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June 04, 2021

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

LATEST NEWS Backlist sales surge in lockdown as shop closures hinder discoverability of debuts BookScan data shows backlist sales soared in the pandemic, with new voices struggling to make a mark in a lockdown landscape without physical bookshops. Pushkin orders five-figure reprint of Diop's International Booker winner Pushkin Press has ordered a five-figure reprint of David Diop's novel At Night All Blood is Black, translated by Anna Moschovakis, after it won the International Booker Prize.  Paphides wins Christopher Bland Prize with Broken Greek Pete Paphides has won the £10,000 RSL Christopher Bland Prize for his “extraordinary, moving and funny” coming-of-age memoir Broken Greek (Quercus). Usborne acquires David Farr's 'extraordinary' debut children's title in two-book deal Usborne has acquired The Book of Stolen Dreams, the debut children’s novel from UK screenwriter and director David Farr, in a two-book deal. Canongate signs 'utterly compelling' Prasifka debut Canongate has signed None of This is Serious, an “utterly compelling” debut novel by Irish author Catherine Prasifka. Gyles Brandreth's first autobiography to Michael Joseph Penguin Michael Joseph has acquired the first autobiography from veteran broadcaster and former MP Gyles Brandreth.  Quarto's Ken Fund to retire after 22 years at firm Quarto chief operating officer Ken Fund will retire on 1st December after 22 years at the company, stepping down from the board on the same date.  Cambridge historian Caputo wins £25k Ideas Prize The Ideas Prize for non-fiction has been been awarded to historian Sara Caputo for her proposal Tracks on the Ocean.  Hachette Pride announces month-long digital festival Hachette Pride, the publisher's LGBTQIA+ employee network, is partnering with imprints across the company to host a month-long digital celebration of gay, bisexual and trans authors and their stories from around the world. Palacio's new novel Pony out in autumn from Puffin Puffin is releasing Pony this autumn, a new novel from bestselling Wonder author R J Palacio. PRH donates all its audiobooks to RNIB charity library Penguin Random House UK has donated all of its audiobooks to the Royal National Institute of Blind People's (RNIB) Talking Books library. ACE announces £3.4m fund for national library website Arts Council England (ACE) has announced a £3.4m fund to get the next phase of the "single digital presence" (SDP), a long-planned national website for all public libraries, off the ground.

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DAY THREE | WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE: COMMUNITY   Day three of M&P conference shines a light on Community, something that has proven crucial on both a personal and professional level this year. We'll discover how best to work with a variety of communities, from influencers to libraries, hearing what it means to work together to create change, looking at an example of unique partnership, hearing how to build engaged communities online and more. This year's M&P features 50+ speakers and 30+ talks, case studies and panels. And if you can't attend it all during conference week, your pass gets you access to all of it, available to watch (or watch again) right through to the end of summer.     BOOK YOUR PASS      On Wednesday 16th June you'll hear from:       KEYNOTE What White People Can Do Next   Broadcaster, academic and author of What White People Can Do Next, Emma Dabiri talks us through how we in our publishing roles can work together to ensure that the progress made in diversity and awareness over the past year can be not just sustained, but taken to a whole new level.           FROM COMMUNITY LOVE TO BESTSELLER STATUS   Sian Gardiner and Jess Duffy from Bluebird & One Boat call on a treasure trove of examples of their work with author channels, demonstrating how best to use influencer audiences to sell, sell, sell.       WHAT LIBRARIES CAN DO FOR YOU (AND WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR LIBRARIES)   The Reading Agency's Kimberley Sheehan knows a thing or two about libraries - here she shares how best to use these irreplaceable community hubs to build buzz for your titles.       WHERE WE'VE BEEN, WHERE WE'RE GOING: The View from the World of Film   What challenges did film PRs see this past year and how did they cope? Lawrence Atkinson from DDA Group tells us how film pivoted, what he hopes will return to normal and what changes are here to stay.       Case Study One Jhalak Prize x National Book Tokens   This partnership launched in the prize's fifth year to increase awareness of the titles among booksellers and consumers alike - Jamilah Ahmed, Miriam Robinson and EDPR's Emma Draude talk through the takeaways. Case Study Two The Gilded Ones   This BMS award-winning campaign smashed pre-orders and thought way outside the box at every stage - Usborne's Hannah Reardon Steward and Kat Jovanovic tell us what they've learned.       PANEL BUILDING ENGAGED COMMUNITIES ONLINE   This panel of digital gurus tackles everything from creating a loyal following for newsletters and social, building that all-important pre-awareness amongst early readers, which content works best on which platform and much, much more.       Tickets are available now. Do get in touch with Emma on emma.lowe@thebookseller.com for group bookings and freelance rates.     BOOK YOUR PASS     See you in June!   The Bookseller Team       With thanks to our sponsors and partners

