Former Random House vp, field director for adult sales Betty Fairchild, 67, died last week in Roanoke, VA. After starting her career as a bookseller, Fairchild worked in sales for Random House from 1975 until her retirement in 2002. PRH executive Jaci Updike writes: “During an era when many were predicting the imminent demise of independent bookstores, Betty was a fierce and fearless advocate for the indies, and for the reps who called on them. After Random House was united with Bantam Doubleday Dell to form the new, greater Random House, she led a variety of initiatives to transform the role of the field rep, including an emphasis on marketing and partnership that laid the groundwork for today’s approach.” Plus, “she loved to mentor young colleagues, and followed their progress, and developments at RH after her retirement, with tremendous pride.” Those wishing to make contributions in her honor are directed to:
The American Cancer Society
2050 Langhorne Road, Suite 201
Lynchburg, VA 24501
Separately, there will be a public memorial service celebrating Frances Foster, publisher of Frances Foster Books at Farrar, Straus Children’s, the afternoon of September 17 at the New School Auditorium, with a reception following nearby. Details are posted here.
Also, the New Press is holding a tribute to their founding director, the late André Schiffrin, on October 29 at Cooper Union. Details are posted here.