Wednesday, 12 May 2021

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May 12, 2021

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Bertelsmann's $2.2bn deal for S&S cleared by CMA after investigation

The UK's Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared Penguin Random House owner Bertelsmann's acquisition of Simon & Schuster after carrying out an investigation. 

A Song for the Dark Times

Rankin's A Song for the Dark Times hits the high note in top spot

Ian Rankin's A Song for the Dark Times (Orion) has clearly struck a chord with the book-buying public, reaching a crescendo in its first full week on sale and hitting the UK Official Top 50 number one spot.

Pandemic has shown indies need 'relentless' innovation, Page says

The pandemic has accelerated the need for indies to prioritise technological investment and embrace change, Faber executive chair Stephen Page and Kogan Page m.d. Helen Kogan have told the IPG’s virtual Spring Conference.

Elliott buys US chain Paper Source with Daunt to oversee company

Waterstones and Barnes & Noble owner Elliott Investment Management is buying the assets and operations of US stationery and gift retailer Paper Source, with James Daunt overseeing the chain.

Ruth Gilligan wins £10K Ondaatje Prize

Ruth Gilligan has won the £10,000 Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize for The Butchers (Atlantic), a literary thriller set in the Irish Borderlands during the 1996 BSE crisis.

Cho launches own agency Paper Literary

Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency's Catherine Cho has left the company to start her own agency, Paper Literary.


Indie publishing 'crucial' for literary fiction writers, Roffey says

Independent publishers are "crucial and critical" for literary fiction writers, Costa-winning author Monique Roffey has said, enabling them to take risks no mainstream publisher would allow.

New Frankfurt Book Fair funding means free cancellation for exhibitors

Newly announced funding from the German government means there is no financial risk to publishers booking a stand at Frankfurt Book Fair this year, organisers say. 

Fraser and Hindley win £10k Oscar's Book Prize

The Littlest Yak by debut author Lu Fraser and illustrator Kate Hindley (Simon & Schuster Children’s Books) has won the £10,000 Oscar’s Book Prize 2021.

Publishers have 'once in a generation' chance with audiobook and subscription strategy

Audiobooks have a “once in a generation” chance to reach new audiences but publishers must consider using streaming or subscriptions services for some titles before platforms such as Spotify get there first with content, industry experts have warned.

Atlantic signs Mouth to Mouth from Wilson at auction

Atlantic is to publish Mouth to Mouth by Antoine Wilson, after securing the "smart and deliciously engrossing" novel at auction.

Porter joins Embla Books as marketing head

Jennifer Porter has been appointed as head of marketing for Embla Books, Bonnier Books UK’s digital-first commercial fiction imprint, launching in autumn this year.  

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May 11, 2021

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Many libraries now open but 72-hour quarantine rule causing 'huge pressure'

Library authorities say more than 90% of their facilities have reopened since lockdown eased, with nearly half offering browsing, though many have suffered “huge pressure” from a 72-hour book quarantine rule.

More support needed as Covid-19 hits author earnings, say MPs

More targeted support is needed for the country’s “fragile creative and cultural sectors” beyond emergency funding, according to a new report into the impact of coronavirus on the UK’s authors and writers. 

Bookshop.org urges industry to back indies with links in Independent Bookshop Week

Online indie retailer Bookshop.org is calling for publishers and authors to link to independent bookshops and its own site for the duration of Independent Bookshop Week (IBW).

BA launches action group to improve diversity in bookselling

The Booksellers Association is launching an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Action Group, as part of its work to improve diversity within bookselling and the wider trade.

Borough Press pre-empts Erlick's 'riveting' The Measure

The Borough Press has pre-empted The Measure by Nikki Erlick, a "riveting" novel set in a world where people can find out how much time they have left to live.  

RML teams up with Stylist to launch feminist fiction prize

Rachel Mills Literary is partnering with Stylist magazine on a prize aiming to discover new female voices who are yet to be published. 


Hachette Children's lands 'feminist Indiana Jones' tales from Bracken

Hachette Children's Group has acquired three titles from YA author Alexandra Bracken, with Quercus Children’s Books to publish a new duology starring a "feminist Indiana Jones" and one other standalone title. 

News Corp completes Houghton Mifflin Harcourt consumer division deal

HarperCollins owner News Corp has completed its $349m (£252m) acquisition of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's consumer division.

Heather McCalden wins Fitzcarraldo essay prize

Heather McCalden has won the £3,000 Fitzcarraldo Editions/Mahler & Lewitt Studios Essay Prize with "The Observable Universe".

Bath Festival returns live this month with Richard Osman and Max Porter

The Bath Festival will become of the first live arts festivals to take place after lockdown, featuring more than 40 authors such as Richard Osman, Francis Spufford and Daisy Buchanan as well as "Bridgerton" walking tours. 

Transworld snaps up two from Prior

Transworld has signed two new novels by Hazel Prior, author of last year’s Away with the Penguins (Black Swan). 

DK joins forces with learning company Mrs Wordsmith

DK has joined forces with Mrs Wordsmith, “the world's silliest learning company", on a range of curriculum-based publishing.

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May 10, 2021

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Publicists 'cautiously optimistic' as in-person events return from September

Publicists say they are “cautiously optimistic” as real-life author events return in force from September for the first time since the pandemic began. 

Hodder to publish Jodi Picoult's pandemic-inspired novel

Hodder will publish Jodi Picoult’s new novel, Wish You Were Here, inspired by the global pandemic and about how a young woman's life unravels in lockdown.

Lawrence covers for Lovegrove as Dialogue publisher

Bookouture’s Maisie Lawrence will take over Dialogue Books during publisher Sharmaine Lovegrove’s parental leave from July. 

Douglas Murray criticises transphobia letter, slamming 'left-wing bubble' of publishing

Author Douglas Murray has criticised an open letter published in The Bookseller, which claimed that UK book publishing is transphobic.

Quercus to publish book of advice by comedian Jack Dee

Quercus has signed What Is Your Problem? by Jack Dee, a book of "hilarious" advice compiled after the comedian took a four-hour online course to retrain as a psychotherapist. 

Headline Home lands Healthy Living James debut in four-way auction

Headline Home has won a four-way auction for cookbook Healthy Living James, from food blogger and health coach James Wythe, focused on helping people with ill health and food allergies make affordable and enjoyable meals.


London Book Fair International Excellence Awards shortlists revealed

The shortlists for the London Book Fair International Excellence Awards 2021 have been revealed, featuring 15 countries across five continents alongside nods for Hachette, Lantana and Springer Nature's inclusivity work in the UK.

HarperCollins snares early Higgins police thriller trilogy

HarperCollins is releasing a previously out of print police thriller trilogy by The Eagle Has Landed author Jack Higgins as a single volume.

