Barnes & Noble spokesperson Mary Ellen Keating tells the WSJ that “demand for the nook in our stores and online has surpassed our expectations.” While the first wave of pre-orders will ship to customers on November 30, those who purchase the units now are being told their orders will ship on December 11. Keating says “we are working hard to meet demand for the holidays.” Harlequin announced the launch of Carina Press, a digital-only publishing house that will sell directly to consumers and “operate independently of their traditional publishing businesses.” Angela James is joining the new operation as executive editor. […]