The Bookseller newsletters

 Here are the latest The Bookseller newsletters for my followers to peruse:

Latest headlines for the book industry The Bookseller Spring Buyer's Guides are now available to purchase here.

March 02, 2021

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LATEST NEWS Return of bookshops and live events will be industry 'landmark' The reopening of bookshops and potential return of live events in the summer will be a “huge landmark” for the industry, leading figures say, as they weigh up the implications of the government's roadmap out of lockdown. Online retailer Bookshop.org makes 'remarkable' £1m for indies in first four months Retail website Bookshop.org has made more than £1m in profit for indie bookshops, hitting the milestone just four months after its UK launch. Cowell and Bilston join early line-up for Independent Bookshop Week Initial plans for this year's Independent Bookshop Week have been announced with Cressida Cowell designing a celebratory tote bag, a special Brian Bilston poem and early releases. HarperCollins reveals 2025 Glasgow site move HarperCollins will be moving to a new purpose-built warehouse and office facility in Robroyston, Glasgow, when the lease at its current nearby site expires in 2025, the firm has announced. Boldwood Books reports £1.6m revenues in first full year Boldwood Books has reported revenues of £1.6m in 2020, its first full financial year, and added five new authors to its now 50-strong list. Hodder Studios pre-empts Bonner's 'brilliantly addictive' debut thriller Hodder Studios has pre-empted two books from Sarah Bonner, including her debut novel Her Perfect Twin, described as an "original, compelling and propulsive" thriller.  Pearson releases editorial guidelines to combat systemic racism Pearson has released a series of editorial guidelines on ethnicity and race, aiming to help fight systemic racism in education. Stericker launches new creative agency Studio 7:15 Former Orion creative director Lucie Stericker, the designer of the Queenie cover, has launched her own creative agency Studio 7:15 after leaving the publisher after 23 years.  PRH authors including Dawkins and Mackesy share reasons for hope Penguin Random House UK is publishing a series of essays from its authors, including Richard Dawkins and Charlie Mackesy, offering reasons to feel hopeful about the months and years ahead. Ishiguro warns of 'online lynch mob' stifling young writers' creativity Nobel Prize-winning author Sir Kazuo Ishiguro has revealed concerns that young writers are “self-censoring” to avoid an “anonymous lynch mob that turns up online and makes their lives a misery”.  Endeavour signs Deeney's Love & Care Octopus imprint Endeavour has signed Love & Care by journalist Shaun Deeney, “a thought-provoking and often funny” account of a man becoming a carer for his mother just as he is hoping to find love one last time, post-divorce. Applications to open for Frankfurt International Translators 2021 Applications will open in April for the Frankfurt International Translators knowledge exchange and networking programme for up to 25 translators of German-language literature.

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Latest headlines for the book industry The Bookseller Spring Buyer's Guides are now available to purchase here.

March 01, 2021

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LATEST NEWS Chancellor to offer shops £6k 'restart grants' and ponders online retail tax Chancellor Rishi Sunak will offer shops in England grants of up to £6,000 to help them start trading again in this week's Budget and may also be planning a tax on online retail. Pavilion's Graham joins Quarto as UK c.e.o. Pavilion m.d. David Graham has been appointed as the new c.e.o. of the Quarto Group UK. S&S global sales hit 'record year' in 2020 at $901m Sales at Simon & Schuster came in at an all-time high in 2020 at $901m, ViacomCBS has reported. Nourry 'would not accept any break-up of Hachette Livre' Hachette Livre chairman and c.e.o. Arnaud Nourry has warned that he would not stand by and watch the publishing house being carved up by the shareholders of parent company Lagardère.  Travel publishers hopeful post-lockdown wanderlust will propel sector after nadir Unsurprisingly, given the restrictions on movement for most global citizens, the travel book market took a battering in 2020. However, sustainable breaks, staycations and domestic activities could be bright spots for travel lists. Coronavirus restrictions deal a hammer-blow to the physical travel books market A sector that was just finding its feet again after a huge shift to digital was dealt another huge hit with the Covid-19 pandemic, and consequent restrictions on the movement of people. BAE founder Marianne Tatepo to guest edit The Bookseller The Bookseller magazine is to bring in a guest editor for the first time, with Marianne Tatepo, the founder of the Black Agents & Editors' Group (BAE), to take the reins for the 9th April issue. Max Parker launches talent agency Matchstick Group A new literary and talent agency, Matchstick Group, launches today (1st March), founded by entrepreneur Max Parker. Marigold Atkey to join Daunt Books as editor Daunt Books Publishing has appointed Marigold Atkey as editor, effective from 29th April. Sceptre takes two from 'stunning' Craig Sceptre has landed a "stunning" short story collection and debut novel by Serpent's Tail assistant editor Leon Craig. Virago bags Sharma Taylor's 'deeply moving' debut Virago has acquired the debut novel by Sharma Taylor, What a Mother’s Love Don’t Teach You, at auction as part of a two-book deal.  National Book Tokens partners with Jhalak Prize National Book Tokens has launched a partnership with the Jhalak Prize, aiming to help promote the 2021 nominated titles among booksellers.

