People 9/8

Carina Guiterman has been promoted to vice president and editorial director of fiction.

Michael Barra has been promoted to ceo.

“Michael’s creative and financial acumen, temperament, theatrical chops, and literary sensibility positioned him as the natural leader for ILP,” said Milena Alberti, ILP’s board chair and former executive chair. “He recognizes the importance of artistic legacy and understands the work that needs to be done to maintain it. He’s won the confidence of estates and their families, and just as importantly, he built the infrastructure to reinforce that trust — the licensing and adaptation engine that turns a rights acquisition into a living, growing franchise.”

The NBF announced that pediatrician, writer, and longtime National Medical Director of Reach Out and Read Perri Klass will receive the 2026 Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community.

“Perri Klass’s lifetime of service as a pediatrician, educator, and provider of books to children and families will have a lasting impact on communities everywhere—reaffirming the importance of reading and storytelling as an integral part of early childhood,” said David Steinberger, chair of the board of directors of the National Book Foundation.

Ryan Amato has joined as associate editor. He was previously at HarperOne.

Abigail Walton joins as associate publicist. She was previously at HarperCollins.

Kathleen O’Neill has been promoted to metadata manager.