Christine Munroe recently joined Kobo as US Manager for Kobo Writing Life. Previously she was a scout at Mary Anne Thompson Associates. In addition, Diego Marano has been named UK Manager for Kobo Writing Life. Previously he was a digital content acquisitions manager at Waterstones.
Jenny Choy will join Little, Brown Books for Young Readers as senior manager, school & library marketing on September 16. Previously she was Manager, school & library marketing at Candlewick Press.
At the Edinburgh Book Festival Ian Rankin announced he will take a year off, the Scotsman reports, after finishing the manuscript of the next Inspector Rebus novel SAINTS OF THE SHADOW BIBLE (out in November from Orion and January from Little, Brown) and a stage play. “I’m going to have a year off next year. I’m knackered, basically. Bluntly, I’m just shattered. I need the batteries recharging big-time.” He added: “Friends of mine are dropping dead. Gavin Wallace dropped dead at the age of 53 earlier this year. I’m 53. Then of course Iain Banks was taken from us at the age of 59. I don’t want to die slumped over my desk. So I’m taking a year off next year and doing some travelling.”
Co-proprietor of The Bibliobarn in South Kortright, NY H.L Wilson, 71, died August 17 of complications from a recent stroke. Wilson, along with his wife Linda, announced their intentions earlier this year to sell the store and surrounding land to BookCourt, who are currently raising funds to keep the store running and create a writers’ retreat.