At Bloomsbury UK, Alexis Kirschbaum has been promoted to associate publisher. Alison Hennessey becomes publishing director. Rowan Yapp has been promoted to publishing director of the illustration list, while Emma Herdman becomes publishing director with a focus on literary and commercial. Ileene Smith, previously vice president and executive editor at Farrar, Straus, is now serving as an editor at large for the house. She will continue to acquire and work with selected authors. Andrea Joyce is now handling rights for Edinburgh-based agency Jenny Brown Associates. She was most recently rights director at Canongate for 12 years. Felicity Bryan is stepping […]
Obits
People, Etc.
At Pearson, Alexa Christon has been promoted to chief marketing officer, reporting to chief corporate affairs officer, Deirdre Latour. Robb Forman Dew, 73, author of fiction, memoirs, essays, criticism, and cookbooks, died on May 22. Her 1981 novel, Dale Loves Sophie to Death, won the National Book Award (then known as the American Book Award) for a first novel. A memorial will be held at a time and place to be determined once quarantine restrictions have been lifted. Awards Amazon Literary Partnership announced its 2020 grant recipients, including Deep Vellum Publishing, City of Asylum Pittsburgh, The Center for Africa and LitNet. Past recipients […]
People, Etc.
Longtime literary agent Frances Goldin, 95, died in her home in New York on May 16, after years of declining health. She founded the Frances Goldin Literary Agency in 1977 to champion left-wing authors, and her roster included Dorothy Allison, Barbara Kingsolver, Martin Duberman, Adrienne Rich, Mumia Abu Jamal, Mike Wallace, Frances Fox Piven, Susan Brownmiller, Martin Espada, Juan Gonzalez, and many others. A memorial will be held when gathering becomes possible again, with details to be announced. Pam Gruber has joined Irene Goodman Literary Agency as a literary agent, representing adult, young adult, and middle grade fiction, graphic novels, […]
People, Etc.: Bob Loomis Dies at 93, Brody Promoted at HMH
Renowned former Random House editor Bob Loomis died Sunday at 93, following a fall. RH Publishing Group Gina Centrello calls him, “One of the greatest editors Random House, and our industry, has ever known.” She noted, “I was just one of many who adored and learned from Bob, who inspired several generations of editors and publishers. His values and work ethic are permanently embedded in the Random House DNA.” Loomis retired from Random House in 2011 after spending almost 55 years at the house. The NYT notes, “Loomis likened editing to a quasi-religious function. ‘You have to turn your collar […]
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Allison Carney has joined Holt as assistant director of marketing. She was most recently marketing manager at Riverhead, Viking, and Penguin. Maia Sacca-Schaeffer has joined as assistant marketing manager; previously she was digital marketing & sales associate at Farrar, Straus. Kneerim & Williams agent John Butman died unexpectedly on Monday, March 23, from what appears to have been a heart attack. He was at home in Maine after a vacation with his family. The agency remembers him as, “A priceless agent, thinker, writer, and pal. He brought us his overflowing wit, intelligence, kindness, and joy, and we will miss him sorely.” […]
People, Etc.: Harper Also Withdraws from Rescheduled Book Expo
In line with Penguin Random House’s position to skip this year’s planned Book Expo and Book Con — even after Reed Exhibitions rescheduled the events for July — HarperCollins has also withdrawn. “In light of the current situation and the unpredictability of the coronavirus in the coming months, we’ve made the difficult decision to withdraw our participation in Book Expo and Book Con 2020. We understand the importance of connecting with booksellers, educators, and readers, and look forward to engaging with them at other opportunities.” At Flatiron Books, Kelly Gatesman has been promoted to designer; Jordan Forney to marketing associate; […]