Richard Marek reports to us that longtime book editor Joyce Engelson died on Christmas of pneumonia. In her long career she was editor-in-chief at Abelard Schuman, executive editor of The Dial Press, editor-in-chief of Richard Marek Publishers at St. Martin’s and Putnam, editor-in-chief of Dutton, and editor at large for Crown. Among the hundreds of authors she edited were Richard Condon, Samuel Shem, Norman Cousins, Heywood Hale Broun, Irving Howe, Gael Green and Ishmael Reed.
Marek writes: “Known for her fierce honesty with authors – young editors at Richard Marek Publishers used to stand by her office door when she spoke to her writers just to see how a true professional plied her craft – and with her colleagues, she inspired love, loyalty, and awe at her achievements.
“Witty, intelligent and helpful, she was unique as an editor, a mentor and as a friend. If you were Joyce’s friend, you had no greater champion in your corner. If you were her enemy, watch out! She is survived by her husband and by her two children, Brom and Mandy, and a grandson, Julian Keifetz.”
Also, there will be a memorial service for Paul Nathan, longtime PW Rights columnist, at the Griffis Faculty Club at Weill Cornell Medical College on Monday, January 4, from 5 to 7 pm. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to: AmyNbooks@gmail.com
Separately, PW has details on a memorial service in Madison, WI on January 16 for the late Farrar, Straus/Holt sales rep Mark Gates.
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