More publisher realignments. This time, it’s HarperCollins.
Publishers Lunch reports that, among other big changes at the publisher, Liate Stehlik (who currently heads the Avon and Harper mass market titles), is taking over as publisher of William Morrow/Eos/Avon. Eos and Avon are their sf imprints.
Other changes include:
* closing the Collins Division and realigning the imprint
* moving the Collins non-fiction list into the Harper imprint
* the departure of Collins President and Publisher Steve Ross
* the departure of William Morrow publisher Lisa Gallagher
* Collins Reference Publisher Bruce Nichols is also taking on the role of executive editor at Harper
Discussing these, and other, changes, Harper CEO Brian Murray wrote to employees: “Over the last several months, the unstable economy has had a significant impact on businesses and consumer spending. Our industry is not immune to these market forces, and there is increasing pressure on us, along with our retail and wholesale partners, to adjust.
“However, given the continued uncertainty in the market and soft revenues for the company, we need to take further action to align our cost basis with expected revenues. I have asked each division to evaluate their business and begin the process to meet this goal. Unfortunately, in some HarperCollins divisions, implementing these plans will result in a reduction in workforce. These are difficult decisions that were not made lightly.
“Although we are facing new challenges today, we know that our company will again see a strong market. HarperCollins has a nearly 200 year history of managing through business cycles much more difficult than today’s. I am confident that our authors, our ambitious publishing plan and our creativity will carry us forward.”