Hulley to retire from Clays role as Cuomo steps up

Clays c.e.o. Paul Hulley is retiring from his role next year, to be replaced by Edoardo Cuomo.

Capes debut snapped up by Call The Midwife producers

The screen rights for Kirsty Capes’ debut novel Careless (Orion) have been snapped up by Neal Street Productions, the company behind "Call the Midwife".

First winners of Comic Creators’ Prize revealed

The five winning entries has been announced for the inaugural Comic Creators’ Prize, a call-out for Black creatives to get editorial feedback.  

Ex-Hatchards manager Bailey's family share funeral details

The family of former Hatchards manager Geoffrey Bailey have shared the details of his funeral, inviting people to attend the online ceremony. 

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Latest headlines for the book industry
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May 07, 2021

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Waterstones reduces prominence of PRH books in credit limit dispute

Waterstones has reduced the visibility of books from Penguin Random House in its branches after the publisher placed a limit on its credit.

Alice Oseman

Oseman wins YA Book Prize with 'joyful' tale of self-discovery, Loveless

Alice Oseman has scooped the YA Book Prize 2021 with her “joyful” coming out story about a romance-obsessed teenager who realises that she is aromantic and asexual, Loveless (HarperCollins Children’s Books).

HarperCollins sees 19% global revenue rise as EBITDA rockets

Global revenues at HarperCollins rose by 19% year on year in the three months to 31st March 2021, while EBITDA rocketed 45%, driven by strong backlist sales.

S&S sees 8.8% sales rise in first quarter

Global sales at Simon & Schuster hit $185m (£133m) in the first quarter of 2021, an increase of $15m (£10.8m) and 8.8% on last year, figures released by US parent company ViacomCBS show.

Children's booksellers across UK report solid sales after reopening

A number of children’s bookshops up and down the country have spoken of their joy at being able to welcome children and parents back into their premises, with many reporting excellent trading.

Transworld and Puffin do three-book deal with Hammond

Transworld and Puffin have acquired three books from Alison Hammond, including the "This Morning" presenter's memoir, a novel and a non-fiction title for readers aged eight to 12. 


Bonnier snaps up Josh Widdicombe's '90s memoir in 'major deal'

Bonnier Books UK has bought comedian Josh Widdicombe’s first book, billed as part-childhood memoir, part-comic history of 1990s television and culture.

Green made Pan Fiction publishing director while Saunders steps up

Gillian Green is joining Pan Fiction permanently as publishing director while Alex Saunders is stepping up to commissioning editor.

Blackwell's revives Five Foot Bookshelf with 70-strong curated list

Blackwell’s has launched a collection of 70 books to feature on its Five Foot Bookshelf — reviving a tradition of celebrating a selection of titles that provoke both thought and joy.

John Murray Journeys travel list launched

John Murray is launching a new travel list in July, celebrating the imprint’s history of publishing travel writing and helping readers to rediscover classic, timeless and forgotten journeys.

Chandler made Bookseller news editor, Bayley joins team

Mark Chandler, previously senior reporter on The Bookseller, has been promoted to the position of news editor, effective from today (Friday 7th May). 

CCBF to welcome international delegates if travel restrictions allow

The Shanghai Children’s Book Fair, scheduled to take place this year from 19th-21st November, will welcome international delegates to an in-person event as long as travel restrictions are not in place, the organisers have confirmed. 

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May 06, 2021

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LBF reveals three weeks of events for online edition

The London Book Fair has revealed details of its online-only event, which will now run across three weeks in June, featuring conferences, streamed programming, discussions and author appearances.

PRH sees double-digit growth in first quarter

Penguin Random House saw double-digit growth in the first quarter of 2021, parent company Bertelsmann has reported.

Octopus relaunches Gaia imprint with new direction

Octopus Publishing Group will relaunch its Gaia imprint with a new direction and focus more than 40 years after it was first founded.  

Connolly leaves Hodder Education after nearly 20 years

Steve Connolly, Hodder Education's publishing director for group digital and partnerships, is stepping down and leaving the company this month.

Mantle to publish secret Montalbano book in October

A secret instalment of Andrea Camilleri’s Inspector Montalbano series, delivered by the author to publishers on the promise it would be released only after his death, will be published by Mantle in October.

Dialogue scoops Nzelu's novel on masculinity and sexuality

Dialogue Books will publish the “sublime” second novel by award-winning writer Okechukwu Nzelu.  


Robertson promoted to agent at PFD

Laurie Robertson has been promoted to agent at PFD.

Hachette's THRIVE to hold debut novelists event

Hachette UK will run a panel event later this month, through its Black, Asian and minority ethnic employee network THRIVE, to showcase some eagerly awaited new novelists. 

Oneworld takes two places on Encore Award shortlist

The five-strong shortlist for the 2021 Encore Award has been revealed, with a nomination for Susanna Clarke and two picks from Oneworld.

Fair Warning

Bookstat chart: Connelly holds firm at the top

Michael Connelly’s Fair Warning (Orion) held the Bookstat e-book number one for a second week running, reigning atop the chart for the week ending 1st May. 

SPCK signs Sentamu's 'surprising and inspiring' autobiography

SPCK has signed a “full, frank and fascinating” autobiography by former Archbishop of York John Sentamu.

National Film and Television School students create Paver ad

Michelle Paver’s Skin Taker (Head of Zeus) has been the subject of an ad competition among directors at the National Film & Television School, with 23-year-old director Zeynep Oguz crowned the winner.

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Latest headlines for the book industry
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May 05, 2021

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The Power of Hope

Kate Garraway's Power of Hope springs into top spot in the charts

Kate Garraway's The Power of Hope (Bantam) has debuted in the UK Official Top 50 number one spot, selling 22,394 copies in its first week on sale.

Sandy joins HQ in new publishing director role

Rose Sandy is joining HarperCollins division HQ in the newly created role of publishing director, non-fiction.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex writes debut children's book for PRH

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has written a children's book for Penguin Random House called The Bench, about the “special bond between father and son as seen through a mother’s eyes”. 

Amazon paid no Luxembourg corporation tax despite record sales income

Amazon paid no corporation tax on its European operations in Luxembourg in 2020 despite reporting record sales income of €43.8bn (£38bn), accounts show.

Rankin, Billingham and Foley do battle on Theakston Crime Novel longlist

The longlist for this year's Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year sees former winners Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham and Steve Cavanagh up against a host of first-time nominees, including Lucy Foley.

PMJ pre-empts 'roller-coaster' of a novel from debut author Littlewood

Penguin Michael Joseph has pre-empted “an emotional roller-coaster of a novel,” Amazing Grace, written in lockdown by debut author Fran Littlewood. 


Parle steps up to Forward Arts Foundation director role

Mónica Parle has stepped up to become executive director of the Forward Arts Foundation ahead of its 30th anniversary programme launch.

