The Bookseller – News – Sales director of the publishing house, Martin Palmer, dies at the age of 68

Martin Palmer, a publishing sales director who spent 18 years at HarperCollins before starting his own company in 2014, has died at the age of 68.

Palmer spent more than 18 years in senior sales roles at HarperCollins before moving to The History Press, where he was group director of sales and marketing. He also worked as sales and marketing director at Constable & Robinson. In 2014 he founded Martin Palmer Publishing Services Ltd (MPPS), representing a wide range of independent publishers across adult fiction, non-fiction and children’s publishing.

A statement released by his family read: “It is with heavy hearts that we must write these words that our beloved husband and father Martin Palmer has passed away at the age of 68. Martin was our world and always helped us all navigate the world. our way through life, and without him he left a huge void that can never be filled. He was the kindest and gentlest dad and husband anyone could ask for and we are all so proud to call him ours the pain and sadness we all feel he felt in his absence and he will always be loved by his wife Angela and four children, Daniel , Simon, Charlotte and Abigail, Martin was a shining light in the lives of all who were privileged to know His journey across the land was marked with love and compassion and his passing will surely leave a void in the hearts his family, friends and many others whose lives he touched.”

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Katherine Rhodes, director of sales and operations at MPPS, said: “Martin was a kind, dedicated and extremely valued part of the publishing community for many years. His playful humor and warm, contagious personality made him beloved in all aspects of the world, this industry and the news of his death plunge us all into deep sadness. Those of us who knew Martin well will have difficulty filling the void left in our lives by his death, and I will mourn the loss of my dear friend, colleague and one person. true publishing gentlemen. “My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Bridget Shine, chief executive of the Independent Publishers Guild, said: “We are very sorry to learn of Martin’s death. He was a warm and generous man who helped so many IPG members over the years. Martin has been at the heart of the development with The History Press and Constable & Robinson, and since founding his own agency, he has put his sales skills to great use for an extraordinary variety of independent publishers. His retail knowledge and contacts were second to none. Martin was a consummate professional in the publishing industry and a friendly face at IPG events. We will miss him greatly and our thoughts are with his family, colleagues and friends.”

Jack Jewers, managing director of Moonflower Books, said: “In the world of independent publishing, Martin was like everyone’s favorite uncle. He was as patient and kind as he was knowledgeable – and he knew everything there was to know about selling books. To say he will be missed is an understatement.”