Multnomah Publishers laid off 15 more employees early last month, a move that followed deep cuts last year. Company representatives told PW the new round of belt-tightening represents an extension of its new 'streamlined' publishing strategy.
Following the two rounds of cuts, Multnomah's total employment is now at about 85 people. 'In light of our effort to adjust to our refined marketing strategy of publishing fewer books and to contend with the publishing industry's economic conditions, we determined it was necessary to restructure the company for the future,' Don Jacobson, president and publisher, stated in a news release.
Last year, in addition to the layoffs, Jacobson shelved plans for a new building that Multnomah had planned in the wake of the blockbuster success of The Prayer of Jabez. He also reduced by 40% the number of titles that Multnomah produced last year. Under the new strategy, Multnomah is focusing more time and resources on fewer titles. 'We are encouraged by the initial response to our strategy,' a Multnomah spokesman said, noting that the house is now publishing 50 new titles and up to 25 repackaged or extension products annually.