W H Allen to publish Conway's 'bold new perspective on human civilization'

Ebury’s W H Allen imprint has acquired Material World by Ed Conway, Sky News economics editor and columnist at the Times

Anonymous Old Bailey judge pens book for Transworld

Transworld has pre-empted rights for Unlawful Killings: Stories of Life and Death from the Old Bailey by an Old Bailey murder trial judge, who is writing anonymously. 

Riz Ahmed to narrate Raina audiobook and produce HBO show

Oscar-nominated actor Riz Ahmed will narrate the audiobook of Rahul Raina's debut novel How to Kidnap the Rich (Little, Brown) and is signed up as executive producer for the film, optioned by HBO, as a major marketing and publicity campaign begins. 

Little Tiger's Marx joins Ladybird

Jonny Marx, formerly of Little Tiger, has been appointed commissioning editor for Ladybird's trade list.

Lara Clift joins Books Everywhere

Lara Clift is to join global rights and co-editions agency Books Everywhere as the sales manager, looking after territories across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. 

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NOW OPEN: Submissions to The Bookseller's Autumn Buyer's Guides 2021 are now open. Submit your titles here.

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April 30, 2021

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Most staff want two or three days a week in office, survey finds

A survey of trade staff shows the majority would prefer to work two or three days a week in the office, but many want flexible working to go further to aid accessibility to the trade.

French and Horowitz in Richard and Judy's 2021's Summer Book Club

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan have returned with their latest Book Club, featuring Dawn French, Jo Nesbo, Anthony Horowitz and Emma Donoghue.  

Amazon triples profits in first quarter as revenue soars

Amazon's net profits more than tripled in the first quarter of 2021, rising to $8.1bn (£5.8bn), as global sales shot up 44%.

Bloomsbury to release illustrated Harry Potter gift book

Bloomsbury is to release a gift book featuring Harry Potter illustrations by Jim Kay, accompanied by quotes from the series. 

Mills & Boon and RNA launch LGBTQI+ romance competition

Mills & Boon has joined with the Romantic Novelists’ Association to launch a competition aimed at finding new standalone romance novels featuring LGBTQI+ protagonists.

Elmer marks Pride with charity T-shirt range

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, the classic children’s book character created by David McKee, is celebrating Pride in 2021 with a range of products which will see all proceeds go to charity Just Like Us.


Joffe Books launches crime writing prize with Koomson and Yearwood

Independent publisher Joffe Books is partnering with author Dorothy Koomson and literary agent Susan Yearwood to launch a writing prize for unagented crime writers of colour.

Children's reading improved in lockdown, study finds

Children’s reading skills improved over lockdown with many children picking up longer books of greater difficulty though overall number of books read dropped by 17%, a large-scale study has found.

Faber promotes 'gifted' Francis

Emmie Francis has been promoted to the role of commissioning editor at Faber, with immediate effect. 

HQ wins three-way auction for Harkness

HQ has won a three-way auction for Recognised, a “game-changing” study of personalised technology by broadcaster and statistician Timandra Harkness.

Ama moves to Yellow Kite with vegan cookbook

Yellow Kite will publish Rachel Ama's vegan cookbook One Pot: Three Ways: Save Time with Vibrant, Versatile, Vegan Recipes on 26th August 2021. 

Ru Merritt promoted at Orion

Ru Merritt has been promoted to the position of commissioning editor with immediate effect, Orion announced this week. 

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NOW OPEN: Submissions to The Bookseller's Autumn Buyer's Guides 2021 are now open. Submit your titles here.

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April 29, 2021

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W H Smith raises £325m and plans to open 100 new Travel stores

W H Smith has reported a revenue decline of 44% in the six months to February 2021 but is raising £325m as it seeks to open around 100 more Travel stores.

Shelley and Newton elected at Publishers Association

David Shelley, c.e.o. of Hachette UK, was elected to the position of president of the Publishers Association at the organisation's annual general meeting, held virtually yesterday (Wednesday 28th April). 

Bennett, Clarke and Gyasi shortlisted for 2021 Women’s Prize

Brit Bennett, Susanna Clarke and Yaa Gyasi are among those shortlisted for the 2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction, with Patricia Lockwood, Claire Fuller and Cherie Jones completing the list.

Independent Bookshop Week 2021 line-up revealed

Full plans for Independent Bookshop Week 2021 have been revealed with authors including Ben Aaronovitch, Richard Coles and Viv Groskop taking part in signings and events.

Getten, McNicoll, Mann and Pearson feature on Branford Boase shortlist

​Seven debut children’s authors are on the shortlist for this year’s Branford Boase Award, including Kereen Getten, Elle McNicoll, Jenny Pearson and Manjeet Mann.

Knopf editor's debut to Hutchinson Heinemann in overnight pre-empt

Knopf editor Jenny Jackson’s debut novel Pineapple Street has gone to Hutchinson Heinemann in an overnight pre-empt as well as selling in other major deals across the world. 


Fourth Estate serves up Slater's 'major' new book

Fourth Estate is releasing a “major” new title from Nigel Slater, A Cook's Book, this autumn.

PMJ signs three-book deal with Fallon

Penguin Michael Joseph has signed a three-book deal with “superstar of women’s fiction” Jane Fallon.

Headline to publish Lil' Kim's memoir

Headline Publishing Group will publish The Queen Bee, the first memoir from Grammy-award winning rapper Lil’ Kim. 

Maxim Jakubowski made CWA chair

Maxim Jakubowski has been appointed the new chair of the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA).

Hachette makes Times' Top 50 Employers for Women for second year

Hachette UK has been selected as one of the Times Top 50 Employers for Women for the second year running.

W&N pre-empts second novel from David Thewlis

Actor David Thewlis’ second novel, a "darkly comic exploration of the creative mind", has gone to Weidenfeld & Nicolson in a pre-empt. 

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NOW OPEN: Submissions to The Bookseller's Autumn Buyer's Guides 2021 are now open. Submit your titles here.

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April 28, 2021

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Lagardère agreement leaves long-term future of Hachette Livre open

The embattled Hachette Livre parent company Lagardère unveiled its expected peace agreement between shareholders this morning (Wednesday 28th April).

Publishing faces 'watershed moment' on free expression, Alexander and Shelley say

Publishing recruits must be warned they may have to work on books by people they don't agree with as the industry faces “a watershed moment” on free expression, Hachette c.e.o. David Shelley and literary agent Clare Alexander have told a Lords committee.

Hamnet reigns for a third week in the top spot

Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet (Tinder) has maintained the UK Official Top 50 number one spot for a third week in total, selling 16,482 copies through Nielsen BookScan's Total Consumer Market.

Queues and bumper sales as Scottish bookshops reopen

Scottish booksellers say they are “thrilled” to be open again after months of lockdown, with bumper sales and queues forming outside some stores on opening day.