The Bookseller The Stage Media Company Ltd | 47 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XT Switchboard: 0203 358 0360 The most read stories of the week     Our round-up of the most read stories of the past week on The Bookseller: 1. Cornerstone merges Hutchinson and Wm Heinemann, recruits Conford and Ahmed (£) 2. Fourth Estate swoops for 'exhilarating' Elizabeth Day novel 3. Publicists get inventive to boost debut authors in 'tough' lockdown (£) 4. Bookshops reopening 'in April' under Boris Johnson's coronavirus roadmap 5. Orion unveils 'supercharged' communications revamp (£) 6. Viking secures Me Too-inspired debut in six-figure pre-empt  (£) 7. Midnight Library gives Haig and Canongate first overall charts number one (£) 8. International markets show mixed response to pandemic in 2020 (£) 9. Puffin scoops Riordan's epic sea adventure 10. Hachette UK reports strongest ever year with record sales in 2020 (£)   Connect with us: The Bookseller, The Stage Media Company Ltd, 47 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XT. Registered No. 02316307. Subscriptions: 01371 851879 Subscriptions: 01371 851879

Latest headlines for the book industry The Bookseller Spring Buyer's Guides are now available to purchase here.

February 26, 2021

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LATEST NEWS Hachette UK reports strongest ever year with record sales in 2020 Hachette UK c.e.o. David Shelley has hailed the firm's strongest year ever with record book sales in 2020, although parent company Lagardère saw revenue fall 38% year on year. Cornerstone merges Hutchinson and William Heinemann, recruits Conford and Ahmed Cornerstone is merging Hutchinson and William Heinemann, and recruiting Profile's Helen Conford and Little, Brown's Ailah Ahmed, while publisher Jason Arthur leaves PRH after 22 years. Cotton finds her Happy Place with new list for Ebury Broadcaster and author Fearne Cotton has struck a five-book deal with Ebury—and the books will be issued through a list she is launching, Happy Place Books, which will spread the word of wellbeing. Orion unveils 'supercharged' communications revamp Orion has reshaped its marketing and publicity teams to create a “supercharged” communications department. Springboard ready for lift-off, as titles and schedule revealed Books by Yaa Gyasi, Lisa Taddeo, Amanda Craig, Will Dean, Vaseem Khan, Stanley Tucci, Leone Ross, Kate Mosse, Bryony Gordon, Elle McNicoll, Dapo Adeola, and Rashmi Sirdeshpande will feature during the Springboard Conference, a joint initiative between The Bookseller and the Booksellers Association that kicks off next week. Mendez, Anappara and Persaud longlisted for Authors' Club Best First Novel Award Paul Mendez, Deepa Anappara and Ingrid Persaud are among the debut authors longlisted for the £2,500 Authors' Club Best First Novel Award.  Rutherford to write on eugenics for W&N Weidenfeld & Nicolson has acquired a fourth book from Adam Rutherford, author of How to Argue with a Racist. The new title, Faster, Smarter, Stronger: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics, will be published in February 2022.  Basic Books pre-empts Otele's 'magisterial' slavery history John Murray imprint Basic Books UK has pre-empted Doorway to the World, a “sweepingly magisterial” history of ports and slavery by Professor Olivette Otele. Physical events to return at Theakston crime writing festival Organisers of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival have confirmed live events will go ahead later this year, after the government unveiled its roadmap out of lockdown. International pandemic book trends discussed at ReBoot workshop The resilience of the print market, digital library borrowing and the appetite for backlist titles during the pandemic were among topics discussed at the ReBoot Books Business and Reading workshop held on Thursday (25th February).  HCCB takes three more in Biddulph's Draw With Rob series HarperCollins Children’s Books has signed a deal with Rob Biddulph for three more titles in his Draw With Rob series. Octopus pre-empts Barber's debut Consumed for new imprint Octopus has pre-empted Aja Barber's debut Consumed, a call for more equitable and sustainable consumerism, as a lead title for a new imprint run by Romilly Morgan.

