At Putnam Children’s, publisher Jen Besser has been promoted to president as well, reporting to Penguin Children’s president Jen Loja — who writes that Besser “has continually wowed us with her keen publishing sensibility, and her ability to find the best books for every kind of reader.” Loja adds, “Her perfect balance of believing in what she does deeply but also being able to see the fun and the humor in what we all do, not only makes her a valuable leader, but also a delight to have in the senior management of the group.” At Atria Books and Washington Square Press, […]
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People: Gibson to Grove Atlantic, and More
George Gibson, whose job as publishing director at Bloomsbury US is being eliminated, will join Grove Atlantic as executive editor in January. CEO Morgan Entrekin says in the announcement that “everyone at Grove Atlantic is thrilled.” He notes, “George is admired here and around the world as a brilliant, gracious, passionate publisher and editor. His independent publishing experience at David Godine, Walker and Bloomsbury makes him a perfect fit for us. In addition, George is a longtime friend and I’m excited to welcome him as a colleague.” Gibson adds, “I have such longstanding admiration for Morgan and his colleagues, for the […]
People: Hoffman to Succeed Makinson as Penguin Random House Chairman
Penguin Random House chairman John Makinson will retire on December 31 after three and a half years at the position and more than 15 years with Penguin and PRH. He will be succeeded by Philip Hoffman, formerly chief corporate finance and strategic development officer at Pearson, on January 1, 2017. Hoffman has served on the PRH board of directors since the company’s inception and has been chairman of the audit committee. Bertelsmann chairman and ceo Thomas Rabe said of Hoffman in the announcement: “From the beginning, he has closely supported Penguin Random House’s development as an equally expert and responsible advisor. […]
People: PRH Offers Student Loan Repayment, and More
Penguin Random House announced to US employees a new Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program that starts in January. The company will provide all full-time employees who have been employed at least one year with a student loan repayment of up to $1,200 annually — for up to seven and a half years — totaling a maximum of $9,000. CEO Markus Dohle writes: “I know all too well that student loan debt burdens a great deal of our colleagues…. We have always believed in doing our part to tackle broader societal challenges by starting within our own communities. We want to honor the investments you […]
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The Zora Neale Hurston Trust is now being represented by the Joy Harris Literary Agency. (Hurston’s work was previously represented by Victoria Sanders & Associates.) Singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist Leonard Cohen, 82, died Thursday. Jared Bland at his longtime publisher McClelland & Stewart said in a statement, “His work, in all its forms, touched our hearts, informed our lives, and made our world better. It is almost impossible to imagine a world without his singular voice. His presence will never be forgotten. His profound art will endure.” Literary agent Ed Victor celebrated 40 years in business at a party in London on […]
Denmark’s JP/Politikens Forms Swedish Publishing House, Polaris
Denmark-based publishing company JP/Politikens will launch a new publishing house in Sweden, Polaris Förlag, concentrating on literary fiction, crime and thrillers, and popular nonfiction, in the second half of 2017. Polaris, which will operate as an independent unit of JP/Politikens and based in Stockholm, will be overseen by Jonas Axelsson, most recently director of Bonnier Group and ceo of Partners in Stories. JP/Politikens managing director Lene Juul said in the announcement: “The Swedish book market is interesting as we currently see a positive market development. And with Jonas Axelsson we have found the right person to start our new business […]