Springer Nature unveils its hybrid working plan

Springer Nature staff will work a minimum of two days a week from home, with the option to increase that to three or four days, when the company returns to the office later this year.

Hachette UK revenue soars after Bridgerton fever

Hachette UK revenue rose by almost a fifth (19.8%) in the first quarter of 2021, led by the Bridgerton backlist following its successful Netflix adaptation. 


Jacqueline Wilson reimagines The Railway Children for Puffin

Jacqueline Wilson has reimagined E Nesbit's classic The Railway Children as a “thrilling modern adventure", to be published by Puffin.

Aaronovitch expands SFF prize for writers of colour

A prize for fantasy and science fiction writers of colour founded by Rivers of London author Ben Aaronovitch has been rebranded for its second year and will now work with publishers across the industry.

Allen Lane pre-empts Clancy's 'astonishing' Mind Games

Allen Lane has pre-empted Mind Games, an “astonishing” debut non-fiction work by Dr Kelly Clancy explaining how scientists have begun to understand and exploit the power of games in all forms of human endeavour.

Loughman joins Bev James Management as literary agent

Former Ebury, Bonnier and HarperCollins editor Morwenna Loughman has joined Bev James Management (BJM) as literary agent. 

Phoenix memoirists discuss motherhood, trans identity and grief with Francesca Main

Inaugural Phoenix authors Alex Marzano-Lesnevich, David Whitehouse and Marianne Levy have revealed the inspirations behind their upcoming memoirs with publisher Francesca Main for the second online 'Phoenix Futures' event. 

Welbeck acquires Ruby Wax's 'essential' guide to survival

Welbeck Publishing Group has acquired Ruby Wax's A Mindfulness Guide for Survival, to be published on 5th August 2021. 

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NOW OPEN: Submissions to The Bookseller's Autumn Buyer's Guides 2021 are now open. Submit your titles here.

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April 27, 2021

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UK publishing income up 2% in Covid-hit 2020 despite print decline

Total publishing income hit record levels in 2020, rising 2% to £6.4bn, buoyed by a digital surge that helped offset a 6% decline in print sales, a report by the Publishers Association shows.

Holly Willoughby's Reflections won by Century in 10-way tussle

Holly Willoughby's Reflections, a collection of writing about “finding your beauty, inside and out”, has been bought by Century in a 10-way auction.

Felicity Bryan Publishing Mentorship Scheme launched

The Felicity Bryan Publishing Mentorship Scheme has been launched, created in honour of the renowned literary agent who died in June 2020.

Price and Kalavrezou join Bookouture in marketing and campaigns expansion

Melanie Price from HarperCollins division One More Chapter and Myrto Kalavrezou of Hodder & Stoughton will join Bookouture as it expands marketing and campaigns. 

 

Empathy Day returns in June with Rosen and Blackman

Michael Rosen, Cressida Cowell, Malorie Blackman and Jacqueline Wilson are among those appearing at Empathy Day in June, set to be the biggest version yet of the event. 

 

Thomas leaves Johnson & Alcock to launch own agency

After six years at Johnson & Alcock, Becky Thomas has departed to launch Lewinsohn Literary Agency (LLA) taking her clients, including Kae Tempest, Dean Atta and Hollie McNish, with her.


Vintage continues publication of Bailey's Roth book after sexual assault allegations

Vintage says it will continue to publish Blake Bailey's Philip Roth biography in the UK following sexual assault allegations that have seen Bailey dropped by his agency and the book's shipment and promotion paused in the US.

Primadonna Festival to return as physical event this summer

The Primadonna Festival will go ahead as a physical event this summer returning to Suffolk in a new venue with guests including Naoise Dolan, Adele Parks and Michèle Roberts. 

Penguin Life wins five-way auction for Foster's Life Time

Penguin Life has triumphed in a five-way auction for Life Time, a guide to using the science of the body clock to create the optimum personal routine by Russell Foster.

Bonnier Books UK appoints Carballo to audience development lead role

BonnierBooks UK has appointed Blanche Carballo to the newly created position of audience development lead.  

 

Gaia and NT sponsor Nature Writing Prize for Working-Class Writers

Gaia Books and the National Trust are to sponsor The Nature Writing Prize for Working-Class Writers this year.

Little, Brown donates Lee's Costa-winning memoir to every London secondary school

Little, Brown has offered every London secondary school a free copy of Lee Lawrence’s Costa-winning biography The Louder I Will Sing (Sphere) following the unveiling of a memorial to Lee’s mother, Cherry Groce, in Windrush Square, south London. 

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April 26, 2021

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Lagardere confirms it is negotiating to transform into joint stock company

Negotiations are under way to transform the Lagardère group, owner of Hachette Livre, into a joint stock company, the group confirmed in a statement this morning (Monday 26th April).

Scottish firms optimistic for the coming years after strengthening in lockdown

Publishers and trade bodies in Scotland have spoken of their hopeful attitude as lockdown restrictions subside again, with a number buoyed by lessons learned in lockdown.

Mina to kick off Darkland Tales series of reworks for Polygon

Edinburgh-based Birlinn’s imprint Polygon has signed up a new series of fictional retellings of myths and lore from a number of high-profile Scottish writers.

Pearson sees sales growth of 5% in first quarter

Pearson has experienced a “good start to the year” with sales growth of 5% in the first quarter, according to its latest trading update. 

 

Ebury to spice up the summer with Bunton's 'modern mum bible'

Ebury Press will publish singer Emma Bunton's first book, Mama You Got This, on 10th June 2021. 

Phoenix snares Levy's 'fearless' motherhood essays

Phoenix has acquired a “frank, funny and fearless” essay collection, Don’t Forget to Scream: Unspoken Truths About Motherhood, by journalist and children’s author Marianne Levy.  


Have your say about office return in Bookseller survey

As publishers start to outline plans for returning to offices later this year, The Bookseller is inviting trade staffers to fill in a survey gauging how employees feel about the moves ahead.

Digital week to replace French trade fairs

The International Bureau of French Publishing (Bureau International de l’Edition Française, BIEF) will hold a digital “French Week” in May to replace the professional trade fairs cancelled since the Covid-19 pandemic began, according to French trade magazine Livres Hebdo.

Faber chews the fat with Jay Rayner column collection

Faber is to publish Chewing the Fat: Tasting Notes from a Greedy Life, a collection of columns by author and journalist Jay Rayner.

Ledbury Poetry Critics programme sees largest cohort yet

The Ledbury Poetry Critics programme is to take on its largest group of mentees this year, expanding the programme to 18 candidates. 

Macmillan International Higher Education moves from Springer Nature to Macmillan Learning

The Macmillan International Higher Education team, with 17 employees, is to be transferred from Springer Nature to Macmillan Learning. 

