Simon &Schuster has taken over the distribution of National Geographic Society titles to the U.S., Canada and all worldwide markets except the U.K. Random House had been National Geographic's distributor. This is the second time within a month that S&S has taken on a former Random client; previously, it added Reader's Digest Children's Group (News, May 3).

In recent years, National Geographic has expanded beyond its popular photography books to include reference works and travel guides. Recent bestsellers include Lewis &Clark: Voyage of Discovery by Stephen E. Ambrose; Everest: Mountain Without Mercy by Broughton Coburn; National Geographic: The Photographs; and the Field Guide to the Birds of North America.

A second publisher that has left Random House recently is Newmarket Press, which has chosen W.W. Norton as its distributor, effective June 1. Random House had distributed Newmarket since 1991. Norton will handle Newmarket's book, library and education sales in the U.S., replacing the five commission groups used previously. General Publishing will continue to handle Newmarket's Canadian sales, and Worldwide Media Services will sell to the international market. Newmarket will continue to handle special sales directly.

Random House will accept returns of Newmarket titles through August 31. Books purchased from Norton from June 1 on can be returned to Norton. The Newmarket Press list will combine for discount with Norton. All trade orders should be sent to W.W. Norton, Order Dept., 500 Fifth Ave., New York, N.Y. 10110. The order and customer service line is (800) 233-4830; fax orders, (800) 458-6515.