Children's Publisher Judy Wilson Dies

A 1961 graduate of Smith College, Wilson began her publishing career at Encyclopaedia Britannica and then moved to John Wiley & Sons, where she quickly climbed the ranks to become publisher of the professional group at a time when few women had reached the executive level. Wilson established Wiley Press and Wiley Professional Software, initiating Wiley's move into trade paperback and software publishing.

She became president and general manager of the Macmillan Children's Book Group in 1988. Under her leadership, the group more than doubled its revenue and was described by the Wall Street Journal as "the jewel of Macmillan's assets." Wilson was also president of Orchard Books from 1996 until her retirement in 2001.

During her career, Wilson worked with many distinguished editors, authors, and illustrators, including Margaret K. McElderry, Jean Karl, Nancy Farmer, and Chris Raschka.