People 9/4

Executive editor Sean Manning has been promoted to publisher of the flagship imprint, effective immediately. CEO Jonathan Karp says in the announcement that Manning “has the most enterprising editorial imagination I have seen in my years at Simon & Schuster. I am certain that he will provide vision, vitality, and leadership for the authors and colleagues who make the imprint such a great place to work.”

Manning says, “I cherish the imprint’s storied history, its literary integrity, and its commitment to publishing work that documents the past, leads the current cultural conversation, and envisions the future. As we contend with so many alternate modes of information and entertainment, I’m exhilarated by the challenge of figuring out ways to reach new and younger readers—and show them why books remain the greatest technology ever invented.”

W. Paul Coates, publisher and founder of Black Classic Press, will receive the Literarian Award at the 75th National Book Awards Ceremony. NBF executive director Ruth Dickey said in the announcement: “As a librarian, publisher, and community activist, W. Paul Coates has been instrumental in preserving the legacy of remarkable writers and elevating works that have shaped our personal and collective understanding of the Black experience within the borders of the United States and around the globe. Coates has demonstrated for more than 40 years the importance of reading the past and nourishing the creative imagination of present and future writers of the Black diaspora.” 

Helen Rouner has been promoted to associate editor.

Emily Fishman has joined as a senior publicist. She previously worked at Bloomsbury.

The company has consolidated departments, integrating operations with sales and rights. Amelie Roberge takes the new role of associate publisher, sales and operations, reporting to Publisher Naseem Hrab.

Alison Lapp is promoted to sales and rights manager, reporting to Roberge.