Hachette Book Group Launches New Imprint, Cardinal, Led by Reagan Arthur
New Imprint to Debut in Fall 2025 with Award-Winning Author Catherine Chidgey’s ‘The Book of Guilt’
Hachette Book Group and Grand Central Publishing have announced the launch of Cardinal, a new imprint spearheaded by SVP & Publisher Reagan Arthur. The imprint, which will publish a carefully curated selection of six titles per year, will focus on exceptional writing and compelling storytelling across both fiction and narrative nonfiction.
Cardinal’s debut release, The Book of Guilt by award-winning novelist Catherine Chidgey, is set to hit shelves on September 16, 2025. Following this highly anticipated launch, Cardinal’s lineup for 2026 and beyond includes a mix of literary fiction, thrillers, and narrative nonfiction:
- Winter 2026 – The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage
- Winter 2026 – The Golden Boy by Patricia Finn
- Summer 2026 – The Good Eye by Jess Gibson
- Summer 2026 – Skin Contact by Elisa Faison
- Summer 2026 – Get Lost by Justin Halpern
- Fall 2026 – The Rise by Ian Rankin
- Winter 2027 – Solo by Marya Hornbacher
- Winter 2027 – Record Lows by CJ Green
- Winter 2027 – Fortune by Alex Mar
A Vision Rooted in Storytelling Excellence
Cardinal’s mission is to deliver books that both entertain and enlighten, transcending genres and geographic boundaries. While its titles will vary in tone and subject matter, the common thread will always be masterful prose and immersive storytelling.
Arthur shared her inspiration for the imprint’s name, revealing, “During the pandemic, I became fond of cardinals—these birds symbolize good luck, hope, and renewal. And one meaning of the word ‘cardinal’ is ‘of great importance,’ which reflects how I feel about the books and writers we’ll publish.”
David Shelley, CEO of Hachette Book Group and Hachette UK, praised Arthur’s leadership and vision, saying, “Reagan is an exceptional talent-spotter and tastemaker, and I know that Cardinal books will entertain and enlighten millions of readers in the years to come.”
About Reagan Arthur & Her Publishing Legacy
Reagan Arthur rejoined Hachette Book Group in July 2024, having previously served as publisher of Little, Brown and Company. Throughout her career, she has worked with a distinguished roster of authors, including Kate Atkinson, Bono, Eleanor Catton, Rachel Cusk, Tina Fey, Joshua Ferris, Elin Hilderbrand, Nathan Hill, Attica Locke, Clémence Michallon, James Patterson, George Pelecanos, and Ian Rankin.
About Grand Central Publishing & Hachette Book Group
Cardinal joins Grand Central Publishing, which houses imprints such as Balance, Da Capo, Forever, and Legacy Lit. As part of Hachette Book Group, one of the largest general-interest publishers in the U.S., Cardinal will benefit from HBG’s vast distribution network, award-winning editorial teams, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
With an exciting launch lineup and a powerhouse editorial team, Cardinal is poised to become a literary force to be reckoned with, offering readers stories that inspire, challenge, and captivate.