Michael Green – Editor

Hi, I am the former President and Publisher of Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers / Penguin Random House. I personally edited 30 New York Times bestselling titles for young readers, including several that went all the way to #1. Along the way I helped transform Philomel from small boutique imprint to commercial and literary force. For middle-grade and YA readers, I accepted the challenge head-on to bring reluctant readers to books without sacrificing quality writing, launching multiple series that dominated shelf space in bookstores. When it came to picture books I focused on family-friendly stories, often with a humorous edge. I was fortunate to work with some of the finest writers and artists in the industry, among them Eric Carle, Oliver Jeffers, Loren Long, Maryann Cusimano Love, Drew Daywalt, Berkeley Breathed, John Flanagan, Anthony Horowitz, Mike Lupica, Brian Jacques, Nancy Springer, and Ruta Sepetys. Yet nothing was quite so satisfying as discovering a new writing voice and mentoring it. As the author testimonials on my website point out, I relished the role of star-maker.

TESTIMONIALS:

“Michael acquired, helped edit, and brought to market my very first novel in the RANGER'S APPRENTICE series, forever changing my life. He has an unerring way of spotting problems in a story and suggesting positive ways to resolve them. I enjoyed working with him immensely. In fact, it turned out so well that we did it again (and again).”--John Flanagan, internationally bestselling author of the RANGER'S APPRENTICE and BROTHERBAND series

"Michael picked me out from the slush pile. Barely in my 20s and having very little idea what I was doing, I blindly mailed my first picture book dummy to dozens of publishers. Michael acted immediately, tracking me down in Belfast. He was the first to give me a ‘break,’ offering sage and unselfish advice right from our first meeting and continuing over the course of the next fifteen years. He supported my intent and style while never pressuring me to be anything other than myself. All these years later he remains an invaluable friend and advisor.”--Oliver Jeffers, illustrator of the #1 international bestseller THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT and author/illustrator of HERE WE ARE and STUCK

“Amidst many rejections and a complex marketplace, Michael saw something in my writing that others did not. He took a chance on me, investing his time and talent to create novels with the type of impact I could only dream of. From idea genesis to specific editorial guidance to eventual publication in over sixty countries, Michael oversaw the whole process. He invested his time and talent not only to build a novel, but also to build a career. I am forever grateful.”--Ruta Sepetys, Carnegie Award-winning, internationally bestselling author of the historical fiction novels BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY and SALT TO THE SEA

“I worked with Michael for fifteen years and I’ve yet to meet a more intuitive, informed, and enthusiastic editor. I owe him a lot.”--Anthony Horowitz, author of #1 international bestselling ALEX RIDER novels