Ken Wright has been promoted to the newly created position of president and publisher, Viking Children’s and Philomel. Each imprint will retain its autonomous identity and editorial direction. Of Wright’s promotion, Penguin Young Readers president Jen Loja said in the announcement: “Viking and Philomel are home to some of our most beloved classics and dynamic new voices. Viking has flourished under Ken’s direction.” In addition, Jill Santopolo has been promoted to associate publisher, Philomel. Loja commented: “Jill’s editorial vision and commi tment to finding anddeveloping new talent, coupled with Ken’s seasoned leadership, will ensure Philomel continues to evolve and thrive as one of today’s leading children’s books imprints.”
Tracy K. Smith was appointed to a second term as Poet Laureate for 2018-2019. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden said, “I am thrilled that Tracy K. Smith has accepted my invitation to continue sharing her poetry with the nation. Her exchanges with Americans in small towns and rural communities are inspiring an appreciation of poetry and history – and remind us that poetry has value for all of our lives.”
Phill Jones has joined the board of Emerald Publishing as chief technology officer. Previously he was director of publishing innovation at Digital Science.
Rachel Nuzman has joined Chronicle Books as subsidiary rights manager. Previously she was a rights manager at Insight Editions. In addition, Elizabeth Hambrick has been promoted to operations coordinator, and Lydia Ortiz has joined as designer. Previously Ortiz was a designer at MudPuppy.
Bookselling
Another Amazon Books store is unofficially in the works for The Village at Meridlan in Boise, ID. The company has filed for permits to build out the 4,172-square-foot space, though neither Amazon nor the mall owner would officially confirm what the permits make plain. Idaho would become the twelfth state to have an Amazon Books store, and this would be 19th planned location.
Imprints
Hay House will add a Hay House Business imprint, overseen by publisher and vice president Patricia Gift. CEO Reid Tracy said, “For many years I have been secretly dreaming about launching a business imprint here at Hay House due to my love of business and knowing what powerful changes successful businesses can bring about in the world. Unfortunately, it wasn’t practical because of sales and distribution limitations, but now with our partnership with Penguin Random House Publisher Services we have the right situation in which to do it. I am thrilled to connect with my many business contacts to bring their amazing messages to the world.” The imprint’s first book will be Millionaire Success Habits by Dean Graziosi in January 2019.
Distribution
As of March 5, 2018, Rough Guides is distributed in North America by Ingram, following its sale last year to APA Publications.