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Latest headlines for the book industry The Bookseller Spring Buyer's Guides are now available to purchase here.

February 25, 2021

MORNING BRIEFING Where the news comes first Home | News | Blog | Jobs | Charts

LATEST NEWS International markets showed mixed response to pandemic in 2020 While the pandemic sent shockwaves across the world’s publishing industry in 2020, some international markets reported strong performances with the US posting record-breaking sales while Australia also saw a major boost. Two Roads to publish memoir from Billy Connolly Two Roads will publish Billy Connolly's first autobiography, titled Windswept and Interesting.    Paul McCartney tells life story through lyrics for Allen Lane Paul McCartney has written the “extraordinary” story of his life for the first time through the prism of 154 song lyrics, to be published by Allen Lane. Nicola Roberts to champion Reading Agency's mental health initiative Girls Aloud singer and mental health campaigner Nicola Roberts is among ambassadors championing the Reading Agency’s Read, Talk, Share initiative, aiming to combat loneliness and promote wellbeing through reading. Tinder Press acquires 'breathtaking literary page turner' from Owen Tinder Press, Headline's literary imprint, has acquired Small Angels by Lauren Owen, author of The Quick (Vintage, 2014). S&S Children's to launch audiobook partnership with the Daily Mail Simon & Schuster Children’s Books is to launch an audiobook partnership with the Daily Mail. It will also feature a retail tie-in with Waterstones, with a campaign fronted by children’s author and actor Ben Miller (pictured). Bookstat chart: The Other Wife returns to the top Claire McGowan’s The Other Wife (Thomas & Mercer) has boomeranged back into the Bookstat e-book chart top spot. Allen & Unwin snaps up Ryder's 'sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll' memoir Allen & Unwin to publish How to be a Rock Star by Shaun Ryder, a memoir that promises to lift the lid on what it's like to be a rock star. Transworld partners with Hummingbird Bakery for Pooley paperback launch Transworld has partnered with the Hummingbird Bakery to mark the paperback launch of Clare Pooley's "feel-good" novel The Authenticity Project.  Black & White acquires first book from GBBO winner Peter Sawkins Black & White will publish the first book from "Great British Bake Off" 2020 winner Peter Sawkins.  Egmont to publish two from Cocoa magazine founder Serlina Boyd Egmont Books has acquired two non-fiction titles from Cocoa magazine founder Serlina Boyd. Hodder to publish Lumley's 'heart-warming' celebration of Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Hodder & Stoughton will publish actress Joanna Lumley's A Queen for All Seasons, a "warm and fascinating" celebration of Queen Elizabeth II and her Platinum Jubilee.

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Latest headlines for the book industry The Bookseller Spring Buyer's Guides are now available to purchase here.

February 24, 2021

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LATEST NEWS Midnight Library gives Haig and Canongate first overall charts top spot Matt Haig's The Midnight Library (Canongate) has checked itself straight into the UK Official Top 50 number one spot.  Scottish booksellers frustrated over 'vague' April reopening plan Some Scottish booksellers have reacted with frustration to Nicola Sturgeon's announcement of an April reopening and are seeking further clarification of exactly when customers can return. Cape unveils string of initiatives for imprint's centenary Jonathan Cape is celebrating its centenary this year with initiatives including a deep dive into Ian McEwan's Atonement and podcasts with Salman Rushdie, Julian Barnes and Ottessa Moshfegh. Bonnier reveals inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan Bonnier Books UK has published its inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan to boost representation and discussion across its workforce, publishing lists and the wider industry.  'Enormous step forward' as BTBS affordable housing opens for applications The Book Trade Charity (BTBS) has completed its Whetstone affordable housing development in “an enormous step forward” for the organisation. Hillary Clinton pens political thriller for Pan Mac Hillary Rodham Clinton has co-written a political thriller, State of Terror, with long-time friend Louise Penny, to be published in the UK by Pan Macmillan. Hodder Studio snaps up Phil Wang's debut, Sidesplitter Hodder Studio will publish comedian Phil Wang’s debut Sidesplitter: How to be from Two Worlds at Once, exploring his experience of living between England and Malaysia. Harper Design scores anthology Jim Morrison 'intended to publish' Harper Design is to release The Collected Works of Jim Morrison, a 600-page anthology of his writings, nearly half of which have never been published before. MacLehose Press scoops Norwegian 'rights sensation' thriller MacLehose Press will publish “international rights sensation” domestic noir The Therapist by psychologist turned author Helene Flood. It will be the imprint’s lead thriller debut for 2021.   Welbeck Children's Books appoints Hope as art director Welbeck Children's Books has appointed Margaret Hope as its art director. Amazon Charts: Stacey Solomon's Tap to Tidy sweeps up the chart Stacey Solomon's Tap to Tidy (Ebury) has mopped the floor with the competition, rising 18 places up to the Amazon Charts' Most-Sold: Non-Fiction number one, a week ahead of its release. Fourth Estate swoops for 'exhilarating' Elizabeth Day novel Magpie Fourth Estate has swooped for Magpie, the “exhilarating” new novel by Elizabeth Day, written mostly during the first lockdown.

