People 2/15

Further to yesterday’s announcement that Catapult is closing its online magazine and writing classes program, there have also been layoffs on the book side. Three employees, associate editor Summer Farrah, and  Sarah Jean Grimm and Alisha Gorder from the publicity department, announced on Twitter that they have been laid off. Grimm reported, “There are cuts to the book publishing program, too.” This is in addition to 10 employees on the posted staff list from the classes and magazine departments.

Catapult did not respond to PL’s queries about the full extent of the layoffs. Their previous statement had said the suspension of the magazine and classes was to “focus all resources on its core business of book publishing and its three imprints.” Publisher Alyson Forbes said it was a “decision to center our efforts on our foundational business will ensure a successful future for our imprints.”

Kimberly Meilun has joined as an associate editor with a focus on business and economics. She was most recently at Portfolio.

Kortney Nash has been promoted to assistant editor.

Mary Interdonati has been promoted to assistant manager, marketing and publicity.

ILP has acquired the intellectual property of prolific children’s book authors Martin Waddell and Adèle Geras, as well as author and illustrator Gianna Marino and the late Sheila Burnford.

Sarah Brody has joined as associate art director.

Meredith Pal has been promoted to assistant editor, reporting to Nicole Winstanley.