 

HQ marks 3.5 million sales for Paris debut

B A Paris’ breakout debut novel Behind Closed Doors has now sold more than 3.5 million copies globally, according to its publisher HQ.

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April 23, 2021

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Bonnier Books UK reveals Bloomsbury Square move

Bonnier Books UK has revealed it is relocating its trade business to the Grade II-listed Victoria House in Bloomsbury Square, central London.

Bloomsbury plans two-day office return from June, as publishers mull options

Bloomsbury is planning to ask employees to work two days a week from the office in future, as it embarks on a partial return from 21st June. The move comes as other publishers gather employee feedback on flexible working preferences.

Booker International shortlist

Two for Pushkin on International Booker Prize shortlist

The shortlist for this year's £50,000 International Booker Prize features two nominations for Pushkin Press, a first ever appearance for fellow indie Lolli Editions, and four writers not previously published in English.

Bloomsbury acquires RGP imprint

Bloomsbury has signed a sale and purchase agreement for the acquisition of academic imprint Red Globe Press (RGP), from Macmillan Education Limited.

Hachette launches audit into representation of authors, illustrators and editors

Hachette will audit its authors, illustrators, editors and translators following a call from the Black Writers’ Guild to be more representative. 

Thomas takes up Pearson role

Publisher Annette Thomas has been appointed as an independent non-executive director of Pearson, taking effect from 1st October.


H&S pre-empts Tom Ireland's exploration of phages

Hodder & Stoughton will publish The Good Virus by science writer and Royal Society of Biology editor Tom Ireland, the untold story of phages, the "most under-appreciated yet most abundant" form of life on Earth. 

The Bookseller and Rocket launch children’s publishing podcast

​Ben Miller and Rashmi Sirdeshpande will be among the guests on a new industry-focused podcast about children’s publishing, created by marketing agency Rocket and The Bookseller. 

Donaldson and Morpurgo to open Barnes Children's Literature Festival

Bestselling children's authors Julia Donaldson and Sir Michael Morpurgo will open the Barnes Children's Literature Festival on 26th June, the first festival to return as a physical event since the lockdowns. 

Puffin signs trio of 'future classics' from Hills, Hawking and Newbery

Puffin has signed a trio of “future classics” with a children's debut by “The Last Leg” presenter Adam Hills, the first in a new Lucy Hawking series, and a book from fresh talent Lee Newbery.

Liz Pichon launches podcast to celebrate 10 years of Tom Gates

Liz Pichon will launch a “Tremendous Tales” podcast series in June for children and families to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her Tom Gates series. 

 

Hachette's Mo Siewcharran Prize returns

Hachette UK’s Mo Siewcharran Prize returns this year, setting out to discover unpublished fiction writers from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.

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April 21, 2021

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Hachette staff to work three days in the office from June

Hachette has announced a new three-day office working policy to be phased in from June and coming fully into effect from September. 

Hamnet

Hamnet heads back to top spot as print market jumps by a third

Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet (Tinder Press) has bounced back into the UK Official Top 50 number one spot, the week bookshops reopened across England following the third national lockdown.

Graham Norton launches book club podcast with Audible

Graham Norton is launching a book club podcast through Audible, featuring guests including Zadie Smith, Stephen Mangan and Denise Mina.

Allen Lane bags two on £40k Wolfson History Prize shortlist

Allen Lane has two titles shortlisted for the £40,000 Wolfson History Prize, which celebrates excellence in research and historical writing combined with readability for a wider audience.

Sheridan Smith writes first memoir for Ebury Spotlight

Sheridan Smith has written her first memoir, Honestly, to be published by Ebury Spotlight this autumn.

S&S proceeds with Mike Pence two-book deal, despite staff petition

Simon & Schuster in the US will proceed with the publication of two books by former vice-president Mike Pence, despite a petition from staff calling for its cancellation. 


Hodder snares Slater's 'deliciously dark' bookseller thriller

Former Waterstones staffer Alice Slater’s debut thriller, Death of a Bookseller, has gone to Hodder & Stoughton in a three-way auction. 

 

Faber lands Akwaeke Emezi's 'landmark' non-fiction debut

Faber is to publish Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir, the first non-fiction work from novelist Akwaeke Emezi.

Seven Dials delivers with official PizzaExpress cookbook

Seven Dials, part of the Orion Publishing Group, has acquired PizzaExpress: From Italy with Love following a seven-way auction. 

Hay Festival reveals 2021 line-up with Smith, Sissay, McGregor and Bennett

The Hay Festival has revealed its free digital programme for this summer's edition with authors including Ali Smith, Lemn Sissay, Jon McGregor and Brit Bennett taking part.

Sphere acquires lockdown love story from Reekles

Sphere has acquired Love, Locked Down, the first adult novel from Beth Reekles, author of The Kissing Booth YA novels (Corgi Children's). 

HC Children's to publish Morpurgo’s retellings of Shakespeare

HarperCollins Children’s Books will publish Morpurgo’s Tales from Shakespeare by Michael Morpurgo, a retelling of 10 of Shakespeare’s most popular plays.

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April 20, 2021

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Publishers and distributors still beset by post-Brexit delays and costs

Delays and added costs caused by the Brexit deal are still a significant problem for the industry four months on from the end of the transition period, publishers and distribution firms say, dashing hopes that they were just teething problems.

Trapeze scoops previously unseen material from Victoria Wood

Five years after the comedian's death, Trapeze is to publish previously unseen writing by Victoria Wood, discovered by writer Jasper Rees while he was researching her biography. 

Michaela Coel's 'agenda-setting' debut scooped by Ebury

A debut title from Bafta-winning actor and writer of “I May Destroy You” Michaela Coel, Misfits: A Personal Manifesto, has been scooped by Ebury Press.

Puffin welcomes Donaldson and Oxenbury's 'lyrical' picture book

Puffin has picked up Welcome to the World, a “tender and lyrical picture book” from Julia Donaldson and Helen Oxenbury.

Boldwood

Boldwood appoints Fenby and signs author trio

Boldwood has appointed Claire Fenby from One More Chapter as digital marketing manager and signed three gangland thriller authors to its list.

PRH expands traineeship scheme for talent from under-represented groups

Penguin Random House has opened applications for The Scheme 2021, its traineeship to find talent from under-represented groups in publishing, and extended it into sales and publicity alongside editorial.


Duchess of Cornwall picks Pullman and O'Brien for book club

The Duchess of Cornwall has revealed four more titles for her Reading Room book club, with novels from Philip Pullman, Amor Towles, Edna O'Brien and Antoine Laurain.

Cresswell delivers The Midwife for Pan Mac

Pan Macmillan has signed The Midwife, a feminist historical novel by Tricia Cresswell, winner of the Mslexia Novel Competition.

Cassell Illustrated snaps up book on landmark Oasis gigs at Knebworth

Cassell Illustrated will publish a 25th anniversary book on the inside story of the landmark Oasis gigs at Knebworth. 