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Latest headlines for the book industry The Bookseller Spring Buyer's Guides are now available to purchase here.

February 23, 2021

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LATEST NEWS 'A chink of hope' as bookshops in England prepare to re-open in April Bookshops have expressed "cautious optimism" at the news that those in England can expect to reopen from 12th April. Publicists get inventive to boost debut authors during 'tough' lockdown Resourceful publicists are having to be inventive to launch debuts as the lockdown rumbles on and shops remain closed. Viking secures 'Me Too'-inspired debut in six-figure pre-empt Viking has agreed a six-figure pre-empt on a The Secret History-style thriller set at Edinburgh University, The Things We Do To Our Friends, by debut author Heather Darwent. Nine authors paired with Hachette mentors in Future Bookshelf scheme Hachette UK's Future Bookshelf programme has paired nine writers from underrepresented backgrounds with Hachette UK editors as part of its mentoring strand for 2021. Martina Cole receives CWA Diamond Dagger Martina Cole has been awarded the highest honour in British crime writing, the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Diamond Dagger, almost 30 years after she was "dismissed by some as a one-book wonder”.  Michael Joseph to release Captain Tom's Life Lessons Penguin Michael Joseph is to publish Life Lessons, a book Captain Sir Tom Moore finished writing at the end of last year. Corsair to reissue Delia Owens wildlife memoir A memoir by Where the Crawdads Sing author Delia Owens and her husband Mark Owens, titled Cry of the Kalahari, will be reissued by Corsair in October, 36 years after its first release. Chatto has two on £25,000 Walter Scott Prize longlist Islands of Mercy by Rose Tremain and The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams, both published by Chatto & Windus, are among titles longlisted for this year's £25,000 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction. Faber lands Rachel Cusk's 'fable of female fate' Faber is to publish Second Place, the latest novel by Rachel Cusk. Christie Watson and daughter write book for Chatto Chatto & Windus has signed a new two-book deal with The Language of Kindness author Christie Watson, including a joint project with her 16-year-old daughter Bella Egberongbe. SelfMadeHero seeks out emerging comic book artists Graphic publisher SelfMadeHero has launched an anthology mentoring programme to discover, develop, publish and promote emerging comic book artists.   Arachne Press expands into audiobooks Arachne Press has taken a leap into the world of audiobooks, with nine books due for publication this year set to be simultaneously released in audio format.

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Latest headlines for the book industry The Bookseller Spring Buyer's Guides are now available to purchase here.

