It’s tempting to dismiss today’s NYT piece on ebook readers preference to pay less money for titles for the unsubstantial work that it is. But since it runs in the Times, some people will automatically take it seriously, despite the anecdotal reporting and absence of any data. (Not that none exists–but there’s no mention here of recently-presented findings on price sensitivity from the BISG and Verso surveys, or Kobo’s presentation that they sell almost as many ebooks at prices greater than $9.99 than they do at $9.99 itself, or the informal accounts of agents who have seen pricing data presented […]
Archives for February 2010
Acquisitions: Buyers for Kirkus, and Teleread
Chairman emeritus of Simon Property Group and owner of the Indiana Pacers as well as co-owner of Tecolote Books in Montecito, CA Herb Simon has purchased Kirkus Reviews. Chief executive of Calendar Holdings and the other partner in that bookstore (as well as former Barnes & Noble employee) Marc Winkelman will be ceo of the new Kirkus Media and hold a small stake in the operation, with Elaine Szewczyk and Eric Liebetrau remaining in their leadership roles. He indicated to the NYT that “the company would continue to publish Kirkus as a print magazine while beefing up its digital offerings. […]
That Was Quick: New Massachusetts Senator Heads Straight for a Book Deal–PLus More Proposals and Soft Announcements
Just-elected Scott Brown has retained Robert Barnett at Williams & Connolly to help him secure a book deal, Politico reports. Communications director Gail Gitcho says he is “honored and humbled to be approached by many people who want him to tell his inspirational personal story…. He will tell his story in a book in hopes of providing insight and encouragement to others and also to ensure that the record is complete and accurate.” He’ll work with a collaborator so that he has some time to serve as a senator, and will donate “part” of the proceeds to charity.Politico Separately, the […]
Vook Pairs with Anne Rice, and Janklow & Nesbit
Vook will publish a version of Anne Rice’s vampire short story The Master of Rampling Gate (originally published in Redbook in 1984, and released later as an audiobook), available March 1. In announcing the new product, Vook also says it has a “relationship” with Rice’s agency, Janklow & Nesbit. A spokesman said that means Vook has “an ongoing partnership” with the literary agency, with “additional titles to come from other authors” that they represent.
Aletheia Buys Another 2 Million Barnes & Noble Shares
In concert with their friend Ron Burkle’s assault on Barnes & Noble’s board, Aletheia Research disclosed to the SEC their continued purchases of BN stock. Between January 21 and January 29 alone, they added more than 2 million shares, bringing their stake in the company up to 17.44 percent. At today’s share price, which is rising, they are still about $8 million in the red on their investment-to-date of $210 million.
People and More
Don Fehr joins Trident Media Group as a literary agent. Most recently he was editorial director at Kaplan Publishing. Agency chairman Robert Gottlieb calls it “a wonderful opportunity to combine his extraordinary experiences in publishing, his unique relationships with authors, and his ability to create new business opportunities.” At Free Press, Leah Miller has been promoted to associate editor, reporting to editor-in-chief Dominick Anfuso and continuing to work with Dominick on his books as well as those of other editors, while also acquiring for her own list. At PublicAffairs, Tessa Shanks has been promoted to publicity manager. At Harlequin, executive […]