Every week, we recommend 5 publishing articles/blog posts that supplement the major news for the week. Whether data or industry commentary, we hope these 5 links will be a simple way to keep you in the know.
The Fanfiction Foundations Behind Today’s Romantasy Debuts
Writers Call on Publishing Houses to Commit to Human-Only Content
Bookstore Owners Exit South Dakota Over Anti-Trans Legislation
Which Kindle Should You Buy in 2025?
AI Firm Wins Partial Victory in Copyright Lawsuit Over Book Use
PEOPLE
At Hachette Book Group, Tobias Madden has joined as Senior Manager of Metadata Strategy, and Amanda Marks has joined the Online Sales Team as National Accounts Manager. Ingrid Norton has joined as Associate Editor, she previously worked as an Assistant Editor at the Harvard Divinity Bulletin. Danielle Lance, formerly account executive at Renegade DC, has joined Basic Books Group as senior publicist.
At Penguin Random House, Christine Kell has joined as Senior Production Designer at Random House Children’s, most recently she was Creative Director & Design Manager of her own studio, Kell Design Studio. At Ten Speed Young Readers, Ellen John has joined as Marketing Manager and Jenniffer Dee has joined as Publicity Manager. Kate Tyler’s role has expanded to VP, Director of Publicity and Brand Strategy for Clarkson Potter and Ten Speed Press.
At MIT Press, Stephen Morrow has joined as Executive Acquisitions Editor for Brain and Life Sciences. Previously, he was at Simon & Schuster.
Abrams has restructured its marketing department and the following changes were led by Melanie Chang, SVP of Marketing, Publicity, and Corporate Communications. On the adult side, Cristina Gilbert joins as Executive Director, Marketing. She was most recently the Associate Publisher of Flatiron Books. Jenna Lisanti returns to the company as Associate Director. She was previously working on the company’s adult campaigns in a freelance capacity. Kasia Abrams joined as Executive Director, Content & Consumer Engagement. She was previously at Open Road.
At Whitecap Books, Sarah Miniaci-Davis has joined as Publisher. Formerly a freelance book publicist at Sarah Miniaci PR, she has also joined as Director of Publicity at Sutherland House Books and Fitzhenry & Whiteside.
At Bloodhound Books, Hannah Baxter-Deuce will assume the role of Publisher.
At Candlewick Press, Savannah Rush, formerly a sales temp, has joined as Production Assistant. Lailah Jackson, formerly Teacher’s Assistant at the Learning Experience, has joined as Marketing Assistant for School and Library. Joining Candlewick Press, Holiday House, and Peachtree, Maggie Salko, formerly Marketing and Publicity Manager at Little Bee Books, has joined as Marketing and Consumer Manager. Also at Holiday House and Peachtree, Megan Brearley, formerly Print Editor and Paginator at Pagemasters North America, has joined as Coordinator for Managing Editorial.
At The Stable Book Group, Jodi Weiss has joined as EVP and Head of Sales.
At One World, Jocelynn Pedro has joined as Assistant Director of Publicity.
At AAP, Eric Bagwell has joined as VP of Education and Innovation Policy, reporting to EVP, government affairs Shelley Husband. Previously Bagwell worked for Intel Corp. on IP and technology policy and was on the policy staff of the House Judiciary Committee.
At Open Road Integrated Media, Lola Bosa has joined as Editorial Assistant.
The New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association (NAIBA) has announced their Executive Director and President, Eileen Dengler, of the professional booksellers school is retiring at the end of 2026. She began her career at the American Booksellers Association in 1984.
At Julia Publicity, Julia Borcherts has launched a boutique literary PR and marketing agency. She was previously at Kaye Publicity.
At Boom! Studios, Sara Miller has joined as Editorial Director. She was previously at DC Comics. Kiarar Valdez has joined as Special Projects Editor. She was previously at First Second. Tea Fougner has joined as Co-lead to the imprint, previously they were in the editorial department of King Features Syndicate. Sebastian Girner joined as Co-lead to the imprint, he was previously Editor-in-Chief at TKO Studios.
Founders of British rocket company Christ Larmour and two of his funders- Martin Coates and John May created Factorial Books last year and have announced they will be publishing their first titles later this year.
In Agency News…
At Trellis Literary Management, Nicole Cunningham, formerly Literary Agent at The Book Group, has joined as Literary Agent.
