He was one of the great bosses of 20th century publishing.e century and the beginning of the 21st centurye century. Jean-Claude DubostCEO of Univers Poche from 1999 to 2015, died in Paris on August 9, 2024, at the age of 84.
Before taking over the management of the pocket subsidiary of Editis, he had notably worked as sales director and editor at Livre de Poche (1967-1979), directed Hachette Jeunesse from 1980 to 1986, and chaired the group of youth publishers of the National Publishing Union (1985-1986).
« He was a business man with a perfect knowledge of the profession, a vision of the market, of the books that were published, and of the organization of the teams. I always saw him, from the beginning of our collaboration until his departure, develop the activities that he managed, launch new ones “, underlines Marie-Christine Conchondeputy general manager of Editis, who took over the reins of Univers Poche in 2011. He had fully understood that the publishing profession is a risk-taking profession. “, continues the editor who started alongside him, at Bayard.
From Goosebumps to Hunger Games
Appointed director of the Bayard Book department (1987-1999) and member of the group’s executive committee, he launched “Bayard Poche” and the “Chair de poule” collection. R.L Stineunder the impetus of the editor Natacha Derevitskynow director of Éditions PKJ and deputy director of the youth editorial division of Editis. Coming back from Frankfurt with the books in hand, I brought him my loot: the next day, we made an offer and we snatched Goosebumps. When he smelled a success, he knew how to put the pedal to the metal », raconte Natacha Derevitsky. « Under his gruff exterior, he was very intuitive, but also very strategic. He was always two or three steps ahead of the others. “, adds the editor.
When he joined Univers Poche (Pocket, 10/18, Fleuve noir) to take over as its director, Jean-Claude Dubost also brought on board Natacha Derevitsky and Marie-Christine Conchon. In 2000, through the former, he also recruited Beatrice Duvalthen literary director at J’ai lu, in order to relaunch Fleuve noir. The brand, which notably published Frédéric Dardthe author of San-Antonio who died in June 2000, then took bold turns. He gave me a chance on a simple dinner, with total latitude to do both large format and pocket-sized. “, recounts Béatrice Duval, who introduced “chick lit” in France by publishing The Devil Wears Prada (2004) and the series “Gossip Girl” (from 2004).
« It is thanks to Jean-Claude Dubost, thanks to his open-mindedness and his talent in editorial marketing that Le Fleuve has emerged from the rut, with, among other things, titles fromHarlan Coben and ofEric Giacometti “, believes the woman who was subsequently director of Denoël editions, then general director of Livre de Poche until her retirement in March 2024. ” He had a remarkable ability to help us get projects done. He would play devil’s advocate, and until we had found all the counter-arguments, we were back to square one. ” she still remembers. ” He knew how to challenge us, to push us to our limits. ” confirms Natasha Derevitsky about her mentor.
Later, in 2005, he contributed to the launch of Kurokawa, a brand dedicated to manga, with Marie-Christine Conchon and Gregory Hellotwho still runs the label. In 2009, came the saga “Hunger Games”, published by Pocket jeunesse. We bought it at the London Fair for peanuts, and it was an incredible phenomenon. », relate Natacha Derevitsky.
A “lifelong imprint”
Numerous feats of arms which bear witness to a ” very lively intelligence “, according to the director of Éditions PKJ, but also of a ” “boundless curiosity”according to Béatrice Duval. The editor Heloise d’Ormessonwho has often collaborated with Jean-Claude Dubost, salutes “ someone who was always extraordinarily smiling, calm, and thoughtful and who was very pleasant to work with ». « We felt a rather astonishing knowledge of the profession, of the pocket circuit in particular, as well as a great joy in the work, which is quite rare. ” observes the editor.
« He was very mischievous and loved to laugh whenever the opportunity arose. I remember editorial committees that ended in general laughter! “, mentions Béatrice Duval. “ A strong sense of humor “, confirms Marie-Christine Conchon, ” with this mixture of requirement and discretion ». « Those who knew him well keep his mark for life. “, confides Natacha Derevitsky, who remained close to this ” old-fashioned big boss, but always ahead of his time. »
