Cristina Garces has joined Harper Design as editor. Previously, she was associate editor for Abrams.
Sanford J. Greenburger has hired Mary Kate Skehan as senior scout (she has been assistant manager of sub rights at Norton), and John Bowers as scout (he was at The Bent Agency), with Hanna Masaryk promoted to senior scout children’s and YA.
Edmison/Harper Literary Scouting will scout for Ambo Anthos in Holland starting August 1.
Keanu Reeves is a co-founder of a new Los Angeles-based independent press, X Artists’ Books. Created with artist Alexandra Grant and designer Jessica Fleischmann, the press will be a “a small publisher of thoughtful, high-quality, artist-centered books that fit within and between genres.”
Author Clancy Sigal, 90, died Monday evening. His 1961 memoir Going Away was nominated for the National Book Award.
Bookselling
Laurel Book Store has suffered after relocating to downtown Oakland, CA three years ago and owner Luan Stauss has asked customers to help fund the $30,000 she needs to catch up on rent. (Her lease is up at the end of the month.)
New general interest bookstore Whitelam Books will open in Reading, MA this fall. The 1,600-square foot store will stock books for adults and children, as well as a selection of gifts.