Waterbrook Multnomah reports cutbacks; Howard Books announces several promotions and staff additions

Several publishers have reported cutbacks, promotions reflecting “growth mode” and resets for a “broader market.”

A subsidiary of Random House, the Crown Publishing Group confirmed layoffs in July at its Colorado Springs, Colo.-based WaterBrook Multnomah evangelical book division.

“We have no further details or comments to provide beyond confirming that a small number of positions within WaterBrook Multnomah have been eliminated,” David Drake, senior vice president and executive director of publicity of the Crown Publishing Group, told Christian Retailing.

In August 2006, Random House—the largest English-language trade book publisher in the world—acquired Multnomah Publishers and merged the imprint with WaterBrook Press.

Meanwhile, Howard Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster (S&S), announced a number of promotions and staff additions in June.

Previously vice president of publicity, Jennifer Willingham was promoted to associate publisher, while Angie VanTassell was hired as director of publicity. Additionally, Libby Reed was appointed as publicity assistant. Ashley Earnhardt, previously marketing associate, was promoted to publishing manager. In the editorial department, Holly Halverson joined Howard Books as senior editor, while Jessica Wong—previously administrative coordinator—was promoted to associate editor.

“These promotions reflect the growth mode we’re in at Howard Books,” said Jonathan Merkh, vice president and publisher. New York City-based S&S acquired Howard Publishing in February 2006 and changed its name to Howard Books.

Elsewhere, Harvest House Publishers has introduced a new department to launch the company’s new direct-to-church sales initiative.

President Bob Hawkins Jr. announced that the Eugene, Ore.-based publisher had put in place a Corporate Development and Services Department led by Mary Cooper, who was promoted to executive vice president. Cooper, who has been with Harvest House for 18 years, was formerly the vice president of administration.

Aiming to reach “a broader market,” the publisher’s new department would launch direct-to-church sales, oversee operational functions and provide oversight of the company’s Web site. Assisting Cooper would be Heather Green, who was promoted to corporate development and services coordinator.

“My firm belief is that, with this new structure and Mary’s gifted leadership in place, Harvest House will more easily be able to implement our core values, realize better cohesiveness, effectively develop new markets, increase brand loyalty from our customers and embrace our purpose and the products we produce with more passion and creativity,” Hawkins said.

No one was laid off or replaced with the initiative, which went into effect in mid-June, company officials said.