People 4/29

The agents’ association will convene their own standalone People of Publishing Conference this year, on September 17, in New York City. The event will focus on “the development, networking, and convening of agents, editors, and publishing professionals—the people who shape and sustain our industry.”

AALA president and co-founder of the conference Regina Brooks says in the announcement, “With a mix of high-level strategy, peer connection, skill-building sessions, and candid conversations, this is a rare space for publishing professionals to get smarter, bolder, and more grounded in their craft.”

Registration is open, and portions of the program — including a ceo leadership forum and category focused agent/editor roundtables — have been posted.

The Ink, a newsletter run by Anand Giridharadas, has launched a book club focused on democracy. Critic and editor Leigh Haber, who previously led Oprah’s Book Club, will lead the project, which will be drawing from “the best new nonfiction and fiction titles and revisiting the most relevant classics.” Discussion guides with weekly prompts and questions from Haber will be posted on Wednesdays and weekends. The first selection is ABUNDANCE, by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson.

Haber says in an announcement, “I’m thrilled to bring my learnings from ten years directing Oprah’s Book Club to Anand’s community. Oprah always said authors are her rock stars. In this crucial moment, we need their inspiration and insights more than ever.”

Kim Lauber will join in the newly created role of senior vice president, consumer insights, marketing & analytics, on May 19. She will report to evp, business development & strategy Alyssa Awe. Lauber was most recently vp of marketing at Abrams.

According to a release, “Lauber will lead the consumer insights, marketing, and analytics team and collaborate with divisional marketing and corporate shared services groups to drive Macmillan’s strategic evolution in consumer engagement and insights and all aspects of data-focused performance marketing.”

Lucile Culver has joined as director of marketing. Culver was previously associate director of marketing at Harper One.

Jaleesa Davis has been promoted to associate publicist.

Ause Abdelhaq will join as senior commissioning editor on May 6. He was previously a commissioning editor at Pan Macmillan.

Bethany Saltman will join as both an agent and director of business strategy, partnering with ceo Rachel Neumann on the design and operations of Wave Studios, the agency’s “new educational and resource-rich wing.” Saltman founded book development agency Bookish and will continue to host the Bookish podcast.

Jessica Larios-Zarate joins as assistant literary agent, supporting the agency and representing select fiction and nonfiction.