 

Copyright © 2021 | The Bookseller is part of The Stage Media Company Limited, a company registered in England and Wales | Registered number 2316307 | Registered office: Stage House, 47 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XT View our privacy policy here.

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

June 03, 2021

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

LATEST NEWS Bookshop footfall plateaus but sales stay strong The Booksellers Assocation (BA) has reported a plateau in the number of customers visiting bookshops in the weeks before the spring bank holiday weekend, though stores reported a broadly positive trading experience, with sales largely unaffected.  Bloomsbury buys Head of Zeus in £8.5m deal Bloomsbury has bought indie publisher Head of Zeus in a £8.5m deal, in a move greeted generally positively by authors and agents. International Booker Prize scooped by French writer David Diop At Night All Blood is Black (Pushkin Press) by David Diop, translated by Anna Moschovakis, has won the £50,000 International Booker Prize, making Diop the first French author to win the award.  Curtis Brown launches writing scholarship in tribute to John le Carré The Curtis Brown Creative writing school is launching an annual novel-writing scholarship in honour of late thriller writer John le Carré, seeking out "compelling storytelling and political engagement". Chatto to publish Margaret Atwood's 'exhilarating' essay collection in March Margaret Atwood’s "visionary" new work of non-fiction, Burning Questions Essays 2004–2021, will be published by Chatto & Windus in March 2022.  Headline makes string of editorial and publicity promotions Headline has announced four promotions in its editorial and publicity departments.  Treacy-Lord joins Magic Cat from Laurence King Maria Treacy-Lord is joining the leadership team at children’s independent Magic Cat Publishing from July 2021 as finance and operations director. Bookstat: Riley's digital sales dwarf print total Lucinda Riley’s The Missing Sister (Macmillan), the seventh instalment in The Seven Sisters series, stormed straight to the top of the Bookstat e-book chart for the week ending 28th May, the same week it claimed the author’s first ever Original Fiction pole in hardback. Picador lands NYC Ballet star Pazcoguin's 'page-turner' Picador has landed Swan Dive, a “page-turning, one-of-a-kind” book by award-winning New York City Ballet soloist Georgina Pazcoguin. AAP warned copyright 'under assault' and action needed on Big Tech Copyright is “under assault” and publishers need to focus on antitrust policy to take on the power of Big Tech, the Association of American Publishers annual meeting has heard. Tramp Press launches audio range with White's Corpsing Tramp Press is moving into audiobooks, launching with Corpsing: My Body and Other Horror Shows by Sophie White, read by the author. TLC launches film series to celebrate 25 years The Literary Consultancy (TLC) will launch a series of specially commissioned films to kickstart its 25-year anniversary celebrations.

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 Read features from our Scotland Country Focus collaborative content with Creative Scotland here.

