Tom Doherty

For other people with the same name, see Thomas Doherty (disambiguation).

Tom Doherty
Tom Doherty at his Tor office, 2019.
Born	Thomas Doherty (1935-04-23) April 23, 1935 (age 90)
Education	Trinity College (Connecticut)
Occupation(s)	Chairman, former President & Publisher
Years active	1958–present [1]
Employer(s)	Tom Doherty Associates, Tor Publishing Group, Macmillan Publishers, Holtzbrinck Publishers
Known for	Tor Books, The Wheel of Time

Tom Doherty (born Thomas Doherty, April 23, 1935) is an American publisher and the founder of the science fiction and fantasy book publisher Tor Books. ^{[2] [3]} He started as a salesman for Pocket Books and rose to be Division Sales Manager. From there, he went to Simon & Schuster as National Sales Manager, then became publisher of paperbacks at Grosset & Dunlap, including Tempo Books, in 1969. ^[4] In 1975, he became publisher for Ace Books. In 1979, he left Ace to establish his own company, Tom Doherty Associates (TDA), publishing under the Tor Books imprint starting in 1980, which has grown to become the largest publisher of science fiction and fantasy in North America. ^[5]

TDA became a subsidiary of St. Martin's Press in 1987; both are now separate divisions of Macmillan Publishers, ultimately owned by Holtzbrinck Publishers. Doherty continues as Chairman of Tom Doherty Associates (now Tor Publishing Group), publishing under the Tor, Forge, Tordotcom, Bramble, Starscape, Tor Teen, and Nightfire imprints. ^{[6] [7]}

Biography

Early life and education

Thomas Doherty was born on 23 April 1935 in Hartford, Connecticut, to Thomas Aquinas Doherty (born 1914) and Elizabeth (née Story, born 1914). ^[8] His father worked as an engineer for Pratt & Whitney during World War II and was part of the team that designed the United States' first jet engines. ^{[4] [9]} After the war, his father worked as a salesman and his mother as a post office clerk. ^[10]

From an early age, he developed an interest in reading, especially science fiction. His mother and grandfather bought him a subscription to Astounding Science Fiction as soon as he could read independently, and he later branched out to reading similar magazines like Galaxy Science Fiction. ^[9]

Doherty attended Marianapolis Academy (now Marianapolis Preparatory School) before enrolling at Trinity College. His major was initially chemical engineering, but he graduated in 1957 with a degree in philosophy after an abrupt change when he realised he did not want to pursue chemistry as a career. ^{[4] [2]} During college, he played guard in football, got tuition money as a "sub-rosa professional boxer", and was a member of the school’s Reserve Officer Training Corps. ^{[11] [2] [9]}

Early career

After graduation, Doherty had initially planned to join the U.S. Air Force, but due to cutbacks in recruiting and being told he needed to lose weight to be a pilot, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and posted at Fort Polk in Louisiana. He spent two years there as an FDC artilleryman and doing a lot of reading in his spare time. His enjoyment of literature prompted him to search for a job in publishing when he got out of the army. ^[9]

Doherty was first connected to Mory Solomon, vice-president of sales for Pocket Books through his father, who was now vice-president of Robbins Floor Products, Inc., ^[12] a company doing work in Solomon's building. While Pocket did not employ him directly, he was given a job on recommendation as a sales rep working in the Boston north area for one of their national distributors, Select Magazines. ^{[13] [4]} This proved to be short-lived, however, as they were forced to let him go after only seven months due to the loss of a major contract. ^[4] After being offered a local sales job for Pocket in Philadelphia, he moved to the city.

Pocket Books and Simon & Schuster (1958-1969)

Doherty progressed through various promotions in sales positions at Pocket Books, from salesman, to district manager, regional manager, divisional manager and national sales manager. In 1966, Pocket was acquired by Simon & Schuster and Doherty worked out of the New York office. At the time, S&S was also the distributor of Ballantine Books, and Tom became their sales manager. He became friends with Ian Ballantine and his wife Betty Ballantine. Working closely with the pair, he learned a great deal about publishing and editing, considering them "pioneers" in science fiction. During this time, they also published the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, proving that fantasy could be a best-selling genre.