At the Transatlantic Agency, Eva Oakes has been promoted to International Rights Coordinator, and Stuti Shah has been promoted to International Rights Administrator.
At Howland Literary, Esty Loveing-Downes has joined as Agent. Previously, she was an Associate Agent at ArtHouse.
At the Caldwell Agency, Stephanie Kim joined as Literary Agent. She was previously literary agent at New Leaf Literary & Media. Arthur Young joined as Operations Manager.
At Ultra Literary, Joanna Rasheed has been promoted to Literary Agent. Lillabeth Brodersen and Whisper Blanchard have joined as Assistant Literary Agents.
At Dunham Literary, Anjanette Barr has been promoted to Agent. Lee Melillo has been promoted to Associate Agent.
At Neighborhood Literary, GiannaMarie Dobson joined as Associate Agent.
PROMOTIONS
At Penguin Random House, Lauren Ball has been promoted to Senior Publicist at Portfolio, Thesis, and Sentinel. At Dutton, Hannah Poole has been promoted to Publicist. At Putnam, Jess Lopez has been promoted to Associate Publicist. At Penguin Press, Juli Kiyan has been promoted to Deputy Publicity Director. At Viking Press, Camille LeBlanc has been promoted to editor.
At Hachette Book Group, Stephanie Licciardi has been promoted to Associate National Accounts Manager on the Online Sales Team, and Carolyn Pittis has been promoted to VP of Digital Operations, with Directors Dorothy Bara, Melissa Mathlin, and Julie Rodriguez reporting to her.
At HarperCollins, Theresa Dooley has been promoted to Director of Publicity. Kim Silverton has been promoted to Associate Director of Sales Analysis.At Ecco, Gabriella Doob has been promoted to Executive Editor.
At Abrams on the children’s side, Borana Greku has been promoted to Director of Children’s Marketing.
At Sourcebooks, Jordan Kost has been promoted to Senior Creative Director at Sourcebooks Kids; Peter Racenis and Megan O’Brien have been promoted to Customer Experience Coordinator; and Ella Lindgren has joined as Customer Experience Representative. Claire Herendeen has been promoted to Senior Supervisor, Author Acquisitions, at Callisto. At Wonderland, Nicky Benson has been promoted to Senior Publishing Manager, and Elisabeth Clary has been promoted to Associate Editor.
At W. W. Norton & Company, Daniel Van Ostenbridge has been promoted to Associate Production Manager; Emma Ratner to Prepress Production and Content Coordinator; Delaney Adams to Production Manager; Lauren Abbate to Senior Production Manager; Sofia Utz to Subsidiary Rights Associate; Lara Drzik to Marketing Coordinator; Gabrielle Nugent to Senior Publicist; Siena Ballotta Garman to Associate Publicist; and Laura Mucha to Assistant Editor. At Countryman Press, an imprint of W. W. Norton, Devorah Backman has been promoted to Senior Marketing Manager; Zachary Polendo to Senior Publicist; Maya Goldfarb to Assistant Editor; and Emma Peters to Associate Editor. At Liveright, an imprint of W. W. Norton, Maria Connors has been promoted to Assistant Editor.
At Berrett-Koehler, Katelyn Keating has been promoted to Associate Director of Design and Production, and Ashley Ingram has been promoted to Creative Director of Design and Production.
At Soho Press, Steven Tran is being promoted to VP and Director of Sales.
At Lerner Publishing Group, Amy Fitzgerald has been promoted to Senior Editorial Director of Carolrhoda Books, Carolrhoda Lab, and Zest Books.
At Open Road Integrated Media, Catherine Phelan moved into the new role of VP, Audience, for the Content Affinity audiences and Early Bird Books.
At W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, Madison Baird has been promoted to Director of Digital Marketing.
At the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Kim Turrisi has been promoted to VP
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DULY NOTED
BookCon, the ReedPop fan focused book event, has announced its return for April 18-19th, 2026. The event was originally an add-on to the Book Expo but was removed in 2020 following its transition to a virtual setting.
NetGalley has announced the launch of Booktrovert.com, a new consumer-facing marketing platform and destination website for readers. Powered by NetGalley technology, Booktrovert allows publishers and authors to run secure digital giveaways, special promotions, and reader engagement campaigns through a sleek, mobile-friendly interface. With features like pre-order links, curated lists, and exclusive merch, Booktrovert aims to bridge the gap between book discovery and book buying. The platform officially launches on June 23, 2025.