June 02, 2021

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

LATEST NEWS Bloomsbury's Newton hails 'record' results as sales grow by 14% Bloomsbury c.e.o. Nigel Newton has hailed an "outstanding" financial year and “record results”, with preliminary audited figures showing sales rose 14% and profits rocketed 22% before tax year on year in the 12 months to 28th February 2021.  Osman's Thursday Murder Club scores a hat-trick at the top Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club (Viking) has secured a third week running in the UK Official Top 50 number one spot, selling 42,605 copies through Nielsen BookScan's TCM. Williams, Watson and Blakemore make £10k Desmond Elliott Prize shortlist Eley Williams, Rebecca Watson and A K Blakemore are shortlisted for the £10,000 Desmond Elliott Prize with debuts exploring language and British culture through the female lens.  Jones cookbook One hits the top in Bookshop May chart One: Pot, Pan, Planet by Anna Jones (Fourth Estate) has topped Bookshop.org's Indie Champions list for May, its monthly chart of books generating the most money for indies on the platform. Evaristo and Osman celebrate bookshops at Penguin General showcase Bernardine Evaristo, Richard Osman and Bimini Bon Boulash were among the line-up of 15 authors at the virtual Penguin General 2021 Autumn Showcase on Tuesday night (1st June), celebrating the power of booksellers.  Yoto announces four new hires from publishing world Children's audio platform Yoto is doubling the size of its content team with four key hires from the world of publishing. Nathan Evans sea shanties book netted by Welbeck Welbeck has netted the first book by sea shanties sensation Nathan Evans, TikTok star and singer of number one hit “Wellerman”. Jamie Laing's 'hilarious and heartfelt' memoir bought by Seven Dials Orion's Seven Dials imprint will publish I Can Explain, the first memoir from TV personality Jamie Laing, who rose to fame on E4's "Made in Chelsea".  Hardie Grant launches new children's imprint Bright Light Hardie Grant is launching Bright Light, a new imprint from its children’s division focusing on issues such as gender and diversity, in the UK this summer. Harvill Secker and Bloody Scotland relaunch crime competition for writers of colour Harvill Secker and Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival have relaunched their joint award to find the most exciting new crime fiction by writers of colour. It will be judged by winner of the inaugural competition Ajay Chowdhury (pictured). Friedman joins Inkitt as director of author relations Data-driven publisher Inkitt has appointed agent Rebecca Friedman as its director of author relations, working closely with its pool of writers. Women's Prize hosts digital shortlist festival ahead of physical event The Women's Prize for Fiction is holding a digital shortlist festival this month, with actors reading from the six nominated books.

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 Read features from our Scotland Country Focus collaborative content with Creative Scotland here.

June 01, 2021

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

LATEST NEWS PRH and Waterstones dispute 'incredibly disheartening' for authors and agents The continued dispute between Waterstones and Penguin Random House is “incredibly disheartening” and means authors are losing out, some agents and writers have said. 'World first' scheme sees authors rewarded for used book sales A new collaboration between online retailers and writers' organisations will pay authors on used book sales in what organisers say is “a world first”.  Osman, Rankin and Wood snare CrimeFest awards Richard Osman, Ian Rankin and Trevor Wood have won prizes at the 14th CrimeFest awards, honouring the best UK books in the crime writing genre. Hachette UK wins inclusivity prize at LBF International Excellence Awards Hachette UK has won at the London Book Fair International Excellence Awards for its work on inclusivity in publishing, in a prize sponsored by the Publishers' Association (PA). Mantel makes rare judging appearance for Mslexia Novel Competition Hilary Mantel will lead the judging panel of the Mslexia Novel Competition, the first time she has judged such a contest for almost two decades.  Four debut novels on Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse shortlist Four debut novels have made it on to the shortlist for this year's Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for comic fiction. Bloomsbury completes Red Globe Press acquisition for £3.7m Bloomsbury’s acquisition of academic imprint Red Globe Press (RGP) from Macmillan Education Limited has now been completed in a £3.7m deal.  Winners of the inaugural Pontas & J J Bola Emerging Writers Prize announced Musih Tedji Xaviere and Bhavika Govil are the joint winners of the first Pontas & J J Bola Emerging Writers Prize. Puffin acquires new picture book inspired by Roald Dahl Puffin has acquired a new picture book "inspired by the mischief and magic" of Roald Dahl stories and illustrated by Quentin Blake. Bloomsbury and Granta claim three each on Orwell Prize shortlists Bloomsbury and Granta have three titles each shortlisted for the Orwell Prize for Political Writing, and Political Fiction. Hachette's THRIVE and Bloomsbury co-host book club event Hachette and Bloomsbury are holding a free book club event later this month featuring the debut novelists behind The Other Black Girl and Black Buck.  Canongate signs Sanneh's Major Labels pop music history Canongate has signed Major Labels by Kelefa Sanneh, a non-fiction work exploring the evolution of pop music over the past 50 years.