February 22, 2021

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LATEST NEWS Bookshops reopening 'in April' under Boris Johnson coronavirus roadmap Bookshops in England may not reopen until April under Boris Johnson's new roadmap for easing coronavirus restrictions, reports say. Physical literary festivals are 'crucial' this year, directors say Literary festival directors have warned it is “crucial” some physical events can be safely rolled out this year, though others have already confirmed completely digital programmes. Coronet hits the high notes with Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s debut Coronet will publish Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s debut Spinning Plates, offering “part memoir, part musings” and “how to navigate life in the face of failure and imperfection”.  Hamish Hamilton bags 'lacerating' Eggers follow-up to The Circle Hamish Hamilton is to publish The Every, a "hilarious and horrifying" follow-up to The Circle by Dave Eggers. 4th Estate wins four-publisher auction for 'radical' Osunde debut Fourth Estate has won a four-publisher auction for Eloghosa Osunde’s “radical and thrilling debut novel Vagabonds! Welbeck swoops for North's Little Wing in six-figure deal Welbeck has signed a “significant” six-figure deal for “profoundly moving” new novel Little Wing and one other book by Freya North. Shortlist for Jane Grigson Trust Award revealed Kitty and Alex Tait, Claire Finney and Gurdeep Loyal have made the shortlist for the Jane Grigson Trust Award 2021. Bonnier Group appoints Stina Andersson as c.e.o. Stina Andersson has been named as the new c.e.o. of Bonnier Group, the parent company of Bonnier Books UK.  Wilson, Kenyon and Missingham confirmed for first IPG international forum Nosy Crow m.d Kate Wilson, Nielsen BookScan director for UK and Ireland Hazel Kenyon, and Empowered Author founder Sam Missingham are among the speakers confirmed for the first IPG international publishing forum. Hardie Grant lands Sharan Dhaliwal's 'queer British Indian' memoir Hardie Grant will publish the debut book from British Indian writer and founder of South Asian magazine Burnt Roti, Sharan Dhaliwal, in the autumn. Unbound to release Sheen and Tennant's complete Staged scripts Unbound has launched a pre-order campaign for the complete scripts and official companion to lockdown hit TV series “Staged” with David Tennant and Michael Sheen. PRH to release over 50 Heyer audiobooks Penguin Random House UK is to release more than 50 of Georgette Heyer's Regency romance novels in audio this year.

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The most read stories of the week

 

 

Our round-up of the most read stories of the past week on The Bookseller: 1. The Independent Bookshop of the Year regional and country shortlists are revealed 2. Richard & Judy pick Cummins and Haig for Spring Book Club 3. Strong year for small presses as British Book Awards unveils 44-strong shortlist 4. Waterstones to open Next concession store in new partnership (£) 5. Booktopia Facebook page erased in Australian news dispute 6. Export delays and cost hikes continue to hit trade with Europe (£) 7. PA warns of huge financial hit from proposed Open Access policy 8. Allen Lane wins four-way auction for Baker's group biography 9. Brenton-Rounding and Miller-Gold join Bonnier 10. Orion signs Winnie M Li in 48-hour pre-empt (£)

 

Connect with us: . The Bookseller, The Stage Media Company Ltd, 47 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XT. Registered No. 02316307. Subscriptions: 01371 851879

Latest headlines for the book industry The Bookseller Spring Buyer's Guides are now available to purchase here.

February 19, 2021

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LATEST NEWS Strong year for small presses as British Book Awards unveils 44-strong shortlist A 44-strong regional and country shortlist for the British Book Awards Small Press accolade shows that the grassroots publishing scene in the UK and Ireland is showing “strength, breadth and durability”. Obama hails booksellers as he kicks off ABA Winter Institute Barack Obama kicked off the American Booksellers Association (ABA) Winter Institute yesterday (18th February) by thanking bookstores for their work in passing on knowledge. String of promotions across Pan Mac after stellar 2020 Pan Macmillan has marked the success of 2020, the second best year in its history, with a huge swathe of promotions across the business. University presses add to warnings over UKRI's new OA policy Several university presses have echoed concerns raised in a highly critical report commissioned by the Publishers Association into UK Research & Innovation's proposed new Open Access policy, warning some presses could go out of business. Yellow Kite wins eight-way auction for Aldo Kane's story Yellow Kite has acquired Aldo Kane's "inspirational" memoir Lessons From the Edge, following an eight-way auction.  Daunt Books eyes Muswell Hill opening Daunt Books is in talks to open a shop in Muswell Hill, The Bookseller can confirm. Kyle to publish debut from hosts of 'Things You Can’t Ask Yer Mum' podcast Kyle Books will publish the debut book from the hosts of the "Things You Can’t Ask Yer Mum" podcast, Lindsey Holland and Lizzy Hadfield. Canongate bags Renton's 'rigorous' account of slavery inheritance Canongate is to publish Alex Renton's examination of slavery, interrogated through the story of his ancestors' involvement in the trade.  Shuggie Bain among Scotland Translation Fund recipients This year's Booker Prize-winning novel, Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart, is to be translated into Turkish, Serbian, Portuguese and Arabic, following grants from the Publishing Scotland Translation Fund.  Huq's Cookie stories set for TV A live action TV series based on Konnie Huq's Cookie stories is to be produced, following a deal secured by Zodiak Kids Studios.  Doubleday pre-empts Lusk's 'detailed and vibrant' historical debut Doubleday has pre-empted The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley by Sean Lusk, a historical debut set against the backdrop of 18th-century London and Constantinople.  Swift lands Lemmon's 'compelling' account of female militia who fought ISIS Indie Swift Press is to publish The Daughters of Kobani by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, the story of the all-female militia who fought off ISIS in northern Syria.

