Longtime Harper vp, executive editor Hugh Van Dusen will retire from the company on August 30 “after an astonishing 60 years with HarperCollins.” He first joined what was then Harper & Brothers on June 21, 1956 and helped launch Torch Books, later becoming closely involved with the Perennial paperback imprint and rising to his current position in 1990. Among van Dusen’s authors were Jacques Barzun, Fernand Braudel, Robert Bly, James Hillman, Robert Remini, Trevor Corson, and Harper Lee (including her estate). “It may sound too eccentric or romantic to be believed, but there have been very few mornings in the last 60 years when I didn’t look forward to coming to work,” van Dusen said recently; he plans to enjoy his retirement by cooking, painting landscapes, and “indulging his latest hobby – quilting.”
Harper publisher Jonathan Burnham said in the announcement: “Hugh is literally irreplaceable: his knowledge of our company’s history, his stewardship of a large and varied backlist, and his connection to previous generations of editors and publishing professionals have all contributed significantly to the quality of life at Harper in recent years, and his colleagues have benefited from his depth of experience and the length of his memory.” Burnham continued: “Many generations of colleagues at Harper have enjoyed his congenial company, his warmth and kindness and wisdom, and I am sure they will all join us in wishing Hugh the very best in the future.”
Janet Reid has joined New Leaf Literary & Media as director of literary development and agent. Previously she was an agent at FinePrint Literary Management.
Initiatives
Baker & Taylor has launched a Baker & Taylor Global Publishers Services unit specializing to provide international sales and marketing services to publishers. Former PGW and Perseus executive Chitra Bopardikar leads the new division as vp and general manager. B&T evp and president retail markets Dave Cully says in the announcement, “This new business unit…leverages the company’s superb global logistical and IT infrastructure to help publishers effectively offer their content in both developed and emerging countries around the world as the use of the English language continues to increase exponentially.”