Spotify will expand its audiobook offerings to be available in more than 180 markets by the end of 2026, bringing access to 750 million users, the company announced today. Audiobooks were previously available in 22 markets. Spotify will also add languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Polish, to its audiobook availability, totaling more than 120 languages. “Books change how we see the world, and the people in it. For a lot of people, audiobooks are how they find their way back to reading, on the commute, on a walk, or at the end of a long day. Bringing audiobooks to more […]
AI and Algorithms: FBF Speakers on How Tech Drives the Business
Programming at this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair lacks the oomph of past years as most Big Five ceos and many other newsmakers are absent from stages and, for the third year in a row, everyone is still talking about AI. Two interesting panels looked at technology through the lens of publishing professionals’ work inside and out of house. In a panel titled “Future Skills for Publishing Professionals,” speakers stated repeatedly that AI won’t make publishing jobs disappear. Bloomsbury ceo Nigel Newton likened AI to other technological advances that ended up selling more books, from films to ebooks. “AI will probably […]
S&S Staff Write to Oppose AI Software that Can Monitor Employees; Greeley Says It’s for Workflow Improvement
Employees of Simon & Schuster have been signing an open letter to ceo Greg Greeley and S&S leadership opposing the proposed implementation of AI-powered software that they fear could allow management to monitor staff productivity. On Tuesday, in a memo to staff addressing the issue, Greeley noted, “I would like to see more efficient solutions considered as part of the 2027 technology roadmap as we equip our teams with better tools and processes.” He explained, “One possible avenue being explored is whether software could help assess how this work is currently performed, including a product called Blueprint from Skan AI. […]
People 10/7
Fiction Remains Strong Pre-Frankfurt, But Nonfiction and Children’s Are Weak
Just like the US stock market, pre-Frankfurt dealmaking shows the wobbles of a market top. Consistent with our recent third quarter dealmaking overview. Adding to that, the Frankfurt Book Fair falls earlier in the month than usual — good for the weather, but not so good for the concentrated dealmaking between the end of summer and the start of the event. For one more strike, Labor Day was late this year, so our standard measured pre-Frankfurt period of five weeks a day starts back on August 31. This year’s deal trends follow the last few years: Adult fiction continues to […]