LAT book critic David Ulin is leaving the paper on December 15, among those taking the company’s buyout offer. He writes to LA Observed: “This is an opportunity for me to focus further on my writing, which I have been wanting to do.” The newspaper’s book editor Joy Press left quietly earlier in the year as well (and is working on a book for Atria), and apparently also took a buyout. That seems to leave Carolyn Kellogg as the only staff member focused on books.
Rob Kirkpatrick has joined The Stuart Agency as a literary agent, focusing in nonfiction, including memoir, biography, history, sports, pop culture and current events. Most recently he was at Thomas Dunne Books.
At Hilsinger Mendelson, David Kass has been promoted to vp, executive director of publicity. He has been with the company for nine years.
At Penguin Random House India, Hemali Sodhi has been appointed svp, marketing effective April 1, 2016, in addition to her current responsibility as publisher, children’s books. Sodhi will succeed Caroline Newbury, who will leave PRH India “later in 2016” to return to the UK, and in the meantime will remain with the company to “work on strategic initiatives across digital.”
James Patterson announced the 87 independent booksellers who are receiving “holiday bonuses” from a pool of $250,000. He also named another 340 school libraries that are receiving cash grants of between $1,000 and $10,000 as part of his earlier $1.75 million pledge — bringing the total to 467 recipients. Scholastic Reading Club matches Patterson’s grants with points that teachers can use for purchases.