Publishers and Editors

Harlequin Mills & Boon has added Sarah Ritherdon as an acquiring editor. Lesley Stonehouse, alas, is no longer acquiring. Because the Harlequin website follows the standard confusing pattern of most publisher sites (it’s a bit like schizophrenia — what is my purpose on the web?), we’re taking you directly to the editorial office addresses. You can find your own way from there. Harlequin/Silhouette Editorial Office addresses

We realize we shouldn’t make fun of journalists because freedom of the press is what makes this nation great and all that, but, honestly, hasn’t there been a rash of inane headlines lately? Yesterday, we saw one stating that Laura Bush was to praise her husband at the Republican National Convention. Unless there was a serious, nasty disagreement over the breakfast table, this was a given, no? And what accused criminal is going to hold a press conference to announce their guilt? It would be nice, but not likely to happen. So, of course, our first thought when we read

And no, we’re not talking shopping. Effective, like, now (can you feel the urgency?), Gene Brissie will be editor-in-chief of Kensington’s Citadel Press. He will handle pop culture (yeah, that), history (what pop culture will be ten years from now), and other things like outdoor adventure (which, based on our research, includes this camping thing that’s all the rage).

Every time we think we’re done with the Harlequin editorial shuffle, we get new news. We’ve been waiting for the ground to settle, but, after a lifetime on a fault line, we know that never really happens. So here’s what we know. We thank our secret sources (yes, you — but you weren’t the only one) for this info. So: American Romance: Kathleen Scheibling is now associate senior editor. Blaze: Brenda Chin will be associate senior editor. Kathryn Lye has been named editor. Intrigue: Allison Lyons will be the editor. Jessica Regante is editorial assistant. Love Inspired: Mavis Allen is

Summer has finally affect the personnel departments in the publishing industry, which sure makes our weekly update easy. Nobody seemed in the mood to process paperwork, set up new phones, or update corporate phone directories. Well, nobody except Sterling Publishing — they added Julie Trelstad, late of John Wiley, as executive editor, acquisitions. Once she slides behind her new desk, she’ll be focused on woodworking, general reference, science, sports, architecture, and home reference. And that’s just what she’ll be doing in her spare time. Sterling Publishing Company

We’re a bit addicted to Gawker’s 5×5 interviews. They’re pretty much over before we’re attention span fades. Plus, we sometimes get actual information from them. Like, did you know that a razorbill is bird? Not that we were worried one way or the other, but next time we’re at a cocktail party (and it’s looking like tonight), we are so going to slip that tidbit into the conversation. The 5X5 Interview: John Morgan, Book Editor

A month or so ago, we mentioned that Half-Price Books had acquired a treasure warehouse full of rare books from Penguin. While we openly questioned Penguin’s business acumen at the time, we’re pleased that these rare books are being handled with care. If only our mother (yes, we’re still talking about the Ray Bradbury incident; it is important that she never live it down) had done the same. Half Price Books purchases rare Penguin archive from England; Books being sold on Abebooks.com

We believe the recent changes at Harlequin, both from a product and editorial perspective, will turn out to be very good for the company and its authors. The first step to solving a problem is admitting it exists — and the company has done that. The second step is changing the way everyone thinks. That will be harder, as an article from today’s New York Times makes clear. Thus we have generously taken the time and energy to offer our thoughts and opinions. We look at the points raised in the article, and we offer suggestions for the future. And

All indications are that August in publishing is like August in Italy. Apparently, we need to rethink our choice to forego a trip to Tuscany this month because publishing industry news continues to fly. Yesterday, we posted a rumor about a single editorial change, now we have an entire press release related to changes at Harlequin/Silhouette. We’ve complained about certain stagnation at H/S for years — but certainly didn’t expect such major organizational changes. Of course, the recent announcement of major line revamping offered a clue as to direction the publisher is moving, but seeing actual names attached to changes

The Time Warner Group has launched a new imprint called “Center Street.” According to Publisher’s Weekly, Time Warner says the name is meant to “reflect the line’s heartland values and sensibilities.” This explains the focus on self-help, motivation, health, fitness, and regional interest. Something tells us that latter item might need more clarification before our puny brain can process it. The good news is that TW will use all of its distribution channels to promote the imprint. Well, duh. What’s the point of media might if you’re not going to exploit it? Time Warner Bookmark