New Books Network Mallory Loehr on a Life in Children's Books
Sep 15, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Mallory Loehr, President of Random House Children's Books and author of numerous children’s tales, shares her decades of experience in the publishing world. She reflects on the joy and challenges of crafting stories for young readers. Mallory discusses the importance of names in shaping identity and dives into the journey of adapting classics like Alice in Wonderland for children. The conversation also highlights how literature can influence society and the vital collaboration between authors and editors in creating beloved stories.
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Balancing Corporate And Editorial Vision
- Mallory emphasizes that leading Random House Children's requires balancing editorial passion with corporate strategy.
- She values being in rooms with diverse decision-makers while staying grounded in readers' needs.
Measure Success By Readers, Not Just Sales
- Define success by making readers rather than only by profit or metrics.
- Prioritize library and school distribution because they multiply readership beyond direct sales.
Libraries As Home During Frequent Moves
- Mallory grew up moving internationally with a Foreign Service father and leaned on libraries for stability.
- Books became her friends when frequent moves meant few personal possessions.