Grosset & Dunlap (1969-1979)

After receiving a call from Harold Roth, a former executive vice-president of Simon & Schuster, now president of Grosset & Dunlap, Doherty could not resist the offer of changing from sales manager to publisher. In his new position, he headed Tempo, a Young Adult line. In 1971, he hired Harriet McDougal as editor in chief. In 1974, Roth persuaded their parent company, Filmways, to purchase Ace Books, one of the leading science fiction publishers, and the mass market publisher of Frank Herbert's Dune series. Doherty became head of both imprints with McDougal as editorial director. In 1977, he hired Jim Baen to head up the Ace science fiction/fantasy program. Also in 1977, McDougal returned to her home town of Charleston to found her own small publisher, Popham Press, which would be distributed by Ace, although she continued to do some editing work for Doherty. While there, she discovered author James Oliver Rigney Jr., more commonly known by his pen name Robert Jordan. In 1978, they published The Fallon Blood, Rigney's first novel which became an immediate success.

Founding Tom Doherty Associates (TDA)

Following Roth's replacement as president to someone who Doherty found much more difficult to work with, he believed it was time for a change and decided to start his own company. Richard Gallen, who had funded McDougal's startup, provided the investment capital to found Tom Doherty Associates (now Tor Publishing Group) in 1979 and its first imprint, Tor Books, in 1980. Tor Books' first published book was in November of that year. Both McDougal and Baen would come aboard as founding members of the editorial team.

Tom Doherty Associates (1979-present)

1979-1985

In 1980, Doherty negotiated a mutually beneficial arrangement with Stan Reisner, a former colleague and then president of Pinnacle Books. According to Doherty, "the real value of a publishing company was not much more than the sum of the talents, the staff and the authors they would publish". To this end, Reisner would handle warehousing, paper, printing and binding, while retaining volume benefits, while Doherty and TDA would get a better base contract and concentrate on attracting the best talent. ^[14]

Movie tie-ins for Flash Gordon and Popeye were rushed out by the end of 1980. In 1981, Tor published 54 books. Their first original novel, Forerunner by Andre Norton, ^[4] came out in May of that year.

Doherty believed that to first achieve the goal of recruiting the best people, he needed to figure out "win-win" situations, which included being flexible about place, time and method of work. Doherty hired Harriet McDougal with the agreement she could work from her home in Charleston, bringing author James Rigney with her. David G. Hartwell, also working from home, brought in authors such as Gene Wolfe, Eric Van Lustbader, L. E. Modesitt Jr.. and others. Hartwell also believed his specialist knowledge in science-fiction would enable Tor to more effectively sell foreign rights in the genre. Doherty and he agreed upon a mutually profitable contract to expand Tor's rights outside of North America. Ben Bova, then a recipient of multiple Hugo awards for editing, came to Tor to have more time to write his own novels. These were published by Tor, where Bova further acquired and edited other authors. ^[15]

Building of the success of Rigney's The Fallon Blood under Ace, Tor would publish sequels, The Fallon Pride (1981) and The Fallon Legacy (1982). Following the 1982 Arnold Schwarzenegger movie Conan the Barbarian, Rigney would write seven Conan books between 1982-1984 under the pen name Robert Jordan. And when Rigney wanted to write his own fantasy series, Doherty signed him to a six-book contract in 1984 for what would become The Wheel of Time. ^[16]

In 1983, Doherty contracted Orson Scott Card to write a sequel to his short story Ender's Game, Speaker for the Dead. Instead, Card wanted to expand his short story into a novel. Doherty trusted the relatively unknown Card and agreed a contract on the same terms as Speaker for the Dead. The novel Ender's Game, was published by Tor Books in 1985. ^[17]

Also in 1983, Doherty became a co-founder and partner of Baen Books, when Pocket Books offered Jim Baen the chance to start his own science fiction line to compete with Ace, Del Rey and Tor. Doherty counteroffered by creating a line for Pocket to distribute. Initial capital was provided by Dick Gallen, who also funded TDA. ^{[15] [18]}

1985-2018

In 1985, Tom Doherty Associates' distributor Pinnacle Books went bankrupt. After large checks to creditors bounced, Doherty decided to go public to raise capital in order to pay off the debts. He received offers from both Simon & Schuster and St. Martin's Press, but ultimately decided to accept the latter offer, despite it being $2 million less, because it allowed Tom Doherty Associates to maintain autonomy. ^[16]

