Lisa Bankoff has left ICM and established her own agency, Bankoff Collaborative. She says of the move: “I grew up at ICM and had the privilege of daily working alongside some of the brightest minds in this–or any–business. What I look forward to now is the wherewithal to operate outside of a corporate culture and do an even better job of serving the interests of the many clients who have moved with me.” Knopf editor George Andreou will take over as director of the Harvard University Press in September, following the recent retirement of William P. Sisler. Andreou joined Knopf in 1990, and co-founded […]
Archives for July 2017
Raab and Futter to Start Division at Macmillan In September
Former Grand Central publisher Jamie Raab and former Grand Central editor-in-chief Deb Futter will join Macmillan on September 12 to start a new division, Celadon Books. Raab will be president and publisher and Futter will be senior vice president and co-publisher. The line expects to publish “a highly curated list of 20 to 25 new titles a year.” The release says the list “will strive to publish books that have range, depth, and impact” and draw on the founders’ “ability to publish commercial and literary books and discover and nurture talent.” Raab told the NYT, “I like the business too much” to […]
The Latest Buzz Books 2017: Romance
Following the successful launch of our Buzz Books 2017: Fall/Winter sampler and our dedicated Buzz Books 2017 Young Adult, our Buzz Books 2017: Romance collection returns for a second year. The sampler launches just in time for the Romance Writers of America annual conference (starting July 26 in Orlando). Eight of our featured authors will be attending RWA, where the organizers are joining us in promoting the free downloads. From power players such as Tessa Dare, Eloisa James, and Meredith Wild to fan favorites like Betina Krahn, Shelly Laurenston, and Roni Lauren, these authors represent the best of romance. The titles […]
People, Etc.
Jacqueline de Jong will join HarperCollins Holland as publisher, starting September 1, succeeding Heleen Buth. Previously, she was interim publisher and freelance project manager at various publishing houses. HarperCollins Holland managing director Jan-Joris Keijzer said in the release: “Jacqueline is truly a book publishing specialist, who combines strong editorial knowledge with excellent commercial qualities, delivering outstanding publishing programs. Her experience and expertise makes her the ideal person to help realizing our ambitious growth targets.” Brandi Bowles has joined United Talent Agency as an agent. Previously, she was an agent for Foundry Literary + Media. At Kensington, Lulu Martinez has been promoted […]
BN Education Up Modestly In Fourth Quarter
Barnes & Noble Education reported fiscal fourth quarter sales (through April), with new store openings and the MBS Textbook Exchange acquisition lifting sales modestly. Stores sales of $314 million were up $19 million with new stores and a 1.4 percent increase in same-store sales, and MBS added another $34 million in the quarter. They had consolidated net income of just $200,000. The decent finish still left same-store sales down 3 percent for the full fiscal year. Including the small contribution from MBS, sales of $1.874 billion were up $66 million, with consolidated net income of $5.4 million. The company opened 38 […]
People, Etc.
Jeff Shreve has joined The Science Factory as an agent, based in New York, specializing in science, technology, business, health, and self-improvement. Previously, he was an editor at Norton. Laura Biagi has left the Jean V. Naggar Agency, where she was an agent for nearly eight years, to pursue an MFA at the University of Houston. She can be reached at LauraJBiagi@gmail.com. Frank Autunnale was named chief financial officer for Independent Publishers Group (IPG) and its subsidiaries. He replaces Cara Sample, who has left the company to pursue other opportunities. Autunnale was vp, finance at Hachette Book Group until late last […]