People 10/18

Elena Giovinazzo has left Pippin Properties to found Heirloom Literary & Media, continuing to represent “creators working in the children’s and young adult spaces while also expanding into adult markets, primarily literary and commercial fiction, memoir and narrative nonfiction.”

Longtime client Jason Reynolds is co-founder of the agency. “Using their shared knowledge, expertise and platform, they aim to thoughtfully and meaningfully tend to the careers of singular clients whose work will last across generations, much like the most precious family heirlooms, but with the joyfully stubborn resistance to conformity of the most unique heirloom tomatoes.”

Peter Kispert has been promoted to associate editor.

Maria Camila Correa has been promoted to editor.

Elizabeth Stranahan has been promoted to editor.

Darcy Evans has been promoted to associate director for Amazon, distribution client team.

Lianne Schmidt has been promoted to contracts director.

Bob Niegowski has been promoted to senior contracts manager.

Founded in 2017, the press will close as of July 1, 2025. Scholarly print and eBooks “will be assigned to” the University of Minnesota Press and published regional books will be assigned to the Ohio University Press. Inventory and fulfillment will continue to be managed by Chicago Distribution Center.

The organization said in their announcement, “Following seven years of funding support, the University of Cincinnati (UC) has determined that the long-term financial sustainment of the University of Cincinnati Press is not feasible. Funding resources, including start-up funds, have been exhausted and the press is not in a self-sustaining financial position. Therefore, the University of Cincinnati Press imprint will cease to operate June 30, 2025.”