Perseus Books Group is phasing out its Vanguard Press imprint, which was launched in 2007 as an experiment focused upon close collaboration with authors, individualized marketing and promotional campaigns and no author advances.
In a letter to staff, Perseus president and CEO David Steinberger said that while the company considered the model to be successful for a number of individual titles, "significant investments would still be required in order to build a backlist and fully develop and sustain the program over the long term." He also cited "the many alternative opportunities we have today to invest in new and emerging avenues for growth" as a reason for discontinuing the imprint, though Steinberger noted that "we will continue to use this model for individual titles when appropriate."
Vanguard publisher Roger Cooper will oversee the remaining books under contract at the imprint through their publishing process, after which he will transition to the role of senior consultant to the company.
