Mayo Clinic Press names new editor-in-chief

Jeff Kiger, Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn.
·2 min read

Feb. 17—Mayo Clinic Press, which publishes Mayo Clinic's popular health care books, has named its first editor-in-chief.

Nina Wiener is stepping into the newly created role for the publisher of more than 30 popular titles, such as the "The Mayo Clinic Diet" and Dr. Victor Montori's "Why We Revolt," as well as "The Mayo Clinic Health Letter" newsletter. The titles are available in print, audio and e-book formats.

Wiener comes to Mayo Clinic Press from the Germany-based art book publisher Taschen.

"Mayo Clinic Press continues to grow and expand its publishing portfolio, and we need someone with Nina's experience and vision to lead our editorial and content strategy," stated Mayo Clinic Press Director of Product Lifecycle Management Dan Harke in the announcement. "We believe that under her stewardship, Mayo Clinic Press will evolve into a global authority in health publishing, connecting with people across the world."

While Mayo Clinic has been the source of many books for almost 30 years, it only transitioned from being "an author" to being its own publisher in 2019.

In the past, books written by Mayo Clinic physicians and staff were printed and sold by a variety of publishers. Given concern over medical accuracy, Mayo Clinic wanted a lot of control over editing. Some publishers were not open to that.

"When one comma in the wrong place can change the meaning, that was never really a good fit for Mayo Clinic," Harke said in 2019.

That means Mayo Clinic Press now edits, designs, prints and markets every book with the Mayo Clinic name on it. Publishing giant Simon & Schuster is the connection to retailers, such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon, and distributes the books.

Mayo Clinic Press books are also sold directly in Mayo Clinic Stores and via mayoclinic.org.

"Mayo Clinic provides the world's most advanced care, serving millions of people, and for years readers have placed their trust in Mayo Clinic Press publications to help them lead healthier, happier, more fulfilling lives," stated Wiener in the announcement. "I look forward to playing a role in growing points of access to that information and broadening the kinds of stories being told."

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