So, I was hoping that the recommencement of this blog would result in happy news out of the gate – but, sadly, it seems not to be so.
Yesterday, it was announced that Simon & Schuster, they who own Pocket Books, the imprint that is responsible for the Star Trek novels, were laying off 35 members of staff. In the current economic situation, that isn’t terribly surprising. What was surprising was that amongst those being laid off was Marco Palmieri, senior editor of the media tie-in ranges in general, and Trek in particular.
Now, this to me is a huge blow – Marco was responsible for much of the innovative work coming out of Trek lit in the last few years: the Deep Space Nine relaunch, Titan, Vanguard, all were his responsibility, as were a large majority of the other Trek works, including the Myriad Universes series which I have expounded on in great detail in this very blog. He was the driving force that drove Trek lit to where it is today – innovative, powerful, risk-taking. I hope – well, in fact, I’m sure – that Margaret Clark, who now takes responsibility for the entire Trek line, and the authors will continue in this vein for some time to come.
Of course, principal concern in all of this is for Marco and his family. Being made redundant at any time is a pretty crappy experience – at Christmas is just nasty. Best wishes to him and to his, and a speedy return to employment.
Musings of a fandom geek 