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Highlights from Frankfurt Book Fair: October 27, 2021

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After producing an entirely virtual book fair in 2020, Frankfurt hosted a hybrid event last week that saw reduced attendance and exhibitors.
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The Believer is closing

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Founded as part of the McSweeney’s publishing empire in 2003, The Believer was beloved in the literary community almost from launch.
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Structure Isn’t the Holy Grail You’re Looking For

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Your memoir’s structure can reveal itself later, once the primary elements are in place. In the meantime, concentrate on scaffolding.
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Does the Idea of Promoting Your Book Make You Feel Queasy?

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As an author, marketing your work will always be your job, but it doesn't have to be a chore. To do it well, think beyond self-promotion.
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NaNoWriMo: How to Fly by the Seat of Your Pants—and Win

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For writers who prefer to work without a roadmap, here are some tips for reaching your NaNoWriMo goals.
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Use Your Analyzer Switch to Increase Productivity

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Envision your inner critic as an adjustable dial: turn it lower to let ideas flow freely, and higher when it’s time to analyze and revise.
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Closing Image: October 13, 2021

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14 percent of UK book buyers were TikTok users in the 12 months to April, rising to 37 percent of 13-to-24-year-olds and peaking at nearly half of 16-to-19-year-olds.
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Links of Interest: October 13, 2021

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Traditional Publishing Where have all the midsize publishers gone? Longtime industry journalist Jim Milliot says there is a dearth of
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Rocket Bird Books launches in the UK

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Rocket Bird Books will focus on picture books “with no limits.” Beginning in 2023, it will release 10 picture books,
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A new nonfiction imprint led by Melinda French Gates

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Starting with three titles in 2023, Macmillan’s Flatiron Books is launching a nonfiction imprint, Moment of Lift Books, led by Melinda French Gates.
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How Traditional Publishers Are Shifting to Data-Informed Marketing

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Social media listening services and advertising analytics help publishers customize book marketing and improve reach
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Inkitt Raises $59 Million, Touts Success with Galatea

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An exuberant market for online literature leads to investment in Inkitt’s serial fiction app, Galatea
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“Pretty Much Everything Has Gone Wrong”: Navigating Supply Chain Issues

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A recent panel of publishing industry vets discussed how they’re adapting to paper shortages and extended shipping times
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Book sales update: ebook sales declining for traditional publishers

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Last year was the first time since 2013 that annual ebook unit sales grew, increasing by 22 percent year over year, according to NPD BookScan.
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The first half of 2021 sees a surge in dealmaking

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According to Publishers Lunch (subscription required), book deal volume for the first half of 2021 is about 20 percent higher than in 2020.
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American Booksellers Association membership remains steady

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This year, ABA reports 1,910 members with 2,496 locations, comparable to where they were prior to the pandemic.
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Big Five publisher Hachette signs deal with bestselling author Colleen Hoover

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Grand Central Publishing, an imprint at Hachette, has announced a deal for a new psychological thriller by bestselling author Colleen Hoover.
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Book Printing 101: What You Need to Know Before Approaching a Printer

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Choosing the right materials for your printed book affects not just its appearance but how a potential customer perceives its value.
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Adversaries in Fiction: Who Is Standing in Your Character’s Way?

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Your story’s adversary might come in many shapes or sizes. Most important, ensure that the conflict they present has a reason for existing.
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Your Writing Matters. A Coach Can Help.

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Just as coaches help athletes, writing coaches can help authors be more productive, proficient, and proud of what they accomplish.
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Why You Should Write a Novella for NaNoWriMo 2021

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Only a fraction of participants reach the finish line. Setting your sights on the more compact novella form might help you go the distance.
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What Do Authors Earn from Digital Lending at Libraries?

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Does library lending help or hurt author and publisher income? The debate continues.
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Closing Image: September 29, 2021

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NPD BookScan recently released figures for thriller book sales in the US, a category that accounts for one in eight adult fiction books sold.
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Links of Interest: September 29, 2021

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Big Five Publishing Congress questions Big Five publishers about ebook pricing for libraries. Lawmakers are asking each of the Big
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Virtual conference: Reimagining Bookstores

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A group of independent bookstores is hosting a free, virtual gathering, Reimagining Bookstores, on October 18 and 19.