Germany’s S. Fischer has hired Siv Bublitz as publishing director, effective September 18, taking over from Peter Sillem, who is leaving S. Fischer on June 30. Bublitz was previously chief executive at Ullstein. Reporting to S. Fischer president and publisher Jörg Bong, she will join the board of Holtzbrinck Publishers Germany. As managing director for program and strategy, Bublitz will be responsible for publishing divisions S. Fischer, Fischer Scherz, Fischer Krüger, Fischer FJB, Fischer Tor and Fischer Taschenbuch. Dr. Bong says in the announcement, “Siv Bublitz has the highest reputation on the international book market as well as many years of management experience. Her tremendous expertise, ranging from high literature to entertainment, will greatly benefit the extensive Fischer program.”
Nicole Fischer has been promoted to editor for Morrow/Avon.
The American Library Association launched their Book Club Central initiative (though the website is running a little late), and announced the first selection of honorary chair Sarah Jessica Parker, No One Is Coming to Save Us, by Stephanie Powell Watts. The next pick will be named in the fall. The site is meant to be “a one-stop shop for engaging content and helpful information for book clubs and readers of all types, including author interviews, book recommendations and reviews, as well as discussion questions and information on how to start and moderate a book club.”