After more than 40 years in publishing, and more than 10 years with Doubleday, editor-at-large Phyllis Grann will retire from the company on June 9. “Phyllis is among the towering figures who have shaped book publishing,” said Knopf chairman Sonny Mehta in a statement. “We know her as a brilliant editor and savvy businesswoman, but more important, in my view, is the role she has played as a confidant and mentor to many in our industry. I certainly have learned a great deal from her.”
Grann says, “as much as I have enjoyed the work, I now feel it is time to step back.” But she “will be available as a consultant and freelance editor, continuing to work with her authors under contract.”
Starting today Carrie Hannigan, Jesseca Salky and Josh Getzler will launch the Hannigan Salky Getzler Agency (HSG), representing a range of authors across literary genres, including fiction and non-fiction, in children’s and adult titles. The three arrive from Russell & Volkening, Inc.; their last day at the agency was Friday, May 20.
Russell & Volkening has named William Critzman as “acting president” of the agency, effective immediately. Most recently he directed external relations for The Watermill Center, Robert Wilson’s laboratory for performance.
Updating Sunday night’s news that Larry Kirshbaum’s departure for Amazon Publishing will leave LJK Literary Management in the hands of senior agents Susanna Einstein and Meg Thompson, the agency will move to new offices on 133 West 25th Street. “While the name of the agency will certainly change, Larry will always be here in spirit as our founder,” said Thompson in a statement. Sandy Hodgman will continue to handle foreign rights for the agency.
At BEA on Monday morning, the organizers awarded Overdrive ceo Steve Potash their inaugural Industry Ambassador Award. The prize is designed to “honor publishing industry professionals who dinstinguish themselves by representing, promoting and advancing the interests of publishing as a whole.”
Gary Shteyngart has won the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize in comic fiction for SUPER SAD TRUE LOVE STORY, making him the first-ever American author to win the award.
LeeEric Fesko has joined Thomas Nelson as trade marketing director, Lucado Books. Previously he was director of web development at Big Idea Entertainment.
Publishers Group West will begin distributing graphic novel publisher Archaia in the US and Canada beginning June 20.
LibreDigital has launched a new self-service portal which will allow distribution to the iBookstore.
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