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     Our round-up of the most read stories of the past week on The Bookseller: 1. Comp model still has place but can hold back innovation and diversity, editors say (£) 2. Trade pays tribute to 'kindest Scottish literature advocate' Brian Hamill 3. Key's non-fiction debut goes to Cape in seven-way auction 4. Bonnier introduces trade's first pregnancy loss policy 'to break silence'(£) 5. HarperFiction triumphs in five-way auction for 'tearjerker' by Major 6. Lockdown subscriptions surge here to stay, say publishers and stores (£) 7. Lightning's Pack retires from full-time publishing after final deal 8. The Thursday Murder Club books in another week at the top (£) 9. Dohle supports 'comeback' of bookshops but says Amazon is vital (£) 10. Embla snares Smith's 'gripping' thriller debut   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 Read features from our Scotland Country Focus collaborative content with Creative Scotland here.

May 28, 2021

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

LATEST NEWS Snap survey reveals author income dropped substantially in the pandemic Following the Society of Authors’ revelation that its hardship fund is being accessed by more and more writers, a survey into author earnings found a number struggling financially—or abandoning the book publishing sector altogether. Trade pays tribute to 'genius' Eric Carle Authors, agents and booksellers today paid tribute to Eric Carle, the beloved author and illustrator best known for The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Puffin), who has died aged 91.  Marcus Rashford meets Barack Obama in Penguin conversation England and Manchester United footballer Rashford has met former US president Barack Obama for the first time in a Zoom conversation organised by Penguin Books. Alan Cumming's 'seriously entertaining' memoir goes to Canongate Canongate is to publish actor Alan Cumming's new memoir, Baggage, Tales from a Fully Packed Life. Horowitz writes third James Bond novel for Cape Anthony Horowitz will write his third official James Bond novel, to be published by Jonathan Cape in 2022. Publisher Hunt leaves Scholastic Education after 17 years Robin Hunt, Scholastic Education’s publisher, is stepping down and leaving the company at the end of the month to focus on his health. Lamb to join S&S Children's Books in marketing and publicity role Ian Lamb has been appointed to the interim role of marketing and publicity director at Simon & Schuster Children's.  Trapeze lands Sandi Toksvig's Atlas Trapeze has acquired Toksvig’s Atlas, a book of "eclectic ramblings around the world" by writer and broadcaster Sandi Toksvig.  Doster swaps Bloomsbury for Hachette Children's Group Bloomsbury’s Isobel Doster has been appointed to the role of commissioning editor at Hachette Children’s Group’s Wren & Rook imprint. Trish Lorenz scoops $100k Nine Dots Prize Berlin-based journalist Trish Lorenz has won the $100,000 (£71,000) Nine Dots Prize and a book deal with Cambridge University Press for her "compelling and well-evidenced" response to the question "What does it mean to be young in an ageing world?" US indie bookstores 'on the rise again' after pandemic challenge Indie bookstores in the US are “on the rise again” but face challenges as the country opens up after a roiling 15 months, the American Booksellers Association's new president has said. Kinney's 16th Diary of a Wimpy Kid coming in October Puffin has revealed the title of the 16th instalment of the bestselling series Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.

