Simon & Schuster has created a new publishing unit that will offer authors a suite of profile-building services. North Star Way will be helmed by v-p and publisher Michele Martin, and have an editorial focus on nonfiction in the fields of self-improvement and inspiration, mind-body-spirit, motivation, wellness and business inspiration and leadership.
In addition to book publishing, the new venture will provide online courses and subscriptions; seminars, workshops and panel discussions; mobile applications; original videos and audio books; sponsorships and business partnerships; and podcasts.
“With North Star Way, we are looking for client-authors—entrepreneurs, experts, inspirational figures, sometimes even well before they have written a book—with whom we can partner to build an audience and generate revenue, whether it be from publishing or other sources,” said Martin. “Our name reflects our mission for both readers and authors: to publish books that will help readers find the path to a better life, and to be a guide for our authors, not only through the publication of their books but also in the many other activities that can help their message find the widest possible audience."
New works will be published under the North Star imprint. Authors will be offered a separate contract that incorporates the additional services, in addition to an agreement with traditional book publishing terms, such as advances, royalties, and rights.
North Star Way will release On Fire by John O’Leary, the survivor of a near fatal childhood accident. The book, to be published in spring 2016, documents his long journey to recovery. Two books by teenage entrepreneur and motivational speaker Maya Penn are set to publish in summer 2016.
“For authors today a successful career can often mean full-time engagement in extra-to-publishing activities, and with North Star we aim to help our authors identify outlets for their message, to continually grow their profile and their overall business,” said Carolyn Reidy, president and CEO of Simon & Schuster. “North Star Way is a new business model for publishing that consolidates and expands upon many of the services and capabilities that Simon & Schuster has been developing over the last few years.”
