Publishing books that inform, entertain, and inspire.
Simon Acumen publishes books that help readers navigate the dynamic world of work. Its books blend theory and practice to provide fresh insights and practical pathways for readers to adapt, learn, and grow as they pursue their professional ambitions. Marysue Rucci Books, also founded in 2021, publishes a distinct list of notable fiction, including suspense, book club, and literary fiction, as well as narrative nonfiction and memoir. Its books entertain and engage, sparking conversation and promoting connection.
At both Simon Element and Marysue Rucci Books, our publishing bolsters these missions. Our goal is to establish our authors as leaders in their categories. Our publicity team launches campaigns with national television, radio, print, and online coverage, which reaches beyond the books section to business, lifestyle, cooking, science, health, and more. Our marketing team connects authors to their audiences and generates excitement for their books across communities, from independent booksellers to national accounts, universities, and colleges, and on all social media platforms. And our cultural intelligence and data analytics director offers unique insight into all aspects of our campaigns, using cutting-edge tools to maximize our efforts. Our authors top bestseller lists, garner rave reviews, captivate book clubs, and go viral on social media.
Simon Element | Marysue Rucci Books | Simon Acumen
Richard Rhorer has led Simon Element since the launch of the imprint in 2021. As the founding publisher behind this venture, Richard and the Simon Element team have established a vibrant home for informative, instructive, and inspirational nonfiction that features bold, original design. Since the first books hit shelves in 2022, Simon Element titles have regularly appeared on the New York Times and many other bestseller lists.
Prior to his current role, Richard served as deputy publisher of Simon & Schuster for a decade. During this time, he orchestrated publication strategies and marketing campaigns for numerous bestselling books, including modern classics like Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat, Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty, Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski, and Contagious by Jonah Berger. During his years as deputy publisher, Richard also collaborated with Marysue Rucci to launch bestselling novels from acclaimed authors such as Laura Dave, Jessica Knoll, and Mathew Thomas. Richard and Marysue now work together to publish novels and narrative nonfiction under the Marysue Rucci Books imprimatur.
Richard's achievements extend beyond publishing, as he also developed and launched top-rated podcasts, "Mobituaries" with Mo Rocca and "Unsung Science" with David Pogue in partnership with CBS News. Prior to Simon & Schuster, Richard held a series of sales, marketing and digital business development positions at HarperCollins and Macmillan.
