Canada’s McClelland & Stewart announced job cuts and changes in responsibilities, with president Doug Pepper writing that “our publishing program needs to be even more focused” so that the company is “prepared to meet the challenges of the future.”
Executive editor Dinah Forbes, who led their mystery/crime program, is leaving after more than 20 years with the company, and an editorial assistant and office manager were also laid off. Pepper writes, “In our more than 100 years as publishers, M&S often has had to adjust to the changes in the industry and the market by staying ahead of them. This is one of those times.”
Publisher Ellen Seligman becomes executive vice president, adding “a central role in helping me run the company and in creating our publishing strategy with a consolidated editorial team.” Executive editor Lara Hinchberger will acquire and edit nonfiction as well and senior editor Anita Chong takes on responsibility for overseeing their Emblem trade paperbacks.
Mary Ellen O’Neill is leaving HarperCollins as of June 17. She can be reached at meoneill100@gmail.com.
Kate Rados is joining F+W Media as head of consumer and trade marketing. She has been director of digital initiatives at Chelsea Green since early this year.
Interweave has hired Allison Korleski for the new role of acquisitions editor in their book division, starting June 21, responsible for overseeing all book acquisitions at Interweave. Most recently, she was a trade book buyer at Barnes and Noble for the last 12 years.
The Perseus Books Group announced additional responsibilities in their Constellation digital distribution and services offering. As vp, digital operations, Melissa Serdinsky “will have more authority over all of the complexities and execution challenges surrounding the company’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure. Director, digital partner development Bill Smith will work to expand and diversify the portfolio of vendors and services available to their distribution clients.
Serdinsky is also part of a Constellation Leadership team comprising six company executives, also including Joe Mangan, Rick Joyce, Carolyn Savarese, Clare Peeters, and Greg Orr.