David and Charles declares £5m in revenues in first 18 months

David and Charles Ltd, bought out from the bankruptcy of F+W Media Inc, has reported revenues of more than £5m in its first 18 months of trading.

Spread the Word to fundraise for Saint Vincent volcano devastation

London writers development charity Spread the Word is supporting an online fundraising event for writers in Saint Vincent, in the wake of the La Soufriere volcano eruption.

Octopus partners with Allbright on wellbeing events

Octopus Publishing Group and global careers network AllBright have teamed up to launch a virtual wellbeing event series in May.  

 

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April 19, 2021

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Waterstones boss Daunt hails 'exceptionally busy' week post-reopening

Waterstones m.d. James Daunt has said the chain was “exceptionally busy” after reopening last week while reiterating that the decision to close bookshops, particularly during the second lockdown, “made no sense”.

Marcus Rashford Book Club kicks off with Puri and 50,000 free books

The Marcus Rashford Book Club will launch in June with Pooja Puri's middle-grade debut A Dinosaur Ate My Sister, won by Macmillan Children's Books in a seven-publisher auction.

Faber pre-empts Okundaye's ‘beautiful, moving’ account of Black gay Britain

Faber is to publish Revolutionary Acts: Stories of Love, Brotherhood, and Resilience from Black Gay Britain by Jason Okundaye, after shaking off five rival pre-empts.  

Queer Lit backs campaign for trans/non-binary guide for schools

Queer Lit sends hundreds of copies of Juno Dawson’s trans/non-binary guide to schools after campaign strikes a chord.

BA backs retail staff safety campaign

The Booksellers Association has joined UK retailers and the Home Office in supporting a new campaign launched by the Crimestoppers charity, urging customers to treat shop workers with respect.

Derbyshire indie Bearded Badger opens bookshop

A Derbyshire independent publisher that launched during the pandemic has opened up its own bookshop with a focus on small presses.


Orion signs ex-cop Sutherland's hostage thriller

Orion Fiction has signed standalone thriller The Siege by former hostage negotiator and police officer John Sutherland. 

Sceptre snaps up Goldin's 'optimistic' look at post-Covid world

Sceptre will publish “an optimistic vision" of the future after Covid-19, Rescue: From Global Crisis to a Better World, by leading professor of globalisation, Ian Goldin of Oxford University  

Jacaranda lands actor Domingo's debut novel

Jacaranda Books is to publish Breaking the Maafa Chain, the debut novel by Shakespearean actor Anni Domingo, this autumn.

Phonics publishers’ joy as government steps back from Letters and Sounds

Educational lists have spoken of their relief after the Department for Education said it would not further develop its Letters and Sounds programme for phonics learning.

Palimpsest rebrands for the first time in 27-year history

Scottish book production company Palimpsest has rebranded for the first time in 27 years, with a new logo design and website structure.  

Indie Everything With Words expands into adult books

Indie children's publisher Everything With Words is expanding into adult books this year with three new titles.

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April 16, 2021

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Trade disappointment as pandemic stops physical London Book Fair

Publishers and agents say the decision against holding a physical London Book Fair this year is disappointing but the "only possible solution" for 2021.  

Follett reveals details of new modern-day thriller Never

Ken Follett has revealed his new novel Never is a thriller set in the modern day, featuring a female US President and a global crisis that threatens to lead to World War Three.

Anne McNeil to retire after 20 years at Hachette Children's

Hachette Children’s Group (HCG) executive publisher Anne McNeil is to retire after 20 years at Hodder Children's Books, and nearly four decades in publishing.

PRH US realigns international sales and marketing teams

Penguin Random House US has restructured its international sales team with a string of promotions and two departures. 

Bloomsbury scoops ‘staggering’ novel by Kevin Jared Hosein

Bloomsbury is to publish Devotion by Kevin Jared Hosein, after securing the title at auction for a "major" sum. 

Roffey, Mars-Jones and Boyce longlisted for RSL Ondaatje Prize

Monique Roffey, Adam Mars-Jones and James Boyce are among authors who have been longlisted for this year's £10,000 Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize.


Yellow Kite lands medium Leussink's book in five-way auction

Yellow Kite has won a five-way auction for Moving Beyond by Fleur Leussink, an American medium whose star clients include Lana Del Rey and Emma Roberts.

Old Barn Books to publish Anne Fine's Aftershocks

Independent children's publisher Old Barn Books has acquired Aftershocks, a novel about grief and hope from former children’s laureate Anne Fine.

Hodder to publish first book from YouTube science communicator Clark

Hodder & Stoughton has acquired Firmament by YouTube scientist and science communicator Simon Clark.

Bates launches digital-first fiction imprint Wavesback

A new digital-first imprint for commercial and literary fiction, Wavesback, has been launched by publisher Nick Bates.

Hachette's Pride network hosts free Stella Duffy event

Hachette UK’s Pride network is hosting an event with Virago author Stella Duffy, as part of a series of sessions devoted to LGBTQIA+ novelists.

Faber to publish Venturini 'masterpiece'

Faber is to publish Las Primas (The Cousins) by Argentinian author Aurora Venturini, after securing the title at auction.

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April 15, 2021

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London Book Fair confirmed to run digital only

The London Book Fair has scrapped plans for a physical event and will go digital only with a series of “dynamic” online events at the beginning and end of June.

Picador lands A Little Life author Yanagihara's 'extraordinary' new novel

Picador has landed To Paradise, the “extraordinary” new novel by Hanya Yanagihara, six years after her previous book, A Little Life, became a global bestseller.

Indie publishers dominate Desmond Elliott Prize longlist

Six indie publishers have made the 10-strong longlist for this year's £10,000 Desmond Elliott Prize, including a first ever nomination for Unbound.

Pearson and Copeland series scooped by Puffin in six-figure deal

Jenny Pearson has written a middle-grade comedy series with her agent and fellow children's author Sam Copeland, scooped by Puffin in a two-book, six-figure deal.

Fourth Estate wins seven-way auction for 'stunning' Escoffery debut

Fourth Estate has triumphed in a seven-publisher auction for a “stunning” debut work on family and migration, If I Survive You, and a second book, by Jonathan Escoffery.

Headline to publish Aasmah Mir's 'emotional and thought-provoking' memoir

Headline Publishing Group has acquired broadcaster Aasmah Mir's memoir, Voices, an "emotional and thought-provoking narrative on what it is like to live in two very different cultures while all the time aware of racism, prejudice and stereotyping of gender from the 1960s onwards".


Still Me

Bookstat: joy for Moyes as Jojo hits the top spot

Jojo Moyes’ Still Me (Penguin), the third title in her blockbuster Me Before You trilogy, bounced into the Bookstat number one for the week ending 10th April. 