The Bookseller The Stage Media Company Ltd | 47 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XT Switchboard: 0203 358 0360 Subscriptions: 01371 851879 Get your tickets for M&P Conference now!           DAY TWO | TUESDAY 15 JUNE: CONTENT   Day two of M&P Conference focuses on Content, in all its forms. Whether we're hearing about what's working on TikTok, what it means to nail your comms proposition, how to make events truly bespoke in an age where one size no longer fits all, or what the media will be looking for this autumn, we've got you covered. This year's M&P features 30+ talks, case studies and panels and 50 speakers, and your pass gets you access to it all, available to watch again right through the summer.       BOOK YOUR PASS      On Tuesday 15th June you'll hear from:       KEYNOTE WHAT MAKES TIKTOK TICK: Getting the most from the platform   What makes cultural - and publishing - moments take off on TikTok, and how can we use this to create authentic interest in our books? TikTok's Hasmik Matinyan shares a global perspective on everyone's favourite new platform.           PITCH PERFECT: Nail your Proposition to Cut Through the Noise   Fleur Clarke and Ann Bissell from HarperCollins take us through what it means to create a comms proposition that can't be ignored, from identifying the story behind the story to honing your message to perfection.       HYBRID HI-JINX: Creating Enticing Events Live and Online   As we move into a hybrid universe, creating events which stand out from the crowd will be more crucial than ever. Salon London's Helen Bagnall and Zarucchi's Diccon Towns tell us the ingredients for a bespoke, attention-grabbing event.       THE MEDIA CRYSTAL BALL: A 6-month forecast for the Print, Digital and Broadcast Landscape   Okay, we don't actually have a crystal ball, but we do have Roxhill Media, whose job it is to look ahead in the media landscape and tell us what's coming. Camilla Leask talks us through what to expect from commissioners and how that might inform pitches for autumn coverage.         Non-fiction Case Study One Humankind   Bloomsbury's Genista Tate-Alexander takes us through the hardback campaign right up to paperback launch with a book that was unmissable - and sorely needed - in this pandemic year. Non-fiction Case Study Two The Muslim Problem   Atlantic's Kirsty Doole & Aimee Oliver-Powell reached a new audience and innovated with platforms on a small budget with this title - today they tell us how.       SPONSOR PANEL ACCESS DENIED: How Comms Teams Can Improve Publishing's Accessibility Problem   Calibre Audio's panel takes a hard look at accessibility in comms - how accessible our events, marketing & publicity currently are and what we might do to improve it.       PANEL IT'S PERSONAL, IT'S PROFESSIONAL: What the Return to 'Normal' means for our Mental Health.   It's no secret that the past year has taken a toll on our mental health, and also that it's changed the way we relate to each other and our work in profound ways. This panel addresses where we all are, and what we can do to look after ourselves as the world changes once again.       Tickets are available now. Do get in touch with Emma on emma.lowe@thebookseller.com for group bookings and freelance rates.     VIEW THE FULL PROGRAMME     See you in June!   The Bookseller Team       With thanks to our sponsors and partners         This email has been sent to the following email address: kl.naylor@btinternet.com   Copyright © 2021 | The Bookseller is part of The Stage Media Company Limited, a company registered in England and Wales | Registered number 2316307 | Registered office: Stage House, 47 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3XT View our privacy policy here. Latest headlines for the book industry Read features from our Scotland Country Focus collaborative content with Creative Scotland here. May 27, 2021 MORNING BRIEFING Where the news comes first Home | News | Blog | Jobs | Charts LATEST NEWS Eric Carle, author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, dies aged 91 Eric Carle, the beloved author and illustrator best known for The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Puffin), has died aged 91.  Bonnier introduces trade's first pregnancy loss policy 'to break silence' In what is thought to be a trade first, Bonnier Books UK has developed a dedicated pregnancy loss policy including paid leave to help “break the silence” around the issue, as others consider introducing similar support. Jawando and Pearson shortlisted for Waterstones Children’s Book Prize Authors including Danielle Jawando, Jenny Pearson and Dawn Coulter-Cruttenden have been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2021.  