Workman Publishing announced Friday that Elisabeth Scharlatt, publisher of its Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill imprint, will retire on December 1 after 30 years with the company. To replace Scharlatt, Workman has promoted editorial director Betsy Gleick to publisher among several other promotions.
Under Scharlatt’s direction, Algonquin developed into a well-respected publisher of literary bestsellers. Among the titles released by Algonquin during her time at the company were Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen; Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv; Bellwether prize winners Mudbound by Hillary Jordan and The Leavers by Lisa Ko; and the work of Julia Alvarez, from How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, to the forthcoming Afterlifer.
“It’s been not just fun, but a privilege, to work with a smart and creative staff to help bring such treasures to the public,” said Scharlatt in a statement. “And I’m gratified knowing that the momentum will continue with the group who will keep Algonquin growing, thriving.”
In addition to Gleick’s appointment, Algonquin promoted Michael McKenzie, formerly executive director of publicity, to associate publisher, overseeing marketing and publicity for both Algonquin Books and Algonquin Young Readers. Elise Howard, who launched Algonquin Young Readers in 2013, will continue as publisher of the unit, now reporting to Workman CEO Dan Reynolds. Gleick, McKenzie, and Howard will remain based in Algonquin’s New York office.
Gleick joined Algonquin after a career as a writer and editor at both Time and People. Since joining the publisher, she has overseen its editorial team and the publication of authors like Louis Bayard and Josh Campbell, as well as an array of fiction, journalism, and literary nonfiction. “I’m honored to have this chance to build on Elisabeth’s work and am energized by the idea of working with the terrific team here to continue to expand the breadth and depth—and reach—of Algonquin’s tremendous backlist and frontlist,” Gleick said in a statement.
