The Catapult Union has confirmed to PL that the publisher is being sold and operations will wind down on October 30. Formed in June, the union says the company “announced plans for a sale while the NLRB vote was ongoing.” The union writes that the sale includes the company’s assets only, and “continued employment with the prospective buyer is not an option.” The company has not yet responded to request for comment. The union writes in a statement: “All employees of the company were directed to maintain confidentiality on this matter, while continuing to acquire and publish books for the […]
UK Society of Authors Withdraws From Ethical AI Charter
The UK’s Society of Authors emailed members to say the organization has withdrawn from their Ethical AI charter. Last week the SoA debuted the charter, which faced swift backlash from authors who argued that there is no way to use AI ethically. At first, the organization’s CEO Anna Ganley pushed back on the criticism with posted meant to clarify their intentions. “To allow time to listen to members’ views and concerns, the Society of Authors will withdraw from the Charter,” the organization stated on its website. Members can continue to share their thoughts in a survey. The SoA will discuss […]
Authors Should Expect Anthropic Settlement Changes in November
After rightsholders found widespread errors in their claims for the Anthropic settlement, the settlement website has continued to vex many people, since records often appear to stay the same and not reflect submitted changes. PL contacted class counsel, who clarified that “the requested changes will not show up in the portal immediately.” (It would be nice if they had indicated that on the settlement website.) When changes are submitted in the portal, the rightsholder gets an instant confirmation email, but that does not mean the underlying record is changed right away. After that, “a staff member from the Settlement Administrator […]
Harper to Close Buffalo Warehouse In 2028
Harper Collins announced that, “following a review of its distribution footprint” in consideration of the big new 1.6 million-square-foot logistics hub they are building in Brownsburg, IN, “the Harper Collins Buffalo warehouse will close early in 2028.” The new hub is now “expected to scheduled to open next year.” FKA Harlequin Fulfillment Services, the 400,000-square-foot Buffalo facility employees approximately 100 people. A spokesperson told PL that employment opportunities at the new warehouse will be available for those employees interested in considering a move, and the company will offer severance and placement support for employees impacted.
Puzzle Book Success Leads to New Imprint, Agent-Created Books
St. Martin’s is launching Tytora, a new imprint focused on puzzles and games. The imprint will publish 24-30 books a year, with first titles appearing in fall 2027. Tytora will be led by associate publisher Nichole Argyres and editorial director Courtney Littler, the publishing team behind G.T. Karber’s Murdle series, among other popular puzzle books. The publisher writes, “Tytora will cover a wide range of clever analog entertainment for curious minds: puzzles, games, logic, and wordplay, as well as interactive and game-related fiction and nonfiction. From the quick-hit satisfaction of a daily wordplay puzzle to immersive, story-based murder mysteries, Tytora […]