Kraus vom Cleff to head Germany's Börsenverein

Peter Kraus vom Cleff will become the new managing director of the German trade association Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels on 1st January 2022. He succeeds Alexander Skipis, who will retire after 16 years at the head of the association.

CWA Dagger longlists revealed featuring Rowling, Rankin and Banville

The 2021 Crime Writers' Association (CWA) Dagger awards longlists have been revealed with J K Rowling, Ian Rankin, John Banville and Stuart Turton among the authors chosen.

Natalie Portman to star in film of Ferrante's Days of Abandonment

Natalie Portman is to star in a film adaptation of Elena Ferrante's second novel, The Days of Abandonment (Europa Editions).

Madeleine Milburn expands mentorship programme for new voices

The Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency is running another six-month writing mentorship programme to champion new voices.

W&N pre-empts Thankam Mathews' 'extraordinary' debut

Weidenfeld & Nicolson has pre-empted a debut from Iowa Writers' Workshop graduate Sarah Thankam Mathews.

 

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April 14, 2021

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Rathbones Folio loses £30k prize money to cyber scam as fraudsters target literary prizes

Publishing-related cyber scams have spiked in lockdown with the Rathbones Folio Prize losing £30,000 to an email fraudster, and at least three other awards targeted, The Bookseller can exclusively reveal. 

Rowling to bring out new children's novel The Christmas Pig

J K Rowling has written a "sparkling" new book for children, The Christmas Pig, to be released by Hachette Children's Group imprint Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

The Sentinel strides back to the top spot

Lee and Andrew Child's The Sentinel (Corgi) has boomeranged back into the UK Official Top 50 number one spot, displacing Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet (Tinder).

NLT and PRH team up to review school library provision

The National Literacy Trust and Penguin Random House UK have launched a review into national primary school library provision.

 

Faber unveils Rooney cover designs

Faber has unveiled two cover designs for Sally Rooney's forthcoming novel, Beautiful World, Where Are You, especially for indie bookshops, Waterstones and Easons.

Burgled indie forced to close a day after reopening

An indie bookshop in Brigg, north Lincolnshire, was forced to close on Tuesday (13th April) after only a day's post-lockdown trading, following a break-in that left the shop unsafe for customers.


Orion wins auction for Fry's 'gayer, Millennial Bridget Jones' tale

Orion Fiction has acquired the "wickedly funny" debut, First Time for Everything, from London Writers Award Winner Henry Fry, in a three-way auction.  

 

HarperCollins acquires Sharkey memoir about murderer brother

HarperCollins has acquired a book by journalist Alix Sharkey exploring his experience growing up with a brother now imprisoned for the murder of teenager Danielle Jones.

Von Hirschberg, Willis and Pegg join NFA mentoring scheme

Comma Press is launching the second iteration of the Northern Fiction Alliance mentorship scheme, which pairs early-career publishers at northern independent presses with experienced publishing professionals.

Marr leaves Cornerstone owing to 'shifting focus' at division

Editor Sonny Marr is leaving Cornerstone this month owing to a “shifting focus” in the division’s commercial fiction publishing.

TwoChubbyCubs Fast and Filling

Amazon Charts: Twochubbycubs swipe up to the top

James and Paul Anderson's Twochubbycubs: Fast and Filling (Yellow Kite) has zoomed straight to the top of the Amazon Charts' Most-Sold: Non-Fiction chart. 

Welbeck and Tibor Jones launch children's fiction partnership

Welbeck Publishing is partnering with creative studio Tibor Jones to develop children's fiction projects.

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April 13, 2021

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Children’s Laureate Cowell calls for £100m investment in school libraries

​Cressida Cowell, the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, is calling on Boris Johnson to commit to a yearly investment of £100m in primary school libraries.

Booksellers ‘delighted’ with busy first day’s trading

Bookshops across the UK have said they experienced a successful first day back after lockdown, with booksellers reporting queues ahead of trading hours and consistent selling across all areas, and Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet flagged as a particularly hot title for customers.

New Jamie Oliver book 'to bring people together after challenging year'

Jamie Oliver has unveiled his latest book with Penguin Michael Joseph, “inspired by a desire to bring people together to enjoy great food, after a challenging year apart”.  

Cho and Lawrence on 2021 Jhalak Prize shortlists

Literary agent Catherine Cho and poets Romalyn Ante and Rachel Long are on the shortlist for the 2021 Jhalak Prize for Book of the Year by a Writer of Colour, with Patrice Lawrence and debut author Danielle Jawando appearing on the shortlist for the inaugural Jhalak Children’s & Young Adult Prize.

Coronet speeds out Brandreth's revised royal book as Philip: The Final Portrait

Coronet will publish Philip: The Final Portrait by Gyles Brandreth this month, a fully revised and updated version of an earlier royal biography by the author and broadcaster.

PMJ to publish memoir from AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson

Penguin Michael Joseph will publish The Lives of Brian, the memoir from Brian Johnson, frontman of rock band AC/DC. 


Lanigan and Griffiths launch Weatherglass Books

Novelists Damian Lanigan and Neil Griffiths are launching a new small press, focusing on literary fiction. 

Doubleday Ireland wins Aldarra memoir in three-way auction

Doubleday Ireland has triumphed in a three-way auction for Suad Aldarra’s “powerful” memoir I Don’t Want To Talk About Home.

Jeffs to tell medieval Britain's stories for riverrun

Quercus imprint riverrun will publish Storyland: A New Mythology of Britain from art historian Amy Jeffs in September 2021. 

Halls bags double Oscar's Book Prize nomination, as award rises to £10k

Smriti Halls has landed two nominations on the six-strong Oscar's Book Prize shortlist, which has doubled its prize money to £10,000 this year.

Farshore nets 'bone-chilling' YA thriller debut

Farshore has netted a “bone-chillingly atmospheric” YA thriller set in the Cajun setting of Deep South Louisiana, from debut author Ginny Myers Sain.

Buster Books marks Earth Day with £50k charity donation

Buster Books, the children’s imprint of independent publisher Michael O’Mara Books, is marking Earth Day (22nd April) this year, by donating £50,000 to the Green Match Fund campaign for environmental charities.

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April 12, 2021

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Get behind bookshops as they reopen, BA urges

Bookshops finally reopen their doors in England and Wales today (Monday 12th April) after more than three months of closure, with the Booksellers Association urging the trade to get behind them.

Joe Wicks reveals final Bluebird title, Joe's Family Food

Joe Wicks has revealed the cover and title for new recipe book Joe's Family Food, published by Bluebird on 10th June.

Gallery Books gobbles up Ed Balls' food memoir

Gallery Books is to publish Ed Balls’ "moving and entertaining" title Appetite: A Memoir in Recipes of Family and Food this summer. 

