Getting Traditionally Published
Multiple RWA board members resign
According to the Romance Writers of America website, multiple board members have resigned, including the president, president-elect,
Zando launches a new imprint: Get Lifted Books
Get Lifted Film Co., led by John Legend, Mike Jackson, and Ty Stiklorius, will partner with still quite new publisher Zando to create an imprint that “will leverage their significant reach to identify, develop, and promote new voices and storytellers.”
Bonnier Books UK launches Heligo Books
Heligo Books will publish business books starting in 2022, with titles already acquired from Jewel Burks Solomon, Rupal Patel, and Simon Lancaster
Berkley accepting unagented submissions
An imprint of Penguin Random House, Berkley has an open reading period now through Jan. 9, 2022.
Patrick Rothfuss launches Underthing Press
Grim Oak Press, a small press, has partnered with Patrick Rothfuss to create a new imprint, Underthing Press. The first project will be Digger: The Complete Collection by Ursula Vernon.
What’s in Store for 2022?
In the first issue of the year, I’ll offer my take on what’s ahead for publishing in 2022. Do you have your own predictions?
New Publishers and Agents in 2021
A roundup of new publishers, imprints, agents, and agencies announced in 2021.
RBmedia has acquired Toronto-based Author’s Republic
RBmedia is the corporate parent of multiple publishers of audiobooks
Book Sales Update: December 8, 2021
We’re now past Black Friday, which analysts considered more of a gray Friday—a result of pandemic precautions and supply chain issues.
Open Road Integrated Media acquired by investment group
Founded in 2009 by Jane Friedman (the former CEO of HarperCollins, not the editor of this newsletter), Open Road launched with a focus on acquiring and selling backlist books in ebook format.
Trendspotting: Alternatives to Goodreads
Each Goodreads alternative offers something Goodreads doesn’t—but none of them compare in terms of community size
Alice Sebold’s memoir pulled from distribution
A memoir that was published more than 20 years ago has been pulled from distribution by its publisher, Simon & Schuster.
Trump allies launch publishing house
Former president Donald J. Trump has not yet signed a deal for his memoirs, but there are increasing indicators and speculation he will strike a deal with a company outside of the Big Five.
Penguin Random House CEO Markus Dohle Thinks PRH Will Win against DOJ
Dohle argues that the existing market is more vibrant and competitive than ever, and PRH’s acquisition model preserves competition among its imprints.
Santa Monica Press will start publishing books for teens
Santa Monica is known for adult nonfiction but starting next year will begin releasing a mix of YA fiction and nonfiction.
Get an inside view of how publishers pitch their books
The Book Report Network is hosting an annual event where publishers suggest book club selections to booksellers, librarians, and book group leaders.
UK’s Bluemoose launches a nonfiction list
Bluemoose is an award-winning independent publisher of adult fiction. In summer 2022, Bluemoose will begin publishing nonfiction.
The Believer is closing
Founded as part of the McSweeney’s publishing empire in 2003, The Believer was beloved in the literary community almost from launch.
UK’s Unbound launches a new imprint for debut writers of color
Unbound Firsts will take on two writers of color every year for a debut work of either fiction or nonfiction.
Highlights from Frankfurt Book Fair: October 27, 2021
After producing an entirely virtual book fair in 2020, Frankfurt hosted a hybrid event last week that saw reduced attendance and exhibitors.
“Pretty Much Everything Has Gone Wrong”: Navigating Supply Chain Issues
A recent panel of publishing industry vets discussed how they’re adapting to paper shortages and extended shipping times
A new nonfiction imprint led by Melinda French Gates
Starting with three titles in 2023, Macmillan’s Flatiron Books is launching a nonfiction imprint, Moment of Lift Books, led by Melinda French Gates.
Rocket Bird Books launches in the UK
Rocket Bird Books will focus on picture books “with no limits.” Beginning in 2023, it will release 10 picture books,
Book sales update: ebook sales declining for traditional publishers
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.
Big Five publisher Hachette signs deal with bestselling author Colleen Hoover
Grand Central Publishing, an imprint at Hachette, has announced a deal for a new psychological thriller by bestselling author Colleen Hoover.