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Latest headlines for the book industry The Bookseller Spring Buyer's Guides are now available to purchase here.

February 18, 2021

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LATEST NEWS The Independent Bookshop of the Year regional and country shortlists are revealed Forty-eight pandemic-defying stores have been named in the nine regional and country shortlists for the Independent Bookshop of the Year at the British Book Awards.  CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals longlists led by Walker Walker Books leads the pack in the CILIP Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals longlists for the third year running while Knights Of has bagged its first nomination. WBD receives more than £90,000 in ACE funding ​World Book Day will expand its work on reaching out to children in areas of low literacy and high deprivation thanks to £94,360 in funding from Arts Council England (ACE).  Paul O'Grady signs 'major' children's book deal with HarperCollins TV presenter and author Paul O'Grady has signed a “major” multi-book deal with HarperCollins for his debut children’s novel, Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang, the first in a planned series. Booktopia Facebook page erased in Australian news dispute Australia's largest online book retailer Booktopia has had its Facebook page's contents erased following a row between the country's government and the social media giant. Comedian Frank Skinner to publish book with Hodder Faith Hodder Faith will publish A Comedian’s Prayer Book by Frank Skinner in April 2021. Bookstat chart: Kirk goes out Ahead in digital J D Kirk’s Ahead of the Game (Zertex Crime) headed straight into the Bookstat e-book chart number one for the week ending 13th February. Borough Press lands Glen novel in 'significant' deal The Borough Press has landed All My Mothers by Costa shortlistee Joanna Glen in a “significant” five-figure deal. Alison Shaw elected Fellow of Academy of Social Sciences Alison Shaw, c.e.o. of Bristol University Press (BUP), has become the first university press c.e.o. to be elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS). Welbeck appoints Moran for US children's role Welbeck has appointed Josalyn Moran, formerly of Barnes & Noble, as its director of business development for children's books, North America. Cast confirmed for TV version of Rooney's Conversations with Friends Actors Alison Oliver, Sasha Lane, Jemima Kirke and Joe Alwyn are to star in the TV adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel, Conversations with Friends (Faber).  Vintage launches Free Books Campaign partnership Vintage has launched a new partnership with the Free Books Campaign, a charity set up by education activist Sofia Akel to get books by authors of colour to those who cannot access them.

The Bookseller The Stage Media Company Ltd | 47 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XT Switchboard: 0203 358 0360 Latest headlines for the book industry The Bookseller Spring Buyer's Guides are now available to purchase here. February 17, 2021 MORNING BRIEFING Where the news comes first Home | News | Blog | Jobs | Charts LATEST NEWS PA warns of huge financial hit from proposed Open Access policy A proposed new Open Access (OA) policy from funding body UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) could see UK universities and journals take a huge financial hit, a new report for the Publishers Association warns. Grown Ups has the Keyes to the top spot Marian Keyes' Grown Ups (Penguin) has risen into the UK Official Top 50 number one spot, ending the six-week reign of Kay Featherstone and Kate Allinson's Pinch of Nom Quick & Easy (Bluebird) at the top.  Hatchards launches first transactional website Bookseller Hatchards has today (17th February) unveiled its first transactional website, designed and built in a partnership between the Waterstones e-commerce and Hatchards IT teams.  Quarto refinances to 'focus on growth' Quarto has signed a new $20m bank facility, as well as extending $13m in loans it received in 2018 and getting a new $10m loan. Orion signs Winnie M Li in 48-hour pre-empt Orion Fiction has pre-empted Winnie M Li's new novel Complicit, exploring questions raised by the #MeToo movement and the dark side of Hollywood, for a six-figure sum within 48 hours of receiving the manuscript.  Historian Dan Jones takes on roles at Head of Zeus Historian Dan Jones has joined the Head of Zeus board as a company director and taken on an advisory role as associate publisher of the Apollo History list. Dimbleby's 'definitive' Operation Barbarossa history to Viking Viking has snared a “definitive” history of Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's plan for the invasion of the Soviet Union, from broadcaster and author Jonathan Dimbleby. Hodder & Stoughton to publish Paris Fury memoir Hodder & Stoughton has acquired Paris Fury's autobiography, Love and Fury, which will tell the story of her life as a Traveller and wife of boxer Tyson Fury. Oxford publishing groups launch post-lockdown working survey Three Oxford-based groups of publishing workers are launching a survey to explore the experience of working from home and how work patterns might change after lockdown.  HarperFiction plucks King's Bad Fruit in five-way auction HarperFiction has snapped up debut author and Faber Academy graduate Ella King's "beautiful, shocking" Bad Fruit in a five-way auction. Lebowitz's third essay collection to Virago Virago will publish a new collection of essays from "New York legend" Fran Lebowitz later this year.   Europa gets Midas touch for Perrin's Italian lockdown hit Europa Editions UK is working with Midas PR for the first time to launch the paperback of Italian sensation Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin in June. The Bookseller The Stage Media Company Ltd | 47 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XT Switchboard: 0203 358 0360 Subscriptions: 01371 851879

