Writers House senior agent Geri Thoma has announced her retirement, effective June 8, after 42 happy years in publishing. She joined Writers House in 2013. Writers House chair Amy Berkower wrote, “Along with her prestigious list, Geri brought with her years of insight and publishing savvy. We will miss her wit, wisdom, and generosity of spirit, and we will treasure the legacy she has left us.”
Separately, former svp, corporate director of business affairs at Penguin Random House John Schline has joined Writers House as senior agent. Recently, he has been an independent consultant for tech start-ups, small publishers, and literary agents.
Anne Heltzel has been promoted to editorial director, entertainment publishing and content development at Abrams.
Marty Lange has joined Cengage as senior vice president and general manager of National Geographic Learning, reporting to coo Kermit Cook. Previously, Lange served as president, North America, K-12 education and corporate L&D, at education and training company area 9 Lyceum.
Judith Newlin has joined the McGraw Hill Business team as a senior editor focusing on finance, investing, operations, and HR.
DJ DeSmyter has joined William Morrow/Avon as associate director, marketing. He was previously senior marketing manager at St. Martin’s.
Debbie Wickwire, senior acquisitions editor at Thomas Nelson, will retire in September after 32 years in the industry. Senior editor Dawn Hollomon will move into the acquisitions role.
Putnam senior editor Sara Minnich announced on Twitter, “Bittersweet news, but today is my last day at PRH and, probably, in book publishing. It’s been a wild ride! But I’m excited to shift to a part-time arrangement that allows for more momming and me-time, and to read just for pleasure.”
In the UK, Lorraine Dickey will join Quarto as the new publisher of their adult co-edition division, starting July 1. She was previously founder and ceo of short film commissioning platform 451life and former publisher at Conran Octopus.
Briony Gowlett will start a new mass-market nonfiction imprint at Octopus as publisher, starting in August and reporting to group publishing director Denise Bates. She was previously at Hodder & Stoughton.