About the Editor

Alyson (Aly) Heller is an Executive Editor with the Aladdin and Simon Pulse imprints, where she acquires and edits a range of titles, currently focusing on commercial middle grade and YA fiction. She has the honor of working with New York Times bestselling and critically acclaimed, award-winning authors across categories. In young middle-grade to upper middle grade, Aly is looking for books that explore complicated/toxic friendships, mysteries with a twist on setting or format, first romance, light/cozy fantasy, commercial historical fiction and action-adventure stories that will keep even the most reluctant readers turning the pages.
For YA, she is looking for thrillers/horror with endings that will surprise her and rom-coms that will make her laugh and swoon. (Bonus points if the voice has a little snark!) Above all, Aly is looking for stories that center underrepresented and diverse voices that bring a fresh perspective on classic tropes and focus on evergreen experiences and joy.