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Article: Random House Ousts Editor In Bottom-Line Decision; Ann Godoff Had String of Hits, Misses
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- January 17, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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It was like a bomb went off in the publishing industry yesterday
when Peter Olson, chairman and CEO of Random House, relieved Ann
Godoff of her duties as publisher/editor/patron saint of serious
writers.
To some, Godoff's send-off signals another loop in the downward
spiral of literary publishing; to others it's strictly a business
decision -- the division under her guidance was not making enough
money.
"I have written three books with her," says Michael Pollan, author
of "The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World." "I can't
imagine writing a book without her. She's a brilliant editor. I was
devastated. She's had a huge effect on my career. She has been very
supportive. I have ...