities of each HarperCollins imprint,” she shared with PW. “As the concept solidified, it became evident that Storytide’s editorial team and the books we plan to publish reflect a shared vision and sensibility.”
Emphasizing the Art of Storytelling
The name Storytide symbolizes the natural rhythms of engaging narratives. “The best stories ebb and flow, much like ocean tides—with their beginnings and endings, peaks and valleys—providing readers with a sense of renewal, optimism, and transformation,” Weikum noted. “While we will offer a wide spectrum of stories and viewpoints, the common belief in the significance of storytelling binds our selected titles.”
Rich Thomas, senior VP and executive director of publishing at HarperCollins Children’s Books, praised Weikum’s track record, stating, “With over 20 years of experience in delivering bestselling and critically acclaimed literature, Tara has a remarkable ability to curate a list that resonates with clarity and purpose.” Weikum’s dedicated team includes executive editors Amy Cloud and Kristin Rens, along with editor Sarah Homer and editorial assistants Christian Vega and Briana Wood.
Among the notable authors featured under the Storytide banner are Newbery Medal winner Katherine Applegate, known for The One and Only Ivan, and Katherine Marsh, whose work The Gods’ Revenge earned a National Book Award nomination. Applegate expressed her enthusiasm for Storytide’s launch, stating, “I’m incredibly excited to see Tara leading this new imprint. She’s an exceptional editor—brilliant and compassionate, with profound market insight.”
Storytide’s lineup for 2025 includes a variety of genres, such as romance novels It’s a Love/Skate Relationship by Carli J. Corson (January) and The Great Misfortune of Stella Sedgwick by S. Isabelle (July), as well as fantasy offerings like That Devil, Ambition by Isi Hendrix (June) and I Killed the King by Andrea Hannah and Rebecca Mix (September). Additionally, the imprint will introduce The Lemonade War Graphic Novel by Jacqueline Davies, illustrated by Karen De la Vega, set for release in April.
To celebrate the debut of Storytide, a number of authors including Davies, Drew Daywalt, Terri Libenson, and Lexi Ryan will embark on a promotional tour throughout the year. Notably, Tahereh Mafi will host a midnight launch event at Barnes & Noble Union Square on April 14 for her new title, Watch Me, which opens a new chapter ten years post the events of her acclaimed Shatter Me series.
Source
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