Harlequin will launch a new imprint, Park Row Books, in summer 2017, with a focus on “thought-provoking and voice-driven novels” that have “mainstream appeal.” Executive editor for the imprint Erika Imranyi told the AP: “We’ve been growing that part of our business for a very long time. It’s a small piece of what we do, but a really important piece.” Park Row Books is named for the street where Harlequin’s offices were once located. Separately, the rebranded HQ imprint in the UK (combining Harlequin UK and Mira UK, as an imprint of Harper UK), has announced the acquisition of their […]
Agency News
People: Nelson to Join Harper
Sara Nelson will join HarperCollins in the new role of vp, executive editor and special advisor to the publisher on July 18. She will acquire titles and “work closely with publisher Jonathan Burnham, as a strategic advisor.” Nelson has been the editorial director for Books and Kindle at Amazon since 2012. Nelson says in the announcement, “After observing the publishing world from the near-outside for many years, I am excited to have this opportunity to be involved directly in the publishing process itself. I can’t wait to join my many friends at Harper, and to work closely with them on books that we […]
People
With the move of Thomas Dunne Books to a boutique imprint, TD Books vp, associate publisher Pete Wolverton becomes vp, executive editor at St. Martin’s, reporting to Jennifer Enderlin. Laura Lee Mattingly has joined Present Perfect Dep’t as a literary agent and partner to founder Kate Woodrow. Mattingly, previously senior editor at Chronicle Books, will represent books in a range of lifestyle categories including personal growth/self-help, home, gardening, beauty, and mindfulness while Woodrow continues to sell illustrated/art and how-to nonfiction. At Chronicle Books, Julia Patrick moves into the new role of assistant editor, entertainment. Previously, she was the associate manager, […]
People
Patricia Hespanha has been appointed executive director of HarperCollins Brasil, responsible for the day-to-day management of operations, establishing strategic direction, and setting the editorial program for profitable business growth. Hespanha, who most recently served as executive director, infrastructure for the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee for Olympic and Paralympic Games, succeeds Antonio Araujo, who will transition to general manager of Nova Fronteira e Petra. HarperCollins ceo Brian Murray said in the announcement: “I am excited to welcome Patricia to HarperCollins Brasil. She has a proven record of leading organizations to success. HarperCollins remains enthusiastic about the market, and Patricia’s leadership and […]
People: Seal Press Moves to Da Capo, and More
Perseus Books Group imprint Seal Press is being aligned within the company, moving from its historical place as part of the Avalon Group — Avalon Publishing purchased Seal in 2002 — to a more practical alignment with PBG’s Da Capo Press, where Seal will be an imprint. As a result, the publisher position is being eliminated, and publisher since 2005 Krista Lyons will leave the company on July 1. Avalon publisher Bill Newlin says in the announcement, “Krista Lyons has been Seal’s champion, publishing books for an expanding readership while remaining true to Seal’s roots in the feminist movement. For 19 years Krista has […]
People, Etc.
Julie Will has been promoted to editorial director at Harper Wave. Allison Hunter will join Janklow & Nesbit as an agent on July 11. Previously she was an agent at the Stuart Krichevsky Literary Agency. Erin Simpson has been promoted to senior agent at the Penguin Random House Speakers Bureau. Patti Hughes, vp, distribution publishing and special sales at Macmillan, died June 12 of complications from cancer. Hughes spent 27 years at Macmillan, over two separate tenures. “Patti was a wonderful colleague, mentor and friend,” Macmillan president, sales Allison Lazarus said in a statement. “She was a rare individual who could focus […]