Vermilion to publish Rochelle Humes' first family cookbook Ebury imprint Vermilion has acquired At Mama’s Table: Easy & Delicious Meals From My Family To Yours, the first non-fiction book from TV presenter, influencer and businesswoman Rochelle Humes.  Stephen Hawking's office and archive saved for the nation Stephen Hawking’s office and archive, including a first draft of A Brief History of Time (Bantam), have been saved for the nation by Cambridge University Library and the Science Museum Group. Vintage snaps up three from McFadden Vintage has snapped up three titles from American novelist Bernice L McFadden, with the first book, Sugar, to be published 21 years after its debut in the US.  Canelo launches non-fiction imprint Canelo History Independent publisher Canelo is launching a new non-fiction imprint, Canelo History, this August, after only publishing genre fiction to date.  Free Word announces closure after venue loss Arts producer Free Word has announced it has formally begun the process of closing down the organisation.  Walker Books claim two spots on Alligator's Mouth Award shortlist Walker Books has claimed two spots on this year's Alligator's Mouth Award shortlist.  Macron promises French booksellers level playing field on delivery costs French President Emmanuel Macron has promised a bill will be presented to parliament to tighten up on France’s 1981 fixed book price law, ensuring a level playing field for physical and online retailers on home postage and delivery costs. Four UK authors vying for Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize for Unpublished Work Four UK-based writers are shortlisted for the Best Unpublished Manuscript award for the 2021 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize, vying for a contract with Bonnier Books UK. Bookstat chart: Midnight hour for Haig at the top Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library (Canongate) clocked in at the top of the Bookstat e-book chart for the week ending 22nd May, closely followed by Richard Osman’s current print number one The Thursday Murder Club (Penguin), which hit second. 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 Read features from our Scotland Country Focus collaborative content with Creative Scotland here. May 26, 2021 MORNING BRIEFING Where the news comes first Home | News | Blog | Jobs | Charts LATEST NEWS The Thursday Murder Club books in another week at the top Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club (Viking) has once again claimed the UK Official Top 50 number one spot, selling 46,865 copies for its second week at the top. Roffey's next novel goes to Harvill Secker alongside Mermaid paperback Monique Roffey’s next novel has been snapped up by Harvill Secker with the Vintage imprint also releasing her prize-winning The Mermaid of Black Conch in paperback and e-book next month. Makumbi and Lawrence win Jhalak Prize awards Novelist and short story writer Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi (pictured top) and YA writer Patrice Lawrence have won the 2021 Jhalak Prize awards. Trade pays tribute to 'kindest Scottish literature advocate' Brian Hamill Industry figures have paid tribute to Glasgow-based publisher Brian Hamill, "one of the kindest advocates of Scottish literature". Lightning's Pack retires from full-time publishing after final deal Lightning Books editor-at-large Scott Pack is retiring from full-time publishing after signing his final book, Sour Grapes, by Dan Rhodes. Remote working is chance to reconfigure industry, US Book Show hears Remote working has led to longer hours and isolation for many but also represents a chance to reconfigure the industry, the US Book Show was told in an event kicked off by Oprah Winfrey. Picador signs 'haunting and powerful' new Donoghue novel Picador has signed a “powerful and haunting” new novel from Emma Donoghue, bestselling author of The Pull of the Stars and Room. Alex Horne's Taskmaster book goes to Ebury Ebury Spotlight will publish Bring Me the Head of the Taskmaster in September, written by "Taskmaster" star Alex Horne.  Jalal Barjas wins 2021 International Prize for Arabic Fiction Jordanian poet and novelist Jalal Barjas has won the 14th International Prize for Arabic Fiction with his novel Notebooks of the Bookseller (The Arabic Institute for Research & Publishing). Farshore signs new book from Great Realisation author Roberts Farshore has signed a new picture book by Tomos Roberts, author of The Great Realisation (Farshore), a poem written in the form of a bedtime story in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic that was viewed by 60 million people online. Sullivan and Vaughan win Book of the Year at CBI Awards Author Deirdre Sullivan and illustrator Karen Vaughan have won the Book of the Year Award at the 2021 KPMG Children's Books Ireland Awards for Savage Her Reply (Little Island Books), their feminist retelling of Irish legend "The Children of Lir". Orion to publish The Hairy Bikers' Everyday Winners Orion's Seven Dials will publish The Hairy Bikers' Everyday Winners in October.  