Simon & Schuster announced “with great sadness” that renowned vp and editorial director Alice Mayhew, 87, died peacefully at home earlier today. Plans for a memorial service will be announced at a later date. She joined Simon & Schuster in 1971 (following editorial positions and Harper & Row and Random House). CEO Carolyn Reidy writes that, “In her nearly fifty years here she established herself as a true mainstay of our publishing efforts, editing a distinguished list of writers in history, biography, journalism, politics, contemporary affairs and popular culture. Four authors published by her were awarded the Pulitzer Prize—Taylor Branch, […]
Obits
Mary Higgins Clark Dies at 92
NYT bestselling suspense novelist Mary Higgins Clark died Friday of natural causes at 92 in Naples, FL. Simon & Schuster ceo Carolyn Reidy wrote: “It is impossible to overestimate the importance of Mary’s contribution to our success, and her role in the modern history of Simon & Schuster. Beginning in 1975 with the publication of WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN, each of her 56 books has been a bestseller. There are more than 100 million copies of her books in print in the United States; they are international bestsellers and have been translated into every major and many less well-known languages. […]
People, Etc.
Geoff Shandler is stepping down from his role as editorial director of Custom House to pursue other opportunities. He joined William Morrow five years ago and led the imprint from inception. Morrow executive editor Peter Hubbard takes over Custom House as vp, editorial director, reporting to Liate Stehlik. Executive editor Katherine Nintzel moves over from William Morrow as well, now reporting to Hubbard. Stehlik says the two will “develop and expand the Custom House line,” which “will re-launch with new works” in 2021. Sydney Rogers has been promoted to editor for Harper One. Former Vintage and Anchor director of publicity […]
People, Etc.
Elizabeth DeMeo has been promoted to associate editor at Tin House Books, reporting to Masie Cochran. In addition to overseeing the poetry and paperback programs, she will acquire both fiction and nonfiction. Emily Canders has been promoted to senior publicity manager at Dutton. Hannah Wood joined Apple recently, working as content development editor on the Apple Books team. Rachel Beck is no longer with Holloway Literary. At Curtis Brown UK, Becky Brown has been promoted to agent in the division that represents literary estates, and Lucy Morris has been promoted to agent in the books department. Author Robert Caro‘s extensive […]
Knopf Doubleday Chairman Sonny Mehta Dies at 77
Renowned chairman of the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group and editor-in-chief of Knopf Sonny Mehta died on Monday, December 30 of complications from pneumonia. He was 77. Plans for a memorial service will be announced. The company said in a statement, “Mehta’s contributions to the world of letters and publishing are without precedent. His exacting standards – in editorial, production, design, marketing, and publicity – were a beacon to the book industry and beyond. He was a friend to writers, editors, and booksellers around the world. Mehta was also a gentleman, uniquely so, who cared deeply about his colleagues and the […]
Briefs
Journalist and novelist Ward Just, 84, died Thursday of Lewy body dementia. His novel Echo House was a National Book Award finalist and his novel An Unfinished Season was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize in 2005. Romance novelist Johanna Lindsey, 67, died on October 27 in Nashua, NH. She wrote almost 60 novels that sold more than 60 million copies. PW named author Dav Pilkey as its “person of the year,” writing that “with sales of his Dog Man series skyrocketing in 2019, Pilkey is doing more to excite kids about reading than any author since J.K. Rowling.” The […]