Chairman Emeritus (2018-present)

In March 2018, Doherty stepped down as president of Tom Doherty Associates. Fritz Foy was appointed president and publisher of Tom Doherty Associates. ^[19] Foy retired in April 2021 and was succeeded by Devi Pillai as president and publisher of Tom Doherty Associates. ^[20]

In August 2022, Tom Doherty Associates was rebranded as Tor Publishing Group. ^[21] As of July 2025, Doherty continues in the capacity of "Chairman Emeritus", employed by Macmillan/Tor in an advisory capacity. ^[22]

Awards and Recognition

Doherty has received awards and recognition for his work in publishing across a number of genres, including science fiction, fantasy, westerns, and thrillers.

Award	Year	Awarding body	Notes
Skylark Award [23]	1993	New England Science Fiction Association	Awarded to those who "contributed significantly to science fiction, both through work in the field and by exemplifying the personal qualities which made the late "Doc" Smith well loved by those who knew him." [24]
Lifetime Achievement Award [25]	2005	World Fantasy Convention	Presented to individuals for “outstanding service to the fantasy field.” [26]
Raymond Z. Gallun Award [27]	2006	The Science Fiction Forum and I-CON	Awarded for lifetime achievement for "outstanding contributions in the genre of science fiction."
Lariat Award [28]	2007	Western Writers of America	First Lariat awarded to an individual. By this date, Tor had published fourteen Spur Award-winning novels.
Silver Bullet Award [29]	2007	International Thriller Writers	First publisher to receive the award, recognizing outstanding achievement in the promotion and advancement of literacy. [30]
Solstice Award [31]	2009	Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America	Second recipient of this award given to those who have made “a significant impact on the science fiction or fantasy landscape, and is particularly intended for those who have consistently made a major, positive difference within the speculative fiction field.” [32]
Stephen R. Donaldson Award	2011	International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts	Only awarded seven times since 1997, it recognises exceptional support and service to IAFA.
Harris Collection Literary Award	2014	Brown University	Recognises "leaders in the creative community for their outstanding contributions to American literature". [33] Awarded jointly to George R. R. Martin the same year.
L. Ron Hubbard Lifetime Achievement Award [34]	2016	Writers & Illustrators of the Future Foundation
Thriller Legend Award [35]	2017	International Thriller Writers	Inaugural recipient of this award "created to extend a special thank you to those who’ve made an extraordinary contribution to International Thriller Writers. People who’ve shown consistent and unwavering support." [36]
Publisher of the Year	2018	The Strand Magazine	First recipient
Robert A. Heinlein Award [37]	2024	Heinlein Society	Awarded "in recognition of Mr. Doherty’s work in bringing the inspiring books of hundreds of authors writing about our future in Space to public awareness". Doherty is the only publisher to have been given the award. [38]

In 2007, Doherty was honored with a proclamation from Charles B. Rangel, Chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress, for outstanding leadership to enhance and provide literacy programs throughout the nation. ^[39]

Personal life

Doherty married Barbara Jean Slocum (born 1934, died 1996). ^[40] The couple had three children: Thomas, Linda, and Kathleen. ^{[4] [15]}

In 1992, Doherty married Tatiana Pashina Doherty. They live in New York City. ^[4]

