Jack Macrae is retiring from Holt after more than 35 years there. Holt president Steve Rubin writes, “Hugely well-regarded within the publishing community, Jack is known for his sharp wit, winning personality, and deep knowledge on a wide variety of subjects.” His authors at Holt include two-time Booker Award-winner Hilary Mantel. He spent 15 years at Dutton, the “family business” (his grandfather bought the house) where he published Jorge Luis Borges among others, before joining Holt. “We thank him for his sterling contributions over the years and wish him happiness and good health in his well-earned retirement.” For another appreciation of Macrae’s career, see Amy Hertz’s testimonial from 2011 on “the man behind the Booker winner.”
Amanda Close has been appointed to the new position of senior vice president, strategic market development in Penguin Random House’s sales group. (The company first announced that Close was moving to an unspecified new position in sales in June, when Sanyu Dillon took over responsibility for the consumer marketing teams as part of her new role as evp, director, marketing strategy and consumer engagement.)
Tim McCall has joined Melville House as vice president, sales and business development. Most recently he was trade sales director for LSC Communications, after 20 years at Penguin and Penguin Random House. Stephanie Valente, formerly social media editor for Men’s Journal, joins as digital marketing manager. Michael Seidlinger, previously digital producer for Publishers Weekly and social media editor for Electric Literature, has been named library and academic marketing manager.
At DK, Allie Singer has been promoted to senior editor, developing and acquiring children’s nonfiction reference, and Shannon Beatty will now report to her. Singer will report to Laura Gilbert in London, with a dotted line to Sarah Larter and Mary Marotta.
Sonya Cheuse has been promoted to senior publicity director at Ecco.
At Viking Children’s, Kendra Levin has been promoted to editorial director, middle grade and young adult; and Maggie Rosenthal moved up to associate editor. At Philomel, Talia Benamy is now associate editor and Ellice Lee was promoted to art director.
Kathryn Notestine has joined JKS Communications as associate publicist.
Pam Allyn is joining Scholastic Education in the new role of senior vice president, innovation & development. She is the author of 27 professional books and founder of the global literacy organization LitWorld.
At Simon & Schuster Children’s, Sonia Chaghatzbanian has been promoted to executive art director for Atheneum, Margaret K. McElderry Books, and Beach Lane Books. Sarah Creech has been promoted to art director for Simon Pulse.
Valentina Rice joined Bloomsbury on Monday as vp of sales and marketing in the US for consumer and special interest. She was most recently vp of sales, marketing and publicity at Bonnier Zaffre in the US.