Karen Thomas served as the founding editor of Dafina Books, an award-winning imprint of Kensington Publishing, and is a former executive editor at Grand Central Publishing. She began her career as an editorial Assistant at Berkley Publishing in 1992 and is well known for promoting new genres in romance, and for acquiring and editing numerous fiction and nonfiction New York Times bestsellers, for authors including Teri Woods, Pam Grier, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Sherri Shepherd, Faith Evans, Karrine Steffans, Carl Weber, Queen Latifah and Wahida Clark.
Thomas will now be acquiring for Cleis Press, celebrating its 35th Anniversary of publishing sexuality self-help titles, and gay and lesbian literature, romance, mystery, and biography. She will also be helming Viva Editions, which publishes inspirational titles on themes of spirituality, gratitude, and personal growth. Both imprints were acquired in 2014 by Start Publishing from founders Felice Newman and Frédérique Delacoste.
Said Felice Newman, "For 35 years, we were pioneers in creating a literary culture that supports everyone’s authentic sexuality and gender. Now Cleis Press has found a new home, and a new publisher whose depth of editorial and major trade publishing experience will serve the press well. Best wishes to all, as Cleis goes brightly into the next chapter of its story.”
"We are pleased to have Karen Thomas join us, because she shares our commitment to inclusive audiences," said Jarred Weisfeld, President of Start Publishing. "Consolidating marketing, editorial and production in our new offices in Jersey City will make it possible to expand what Cleis has done, into realms where Karen Thomas has been a leading light bringing new authors and new ideas to the public."
