Hachette Book Group USA ceo Michael Pietsch updated staff last week on the company’s ongoing diversity and inclusion efforts: “This is an incredibly important conversation, about a large number of significant goals. Some we can accomplish quickly, others will take concentrated efforts over years.” As Pietsch admitted in a companywide meeting at the end of…
Diversity
Penguin Random House US Releases Demographic Data, Pledges to “Make Meaningful, Positive Change”
Penguin Random House US ceo Madeline McIntosh shared with the company results of their employee demographic analysis, which paints a stark picture: “I don’t think any of us is likely to be surprised by the data, which show that our company, like our industry, is far too homogeneous. But seeing what we generally know to…
People, Etc.
Andy Bird will take over as ceo of Pearson, starting October 19. At that point, current ceo John Fallon will continue in the position until then, when he will step down from the board and remain as an advisor through the end of the year. Bird had been chairman of Walt Disney International most recently,…
“What It’s Like to Be Black in Publishing”
The NYT interviewed eight people from across publishing, who “told us what they are seeing now and what they’ve seen before, how being Black has affected their careers, and what they hope the future will bring.” Editorial director at Amistad, Tracy Sherrod: “There’s only like seven of us Black editors who have some authority, real…
ABA Acknowledges Going “Too Slow” In Supporting BIPOC Bookstores and Booksellers and Promises Better
The American Booksellers Association convened a virtual version of their annual meeting and town hall — usually held at Book Expo — on Thursday afternoon. One traditional element was missing however, the updated statistics on the number of ABA members. Board president Jamie Fiocco said in her report, “We were in the middle of renewals…
More Pushback: Tattered Cover Apologizes For Position of Proud Non-Engagement
Denver bookstore The Tattered Cover drew considerable criticism online from authors and booksellers after it had posted a statement on June 6.While declaring, “We agree with, embrace, and believe that black lives matter,” the owners said, but their higher value was a “nearly 50-year policy of not engaging in public debate. Our value to the community…
