Bill Shannon, contracts director for the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, died May 9 after an extended illness from complications of kidney cancer. He was 57.

Shannon worked at Crown, Simon & Schuster, and John Wiley & Sons before joining Knopf in 2000. He was known for his professionalism as well as his personal and patient manner during the intricate negotiations required to finalize contracts.

Shannon’s “no drama approach” to contract negotiations was cited by his publishing colleagues and his counterparts in the agent community, as was his deep knowledge of and skill using the PRH Rights Management System. Shannon will also be remembered by his colleagues at Penguin Random House for his dedication and hard work during the Random House integration with Penguin.

Condolences can be sent to his spouse, Bernard Amador, at 147 George Street, Green Island N.Y. 12183.