Also forthcoming is a new “multi-platform” house-created series from Scholastic, in the vein of their successful 39 Clues and Infinity Ring lines. SPIRIT ANIMALS is their first fantasy series in this format, and it launches September 10, 2013, with the first title–WILD BORN–written by Brandon Mull and another in January 2014 by Maggie Stiefvater. The series “centers around the fantasy world of Erdas where children who come of age go through a ritual to determine if they have a ‘spirit animal,’ a rare bond between human and beast that bestows great powers to both. Four children from different cultures undergo […]
Archives for January 2013
New and Forthcoming: Fifty Shades Hardcovers, USA Today Picks, and More
Random House’s Doubleday imprint will issue hardcover editions (at $26.95 each) of EL James’s Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy on January 29. They are starting with a total of 200,000 copies of the three hardcovers–compared to sales of over 35 million units in the US so far for the paperbacks and ebook editions, and 65 million units worldwide. Vintage/Anchor’s Anne Messitte says in the announcement, “As interest in the Fifty Shades trilogy has grown, readers have been asking for hardcover editions of the books. These new hardcovers include unique production elements, making them the ultimate collector’s editions for readers of […]
People, Etc.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt has hired Brook Colangelo as their chief information officer, reporting to ceo Linda Zecher. Colangelo has been CIO for American in the Executive Office of the President of the United States of America since 2009. Antony Topping has been named managing director of UK literary agency Greene & Heaton, where he has worked since 1995. Carol Heaton will continue as chairman, and Nicola Barr has been appointed to the agency’s board of directors. Heaton said in a statement “I am delighted by our new structure. Antony has built up a splendid list while demonstrating real leadership qualities. […]
eNews: McGraw-Hill’s eTextbooks Adapt to Students; BabyFirst Digital Imprint; PIA Awards; and More
At the Consumer Electronics Show, McGraw-Hill has announced an “adaptive e-book” for college texts, which “focuses students’ attention on the content that is most critical to their learning.” They will launch in the late spring for about 90 course areas. As the WSJ describes it: “All readers essentially see the same textbook as they read for the first five minutes. But as a reader answers review questions placed throughout the chapter, different passages become highlighted to point the reader to where he or she should focus attention.” A company called Area9 developed the technology. Though digital textbooks have lagged so far, McGraw-Hill […]
Eng, Thayil and Pamuk Among Man Asian Candidates
Two Booker nominees, Tan Twan Eng and Jeet Thayil, compete again for the Man Asian Prize. The shortlist was just announced, with the winner to be named March 14. It’s the last round for the Man Group’s sponsorship. Spokesperson Harrison Kelly says “Since October we have been contacted by several Asian-based and global corporations about sponsoring the prize. In fact we are currently in encouraging talks with potential partners.” Last year’s winner, Kyung-sook Shin’s PLEASE LOOK AFTER MOM, is said to have sold 2 million copies worldwide. Here are the candidates; Farooqi’s is the one not published yet in a US edition. (It was published […]
People: Bergstrom Named Publisher at Gallery
Editor-in-chief of Gallery Books Jen Bergstrom has been promoted to vp, publisher, continuing to report to group publisher Louise Burke. “Over the past three years, Jen has served as Editor-in-Chief of this young imprint,” Burke said in the announcement. “Instrumental in Gallery’s successful run as a profitable imprint committed to serving readers by publishing established authors and introducing emerging voices both in fiction and non-fiction, Jen’s savvy acquisition strategy and flair for promotion has helped Gallery become an imprint of choice for agents and authors alike.” S&S ceo Carolyn Reidy added: “Bergstrom’s creative energy and business acumen make her a […]