People 7/16

Kayah Hodge joined as digital marketing associate. She was most recently a marketing assistant at Macmillan.

Author and literary agent Michelle Jackson has launched her own agency. Sobi Burbano has joined the team as an associate agent.

Sam Morgan has rejoined the agency, in a new position as their first book-to-film rights agent. Most recently he was at The Lotts Agency before taking a hiatus from publishing.

AWP made Michelle Aielli executive director of the organization as of July 1. Aielli had served as interim executive director since September 2024. Board chair January Gill O’Neil said, “Michelle has shown outstanding leadership, skill, and commitment throughout her time as interim director and her service on the board of directors. I’m excited for the new path forward under her guidance.”

Prior to joining AWP, she was vp and publishing director at Hachette Books.