Bill Krause, who has led mind-body-spirit publishing house Llewellyn Worldwide as publisher for nearly two decades, has announced his plans to retire on June 30.
Krause joined the house in 2005 as acquisitions manager and associate publisher, then quickly moved up in 2007 to the role of publisher, overseeing acquisitions. In 2011, he also took on responsibility for sales, marketing, and publicity for Llewellyn's vast selection of titles on the occult, witchcraft, tarot, and more.
According to the Friday announcement, under Krause's leadership Llewellyn "expanded its product mix, strengthened national and international distribution partnerships, and increased sales across core publishing categories, including books, tarot and oracle decks, calendars, and almanacs."
He negotiated North American distribution agreements with Australia-based Blue Angel Publishing and exclusive distribution arrangements with U.K.-based Golden Hoard Press. Most recently, he secured exclusive worldwide distribution for Dragonhawk Publishing.
Krause also acquired North American rights to a number of internationally bestselling titles, including The Ultimate Guide to Rider Waite Tarot, the most influential divination deck in the U.S. since it was first published in 1909.
When the company celebrated 120 years of publishing in 2021, Krause told PW, "Our mission/vision was and is to be the leading provider of information for personal growth of body, mind, and spirit. We strive for all of our titles to have a how-to component to provide readers with options and tools for exploring and expanding their consciousness and potential.”
Sandra Weschcke, president and secretary/treasurer of Llewellyn Worldwide, called Krause an invaluable member of the executive committee who "has encouraged and inspired us in many ways and has been an important part of our daily lives. We will miss him."
