The Bookseller.com

13th October 2008

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Michel rejects backlist neglect

17.12.07 Joel Rickett

Caroline Michel has vehemently denied that PFD will neglect the backlist of authors who have departed with their agents. The PFD c.e.o. described suggestions by the Society of Authors that PFD may "sit on" the rights to previously published books as "ill-informed".

Michel highlighted the appointment of Marcella Edwards from Penguin Classics, who has direct responsibility for managing and developing opportunities for PFD's literary estates and backlist. "Marcella's brief is to run the backlist--no author needs to worry," she said. "She's putting together a programme."

Last week PFD warned the United Agents that it would never sell backlist rights, and that it would hold on to income from previously completed deals.

Michel promised that concrete plans would be unveiled in January, when the new shape of the company is clear. "We're forward-looking in every respect."

Joel Rickett PFD Caroline Michel Society of Authors John LeFanu