References

1. "World Without End" . Retrieved April 3, 2021.
2. Boskone 23 Program Book. Boston, MA: New England Science Fiction Association. February 14–16, 1986. p. 36. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
3. Clute, John; Nicholls, Peter, eds. (1993). The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction . New York: St. Martin's Press, Inc. p.  1235. ISBN   0-312-09618-6.
4. "Tom Doherty: Story First". 2016. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
5. "Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Publishers". 2021. Archived from the original on January 22, 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
6. "Fritz Foy to Take Over Tor/Forge". 2018. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
7. "About Tom Doherty Associates". 2021. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
8. "Birth announcements". Hartford Courant. Hartford, Connecticut. April 24, 1935. Retrieved June 17, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
9. Liptak, Andrew (February 26, 2016). "Building a Brand: Tom Doherty's Tor Books". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
10. 1950 United States Federal Census, United States census,1950;Washington, D.C.; roll 3569, page 8,.
11. Doherty, Tom (October 2003). "Tom Doherty interview excerpts". Locus Magazine. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
12. "Nebraska Reports pp.248". govdocs.nebraska.gov. June 17, 2019. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
13. Doherty, Tom (November 17, 2014). "In Conversation With Tom Doherty". The Arched Doorway. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
14. Teacher, Buz, and Janet Bukovinsky Teacher (eds.). Among Friends: An Illustrated Oral History of American Book Publishing & Bookselling in the 20th Century. New Hope, PA: Two Trees Press, 2023, pp. 107–109.
15. Teacher, Buz, and Janet Bukovinsky Teacher (eds.). Among Friends: An Illustrated Oral History of American Book Publishing & Bookselling in the 20th Century. New Hope, PA: Two Trees Press, 2023, p. 109.
16. Teacher, Buz, and Janet Bukovinsky Teacher (eds.). Among Friends: An Illustrated Oral History of American Book Publishing & Bookselling in the 20th Century. New Hope, PA: Two Trees Press, 2023, p. 110.
17. "Anticipation Progress Report 4 – 67th World Science Fiction Convention" (PDF). AnticipationSF.ca. April 2009. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
18. Tom Doherty (January 9, 2006). "As the Titan of Tor Books, Tom Doherty Stands at the Summit of SF Publishing" (Interview). Interviewed by Rick Klaw. SciFi.com.
19. "Fritz Foy Named President and Publisher of Tor and Forge Books ". Tor.com/ Reactormag . March 1, 2018. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
20. Maher , John  (April 19, 2021). "Foy Retires from TDA, Succeeded by Pillai ". Publishers Weekly . Retrieved July 24, 2025.
21. Stewart, Sophia (August 8, 2022). "Tom Doherty Associates Rebranded as Tor Publishing Group". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved July 24, 2025.
22. Dragonsteel Books (June 16, 2025). "Tom Doherty and The Wheel of Time". The Cognitive Realm. Dragonsteel Entertainment. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
23. "THE E. E. SMITH MEMORIAL AWARD". 1993. Retrieved April 3, 2021.
24. "The Skylark – The Edward E. Smith Memorial Award for Imaginative Fiction". NESFA Awards. New England Science Fiction Association. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
25. World Fantasy Convention (2010). "Award Winners and Nominees" . Retrieved February 4, 2011.
26. "World Fantasy Award Winners". World Fantasy Convention. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
27. Fancylopedia 3 (2006). "Raymond Z. Gallun Award" . Retrieved April 4, 2021.
28. Western Writers of America (2007). "Lariat Award" . Retrieved June 17, 2025.
29. SFScope (2007). "Tom Doherty to receive Silver Bullet Award" . Retrieved August 19, 2025.
30. "Tom Doherty to receive Silver Bullet Award" . Retrieved August 19, 2025.
31. SFWA (2019). "Search the Nebula Awards" . Retrieved April 4, 2021.
32. "Solstice Award". Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Archived from the original on October 12, 2012. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
33. "Harris Collection Literary Award". Brown University Library. Brown University. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
34. "Writers and Illustrators of the Future Volume 31". Tor/Forge Blog. Tom Doherty Associates. April 30, 2015. Retrieved June 17, 2025. "Mr. Tom Doherty, Publisher of Tor Books, received the L. Ron Hubbard Lifetime Achievement Award …"
35. Publishers Weekly (2017). "Hawley, Petrie Among Winners at 12th Annual Thrillerfest" . Retrieved April 4, 2021.
36. "Previous Spotlight Guests – ThrillerFest". ThrillerFest. International Thriller Writers. Retrieved June 17, 2025. "The Thriller Legend award was created to extend a special thank-you to those who've made an extraordinary contribution to International Thriller Writers. People who've showed us consistent and unwavering support."
37. "Robert A. Heinlein Award".
38. "Doherty Wins Heinlein Award". Locus Online. Locus Magazine. March 5, 2024. Retrieved June 17, 2025. "Tor Books founder Tom Doherty is the winner of the 2024 Robert A. Heinlein Award…"
39. SFScope (2007). "Rangel Proclamation Honoring Doherty Doherty". Archived from the original on June 7, 2012. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
40. "Barbara Jean Slocum (1934–1996)". Nielsen Hayden Genealogy. Patrick & Teresa Nielsen Hayden. Retrieved July 24, 2025.