Roberto Torres is joining Harper Mexico as general manager. Torres was most recently with Macmillan Education, where he served for seven years as regional marketing director and sales director for Mexico.
Honors
Joy Harjo has been named the 23rd US Poet Laureate, succeeding Tracy K. Smith in the fall. Harjo will be the first Native American to hold the position.
Acquisitions
Rowman & Littlefield acquired Prometheus Books, the Amherst, NY publisher of popular science, critical thinking, philosophy, history books, and more. Trade titles published under the Prometheus Books imprint will become part of Globe Pequot, while titles published under the Humanity Books imprint will be distributed by the academic and professional division of Rowman & Littlefield. Distribution will move from Penguin Random House to Rowman & Littlefield’s sister company National Book Network starting July 1. Jonathan Kurtz will stay on as president, along with editor Jake Bonar.
Jed Lyons, ceo of Rowman & Littlefield, said in statement, “Jon Kurtz and his team built Prometheus Books into one of the most respected independent publishers in the nation. Its backlist of 1,700 academic and trade titles is a perfect fit for Rowman & Littlefield. We are delighted that Jon and Jake will carry on as part of our team.”
Distribution
Lerner Publishing Group will distribute Zest Books, starting June 24. Distribution was previously handled by The Quarto Group.
E-Readers
Amazon launched its latest Kindle Oasis with a new adjustable “warm light” for easier reading at night. Other features remain similar to the previous model, including the seven inch screen and water resistance.