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 Read features from our Scotland Country Focus collaborative content with Creative Scotland here. May 25, 2021 MORNING BRIEFING Where the news comes first Home | News | Blog | Jobs | Charts LATEST NEWS Comp model still has place but can hold back innovation and diversity, editors say Comping, the practice of comparing new submissions to other similar books, still has a place in the publishing industry but its value is limited and can hold back diversity and innovation, editors and agents say. Dohle supports 'comeback' of bookshops but says Amazon is vital Penguin Random House c.e.o. Markus Dohle says Amazon must be seen as a vital component of the industry “ecosystem” but he still supports the “comeback” of physical bookstores.  Amy Key's non-fiction debut goes to Cape in seven-way auction Poet Amy Key’s "dazzling" debut non-fiction book, inspired by Joni Mitchell's "Blue" album, will be published by Jonathan Cape following a seven-way auction.  Walker to publish Dahl's 'funny and wise' picture book Walker Books is to publish The Worst Sleepover in the World in October, a "funny and wise" picture book from Sophie Dahl, illustrated by Luciano Lozano. Cengage revenues drop 6% in Covid year Cengage saw a 6% revenue drop in the year ending 31st March 2021, according to preliminary results released by the publisher. However, the fourth quarter saw the company return to revenue growth, with c.e.o. Michael Hansen saying the financial year's close marked a "milestone" for the business. UK indies rally for destroyed Gaza bookshop Independent bookshops and publishers have joined a crowdfunding appeal to rebuild a community bookshop in Gaza, after it was destroyed by an Israeli missile last week.  Bloomsbury wins auction for MacKenzie’s medieval mystic debut Bloomsbury has won a two-way auction for Victoria MacKenzie’s debut novel based on the lives of two medieval mystics.  HQ acquires two more novels from Goldie HQ has acquired two more novels from Luan Goldie, who was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2020 with her debut Nightingale Point. Dassu, Child and McNicoll shortlisted for Little Rebels Award Debut authors A M Dassu, Rosie Haine and Elle McNicoll have been shortlisted for this year's Little Rebels Award for Radical Children's Fiction.  ACE announces details of £42m fund to boost libraries and creative projects Arts Council England has announced the details of a £42m fund to boost local libraries, creative projects and museums across the country. Femi made art editor at Poetry London Poetry London magazine has appointed poet and director Caleb Femi as its new art editor, with effect from 14th June. MUP scoops story of Manchester's 'missing chapters' Manchester University Press has scooped Mancunians, the first book from Manchester poet David Scott, a.k.a. Argh Kid, offering an insider’s view of Manchester following the IRA bomb in 1996 and the closure of the "infamous" Hacienda nightclub. 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 Read features from our Scotland Country Focus collaborative content with Creative Scotland here. May 24, 2021 MORNING BRIEFING Where the news comes first Home | News | Blog | Jobs | Charts LATEST NEWS Lockdown subscriptions surge here to stay, say publishers and stores Booksellers and publishers say they have seen dramatic increases in the numbers of people signing up to digital and physical subscription models, with many predicting them remaining just as popular now lockdown restrictions are easing. Morgan's vaccines auction raises £60k after trade support A Books for Vaccines auction organised by HarperCollins editorial director Phoebe Morgan has raised almost £60,000 after the industry assembled to help support the vaccine roll-out across the world.  HarperFiction triumphs in five-way auction for 'tearjerker' by Major HarperFiction has triumphed in a five-way auction for Maybe Next Time, a “tearjerker” by Cesca Major.   Caldecott’s The Short Knife skewers competition at Tir na n-Og Awards Elen Caldecott’s The Short Knife (Andersen Press) has won the English-language category of the Tir na n-Og Awards 2021 for children’s and young people’s literature.  Nicol joins Ebury Smart Hub from Penguin Michael Joseph Penguin Michael Joseph's Laura Nicol has been appointed head of campaigns at Ebury’s Smart Hub and will be making the move next month.  