Buy the New Book From Your New Boss Bill Shapiro 38034

Bill Shapiro, who lost his managing editor job at Life when it folded for the sixth or seven-hundredth time, is back on Time Inc.’s payroll. The former chief of Time’s, custom publishing unit, Shapiro is the new development editor for all of Time Inc., according to a memo sent out by editor-in-chief John Huey, who describes Bill as the “primary liaison between editorial and our colleagues in corporate sales and marketing.” That is, he’s your go-to guy when your client needs an editorial plug in the front of the book!

Most fun in Huey’s reintroduction of Bill, however, is the endnote about Bill’s new book, Other People’s Love Letters, which comes out at the end of the month. The book features what appear to be stolen love notes found in attics, basements, and discared cell phones. Staffers will have a chance to celebrate the tome at a party featuring “some Cheetos, Dr. Pepper and an opportunity to buy a copy.”

Emphasis, of course, ours.

—–

To: Time Inc. Staff

From: John Huey

Re: Staff Announcement

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Shapiro to the position of development editor, Time Inc.

Bill, of course, was most recently managing editor of Life. Since the spring, and since the departure from the 34th floor of Scott Mowbray to launch Health.com for us, Bill already has been performing the job with the usual great energy, creativity and craftsmanship that he brings to everything he touches.

In his new position, Bill works closely with me, Jim Kelly and Sheryl Tucker as the consummate multi-tasker. He is consulting at several titles. He is deeply engaged in an online startup; and he is the primary liaison between editorial and our colleagues in corporate sales and marketing. As you all know, in a world of rapidly evolving edit and advertising environments, this is a busy spot these days.

Bill has a distinguished track record as an inventive, entrepreneurial magazine maker, and he has been powerful force for attracting talent, and particularly diverse talent, to Time Inc. He held positions at Parenting, Maxim, and Jungle Media among others before joining us as head of Content Solutions (then known as Custom Publishing) in 2001. Before launching Life, Bill also created the prototype of All You.

He’s a great resource for any editor looking to find a new way to approach a problem, or to find new talent both inside and outside the company. He’s a mentor, a leader, and an expert on manipulating and interpreting his old friend, Mark Golin.

We are very happy for his company and counsel on 34, and we hope you all join us in wishing Bill well in his new assignment.

Incidentally, Bill has just published his first book, Other People’s Love Letters, which appears to be based on pilfered mail. We’ll be feting that event soon with some Cheetos, Dr. Pepper and an opportunity to buy a copy.

J.H.