IU Press Appoints New Editorial Director

Beginning today, Dee Mortensen will start a new phase in her 21-year career at IU Press. Mortensen will now serve as editorial director, replacing former editor-in-chief Bob Sloan, who retired last month.

"Dee brings outstanding expertise to the Press in building a number of world class publishing lists," IU Press director Gary Dunham said. "I am excited about her innovative ideas on several fronts-new, competitive lists; streamlined and technologically sophisticated workflows; and a pro-team, truly collaborative approach to working across the Press to tackle problems."

Mortensen joined the Press in 1994 as an assistant editor, then became senior sponsoring editor in 2003.

"I'm somewhere between elation and dread," Mortensen joked of her new position at the Press. "There are a lot of things that need to be done. I'm hoping to learn from my colleagues, what they want me to do and become in this role. We need to work together to think of how the Press can become a better publisher and enhance the reputation of the Press."

As editorial director, Mortensen will work to meet the strategic targets and accomplish the goals set by the Press. Additionally, she will continue her responsibilities of acquiring books in the areas of the African studies, religion, and philosophy.

"I'll also continue to work with the other departments to make sure the Press is a well-oiled machine," Mortensen said. "I want to make sure the books come out on time and that they're directed towards the appropriate audiences for both trade and scholarly books."

Mortensen also said she wants to rebuild the editorial department.

"We lost two editors and I'm looking to get those positions filled," she said.

The new leader of the editorial team also has plans for the future of IU Press.

"I want to put the Press in a strong position in terms of quality, number of books, and the kinds of books we publish," she said. "We need to look strategically on how to build lists and find new areas we can contribute to in a productive way. IU Press has always been on the frontlines of changing the direction of scholarship, and I hope what I do continues to build and enhance its reputation."

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