Headline lands Azmat's 'insightful, perspective-shifting' Sex Bomb Headline has landed Sex Bomb, a "hilarious, compelling and conversation-starting" memoir from stand-up comedian, podcast host and writer Sadia Azmat. Bookseller launches survey on author and illustrator earnings The Bookseller is inviting writers and illustrators to have their say about how the pandemic has affected their earnings. Macdonald and Gates win Richard Jefferies Society Literary Prize Benedict Macdonald and Nicholas Gates have won the Richard Jefferies Society & the White Horse Bookshop's Literary Prize for nature writing with their book Orchard: A Year in England's Eden (William Collins).  Bloomsbury's Browne joins Allison & Busby Bloomsbury's Claire Browne is to join Allison & Busby as desk editor, the publisher has announced.  Harvill Secker signs Yagi's 'hilarious and thought-provoking' debut Harvill Secker senior editor Ellie Steel has acquired UK and Commonwealth rights at auction for Diary of a Void by debut Japanese author Emi Yagi. Picador signs 'urgent and unsettling' Bervoets novel Picador has signed “urgent and unsettling” Dutch novel We Had To Remove This Post by Hanna Bervoets. Embla snares Smith's 'gripping' thriller debut A “heart-racing” thriller, How Far Will You Go, by debut author Dandy Smith has been signed by Embla Books.  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     Our round-up of the most read stories of the past week on The Bookseller: 1. PRH updates on leadership target as diversity and inclusion report published (£) 2. Faber signs Boy Parts author Clark in two-book deal 3. Rowling, Banville and Griffiths shortlisted for CWA Daggers 4. HarperCollins staff to return to office for at least two days a week (£) 5. HQ pre-empts Georgina Moore's 'stunningly accomplished' debut in two-book deal 6. The Thursday Murder Club makes a killing at the top (£) 7. Faber appoints John Murray's Kim amid raft of promotions 8. Kelly swaps Fourth Estate for Virago 9. Costa Book Awards and RSL targeted by cyber criminals as publishers up security (£) 10. Abibiman Publishing launches with African and Caribbean focus   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 Read features from our Scotland Country Focus collaborative content with Creative Scotland here. May 21, 2021 MORNING BRIEFING Where the news comes first Home | News | Blog | Jobs | Charts LATEST NEWS Publishers unite to launch Cyhoeddi Cymru/Publishing Wales Several publishers in Wales have joined forces to form a new umbrella organisation to represent the sector, called Cyhoeddi Cymru/Publishing Wales (CCPW). HarperCollins staff to return to office for at least two days a week HarperCollins staff are to return to the office for at least two days a week from September, as part of a six-month pilot. HQ pre-empts Georgina Moore's 'stunningly accomplished' debut in two-book deal HQ has pre-empted The Garnett Girls and one untitled book by Georgina Moore, an award-winning book publicist who is deputy m.d. of Midas PR agency.    Newton pays tribute to Bloomsbury India colleagues after Covid-19 deaths Bloomsbury c.e.o. Nigel Newton has paid tribute to Bloomsbury India's Aravind Murthy and Yogesh Sharma after they passed away from Covid-19. Hughes wins £10,000 Encore Award for The Wild Laughter Caoilinn Hughes has won the £10,000 RSL Encore Award for her "grand feat of comic ingenuity” The Wild Laughter (Oneworld). Walliams returns with 'action-packed' new novel Megamonster David Walliams and illustrator Tony Ross are returning with an “action-packed page-turning adventure”, Megamonster, on 24th June.   Luiselli wins Dublin Literary Award for Lost Children Archive Mexican author Valeria Luiselli has won the €100,000 Dublin Literary Award for her novel Lost Children Archive (4th Estate), the world's most valuable prize for a single novel published in English. Jimmy Carr's mix of memoir and self-help manual goes to Quercus Quercus will publish Jimmy Carr’s part memoir and part self-help manual, Before & Laughter: A Life-Changing Book, in September 2021.  Bookseller launches survey on author and illustrator earnings The Bookseller is inviting writers and illustrators to have their say about how the pandemic has affected their earnings. Bloomsbury partners with Get into Publishing to attract regional talent Bloomsbury is partnering with Get into Publishing to fund training courses aimed at attracting workers based outside London. Watt appointed as fiction commissioning editor at HarperNorth Jonathan Cape's Daisy Watt has been appointed to the newly created role of fiction commissioning editor at HarperNorth. Hachette UK’s Accessibility Network partners with Mencap Hachette UK’s Accessibility Network, which supports people with disabilities and neurodiversities, has announced a partnership with charity Mencap to deliver talks, fundraising activities and events starting from this month. The Bookseller The Stage Media Company Ltd | 47 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XT Switchboard: 0203 358 0360 Subscriptions: 01371 851879