Latest headlines for the book industry The Bookseller Spring Buyer's Guides are now available to purchase here.

February 16, 2021

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LATEST NEWS Waterstones to open Next concession store in new partnership Waterstones is opening a concession store in a Leicester branch of Next, the first of what could be an ongoing partnership for the retailer. Richard & Judy pick Cummins and Haig for Spring Book Club American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins (Tinder Press) and Matt Haig's The Midnight Library (Canongate) are among the selections for Richard & Judy's Spring Book Club. Brenton-Rounding and Miller-Gold join Bonnier Bonnier Books UK has made two new appointments to its children's rights and coeditions team. Bill Gates climate change book backed by major PRH campaign Allen Lane releases Bill Gates' How to Avoid a Climate Disaster today (16th February), backed by a major publicity campaign including Penguin Press' biggest ever digital advertising drive. Gladwell's Bomber Mafia landed by Allen Lane Malcolm Gladwell will release a “riveting” new book, The Bomber Mafia: A Story Set in War, this April with Allen Lane. WriteNow graduate Lisette Auton signs deal with Puffin Puffin has acquired The Secret of Haven Point and one other book from Lisette Auton, a 2018 graduate of Penguin's WriteNow programme.   King to succeed Richards at Boydell & Brewer Independent academic publisher Boydell & Brewer has appointed Antje King to be its new group sales and marketing director.  Arrow buys second from Cousens Cornerstone imprint Arrow has acquired Sophie Cousens' second novel Just Haven’t Met You Yet, a "high-concept love story" about a hopeless romantic.  Alison Jones on 1,000-day run for NLT Alison Jones, founder of Practical Inspiration Publishing, is coming to the end of a 1,000-day running challenge to raise funds for the National Literacy Trust. Scholastic to bring Callender's Hurricane Child to UK Scholastic UK has acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to Kacen Callender's Hurricane Child, with publication slated for June 2021.  Claire McGowan turns to true crime with Audible Claire McGowan's first non-fiction title The Vanishing Triangle will be released exclusively on Audible in April 2021.  Wildwoman subscription business launches online bookstore Self-care and non-fiction subscription box business Wildwoman has launched its own online bookstore to help cope with the pandemic's effects on business.

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Latest headlines for the book industry The Bookseller Spring Buyer's Guides are now available to purchase here.

February 15, 2021

MORNING BRIEFING Where the news comes first Home | News | Blog | Jobs | Charts

LATEST NEWS Export delays and cost hikes continue to hit trade with Europe The trade is continuing to face lengthy delays exporting books to Europe following the end of the post-Brexit transition period, with Amazon understood to have made changes to its purchasing to mitigate the issue. Bookshops could reopen 'at end of March' Non-essential retailers in England could reopen as early as the end of March as part of an easing of lockdown restrictions, it has been reported. 'Positive results' in 2020 for Bonnier Books UK Bonnier Books–owner of Bonnier Books UK and part of Sweden's Bonnier Group–has said the UK arm achieved "positive results" in 2020. Allen Lane wins four-way auction for Baker's group biography Allen Lane has won a four-way auction for a “vivid and unexpected” group biography of four creative pioneers by Harriet Baker. The Bookseller calls for authors to pen 'ode to booksellers' The Bookseller is calling for authors to pen an “ode to booksellers” as part of a celebration of the trade during a time when high-street bookshops are unable to open their doors.  Lehrer's Golem Girl wins inaugural Barbellion Prize The inaugural Barbellion Prize for ill and disabled voices in writing has been won by artists and author Riva Lehrer for Golem Girl: A Memoir (Virago). Pushkin lands award-winning Swedish debut Pushkin Press has acquired Collected Works, the literary debut of Swedish writer Lydia Sandgren, about a middle-aged publisher and the void left behind by his missing wife. Headline pre-empts memoir from Luna Lovegood actress Lynch Actress and activist Evanna Lynch is publishing a "raw and compelling" memoir with Headline, exploring eating disorders and "the battle between perfection and creativity". Caitlin Moran to curate Mother's Day box for LoveMyRead Journalist and author Caitlin Moran is to curate a Mother's Day selection box for book subscription service LoveMyRead.  Armitage and Fiennes among all-star cast for PRH Audio's 2000 AD adaptations Richard Armitage, Sheila Atim and Joseph Fiennes are starring in five new audiobook adaptations of stories from 2000 AD, including Judge Dredd and Halo Jones. Aries signs 'compulsive' thriller Every Last Fear Head of Zeus' Aries imprint has signed a two-book deal with American author Alex Finlay, including a book following a family made infamous after the airing of a true crime documentary. Printing Charity rebrands awards, opens for entries The Printing Charity has rebranded its annual Print Futures Awards as the Rising Star Awards, and they are now open for online entries.

