WVU Press, which will begin celebrating its 25th year as a scholarly, peer-reviewed university press during the 2024-25 academic year, is welcoming three new members to its editorial team in support of that work.
In recent years, the WVU Press has built a reputation for discovering world-class authors, publishing thought-provoking books and raising the visibility of issues important to readers both regionally and globally.
Recognized as “small yet fierce” by Raj Tawney of NBC News online, the WVU Press is pleased to welcome the following to its editorial team: Kristen Bettcher, managing editor; Marguerite Avery, editorial director; and Catherine Venable Moore, editor-at-large.
“I’m deeply gratified that we were able to bring Kristen and Margy onto our staff here at the Press,” Than Saffel, interim director, said. “Our hiring committee included three members of our stellar advisory board, and everyone put a remarkable amount of time and personal engagement into the selection process. We really got to know the candidates, and we all became emotionally invested in the choices. And of course, we’re also thrilled to be working with Catherine, whose work speaks for itself.”
Bettcher, who will work remotely from Connecticut, has an extensive background in scholarly and academic publishing and has earned a master’s degree in publishing from Pace University. She has also served as a production editor for Westchester Publishing Services.
Avery has more than 20 years of acquisitions experience with university presses, and is an early advocate for open access and innovative digital publications. She has acquired books across disciplines for Trinity University Press, Texas A&M University Press and MIT Press, where she created the “Essential Knowledge” and the “Infrastructures” series. Currently residing in Texas, she plans to relocate to Morgantown this summer.
Venable Moore, who hails from the Mountain State, will have a special focus on West Virginia and Appalachia. She is particularly interested in obscure corners of U.S. labor history and is currently working on a book about the West Virginia Mine Wars to be published by Random House. Appearing in Best American Essays, her work has been recognized by the Whiting Foundation. As an at-large editor, she will join Elizabeth Catte, who continues her role with the Press as an editor and advisor for special projects.
Building on the success of titles such as Neema Avashia’s “Another Appalachia” and Deesha Philyaw’s “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies,” the Press continues to garner praise for all areas of its publishing program.
Recent kudos include a feature in The New York Times Book Review for “Roxy and Coco” by Terese Svoboda, as well as inclusion in the prestigious Association of University Presses Book, Jacket and Journal Show for “The In-Betweens” by Davon Loeg.
This is in addition to a Weatherford Award longlist selection for “Finding the Singing Spruce” by Jasper Waugh-Quasebarth; “Mama Said” by Kristnen Gentry, a longlist selection for the 2024 PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize; and a rave review in the San Francisco Chronicle for “How To Make Your Mother Cry” by Sejal Shah.
“We’ve got so much good work coming out, it’s really exciting,” Saffel said. “This June, we’re loving the buzz surrounding the release of debut novel ‘Slime Line’ by creative writing alum Jake Maynard.
“In fall 2024 and beyond, we’ve got powerful, carefully crafted fiction; important scholarly work within and outside of our well-respected series; and creative nonfiction and avant-garde, risk-taking mixed media work that continues to push against boundaries in ways that are ‘small yet fierce.’
“West Virginia University Press does better than most. And we’re just getting started laying the groundwork for future seasons, with a number of interesting projects already falling into place,” Saffel said.
“It is wonderful to have the Press back to full staffing levels again,” said Melissa Latimer, associate provost for faculty development and culture. “Than has put together an impressive team of editors and I look forward to seeing the amazing new authors and books they will publish in the months and years ahead.”
Find the Press on social media via @wvupress.