The latest Amazon publishing imprint, Grand Harbor Press, comes from the company’s Brilliance Audio division. The new line aims to “present uplifting and thought-provoking works embracing a range of philosophies and spiritual thought.” The company sees it as a natural complement to their core audio business: “motivational speakers in the inspirational category are a natural fit for the audio format,” says president and publisher Mark Pereira. “Fans and followers want to hear their favorite author guide them during their self-improvement experience.” Also, Brilliance already distributes print editions of the Amazon Publishing genre imprints.
Associate publisher Gary Krebs will lead acquisitions for Grand Harbor Press. (He worked previously at Rodale, Adams Media and Globe Pequot Press.) “We will be looking for exciting new thoughts and ideas from both established best-selling authors and talented newcomers,” Krebs says in the announcement. “Most important in our criteria is the author’s depth of passion for helping solve the problems and concerns of readers.”
Separately, in another piece of fallout from Wiley’s pullback from trade publishing, Weight Watchers has a new partner going forward for their cookbooks. They will publish with St. Martin’s “on an ongoing basis,” beginning with the Weight Watchers 50th Anniversary Cookbook: 270 Delicious Recipes for Every Meal in May 2013. Their previous titles published with Wiley will remain with that house.
Rosetta Books has released 35 titles from Arthur C. Clarke in digital editions for the first time.