A controversial op-ed calls for libraries to place restrictions on commercial fiction borrowing
Publisher, author, and journalist Kenneth Whyte blames libraries for the declining fortunes of independent and chain bookstores.
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New Age publisher Inner Traditions expands its publishing program
It now has a tenth imprint, Sacred Planet Books, that will publish eight to 12 titles a year.
Hot Sheet Index: July 22, 2020
The Hot Sheet Index reviewed Amazon’s digital marketing share for each year since 2016 and up to it’s projected share for 2021.
Kobo Plus launches in Canada
Launched in 2017, Kobo Plus is an all-you-can-read ebook subscription service, which until now was only available in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Closing Image: July 22, 2020
As Google ad revenue declines in 2020, partly due to the collapse of the travel industry, Amazon is seeing significant growth.
NetGalley launches a mobile app, adds audiobook distribution
NetGalley, the paid service used by publishers primarily to circulate advance review copies, has rolled out an app for Apple and Android.
Simon & Schuster sets sales record with Mary Trump’s book
After releasing two weeks earlier than planned, Too Much and Never Enough by Mary Trump set a company record.
Donald Trump Jr. announces he’s self-publishing his next book
Apparently Trump Jr. did have an offer from his Big Five publisher for his next book, but he decided to go it alone.
Big Five publishers—not known for rapid change—experience unprecedented turnover in leadership
The New York Times looks at the recent hires and new leadership at the biggest publishers in the country, noting that “everything is up for change.”
An important change to copyright registration procedure for short works published online
US-based authors can now register up to 50 short works published online with the US Copyright Office for a single flat fee of $65.
The US publishing supply chain has been saved in part by Ingram, says Mike Shatzkin
Publishers’ ability to keep fulfilling orders during the pandemic has relied heavily on Ingram’s Guaranteed Availability Program.
Audio Revenue Predicted to Overtake Ebook Sales by 2023
Audiobook industry leaders believe the potential market is about 50 percent of the fiction market, as it is now in Sweden.
Wattpad suffers a data breach
The company says that no financial information, stories, private messages, or phone numbers were accessed during the incident.
Publishers Who Continually Refresh and Improve Metadata Enjoy Better Book Sales—Especially at Amazon
Because percentage of online book purchases increased from 20 to 50 percent the last decade, online product listings are just as important.
Several publishers and authors file lawsuit against Kiss Library
A group of authors and publishers jointly filed suit against Ukraine-based Kiss Library, alleging that the site flagrantly pirates ebooks.
UK Book Sales Appear to Be Worse Off Than US Sales
The year started off positive: the first quarter saw 3 percent growth in UK’s unit sales. But that growth started to decline in February.
The National Book Awards will be virtual this year
The prestige black-tie event held every fall (envision the Academy Awards, but for books) has become an online-only event.
Three literary organizations launch the Literary Arts Emergency Fund
The fund will provide $3.5 million to nonprofit literary publishers and organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two new imprints at Penguin Random House: Tiny Reparations Books and Flamingo
Founded by comedian Phoebe Robinson, Tiny Reparations Books will publish both literary fiction and nonfiction.
Canada’s bookstore chain, Indigo, continues to struggle
CEO Heather Reisman blamed the lack of a breakout book to bring customers into stores.
Book sales update: print unit sales up 2 percent versus 2019
Print unit sales have been up versus 2019—and the week ending June 20 was the best performing week of the year so far.
Barnes & Noble lays off buyers and implements new buying policies
The store’s statement reads, “As with so many companies, we evaluate our needs in circumstances much changed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Mary Trump’s tell-all will now release two weeks earlier, on July 14
Simon & Schuster lawyers say the publisher is not a party to and is not bound by any confidentiality agreement with the Trump family.
Book Sales in 2020: Where We’re At, Where We’re Headed
Unsurprisingly, the pandemic has improved sales in children’s educational titles as well as in financial and domestic sustainability.
Eight Black publishing professionals speak out about their experience in the industry
Some of the most notable responses come from those working inside the Big Five.
Harassment Allegations Surface (or Resurface) across the Writing Community
Sexual harassment and assault has occurred at industry conventions, conferences, and other networking events, leading to calls for policy change.
Amazon launches Counterfeit Crimes Unit
Amazon has faced criticism that it doesn’t adequately deal with the fake, illegitimate, and counterfeit products on its site sold by third parties.
The Library-Publisher Relationship: Will It Be Forced to Transform As a Result of COVID-19?
The pandemic has also resurfaced the ongoing tension between libraries and publishers when it comes to digital lending models.
150 authors, journalists, and intellectual luminaries sign a letter on “justice and open debate”
The letter mentions—without naming names—editors or researchers being fired, and authors or publishers withdrawing books from publication.
Get your bookish face masks
As part of its merchandising arm, Out of Print, Penguin Random House has released seven book-themed face masks.
New literary agency: Book Wyrm
It is founded by Sandy Lu, who was with the L. Perkins Agency for nearly 12 years.
BISG’s annual meeting is now a free series of virtual conversations
The Book Industry Study Group is holding seven online events in lieu of its usual in-person annual meeting in New York City.
Hot Sheet Index: July 8, 2020
Hot Sheet Index reviewed audiobook industry sales key points like the number of audiobooks released in 2019 versus 2015.
UK publisher Hodder & Stoughton launches Hodder Studio
Hodder Studio says it “seeks to reimagine storytelling in a way that represents our ever-changing technological and cultural landscape.”
Closing Image: July 8, 2020
In 2019, audiobook growth slowed considerably, declining to 16.4 percent dollar growth versus 34.7 percent in 2018.
Facebook expands its fan subscription program
Facebook has opened up fan subscriptions to any creator in the US, the UK, and several other markets.
The Poetry Foundation responds to criticism
In our last issue, we wrote about the criticism of the very wealthy Poetry Foundation by its own fellows.
Red Sofa Literary owner threatens to sue departed agents and author
Agent Dawn Frederick has issued a cease-and-desist letter to those who described her actions—calling police on looters—as racist.
The Internet Archive caves and shuts down National Emergency Library
After four publishers filed a lawsuit for copyright infringement, the Internet Archive has closed its National Emergency Library.
“A Really Exciting Time”: Publishing during a Time of Crisis
The best business books have a long shelf life and hold value over the long-term. That message was frequently repeated.
The government files a suit against John Bolton
Bolton’s book, The Room Where It Happened, released yesterday without approval from the US government.
Diversity in Children’s Publishing: Pushing for Change
From staffing to acquisition to marketing, children’s book publishers examine their own diversity deficits.
Fallout continues as JK Rowling is accused of transphobic comments
A few employees at Hachette UK do not want to work on Rowling’s new children’s book due to her remarks about the transgender community.
Using Data to Drive Sales: An Especially Important Skill Set Right Now
Analyzing consumer behavior and improving practices to match can boost sales and brand-building for both publishers and authors.
EU prepares to move against Amazon
The EU is now on the verge of filing formal antitrust charges, specifically over Amazon’s use of data from third-party marketplace sellers.
Better health insurance guidance for writers and others in publishing
The Book Industry Health Insurance Partnership will help members navigate health insurance options.
Book sales update: June 24, 2020
Despite protests in many metropolitan markets, NPD BookScan reports that the US book market is within 0.1 percent of 2019 sales, or flat.