Sam Raim has joined Hachette Books as senior editor. He was previously editor at Penguin Books. Anna Cooperberg and Sun Robinson-Smith have each been promoted to assistant editor at the Workman imprint. Scott Trebing has joined as reprint and display manager, and will be responsible for all of the Workman and Algonquin reprints as well as all company point-of-purchase displays. He was previously senior production manager at Simon & Schuster. At Welbeck Publishing, Nico Poilblanc will join as UK sales director and Angie Willocks as international sales director at the end of March. Both are moving over from Bonnier Books UK […]
Archives for February 2020
Kaepernick Pairs with Audible, Will Self-Publish Memoir
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick has a deal to release an audio version of his memoir through Audible later this year. He will self-publish the print version through Kaepernick Publishing, with Two Rivers distributing and working in partnership with Melcher Media. His publishing company is also said to have a “a multi-project deal with Audible to create original audio projects focused on amplifying the voices of notable authors, creators and other influential figures.” The release adds, “Kaepernick founded his own publishing company to reinforce the importance of Black ownership, which will extend to the authors, writers and creators with whom […]
Judge Denies Request to Keep Audible Captions Settlement Secret
Judge Valerie Caproni denied the request to keep sealed the details of the settlement agreement between the seven litigating publishers and Audible in the lawsuit over the Captions initiative. She noted, “The public has a presumptive right to judicial documents” and “in this case, the parties have not demonstrated competing interests sufficient” to go against general practice. That presents the parties with a choice: By February 21, they need to either submit proposed redactions to the judge, or else drop their request for the court to retain jurisdiction over enforcement of the agreement. Judge Caproni warned that, “At this juncture, […]
Cengage McGraw-Hill Merger Now Expected to Close in Mid-2020
Reporting Q3 results, Cengage c.e.o. Michael Hanson said that the merger with McGraw-Hill was now expected to close in mid-2020, due to a slower-than-expected regulatory process. Previously the companies had announced an extension of their merger agreement to May, and Hansen said the agreement allowed for another extension to August 1. DOJ approval will likely require divestment of courses across the Cengage and McGraw-Hill portfolio, with an impact that Hansen said was too early to quantify. Cengage is already in talks with purchasers of perspective courses, and the rationale for the merger remains strong. “We remain confident, and are committed […]
People, Etc.
Workman Publishing director of international publishing Kristina Peterson is retiring on March 31 after 15 years with the company. Workman ceo Daniel Reynolds said, “over the years, international sales have become increasingly important to the health of our industry, and Kristina has done a terrific job at the helm of this crucial department, consistently growing our business each year.” Sara High has been promoted to director of international sales. Kendra Poster becomes rights director. Margaret Southard has joined Simon & Schuster as an assistant director of publicity, and Brianna Scharfenberg has joined as a senior publicist. On the Simon & Schuster indie […]
Remaining RWA Board Members Resign, Sets Election
The remaining members of the Romance Writers of America board of directors resigned on February 12, clearing the way for completely fresh leadership. The RWA will hold a special election from March 13 to March 20 for members to elect a new board for a term set to last through August 2020. Board resignations began in late December 2019, following a controversy over the suspension of author Courtney Milan from the organization for an ethics violation. President Damon Suede resigned on January 9. The board wrote in a statement: “We believe that stepping down to allow for new leadership chosen […]