Moody Publishers announced its decision earlier this month to reduce the number of titles the company will release each year, including fiction under the RiverNorth imprint. The publisher also plans to continue the acquisition of fiction, though fewer titles will be published.

Moody has published from eight to 12 fiction titles annually, and will now focus on publishing three to four per year. Debbie Keiser’s position, associate publisher at RiverNorth, also has been eliminated.

“We’re neither shutting down fiction nor selling our line,” said Paul Santhouse, vice president of publishing at Moody. “We’ve simply reduced the number of titles we release each year, which is why we’re no longer staffing fiction with a full-time acquiring position.” 

“Many of our fiction authors contribute profoundly to the lives of our readers and the strength of our line, and I hope to continue partnering with them for years to come,” Santhouse added. 

Holly Kisly, newly appointed audience development director, elaborated on the recent changes.

“We are reducing all title releases per year, not just fiction,” Kisly told Christian Retailing. “And as the overall count is reduced, so will fiction. Now why we are reducing is critical. A reader-centric publishing strategy focuses on real and accurate reader content, quantity and timing needs. Our new goals are intended to help Moody Publishers become more of a forward-thinking and well-positioned publisher.”