Industry Suffers Loss: Jan Nathan Dies at 68
On June 17, the book publishing industry suffered a major loss when Jan Nathan, the founding executive director of the PMA, the Independent Book Publishers Association, passed away at her home in California after a battle with cancer. She was 68.
Nathan’s work with PMA (originally the Publishers Marketing Association) and its many members has had a major impact on the independent book publishing industry. She formed PMA in 1983 to help independent publishers advance their businesses through education and cooperative advertising and marketing efforts. Today, the organization consists of more than 4,000 members nationally.
She will long be remembered by the thousands of people to whom she was a mentor, colleague and friend. Her dedication, enthusiasm and hard work has left a lasting mark on the face of the industry.
The PMA board is planning a public memorial in California in mid-August to provide the publishing community with an opportunity to celebrate her life. Book Business magazine also will run a more in-depth article honoring Nathan and her contributions to the industry in its next issue.