RIVERDALE, NY – May 28, 2014 – The innovative hybrid publisher, Riverdale Avenue Books is pleased to announce that Joseph Pittman has joined its team as the Editorial Director of Dagger, Riverdale’s new mystery and thriller imprint.

Joseph Pittman, a twenty year-plus veteran of the publishing industry, has held editorial posts at Bantam Books and New American Library, as well as Executive Editor at Alyson Books and Editorial Director for the start-up imprint Vantage Point. He has also been an editor for Bookspan, served as Contracts Manager for the Berkley Publishing Group, and most recently as Publishing Coordinator for E-Reads.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be joining Riverdale Avenue Books. I have long-admired its independent spirit and fierce loyalty to its authors. I share that spirit and look forward to publishing many great authors–both new and established–on the Dagger line. Publishing may be ever-changing, but the desire to work with and discover talented authors remains a constant.”

“Riverdale Avenue Books knows the mystery and thriller readership is a strong and voracious one. We are delighted to bring our speed-of-light publishing know-how to this dedicated readership with such a talented editor,” said Lori Perkins, Publisher of Riverdale Avenue Books. “Joseph Pittman is sure to strike the heart of the mystery/thriller market with our Dagger imprint.”

Several of the books he acquired and edited have won awards, including the Edgar, the Shamus, and the Lambda Literary Award. Among the many authors he has worked with are Stephen King, Martha Grimes, Lawrence Block, Jeff Abbott, Max Allan Collins, Greg Herren, Neil Plakcy, Michael Musto, Bentley Little, Robert J. Randisi, Judith Gould, Mary Rockefeller Morgan, and Joan Collins.

Pittman has also published ten novels, including the acclaimed “Linden Corners” series and the Todd Gleason mysteries.

Pittman can be reached at joseph@riverdaleavebooks.com.