The NYU Advanced Publishing Institute is now open for registration with a special early-bird rate. Designed for mid- to senior-level book publishing professionals, the program will take place in-person on New York University’s Greenwich Village campus, from January 5 through January 9, 2026. The full day executive education sessions will feature lectures, case studies, and workshops led by top publishing and media professionals, with an emphasis on management, leadership strategies, and consumer connections. The team at the NYU Center for Publishing,Writing, and Media, hosts of NYU API, are lining up an exciting roster of industry thought leaders. You can view highlights of API 2025 HERE. For questions, please reach out to nyu.api@nyu.edu.
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EVENTS
June 23-26th
Association of Jewish Libraries Annual Conference
Online
June 27th
Philadelphia, PA, USA
June 26-30th
Philadelphia, PA
Every week, we recommend 5 publishing articles/blog posts that supplement the major news for the week. Whether data or industry commentary, we hope these 5 links will be a simple way to keep you in the know.
BookTok Takes Center Stage: How TikTok Is Shaping Publishing at the LA Times Festival
Supreme Court Ruling Could Threaten Education & Publishing
#NotAI: Writers Use TikTok to Defend Their Work
Working‑Class Voices Clash with Elite at Writers’ Workshop
ByteDance Shuts Down 8th Note Press, Ending TikTok’s Publishing Experiment
Every week, we recommend 5 publishing articles/blog posts that supplement the major news for the week. Whether data or industry commentary, we hope these 5 links will be a simple way to keep you in the know.
Oregon Passes Bill to Shield School Libraries from Book Bans
How the Bestseller-Only Model Is Squeezing Midlist Writers in 2025
Avoiding AI Style: Writers Under Pressure to ‘Sound Human’
Spotify Fuels Audiobook Growth for Publishers
How Edmund White Empowered a Generation of LGBTQ+ Storytellers
Every week, we recommend 5 publishing articles/blog posts that supplement the major news for the week. Whether data or industry commentary, we hope these 5 links will be a simple way to keep you in the know.
New Data Uncovers Gaps Between Readers and Publishers
Summer Book Overload: Is Publishing’s Seasonal Break a Thing of the Past?
Salman Rushdie Speaks Out on America’s Censorship Culture
Amazon Faces Surge of AI-Generated Book Knockoffs
Nationwide Efforts Counter Book Bans and Protect Historical Narratives
Publishers Weekly‘s 5th annual U.S. Book Show was another sold-out success, held at a new venue at the New York Academy of Medicine and featuring a packed schedule.
The conference opened with a celebration of the Schomburg Center’s 100th anniversary, before transitioning to Jonathan Segura’s interview with Hachette’s David Shelley and Simon & Schuster’s Jonathan Karp. Their conversation covered everything from AI to DEI initiatives, book bans, and the importance of data collection.
A final question about the importance of independent publishers caught Karp by surprise. As he explained that his focus remained on his own company, Shelley noted that Hachette was happy to distribute many small presses—prompting Karp to graciously respond, “That’s a much better answer!” The pair concluded by offering advice to newcomers: “Make publishing better than it already is.”
What followed were a dozen talks and panels, with AI and the eternal challenges of book discovery emerging as common themes throughout the day. Keith Riegert, president of the Stable Book Group and CEO of Brooklyn-based independent publishing companies, Ulysses Press and VeloPress Books, delivered his now-annual presentation on navigating AI for publishers, with many specific recommendations for using it to improve internal operations, produce engaging marketing creative, and do some of the time-consuming tasks that humans aren’t likely to miss.
An audiobook panel moderated by Ed Nawotka explored the evolving landscape, touching on Spotify’s entry into the space, Audible’s continuing growth (children’s audio grew 22% in Q4 2024), Sourcebooks’ new audio initiatives, and developments on the horizon—including “immersive audio” experiences and a remaking of the Harry Potter audiobooks featuring the newest sound capture technology.
PW‘s John Maher moderated a particularly compelling panel on nurturing the next generation of publishing professionals, with insights from industry leaders Sally Kim, Sloan Harris, Emi Ikkanda, Christoph Paul, Davi Pillai, and Erinn McGrath. Their takeaways for aspiring publishers were clear: learn, listen actively, respect colleagues, interact meaningfully (especially in the office!), and above all, remain optimistic about books and the industry. And for those just starting their careers, one standout piece of advice was to find a peer group outside of one’s organization, to learn from others who may have similar experiences. 
