A huge thank you to Sheila Gilbert for incredible contributions to the science fiction and fantasy community. Sheila retired from her position as co-publisher of DAW on June 30th, and her colleagues wish her great enjoyment in her future adventures!

Sheila worked in publishing, specifically in science fiction and fantasy, for 53 years, but her love for those genres started long before any resume began. Sheila attended her first science fiction convention in 1963, and her first Worldcon in 1966. She began her career at Ace in 1970, moved to NAL/Signet in 1972, and joined DAW Books in 1985, acting as the executive vice president and co-publisher of DAW.

It has been our pleasure to work alongside Sheila, and our honor to watch her launch writers’ careers, like those of Seanan McGuire, Tanya Huff, Jim C Hines, Kate Elliott, and Melanie Rawn.

Over the course of her truly remarkable career, Sheila earned many professional accolades, including winning the Hugo Award for Best Editor twice.

Sheila not only helped authors find their voices and tell their stories, but also formed numerous lasting friendships, and she will be deeply missed by her colleagues and her writers alike.

As those close to her will know, Sheila believes that in troubled times, science fiction and fantasy can provide a haven when the world becomes overwhelming, as well as shine a light on the dangers we face and offer hope for the future.

As Sheila embarks on a new chapter in her life, that is an ideology we will hold close to our hearts at DAW, where her editorial sensibilities and vision will continue to be an inspiration. Thank you, Sheila!