Chelcee Johns

Chelcee Johns is a senior editor acquiring literary fiction, upmarket commercial fiction, and narrative nonfiction that explores social issues, women’s issues, identity, pop culture, and popular psychology/wellness. Chelcee loves books that teem with agency, intellect, and heart and is particularly eager to read contemporary fiction with stunning prose, fierce propulsion, and soul from exciting new voices. Her recent Ballantine titles include New York Times Editors Choice Neruda on the Park by Cleyvis Natera, Good Morning America Buzz pick The Scent of Burnt Flowers by Blitz Bazawule, and one of Amazon’s Best Books of 2022 Such Big Dreams by Reema Patel. Forthcoming is the long-awaited debut from activist Rachel Cargle, A Renaissance of Our Own: A Memoir & Manifesto on Reimagining, as well as On Thriving: Stories & Lessons on Harnessing Joy Through Life’s Great Labors by Brandi Sellerz-Jackson and Sisterhood Heals by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford.