Parenting Press is being acquired by Chicago Review Press (which already distributes the press through its IPG unit) effective January 1, and will continue as an imprint of its new parent company. Chicago Review Press publisher Cynthia Sherry will oversee the list from the 37-year-old practical parenting and children’s book publisher. Parenting Press president and founder Elizabeth Crary plans to retire from publishing but will continue her work as a parent educator and author, and none of the company’s staff will stay on after the acquisition. “The acquisition of Parenting Press by Chicago Review Press is a dream come true for a […]
CEO Holiday Greetings, from Simon & Schuster
In keeping with tradition, publishing ceos are thanking employees and celebrating the year’s accomplishments through year-end letters. The first publicly released letter is from Simon & Schuster chief executive Carolyn Reidy, noting “a tumultuous year in both the United States and around the world” while still observing that “it feels as if we are in a period of relative stability in the publishing marketplace.” Reidy confirms that their deal to acquire Adams Media closed “shortly before Thanksgiving” as scheduled and notes the new division will be integrated into company infrastructure and systems by January 31. In a review of the house’s top titles she leads with […]
Bookselling: Gramercy Books to Open in Columbus, OH; BN Closes Merritt Island, FL Store; and More
Gramercy Books in Columbus, OH has opened, with partial backing from the family behind the Little Professor bookshop. Owner and author Linda Kass told the Columbus Dispatch: “My husband and I love books, and we love bookstores, so when the building space was available, it was the perfect opportunity to take the plunge. It’s a perfect location for a bookstore. Gramercy will also host the second location of a local coffee shop, Kittie’s, which is linked to the bookstore but will have a separate exterior entrance. In bookstore closings, Barnes & Noble‘s Merritt Island, FL location will close at the […]
People, Etc.
At the American Booksellers Association, longtime development officer Mark Nichols will retire following the 2017 Winter Institute after 16 years with the organization. As of January 1, 2017 Matthew Zoni will be promoted to director of development and publisher relations and will become a member of ABA’s senior staff. Peter Reynolds will have an expanded role as project manager and with primary responsibility for the Indie Next Lists and the Indie Bestseller Lists. Gen de Botton will move up to ABC group manager. Additionally, David Grogan has been promoted to director of public policy and advocacy and will also join ABA’s senior staff. Kimberly Whalen has left Trident Media […]
People, Etc.
Steven Pace will join Norton on January 2 as director, trade sales, succeeding William Rusin, who is retiring after 45 years with the company at 36 years as director of trade sales. Pace was previously sales director at Workman. Norton vp trade sales & marketing Brendan Curry said in the announcement: “There are few people who could step smoothly into the shoes of the exceptional Bill Rusin, but Steven Pace is superbly qualified to do so. With his background in all aspects of book sales at firms both large and small, his outstanding reputation for management and leadership, and his sterling […]
The News Editor’s Favorite Books for 2016
Our tally of the Best of the Best Books of 2016 already points to a strong consensus in both fiction and nonfiction and as it so happens, I, too, count Colson Whitehead‘s much-lauded The Underground Railroad among my favorites of this year. It is not only the novel we needed to better grapple with our profound, continuing understanding — or lack thereof — of how deeply embedded slavery is in the American fabric, but it is among the novels we will turn to for meaning in the years to come, as the country’s future grows ever more uncertain. The leading […]