Publishers and Editors

We realize we’ve blasted agents for their rather interesting approach to the Internet, and that’s a bit unfair. Publishers also deserve to share the spotlight. For example, when we learned that Nancy Hancock (formerly of McGraw-Hill) is moving to Touchstone Fireside, we thought: let’s get more information. We got as far as the description of the Touchstone imprint before our eyes glazed over. We’re not sure who the Simon & Schuster website targets, but we suspect that’s okay: it doesn’t appear they’re too clear on the matter either. Regardless, new editor at Touchstone. We’re sure she’s hungry to build her […]

As book collectors, we’ve owned more than our fair share of the so-called Black Cat books. We find them to be exactly the types of books we want to read (we trust the feline community to steer us true). PW reports that Grove/Atlantic is reactivating the long-dormant imprint, with four original titles due out in the Fall. We did toddle over to the Grove/Atlantic website for more scoop, but discovered it to be alarmingly old fashioned, only working with older browsers. They say they’re going to upgrade their site soon. Just in case they need guidance, we refer them to

As predicted, we grew bored with tracking quarterly publisher’s results. And we think we will continue our boredom unless something catches our eye. Something we simply cannot let pass without comment. Like this article from PW. The enthusiasm exhibited in the headline made us tilt our heads and want to scroll rapidly past the article. Houghton Mifflin Has Okay Quarter

We are not the cruel sort (please see previous posts about our karma), but something about this story tickled us. And saddened us. We must be growing up. New Millenium, the publisher that actually gave Jayson Blair money despite his little problem with the truth (ah, we do so love our celebrities in this country…even when said celebrity is of extremely dubious and tenuous nature), has entered the liquidation phase of bankruptcy. New Millenium’s assets, which sound rather like a blur of National Enquirer headlines (and we don’t mean this in a good way), are on the block. Get yours

We had no idea there was a publisher devoted to works by mothers. We’re not even sure how that works — is there some sort of test? And why, pray tell, do moms need their own special publisher? Give us a chance, we’ll come up with even more stupid questions. However, the publisher does exist and they’re donating a piece of every book sold to breast cancer research. We think that’s a grand idea. Walking Their Talk – Moms in Print Supports Breast Cancer Research and Mom Writers Moms in Print

We know we make fun of the synergy concept. It’s like a big, fat target right in front of us. We couldn’t miss it if we tried (despite our notably lousy aim). However, we felt, well, not applause, but something like it, coming on as we read about ESPN’s new sports publishing unit. Not that other publishers don’t know anything about athletics; we just feel ESPN might have a unique perspective. Oh sure, we expect lots of pictures and glossy pages, but, then again, we like that sort of stuff. ESPN Sports Publishing Unit

Once upon a time, in a galaxy far away, Harlequin Books published a set number of so-called “category” books. Many Harlequin authors went on to become successful in the (yes, we’re going to use the phrase again) so-called mainstream. Harlequin noticed this, and, after some chin stroking and market research realized a little strategy change was in order. Hence their move into the so-called (we couldn’t resist) single title market. Harlequin Signature is the latest imprint geared toward this market. Marsha Zinberg is the executive editor, the imprint will launch in January 2005, and includes sub-brands ranging from original titles

Sheila Curry will be moving to St. Martin’s Press’s lovely offices (it’s a view that makes us almost cry with envy…then we remember our workspace among the flowers) as new executive editor. She’ll be acquiring popular reference, self help, parenting, health and fitness, and childcare. There’s a relationship there, we just know it. She won’t actually be in the office until June 1, so hold your calls until then. Or maybe hold them until June second. It’s cruel to bother someone before they’ve found the coffee machine. St. Martin’s Press

As promised, we have checked out the earnings of another book publisher (something tells us we won’t be doing this too often). Your instincts are correct: the entire article is as dreary as the title suggests. We suggest you skim until you see the words HarperCollins. Something about bestsellers fueling growth. It appears the book industry is not going down the drain, but we do ask that you continue to spend your reading dollars freely (and if you need ideas, please ask. We have no opinions we don’t want to share.). News Corporation Reports Third Quarter Operating Income of $838