The conference concluded with a panel on TikTok and BookTok, where panelists acknowledged the platform’s uncertain future, given that the June 19 deadline for a mandated sale has been extended once again. But everyone was excited by the promise of TikTok LIVE to boost awareness of authors, genres, and tropes–and generate book sales
As attendees filed out of the packed venue after a well-attended cocktail hour, the buzz was louder than ever–a reminder that publishers love what they do, and love to talk about it.
Every week, we recommend 5 publishing articles/blog posts that supplement the major news for the week. Whether data or industry commentary, we hope these 5 links will be a simple way to keep you in the know.
Global Publishing Leaders Unite for Policy and Advocacy in Madrid
BookTok Backlash: Luke Bateman’s Deal Highlights Disparities in Publishing
Authors Publishing House Expands Nationwide to Empower Indie Authors in $15B Surge
The Self-Publishing Dilemma: How AI Is Flooding the Market With Synthetic Stories
Writing Under the Weight of a Legend: Simon Tolkien Reflects on His Grandfather’s Influence
Every week, we recommend 5 publishing articles/blog posts that supplement the major news for the week. Whether data or industry commentary, we hope these 5 links will be a simple way to keep you in the know.
Summer Slip Up- Newspaper Prints Fake AI Generated List
Supreme Court Steps Aside As Justices Recuse Themselves From Publishing Case
Navy Reverses Course On DEI Book Ban
From Blurbs to BookTok: Redefining Book Promotion
Heart Lamp’ Makes History as First Short Story Collection to Win Booker
PEOPLE
At Simon & Schuster, Jonathan Merritt joined the imprint on May 12th as VP and executive editor, specializing in faith, religion and spirituality, reporting to Priscilla Painton. He was previously a literary agent at Christopher Ferebee Agency.
At Macmillan, Nellie Kurtzman has joined Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group as executive creative director of brand marketing.
At Penguin Random House, Chelsea Abdullah, formerly assistant marketing and publicity manager at Astra Books for Young Readers, has joined DK Books/Penguin Random House as children’s marketing manager. Matt Lamberti has joined Penguin Random House as SAP developer. Sylvie Frank, previously editorial director at Disney Hyperion, has joined Flamingo Books as senior executive editor. At Putnam Books, Melanie Fried has joined as executive editor. At Random House Children’s Books, Vivian Suchman has joined as editorial director of National Geographic Kids. Katie Moore has joined as executive editor of National Geographic Kids. Emily Fego has joined as associate editor of National Geographic Kids. Kathryn Robbins has joined Random House Children’s Books as senior designer for National Geographic Kids. At Delacorte Press, Britt Rubiano has joined as executive editor. Lisa Bosley has joined as director of marketing, licensed, and proprietary brands for National Geographic Kids. Eva Absher-Schantz has joined as executive director of art and design at National Geographic Kids. Angela Graven will lead the newly formed digital and regional print production team at Penguin Random House. Senior production manager, digital reprints Bernice McManus; production manager, digital print Amanda Crawford; and production manager, correctives Avi Bonime will report to Graven. Maddie Caldwell joined as executive editor of Random House, she was previously at Grand Central.
At Abrams, Julia Primavera has joined as production director. Rebecca Reisert has joined as senior production manager. Yenilet Rodriguez has joined as production associate.
At HarperCollins, Alli Grote Picard has joined Focus as senior editor.
At Bloomsbury, Evan Hansen-Bundy has joined as editor. He was previously associate editor at Algonquin Books.
At Ingram Content Group, Dr. Rajen Bhatt joined earlier this year as the new role of director of AI.
At Ploughshares Jenny Molberg was named editor-in-chief.
At Ignition Press, Scott Newman has joined as art director. Joe Campagna has joined as print manager.
At Fortress, Kathleen Gallagher Elkins has joined as acquisitions editor.
At Magnetic Press James Lowder has been named as its consulting editor.
At Commons Notions Press, Jeff Waxman, formerly a sales rep and a marketing consultant for independent publishers, has been named sales and marketing director. Emily Miller has joined as publicity director.
At Yarros Ink, Lizzy Mason, formerly publicity director at Entangled Publishing has joined as managing director.
