UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Paul Harrington, former sales and marketing director at Well-Trained Mind Press, has been named sales manager at Penn State University Press, effective June 23.
“Penn State University Press is thrilled to welcome Paul Harrington to our team,” said David Aycock, executive director. “As we navigate a rapidly evolving publishing landscape, the insight and leadership of a seasoned sales professional are more critical than ever. Paul brings a rare combination of depth, foresight and strategic acumen. We’re excited about the energy and expertise he brings to our program and the opportunities ahead.”
Harrington has had a varied career in the publishing industry. He started as a buyer for book departments at Tower Books, and his previous roles have ranged from editorial to marketing and sales across multiple genres. He has built relationships across markets, including accounts with indie and chain booksellers and print and digital wholesalers, while also managing domestic and international sales teams.
“The opportunity to further the sales program for a publisher as highly regarded as Penn State University Press is profoundly exciting, and the fact that the catalog I will be representing consists of titles in areas of personal interest, like ancient and medieval history and graphic novels, leaves me feeling quite privileged,” Harrington said.
“Paul is a highly regarded and deeply experienced publishing professional. His expertise complements the strengths of our sales and marketing team, and we are enthusiastic about the opportunity to leverage his knowledge to strategically advance our initiatives,” said Janice North, interim sales and marketing director.
As a vital component of the Penn State community, Penn State University Press reflects many of the University’s academic strengths in the liberal arts. Overall, the press publishes about 90 books and 80 journal titles — approximately 175 issues — annually. The Penn State University Press imprint publishes academic research from around the world in a number of fields and disciplines for a global readership. The Eisenbrauns imprint focuses on scholarship about the languages, archaeology, and history of the ancient Near East. The Graphic Mundi imprint features graphic novels for popular audiences that speak to social, environmental, and contemporary cultural issues.
The press also recognizes its special responsibility to develop publications about Pennsylvania, both scholarly and popular, that enhance interest in the region and spread awareness of the commonwealth’s history, culture and environment.