With Workman’s Algonquin imprint having been moved into the Little, Brown division earlier this summer as part of HBG’s restructuring of Workman lines following the three-year standstill period after their acquisition, Little, Brown president and publisher Sally Kim announced further changes on Thursday. Algonquin publisher Betsy Gleick will leave the company on October 4, as will associate publisher Michael McKenzie, “along with other [Algonquin] staff members.” Kim writes that, “We’re looking to redefine its longstanding mission—giving space to undiscovered voices—during a time when our consumer landscape and reader discoverability continue to shift and create new opportunities for publishers with a […]
Bookselling: Walsh Opens California Bookstore
Former literary agent, WME executive and events entrepreneur Jennifer Rudolph Walsh has opened the Godmothers bookstore in Summerland, CA in partnership with cosmetics entrepreneur Victoria Jackson. Saturday’s grand opening included an appearance by local resident Meghan Markle. Last week, Jackson published WE ALL WORRY, NOW WHAT? through Melcher Media.
Obituary: Noah Genner
Longtime president and ceo emeritus of BookNet Canada Noah Genner died on August 27. The organization writes: “Noah’s impact on the Canadian publishing industry cannot be overstated…. Over his twenty-plus years with BookNet, Noah led the launches of nearly all of BookNet’s marquee projects, including SalesData, CataList, and BiblioShare…. His relentless dedication, positive attitude, and innovative mind will leave a lasting legacy.”
Wiley Records Better Operating Income, Lower Sales As They Complete Asset Sales
Wiley reported fiscal first quarter earnings on Thursday morning, for the quarter ending July 31. Sales of $404 million were down 10.4 percent from $451 million a year ago following some asset sales. (Additionally, they completed the sale of Wiley Edge’s India operation at a pretax loss of $19.6 million, and the sale of CrossKnowledge, both on August 31, after the close of the quarter. That completes their planned asset sales.) Earnings rebounded, with operating income of $29 million, compared to an operating loss of $16.3 million a year, which was accompanied by a big non-operating impairment charge. But a […]
People 9/3
Len Riggio Dies at 83
The man who built Barnes & Noble into a bookselling powerhouse Len Riggio died at age 83 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to building and running Barnes & Noble, Riggio also founded Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, MBS Textbook Exchange, and GameStop. BN said in a statement, “His leadership spanned decades, during which he not only grew the company but also nurtured a culture of innovation and a love for reading.” A mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday, Aug. 30, at 10:00 am at The Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, 263 Mulberry Street, with a public […]