Don Pape has launched a new agency called Pape Commons, that will “serve the author community as not only a literary agency but also a forum for community and support of writers’ craft.” Pape was most recently publisher for NavPress. “As I’ve been inspired by conversations with editors and authors alike,”said Pape in the release, “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to steward well the next generation of voices.”
Sara Birmingham has been promoted to editor at Ecco.
Anton Strout, 50, who worked at Penguin Random House for 22 years, most recently as sales manager, died on December 30. Strout was also a fantasy and science fiction author of novels including the Simon Canderous series, published by Ace. Jaci Updike, president of US sales, writes, “Anton always came into work with a smile and a joke, determined to brighten the mood for everyone under any circumstance.” A crowdfunding campaign was launched to help support his wife and two children.
Bloomsbury chief executive Nigel Newton was among those awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honors list.
Author Lisa Amstutz has joined Storm Literary Agency as an associate agent.
Stefanie Molina has joined the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency as associate agent.
Next First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will address the American Library Association’s virtual Midwinter Meeting on Monday, January 25 in a conversation with ALA President Julius Jefferson, Jr.
International
Lagardere secured a €465 million loan that is 80 percent backed by the French state, “in view of the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing health crisis,” the company announced in a press release. The loan matures in 12 months, with an option to extend up to five more years. Lagardere also increased its revolving credit facility, to €1.1 billion, with an additional year added to its term, now coming due in March 2023.
Catching Up
In case you missed it, we ran one issue of PL last week that included a number of People updates, along with a story on the hack of NetGalley.