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Penguin Putnam Hires Small Press Principals
John F. Baker -- 3/20/00

Rumors making the rounds earlier this month (News, Mar. 13) that Penguin Putnam was close to acquiring a quality niche publisher were slightly off the mark. Instead, Frederick Ramey and Greg Michalson, formerly publisher and general fiction editor, respectively, of Denver's MacMurray & Beck, are joining Penguin Putnam, where they will jointly edit a newly formed imprint, Blue Hen. The first list, which will feature about 10 titles, will be released some time in 2001.

Penguin Putnam's president, Phyllis Grann, announcing the news, said: "Fred and Greg have both been very successful in recognizing and cultivating new author talent, which will be a tremendous asset as they build this new imprint. They will continue to have the flexibility they had while managing an independent publisher, while also having the resources of a larger organization to help grow their list."

Ramey told PW the new imprint will "aspire to become a premier publisher of both hardcover and paperback literary fiction and nonfiction titles." Michalson added: "Our intent is to continue publishing the best new voices in the country."

The two, who resigned from M&B in February (News, Feb. 28), will not move to New York City but will maintain offices in, respectively, Denver and Columbia, Mo., where Michalson has also served as managing editor of a literary journal, The Missouri Review.

Before joining M&B in 1992, Ramey was co-owner and copublisher of Arden Press. He served as co-editor of all M&B's fiction titles as well as editor for most of its nonfiction. Michalson had been general fiction editor since 1994, in addition to his duties at Missouri Review. Until permanent offices are established, Ramey can be reached at (303) 638-3883, and Michalson at (573) 882-4474.

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