Diane Roback to Transition to Editor-at-Large Role at Publishers Weekly
Diane Roback will step down from her position as senior vice president and children’s book editor at Publishers Weekly on March 2, 2026. She will remain with the publication in a new capacity as editor-at-large. Roback has led PW’s children’s book coverage since 1986, when she was appointed by then editor-in-chief John Baker, succeeding Jean F. Mercier after working closely with her on children’s features.
Industry Leaders Praise Roback’s Lasting Impact
“Diane is truly a legend,” said Jonathan Segura, editorial director at Publishers Weekly. “Her influence on PW and the publishing industry cannot be overstated. We’re fortunate she’ll continue contributing as editor-at-large, and she has also built an exceptional editorial team.”
Four Decades of Transforming Children’s Book Coverage
Over her 40-year career at PW, Roback reshaped how children’s publishing was reported and reviewed. In 1988, she launched the first national children’s bestseller list. She later established a dedicated children’s reviews department, modeled on the magazine’s adult book review system and supported by freelance reviewers nationwide.
Recognizing the need for digital coverage, Roback introduced the Children’s Bookshelf newsletter in 2005. The publication expanded to twice-weekly issues in 2012 and now reaches more than 47,000 subscribers.
Elevating Children’s Publishing as a Major Industry Sector
As children’s publishing evolved from a secondary focus into a powerhouse category, PW’s coverage grew alongside it. Roback’s reporting played a key role in legitimizing the sector within the broader publishing industry.
“Diane helped establish children’s publishing as a serious business,” said Barbara Marcus, former president and publisher of Random House Children’s Books. “She was a friend to children’s publishers all over the world and respected by them as she was always fair, reasonable.”
Editorial Leadership Changes at Publishers Weekly
Beginning in March, Roback will work at PW two days a week. Following her transition, senior editor Emma Kantor will take on the role of children’s news editor. It oversees children’s book news and features across print and digital platforms. Amanda Bruns will step into the position of associate reviews director for children’s books. It will continue managing daily review operations.
Kantor will report to news director Kerensa Cadenas, while Bruns will report to reviews director David Adams.
Roback Reflects on a Historic Career
“Publishers Weekly has a deep legacy in children’s books, dating back to Frederic Melcher’s role in launching the Newbery and Caldecott Medals and cofounding Children’s Book Week,” Roback said. “It has been an honor to contribute to that tradition and to witness the remarkable growth of children’s publishing over the past four decades.”
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