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The most read stories of the week

 

 

Our round-up of the most read stories of the past week on The Bookseller: 1. Publishers 'in dark' about LBF may not attend this year (£) 2. Fears raised again over Brexit's European rights impact (£) 3. Orion pre-empts 'fiercely romantic' Williams debut (£) 4. Agents Kingsford and Campbell part ways 5. Big Five named as defendants in US e-book price-fixing suit (£) 6. Waterstones staff launch petition after Elliott's £93m payout 7. Waterstones demands business rates reform, as Chancellor mulls online sales tax 8. PRH UK to publish four from inauguration poet Amanda Gorman (£) 9. Second controversy over Naomi Wolf's Outrages 10. S&S lands T J Newman's flight thriller for seven-figure sum

 

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Latest headlines for the book industry The Bookseller Spring Buyer's Guides are now available to purchase here.

February 12, 2021

MORNING BRIEFING Where the news comes first Home | News | Blog | Jobs | Charts

LATEST NEWS No change to publishing's BAME numbers, PA survey finds Representation of people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups in the publishing industry has “stalled” at a static 13% for the past three years, according to the Publishers Association’s latest annual workforce survey. Flexible working arrangements double in less than a year Publishers are twice as likely to be able to work from home in wake of the pandemic, according to statistics from the Publishers Association's latest workforce survey. Pan Mac reveals surprise 'globe-spanning drama' from Ken Follett Pan Macmillan is bringing out a surprise novel from Ken Follett later this year, said to be a "knock-out read" and a new departure for the bestselling author. Fourth Estate to publish Adichie's Notes on Grief Fourth Estate is to publish Notes on Grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a “timely and deeply personal” book by the Americanah author following her father's death. SoA renews calls for 'gold standard' copyright regime post-Brexit Society of Authors c.e.o. Nicola Solomon has renewed calls for Britain to retain its “gold standard” rules on copyright now it has left the European Union. Bonnier Books UK appoints Signore as Lagom editorial director Bonnier Books UK has appointed Transworld's Michelle Signore to the newly created role of editorial director of health and wellbeing list Lagom. Welbeck bags historical fiction series from TV's Dr Hilary Jones Welbeck Publishing Group has acquired an epic historical fiction series by Dr Hilary Jones, the general practitioner and media doctor.   James and Obreht join Anonymous Sex with Borough Press Marlon James and Téa Obreht are among the authors penning erotic tales for Anonymous Sex, an anthology pre-empted by The Borough Press where the author of each story is kept a secret. John Murray to publish new novel from McInerney John Murray Publishers has acquired a new novel from Women’s Prize for Fiction winner Lisa McInerney. HCG set for 'hilarious' summer with two from Rosie Jones Hachette Children's Group has signed a two-book deal with stand-up comedian Rosie Jones.  PUP launches grant for underrepresented scholars Princeton University Press is to launch a grant to support underrepresented scholarly writers preparing to draft a book proposal.  Sceptre pre-empts Burton's 'history of self-creation' Sceptre has pre-empted Self-Made by journalist and novelist Tara Isabella Burton, a history of "self-making" from the Renaissance to the present day, promising "a brilliant contribution to the history of ideas from a blazing talent".

The Bookseller The Stage Media Company Ltd | 47 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XT Switchboard: 0203 358 0360 Subscriptions: 01371 851879