House of Anansi Press president and publisher Sarah MacLachlan has announced several changes to its editorial department.

Melanie Little, who joined the firm two years ago as senior editor of Canadian fiction, is stepping down to pursue her own writing, the company announced in a press release. She will continue to edit the work of Lisa Moore, Lynn Coady, Saleema Nawaz, and Théodora Armstrong.

Little is the former editor-at-large for Annick Press and the founding editor of Broadview Press’s literary imprint, Freehand Books. She is also the author of the short story collection Confidence (Thomas Allen Publishers) and the YA novel The Apprentice’s Masterpiece (Annick).

Little’s departure has led to a slew of promotions within Anansi. Former managing editor Jared Bland, who joined the firm a year ago, has been promoted to senior editor, and will now be responsible for acquiring both poetry and Canadian fiction.

Former assistant editor Kelly Joseph has been promoted to managing editor, responsible for acquiring French Canadian literature for translation. Former editorial assistant Meredith Dees (responsible for both Anansi and Groundwood Books) has been promoted to editor.

The press release notes that senior editor Janie Yoon remains responsible for acquiring non-fiction, crime fiction, and foreign titles for Anansi International.