Martin Heads To Minotaur

by Staff -- Publishers Weekly, 6/19/2006

In a move to expand its now eight-year-old mystery-focused imprint, St. Martin's Press has tapped Andrew Martin to slip into the newly created role of v-p and publisher of Minotaur. Martin, who'll be leaving his post as v-p and publishing director of Sterling, was an ideal choice for the top spot at the imprint, SMP head Sally Richardson told PW, because he brings with him what Minotaur most needs: guidance on the marketing and sales front. "We have such strong editors [at Minotaur] and Andy comes from a retail background, so it's a case where he can make them better and they can make him better."

Minotaur currently publishes about 100–150 titles annually. While Richardson wouldn't put a number on just how many books could be added to the imprint, she is interested in seeing more high-profile authors signed. Richardson said that although Minotaur is a niche publisher, it puts out books that have the capability to capture a very wide audience. "[Mystery/thrillers are] a very popular niche in the market," she said. "It's a bestseller niche."