Kirshbaum to Leave Amazon Publishing

Larry Kirshbaum will step down as head of Amazon Publishing’s general publishing program Jan. 17, with plans to return to agenting. An Amazon spokesperson said Kirshbaum was instrumental in launching the company’s New York office and creating its New Harvest partnership, as well as in establishing its children’s book business. “We’re sorry to see him go, and wish him the best of luck as he returns to life as a literary agent,” the spokesperson said.

Amazon Has Big Sales Gain, Small Loss

Total revenue at Amazon increased 24% to $17.09 billion in the third quarter of 2013, while its operating loss shrunk slightly to $25 million, from $28 million in the third quarter of 2012. Within its North America segment, media sales (which includes books and e-books) rose 18%, while sales in the electronics and other general merchandise segment, which includes Kindle, increased 33%.

S&S Announces Sci-Fi, Fantasy Imprint

Simon & Schuster is starting an imprint that will focus on the science fiction, fantasy, and horror market. The as-yet-unnamed imprint will be overseen by Jon Anderson, executive v-p and publisher of S&S Children’s Publishing.