Libro.fm announced that it will add ebooks to its platform “soon,” in addition to audiobooks. The addition will allow independent bookstores to sell ebooks through the app. Features of the new initiative include: flexible credits that can be used on either ebooks or audiobooks, bookseller ebook ARC access, member benefits, and a syncing feature which allows readers who purchase both the audiobook and ebook to “toggle between the two versions or follow the text while they listen.” “Since co-founding Libro, I’ve always imagined us offering more than audiobooks, and ebooks are a natural next step. We’ve built an audiobook platform […]
People 8/7
September Indie Next List
People 8/6
Harper Reports Strong Fourth Quarter, Record Full-Year Sales
News Corp announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2026, with fourth quarter publishing sales at $566 million, up $72 million (or 14.6 percent) from a year ago, “driven by higher physical and digital book sales, which included strength in general books, the UK and children’s publishing.” Digital sales were up 12 percent in the period, with audiobook sales growing 16 percent, “driven by strong growth at both Spotify and Audible.” EBITDA of $57 million was up $7 million from a year ago, with foreign exchange contributing $3 million. Costs rose in line with sales, with the […]
Obituary: Derek Johns
Publisher-turned-agent Derek Johns, 78, who served as the managing director of both The Bodley Head and Granta before becoming an agent at AP Watt, has died. Johns was also the author of the novels Wintering, Wakening and The Billy Palmer Chronicles, and a biography of his client Jan Morris called Ariel.