Abrams Artists Agency, which has traditionally focused on talent representation, has hired former Collins president Steve Ross. Starting next week, he will serve as director of a newly-created book division, building a traditional book literary agency business, and will also create and run Abrams Authors Services, building on some of his freelance work since leaving HarperCollins.
Ross says in the announcement: “While some authors and their work remain best suited for an established publishing company, others may benefit from a more personal, hands-on approach with a different financial structure, an approach only now possible thanks to the rapid proliferation of accessible options in such areas as self-publishing, digitization, and distribution. We see these as two distinct businesses, separate but inextricably intertwined, with the collective goal of maximizing the potential for each individual author.”
In other announcements, after almost six years as Berrett-Koehler’s editorial director, Johanna Vondeling is moving to Perth, Australia. She will continue to work for the company in the role of vp, business development.
David Marshall has been promoted to director, editorial and digital, and Neal Maillet joins the company as executive editor. He has been publisher of Timber Press.