At Candlewick Press, Holiday House, Peachtree Publishing, Nina Serafini has joined as sales assistant for Barnes & Noble, indie bookstores, Ingram, and Books A Million.
At Mad Cave, Charles Beacham has joined as editor.
At Wise Acre Comics Anthony Zicari has joined as editor-in- chief.
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In Agency News…
At Frances Goldin Literary Agency, Lucy Cleland has joined as VP and senior agent.
At Dystel, Goderich & Bourret, Gracie Freeman Lifschutz has been promoted to subsidiary rights associate and literary agent.
At Rights Factory, Matt Belford, formerly literary agent at New Leaf, as literary agent.
At Future of Agency, Sara Mehelic is promoted to marketing assistant. Genessee Floressantos has joined as a publicity specialist. Kelly Dasta has joined as marketing specialist. Naureen Nashid has joined as marketing specialist.
At Howland Literary, Ashlee MacCallum has joined as a junior agent.
At Lucinda Literary, Michael Kaler has joined as editorial coordinator. Previously he was an associate editor at Basic Books.
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PROMOTIONS
At Penguin Random House, Kate Renner has been promoted to senior art director at Viking, Philomel, and Flamingo. Kristen Pozzouli has been promoted to director of school and library marketing at DK Books/Penguin Random House. At Putnam Books Katie McKee was promoted to deputy director of publicity and Tarini Sipahimalani was promoted to associate editor. Lauren Morrow has been promoted to publicity manager. Sarah Thegeby has been promoted to senior publicity manager. Andy Craven has been promoted to senior director, reprint production, now heading adult and children’s book production. Associate director Sandra Bretnall will report to Craven.
At Hachette, Jen Graham has been promoted to senior managing editor at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
At Macmillan, Angela Tabor has been promoted to associate publicist at St. Martin’s Publishing Group.
At Candlewick Press, Holiday House, and Peachtree, Elyse Vincenty and Allison Tarnofsky were promoted to senior marketing manager of trade.
At Soho Press, Lilly DeTaeye has been promoted to publicist.
At Watkins Media, Caroline Lambe has been promoted to head of marketing and publicity for adult trade.
At Zando, Julia McGarry has been promoted to senior publicist.
At Storehouse Voices, Isabela Alcantara has been promoted to publishing associate.
At Mad Cave Studios, Kristen Simon has been promoted executive editor at Nakama Press.
At Grove Atlantic, Jenny Choi has been promoted to associate publicist.
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DULY NOTED
Reported first by AP, President Trump has appointed, Todd Blanche, his former personal attorney and now Deputy Attorney General as acting Librarian of Congress. Paul Perkins, an associate deputy attorney general, is acting register of copyrights and director of the Copyright Office. Brian Nieves, a deputy chief of staff and senior counsel in Blanche’s office, was made acting assistant librarian of the Library of Congress.
The NYU Advanced Publishing Institute is now open for registration with a special early-bird rate. Designed for mid- to senior-level book publishing professionals, the program will take place in-person on New York University’s Greenwich Village campus, from January 5 through January 9, 2026. The full day executive education sessions will feature lectures, case studies, and workshops led by top publishing and media professionals, with an emphasis on management, leadership strategies, and consumer connections. The team at the NYU Center for Publishing,Writing, and Media, hosts of NYU API, are lining up an exciting roster of industry thought leaders. You can view highlights of API 2025 HERE. For questions, please reach out to nyu.api@nyu.edu.
Center for Fiction have filed for a union election with the RWDSU, according to a post from their social media, they “are forming a union to ensure that our voices are heard when decisions are made that impact us, and to ensure that we are compensated adequately as employees who live in one of the most expensive cities in the world.” Employees as of Friday, May 16th are awaiting for management to respond.
A reminder that the celebration of Mike Shatzkin’s life will convene on Thursday, May 22, from 5PM to 8pm, at The Prince George Ballroom. If planning to attend please rsvp to marthamoran@gmail.com.
Art dealer Larry Gagosian purchased Bookhampton from Carolyn Brody.
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EVENTS
May 20: 2025 International Booker Prize
May 22–June 1 Hey Festivals Wales in Hereford, UK
May 25–28 Tbilisi International Book Fair in Tbilisi, GE
May 28–June 1 Istanbul International Literature Festival in Istanbul, TR
June 3 US Book Show in New York, NY
