Former Publishers Weekly editor Sara Nelson wrote a blistering critique of the HarperCollins restructuring this week, wondering if the cuts were meant to erase the changes made by former Harper CEO Jane Friedman (pictured).

Nelson’s sources estimated that nearly 20 people were laid-off during the restructuring, and were surprised by the “extent and ferocity” of the layoffs. After reviewing Friedman’s legacy of digitization and growth at the publisher, Nelson wondered about the restructuring.

Here’s more from the article:

“Some are saying that decimating HarperCollins is personal, directed at someone who is no longer there. [Friedman] was also the one who decided to import the idea of a separate Collins division from the UK with business-oriented books and high-concept titles like “The Dangerous Book For Boys” … Was this part of NewsCorp’s way of punishing the people and programs Friedman courted and initiated?”

(Via Bookseller)