Introducing Alternator Books, a New High-Interest Nonfiction Brand for Grades 3-6

Alternator Books high interest nonfiction logo

By Lerner Publications Editorial Director Ashley Kuehl

Have you seen our new upper elementary brand? It’s called Alternator Books, we just launched it this month, and it is super cool. Fascinating information merges with cool design and gripping imagery to create excellent high-interest nonfiction books that will fly off the shelves. Well, fly into young readers’ hands and backpacks, in case you thought I meant that the books literally had flight capabilities. They don’t. But they are still awesome. Read More

So You Want to Be an Editor? A New Editor’s Tips and Tricks for Breaking into the Publishing Industry

Hi there! Allow me to introduce myself (because let’s be honest, you’ve never heard of me). My name is Kayla Hechsel and I am the newest editor to join the Lerner Publishing Group editorial team.

I’m not new to Lerner or the publishing industry though. I was working as our Editorial Assistant for a year and half before being promoted to Assistant Editor. Working as an editor—primarily on picture books—has been, quite literally, a dream come true.

But it’s no secret that the publishing industry is notoriously difficult to break into.

For any hopeful editors out there, here are my tips and tricks for getting yourself into the publishing industry and working your way up to your dream job. Read More

Meet a Lerner: Cully Beisell

Harry Lerner and Cully Beisell

Read an interview with Cully Beisell (pictured above with Harry Lerner), who recently celebrated her 45th anniversary at Lerner! 

How did you get your first job at the company? In which departments have you worked?

Lerner was looking for their very first receptionist and the editorial director contacted a friend of his who taught business classes at my high school. Mr. Lawrence asked me if I would be interested and my answer, of course, was “Yes!” I interviewed with Harry Lerner and a couple of other people and they took me on. So, I graduated from high school on a Friday and started working on the following Monday. I worked as a receptionist and Harry’s secretary for a few years before Lloyd Schatschneider, our controller, asked if I might like to move to the business office. I was ready for a new challenge, so again I said “Yes!” When the company became more structured, I switched to customer service and now I work in accounting.

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