At Sourcebooks, Anna Michels has been named senior editorial director of Sourcebooks Nonfiction, and Samantha (Sam) Smith has joined the company as v-p, associate publishing director of Poisoned Pen Press. The moves reflect Sourcebooks' "deepening investment in two of its highest-growth programs," the company said.
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| Anna Michels | |
Michels joined Sourcebooks as an intern in 2012. Under her editorial leadership, Sourcebooks Nonfiction has grown to include bestselling titles like Men Who Hate Women by Laura Bates and Helltown by Casey Sherman.
Sourcebooks publisher and CEO Dominique Raccha said that Michels "has helped build our nonfiction program, as well as Poisoned Pen Press, into two truly distinctive imprints. Watching Anna grow both of these programs--and now taking on the nonfiction work with her full focus and excitement--I'm SO proud of what she's created. I am thrilled to see how it will grow from here!"
Michels said, "We have an extraordinary team that cares deeply about this work. I am so grateful for the authors who trust us with their books, and incredibly proud of what we're creating together. There's a world of opportunity in front of us, and I can't wait for what's next."
Sourcebooks senior v-p and editorial director Todd Stocke said, "Anna has a rare ability to identify the books that need to exist in the world. I’ve been lucky to watch her grow in her leadership over the years: her commitment to our authors, along with the editorial expertise she brings to our nonfiction list, has made this program really exceptional. This is exactly the kind of focused, intentional leadership that will keep driving it forward."
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| Sam Smith | |
Smith joins Sourcebooks from Little, Brown, where she most recently was v-p, publisher, for James Patterson. Before that, she was publisher at Pan Macmillan. At Poisoned Pen, she will lead the imprint's next phase of growth and oversee the editorial direction for several major author brands, including Freida McFadden, who incidentally last week revealed that she is Dr. Sara Cohen, a specialist in brain disorders.
Smith's hire creates the opportunity for Michels to direct her full attention and energy to nonfiction work, while ensuring that Poisoned Pen Press has a leader for its next chapter.
Raccah said that Smith "understands how to build for the long term. Her knowledge of how to grow authors, strengthen brands, and connect powerfully with readers is going to help us continue to dynamically build Poisoned Pen Press. I'm incredibly excited about what's ahead as we create new, BIG opportunities for our authors and their books!"
Smith said, "Poisoned Pen Press has established a definitive identity in the mystery/thriller, horror, and genre spaces. What excites me most is the chance to build alongside a group that cares so deeply about authors and readers. I look forward to helping grow the imprint with intention, championing great storytelling, and creating new programs."
And Jenn Gonzalez, senior v-p, publisher of children's at Sourcebooks, noted that Smith "brings the range, judgment, and publishing experience to help lead Poisoned Pen Press in its next chapter. She has a strong understanding of how to shape a list and support authors over time. We're so excited to welcome her to Team Sourcebooks and to continue building on the momentum behind Poisoned Pen Press."