McSweeney’s Launches Food & Children’s Books Imprints

By Maryann Yin on Galley Cat, February 15, 2011

McSweeney’s will launch two new imprints focused on food writing and children’s books.

According to The Bay Citizen, McSweeney’s McMullens will start with 10 children’s books this year–with four titles planned for release in May. Editor and art director Brian McMullen (the imprint’s namesake) will oversee editing, art direction, and production. McMullen explained that the books will bear this logo: “The McSweeney’s McMullens will find and publish great books — new and old — for individuals and families of all kinds.”

The food imprint, which has not yet been named, will deliver two to four titles this year. Co-publisher Chris Ying told Publisher’s Weekly: “We’re trying to make something that appeals not only to foodies, but to readers who appreciate good writing and art in general.” Ying said readers loved the food section in McSweeney’s one-issue newspaper, San Fransisco Panorama.

At the imprint, New York City chef David Chang will help produce a quarterly journal, Lucky Peach. The imprint has also acquired a book from Mission Street Food (recently renamed Mission Chinese Food) chefs Anthony Myint and Karen Leibowitz. Their cookbook, Mission Street Food: Recipes and Ideas from an Improbable Restaurant, is slated for a June release.