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Hachette Book Group Launches New Adult Imprint Requited

In an innovative move to cater to an evolving readership, Hachette Book Group has announced the inception of Requited, its first new adult imprint, which aims to connect with young adults transitioning from their high school years. Launched under Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Requited will focus on publishing a range of 10 to 20 titles annually that embrace narratives reflecting the lives and experiences of those beyond traditional YA themes.

Leading the editorial team for Requited is Lisa Yoskowitz, who serves as Vice President and executive editorial director at LBYR. Yoskowitz’s team features experienced editors such as Alice Jerman, known for her work on Rebecca Yarros’s Onyx Storm, and Ruqayyah Daud, who will be responsible for acquiring titles specifically for the imprint as well as others within the LBYR catalog. Requited will unveil its first lineup in winter 2026, highlighted by Jordan Stephanie Gray’s romantic fantasy titled The Wicked Sea. Gray’s upcoming YA debut, Bitten, a werewolf fantasy edited by Daud, is set for release in September from LBYR. Future announcements related to additional titles are expected throughout the year.

During discussions about the new imprint, LBYR president and publisher Megan Tingley recognized the growing demand for content appealing to both young adult and adult audiences, citing popular works such as Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series—recently commemorated with special anniversary editions—and other successful titles that straddle the line between YA and adult literature. Tingley underscored the increasing recognition of this category and noted a longstanding hesitance among children’s publishing sectors to embrace new adult content.

Additionally, Tingley acknowledged that many YA authors might have projects that extend beyond the scope of traditional youth literature but face challenges when discussing these ideas with their literary agents or editors. “They want to maintain their connection with their editorial team,” Tingley explained, emphasizing the need for an established adult-focused environment. “This was part of our motivation to create a space dedicated to this emerging market, allowing authors to evolve alongside their readership.”

“Novels are meant to resonate with specific life stages,” Yoskowitz commented. She elaborated that the young adult genre has taken significant time to achieve its current level of recognition and respect, despite the longstanding history of young adult literature. Yoskowitz perceives the late teenage years and early twenties as a fresh coming-of-age phase that is pivotal and transformative—a time when individuals independently navigate the complexities of life. Requited aims to capture these distinctive experiences for readers who are transitioning out of high school, while still yearning for the intensity of drama and excitement that characterizes their favorite YA stories.

Romantic exploration is also central to the ethos of Requited, with Yoskowitz explaining that many beloved stories encapsulate feelings of longing and aspiration, whether directed toward relationships or personal ambitions. “A strong romantic element has been a signature of our most successful crossover titles in both YA and adult fiction,” she noted, promising that Requited will provide readers with immersive tales filled with dynamic love stories and intricate friendships.

The formation of Requited also resonates with LBYR’s internal talent pool, as Tingley pointed out that many young women within the team—spanning marketing, publicity, design, and editorial roles—are avid fans of the new adult genre. “We have a fantastic reservoir of knowledge and passion right here within our group as we establish this imprint,” Tingley stated.

In light of the anticipation surrounding the new adult genre, Yoskowitz remarked on the excitement behind the official launch of Requited, highlighting the growing momentum generated by new adult authors and readers. “This certainly appears to be the opportune moment to push forward with this initiative,” she concluded.

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