People 5/13
S&S SVP, corporate communications Adam Rothberg "has decided to end his 35-year tenure on a high note" and will retire at the end of July.
Follett Moves to Hachette
Ken Follett is changing English-language publishers, moving to Hachette Book Group and Hachette UK — after publishing with Penguin for 45 years, and with Pan Macmillan for 35 years. Follett’s next novel, due out on an unspecified date in 2025, will be published by Grand Central in the US and Quercus in the UK. The Follett Office sold rights to Ben Sevier at Grand Central (NA) and Jon Butler at Quercus (UK/Commonwealth), in a one-book deal. Follett said in the announcement, “This is the beginning of an exciting new phase for me: new publisher, new editors, new sales force. I’m […]
Forthcoming: Angela Merkel’s FREEDOM
On November 26, St. Martin’s will publish FREEDOM, a memoir by Angela Merkel, the first woman chancellor of Germany. They will publish simultaneously with sister companies Kiepenheuer & Witsch (Germany) and Pan Macmillan (UK), and the book will release in “many other countries around the world.” The book, in which she “reflects on her life in two German states—35 years in the German Democratic Republic, 35 years in reunited Germany,” is co-written with Beate Baumann, Merkel’s longtime advisor.
Acquisitions: Arcadia Publishing Acquires Dry Climate Studios
Arcadia Publishing has acquired Dry Climate Studios, an independent press that publishes picture and board books spotlighting cities, states, and regions across the US. Co-founder of Dry Climate Maria Kernahan will become a freelance writer and art director for the imprint. “Exploring the places that families across the country hold dear is at the heart of what we do at ACB,” said Arcadia’s publishing director of children’s books, Nancy Ellwood in a release. “Dry Climate’s beautiful books fit perfectly into our list, and we are delighted to bring them on board!”
PEN America Literary Gala Will Proceed As Planned
A spokesperson for PEN America confirmed to PL that the organization’s annual Literary Gala will take place on May 16 as planned. At the end of April, they cancelled both their Literary Awards and World Voices Festival. The Gala will be held at the Museum of Natural History in NYC.