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Publishing sales director Martin Palmer dies aged 68
Martin Palmer, a publishing sales director who spent 18 years at HarperCollins before setting up his own company in 2014, has died at the age of 68.
Palmer had senior sales roles with HarperCollins for more than 18 years, before moving to The History Press where he was group sales and marketing director. He also worked as sales and marketing director at Constable & Robinson. He formed Martin Palmer Publishing Services Ltd (MPPS) in 2014 representing a wide range of independent publishers across adult fiction, non-fiction and children’s publishing.
A statement released by his family reads: "It’s with a heavy heart that we have to write these words that our much loved husband and father Martin Palmer has sadly passed at the age of 68. Martin was our whole world, forever helping us all navigate our way through life, and without him, he leaves a huge hole that can never be filled. He was the kindest and most gentle Dad and husband anyone could have asked for, and we are all so proud to call him ours. We cannot express the pain and sadness that we are all feeling in his absence, and he will always be loved by his wife Angela and his four children, Daniel, Simon, Charlotte and Abigail. Martin was the shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey on this earth was one marked by love and compassion and his passing will certainly leave a void in the hearts of his family, friends and many more whose lives were touched by him."
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Katherine Rhodes, head of sales and operations at MPPS, said: "Martin was a kind-hearted, dedicated and supremely valued part of the publishing landscape for many years. His mischievous humour and warmly infectious personality meant that he was loved across all facets of the trade, and news of his passing leaves us all deeply saddened. Those of us who knew Martin well will struggle to fill the void left in our lives by his death, and I will lament the loss of my dear friend, colleague and one of the true gentlemen of publishing. My thoughts go to his family and friends at this difficult time."
Bridget Shine, chief executive of the Independent Publishers Guild, said: "We were desperately sorry to hear of Martin’s death. He was a warm and generous man who helped so many IPG members over the years. Martin was right at the heart of the growth of The History Press and Constable & Robinson and put his sales skills to great use for a remarkable variety of independent publishers since starting his own agency. His retail knowledge and contacts were second-to-none. Martin was a consummate publishing pro and a friendly face at IPG events. We will miss him very much and our thoughts are with his family, colleagues and friends."
Jack Jewers, managing director of Moonflower Books, said: "In the world of indie publishing, Martin was like everyone’s favourite uncle. He was as patient and kind as he was knowledgeable – and he knew everything there was to know about selling books. To say he will be missed is an understatement."
