Publishers and Editors

Okay, before you read MediaBistro’s interview with Danielle Durkin of Random House/Ballantine, we would like to remind you (as if you need reminding!) that very few editors meet their authors on the subway. Durkin also notes this, but sometimes people think, well, it happened once… So did the Ice Age, and you don’t see anyone getting all excited about that coming around again.

A bit of publishing-industry desk moves and title changes to end this gray, chilly week. Also, we’re in a listy sort of mood. Simon & Schuster remains not for sale. Put your checkbooks away for another day. Jean Feiwel at Holtzbrinck has named her kid’s book imprint Feiwel & Friends. David Graham moves from Canongate to Granta. Which reminds us that we have the new Granta waiting to be read. Which makes us wonder why we’re typing this. Oh, right, because he’s also overseeing Portobello Books August House Publishers will launch a line for kids that will arrive land in

We’re admittedly bad at tracking all the editorial movement going on — but who could keep up with all the comings and going? But since we have a nice slew of desk changes, we’ll share a few: Farrin Jacobs has moved to HarperCollins Children’s Books as executive editor. She was previously editor at Red Dress Ink. Ballantine associate editor Julia Cheiffetz was promoted to editor. Because Adams Media COO Scott Watrous will be leaving to head Globe Pequot Press, a bunch of people will be doing his job. Gary Krebs, Karen Cooper, and Jeanne Emanuel will share duties, though presumably

In the interest of scientific inquiry, we did a quick poll of our peers to gauge interest in the impending arrival of Judith Regan. Angelenos are, quite obviously, fascinated by celebrity and when a high-profile editor arrives on our fair shore, well, giddy is not too strong a word. Except, and perhaps we can blame the news media, the general reaction to this news was, “Who?” Followed by, “Does this have a point?” Then the kicker, “Whatever.” We tried explaining the part where Regan is planning to bring culture to Los Angeles. That was met with, “On purpose?” Okay, Regan

We are, quite understandably, enthusiastic about the idea of publishing giants using new technology to reach readers. Simon & Schuster, or rather Simon & Schuster Spotlight Entertainment (makes one wonder, no?), has officially entered the cell phone promotion market. The new program will send text messages, excerpts, cover art, and whatever else fits on a cell phone to subscribers. Initial content will be geared toward women (He’s Just Not That Into You: The No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys – seems like a perfect fit, doesn’t it?). S&S has partnered with a company called MobileSidewalk to push the content to cellphones,

Sheesh, barely a half cup of coffee into the day, and already we’re ranting. Tina Engler’s story is well-documented — girl can’t find a publisher for erotic stories (because, let’s be honest, good girls don’t), decided to strike out on her own, becomes publishing phenom while turning the model on its head. Also, if you’ve been missing our updates for the past few years, erotica remains the fastest growing segment of women’s fiction. So what has us frothing at the mouth so early on a rainy morning? The fact that MSNBC insists that Ellora’s Cave is a “website” rather than

It is an interesting concept, targeting publishing efforts toward major audiences. Rayo, an imprint of HarperCollins, is focused on providing good books to the Latino community — in both English and Spanish. Yes, yes, we know, such radical concepts require more warning before being dropped in your laps. That fact that it wasn’t until the year 2001 that this happened boggles the mind — and we do not possess an easily boggled mind. When we started back in 2001, I think we were one of the very few publishing houses out there making books for the Latino community. Although the

In what is an apparently radical move, Cindy Spiegel and Julie Grau will call their new Doubleday imprint “Spiegel & Grau”. After noting that publishing houses often name imprints after the male founders, the new name feels “both old-fashioned and radical”. Definitely beats some made-up feminine sounding word that makes no sense at all. Spiegel & Grau Land Orman & Company

The best thing you can do to Kate Nitze of MacAdam Cage is give her a stomachache — you now, the kind of pain that says a story is good, really good. The worst thing you can do? That thing about drinking no wine before its time? Same for stories — don’t submit until the story is good and finished. MacAdam is a small house — approximately 30 titles per year — focused on literary fiction. Nitze is attracted to the classic elements: As I mentioned above, a confident voice (whether first or third person); arresting imagery; a sense of