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PW NewsLine
http://publishersweekly.reviewsnews.com
October 19, 2001
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Vice Verso: A Contrarian Press Will Get a (Slight) Makeover
Anyone familiar with serious New York book publishing probably knows
Verso and its indefatigable leader, Colin Robinson, who gives the house
an influence disproportionate to its count-em-on-one-hand staff.
But come next month the house that Robinson built will be the house that
Robinson left. The Brit has resigned from Verso, and the press might
look a little different under new leadership.
Over the years Robinson has made titles like The Communist Manifesto
sexy and published with considerable success authors like contrarian
Christopher Hitchens and urbanist Mike Davis. But according to reports,
the Verso board, which is based at the London headquarters of the
company, has a greater interest in academic titles and wants to shift
emphasis toward the backlist.
"There was a sense that we needed to make an effort in to maintain our
niche in the academic market," said a source. It apparently wasn't a
problem of finances - Robinson, after all, is known for his ability to
make serious books profitable.
The source was quick to point out that the house will remain
independent. "In no ways will it become a U.K. import. We'll still
acquire U.S. titles and have an active U.S. effort," the source said,
adding that the house will continue to publish a variety of trade
titles.
In the post-Robinson era, publicity director Niels Hooper will run the
New York office and handle most marketing responsibilities; house author
Tariq Ali will handle the lion's share of editorial tasks. How much
Verso might change under them is questionable, since Robinson brought on
Hooper and Ali, and the staff's respect for Robinson and his methods are
widely known. More next week.-Steven Zeitchik