The Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing division underwent a significant realignment in its hardcover operation last week following the departure of Anne Schwartz to Random House (see story above) and the resignation of her boss, Suzanne Harper. Harper joined S&S last July as senior v-p, publisher for hardcover, replacing Brenda Bowen, who moved to Hyperion Books for Children as editor-in-chief. Harper had been editor-in-chief of Disney Adventures. Rick Richter, president of the children's division, wouldn't comment on whether Schwartz's departure played a role in Harper's resignation. He said the subsequent restructuring was done "to best use our editorial talent." Until a replacement for Harper is found, Richter is assuming her day-to-day responsibilities.
Under the reorganization, Emma Dryden, v-p and editorial director of the Margaret K. McElderry Books imprint, has been promoted to v-p, associate publisher of Atheneum Books for Young Readers, where she will oversee both the McElderry and Atheneum imprints. Richter said the two imprints "will keep their own identity" under Dryden's direction. With Dryden's promotion, Ginee Seo, who had been associate publisher of Atheneum, has been given her own imprint, Ginee Seo Books. Richter said Seo will publish "a diverse range of books," although she will focus on her strength in young adult fiction.
Richter told PW that titles that had been published by Schwartz will be absorbed into the Atheneum line. He said that Schwartz's departure notwithstanding, S&S will continue to have "a robust picture book program."
Sales Changes
Last week also saw some personnel shifts in S&S's sales division. Lauren Monaco has been appointed v-p, director of sales for national accounts at the company, replacing BJ Gabriel, who late last year was named to a newly created post of v-p, sales development. Monaco had been director of sales for Borders Group at Random House and she will join S&S January 24.
In a promotion, Frank Fochetta has been named v-p, director of field and special sales. Fochetta, who had been v-p, director of special sales, adds the field role from the departed Michael Burkin. Both Monaco and Fochetta will report directly to Larry Norton, president of the S&S sales and distribution division.