Hodder Studio picks up Harry Hill memoir

Hodder Studio has acquired a memoir from comedian Harry Hill, Harry Hill’s Fight!: Thirty Years Not Quite at the Top

SYP relaunches Oxford Podcast

The Society of Young Publishers Oxford Podcast, which launched last year, has been rebranded as "Inside Publishing" and will now be an SYP-wide initiative.

Coronet scoops Ukata and Madimba's guide to Africa

Coronet has scooped a “funny and refreshing” guide to Africa by Chinny Ukata and Astrid Madimba, debut authors and hosts of podcast “It’s a Continent”.


Harris and Shaffi chair 2021 CWIP Prize judging

The Comedy Women in Print Prize 2021 will be chaired by novelist Joanne Harris, with actress Maureen Lipman and author Nina Stibbe among the judges. Journalist Sarah Shaffi will chair the judges for the CWIP Prize for Unpublished Novels.

Welbeck acquires Afghanistan title from Harnden

Welbeck Publishing Group has acquired First Casualty: The Untold Story of the Battle That Began the War in Afghanistan by Orwell Prize-winner Toby Harnden.

Granta and Dialogue claim multiple titles on Orwell Prize longlists

Titles from Dialogue Books and Granta have made the longlists for the Orwell Prize for Political Writing and Prize for Political Fiction.

Macdonald made interim editorial head at Edinburgh UP

Carol Macdonald has been appointed interim head of editorial (books) at Edinburgh University Press (EUP).

Sphere to publish standalone novella from Jessica Fellowes

Sphere has acquired The Best Friend, a standalone novella by Jessica Fellowes, author of The Mitford Murders series which is also published by the Little, Brown imprint. 

Mirror Books scoops Foster's Murder at Roaringwater

Mirror Books has scooped the “powerful and compelling” true story Murder at Roaringwater by journalist and author Nick Foster.

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Win a hamper of goodies for awards night!


 

 

 


 


Download your Party Pack now!

Awards Ceremony: 13th May, 4-7pm
 

If last year's awards ceremony taught us anything, it's that you can celebrate virtually and still have a fabulous time. This year we wanted to make sure you all have what you need to celebrate in style, so we've made a few things to adorn your homes with while we toast the achievements of the industry.

Your very own downloadable Nibbies party pack includes:

  •  One masquerade-worthy mask
  • Bunting to decorate your room
  • Drinks recipes of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic variety
  • Two Zoom backgrounds if you're planning to meet virtually with colleagues during the show (we wholeheartedly support this)

 

 

Remember, we'll be streaming on awards night from 

www.thebookseller.com/awards

We can't wait to celebrate with you on the 13th May!

 

 

 

 


WIN a hamper for the Nibbies night! 

 

Thanks to our friends at MidasPR, we have forty hampers of bubbles, cakes and other deliciousness to give away. Click here to enter, and we'll choose the lucky winners in time for a #Nibbies night delivery.

 

 

 

 

What did reading mean to our judges in 2020?


We asked some of our British Book Awards judges what reading meant to them in a year where everything turned upside down. Here are some of their answers:


 

 


"As we all know, reading really helped so many individuals to get through 2020: I certainly found comfort and relief in many books. Books are incredibly powerful: they can help us to understand a different perspective, they can change hearts and minds and they can also help us escape and to travel to different worlds, countries and times - when we can't even leave our houses, that is a proven blessing."

 




"When the world was told to stay at home, screens replacing workplaces, social hangouts and entertainment venues, books became my one true freedom. A year of unceasing tumult and confinement was also - at least on the page - a year of exploration, discovery and delight."

 





"Reading always makes me feel less alone, and moreso a part of a society, but in 2020 reading was downright re-humanizing"

 

 

 

Join us on 13th May from 4pm to see who's won a coveted golden Nibbie trophy.

See you very soon,

The Bookseller Team

 

 

 

With thanks to our sponsors:

 

 

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The Bookseller, Stage House, 47 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XF. Registered no 07201744.

Subscriptions: +44(0)1371 851879

Latest headlines for the book industry
Read features from our Scotland Country Focus collaborative content with Creative Scotland here.

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May 04, 2021

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LATEST NEWS

Literary editors look to future after lockdown cutbacks

Book review coverage has been hit by the pandemic, with reduced coverage in several key publications over the past year, but some literary editors predict that pages will return this year, while many are making the most of digital opportunities.

Open letter says 'transphobia acceptable in British book industry'

A group of individuals from across the books industry has written an open letter to The Bookseller which has warned “transphobia is still perfectly acceptable in the British book industry”, arguing that what is needed is “quiet statements of acceptance from companies and organisations within our industry”.  

Viking bags Bose's Dirty Laundry debut in six-figure pre-empt

Viking has bagged Dirty Laundry, a “page-turning tale of the dark side of suburbia” from debut writer Disha Bose, in a six-figure pre-empt.

Pinch of Nom reveals new Comfort Food book

Pinch of Nom duo Kate Allinson and Kay Featherstone have revealed the concept and title for their new recipe book Pinch of Nom Comfort Food: 100 Slimming, Satisfying Meals.

Transworld pre-empts future forecaster McGonigal's Imaginable

Transworld has pre-empted Imaginable, an “inspiring” book by game designer and future forecaster Jane McGonigal who predicted the pandemic's effects 13 years ago.

Second Shelf campaign helps Peters to bumper Bookshop sales

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell (Tinder Press) has topped online retailer Bookshop.org's bestsellers chart for April, while a campaign by bookshop The Second Shelf helped Torrey Peters' Detransition, Baby (Serpent’s Tail) hit third place.


London Review Bookshop launches biannual festival series

The London Review Bookshop has launched a biannual series of short festivals called Subject/Object, kicking off with an event featuring Anita Sethi, Paul Theroux and Gaby Wood.

James Tait Black Prizes shortlists have been announced

This year's shortlists for the James Tait Black Prizes, Britain's longest-running book awards, have been announced.

Hodder & Stoughton to bring out Gordon Ramsay's YouTube-inspired book

Hodder & Stoughton will publish a new cookbook from chef Gordon Ramsay, Ramsay in 10, inspired by his YouTube series of the same name.  

Trapeze to publish Morton's look at rape culture

Trapeze has bought a book on rape culture and sexual violence by activist and podcaster Catriona Morton.

Sunday Times Audible Short Story Award longlist revealed

American authors dominate the 2021 longlist for the Sunday Times Audible Short Story Award, the world’s richest short story prize with £30,000 for the winner.

OCR exam board joins PRH Lit in Colour campaign

The OCR exam board has joined Penguin Random House's Lit in Colour campaign to make English Literature teaching more inclusive.

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

The most read stories of the week


 

 

 

 

 

Connect with us:



The Bookseller, The Stage Media Company Ltd, 47 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XT. Registered No. 02316307.

Subscriptions: 01371 851879

YUDU





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