Following Simon & Schuster’s official announcement of Carolyn Reidy’s passing, ViacomCBS ceo Bob Bakish — to whom Reidy reported — said in a note, “Carolyn was a passionate and beloved leader, who helped make Simon & Schuster what it is today: one of the most successful and respected consumer publishing houses in the business. Over the course of almost 30 years at the company – and 12 as CEO – Carolyn nurtured relationships with important and popular writers, oversaw the publishing of numerous culture-shaping bestsellers and broadened Simon & Schuster’s audience by pushing into new formats and international markets. And, most impressively, Carolyn did this while staying true to who she was – a straight shooter who led with heart and humor, was a fierce advocate for her people, and a mentor to many. Our thoughts are with Carolyn’s family and the entire Simon & Schuster team.”
Separately, Association of American Publishers president and ceo Maria Pallante commented: “We join our friends and colleagues on the AAP Board, at Simon & Schuster, and across the global publishing community in mourning the loss of Carolyn Reidy. A former Chairman of AAP’s Board, she was a giant among industry giants, and her undeniable poise, grace and charm earned her the love and admiration of scores of people who had the privilege and pleasure to know her. Carolyn was a friend to me and I will miss her sorely.”
PEN America president and Simon & Schuster author Jennifer Egan said in a statement from the organization, “Carolyn was a literary giant, a leader who artfully navigated the upheavals of publishing to amplify a wide range of voices reflective of our lived world. Curious, kind, and ever approachable, she was that rare publisher who would send a handwritten letter to a writer, praising her most recent book. Carolyn believed in every story she touched, and ushered our works into the wider world with passion, care, and decades of expertise.”
Author Bob Woodward said to the NYT, “She would let you write the book you wanted to write. She would say, ‘If that’s the truth as you found it, we will publish it.’ There was never any adjustment or political bending.”