Obituaries Founder of Tarcher Books, Jeremy Tarcher, 83, died on Sunday of complications related to Parkinson’s Disease. Current publisher of the Tarcher Perigee imprint of Penguin Random House Joel Fotinos says in a statement: “Jeremy was one of the most creative and brilliant people I’ve ever met. His boundless curiosity inspired him to go beyond traditional publishing and thought, and led him to discover the most innovative and exciting voices in the field of human potential. This curiosity about the world, our minds, and our capacity to expand our abilities drove him every day, and was reflected in the eponymous, pioneering publishing company he […]
Archives for September 2015
Oyster Shutting Down, In Google AcquiHire
Ebook subscription service Oyster announced late Monday afternoon in a blog post that the company would wind down operations “over the next several months.” Publishers told us to expect this development earlier in the day, as part of a sale of Oyster. The subscription company then confirmed to Re/code that “a portion” of staff are going to work for Google Play Books, and sources told the site that Oyster ceo Eric Stromberg, co-founders Andrew Brown and Willem Van Lancker are among those who will work for Google. Sources said Google is de facto the buyer, paying Oyster for the right to hire some of its […]
Carmen Balcells, 85, Dies
The major Spanish literary agent Carmen Balcells, 85, died Monday in Barcelona, El Pais reported first. Director at the Carmen Balcells Literary Agency Gloria Gutierrez tells the NYT that she died of a heart attack. As El Pais writes, “Balcells was much more than a literary agent for the authors. She was not just the person who negotiated contracts with publishers, translations and literary awards, but was a confidant and a counselor, who was always there. In some cases, she came to advance money so they could write in peace.” Her passing leaves unclear the future of the Carmen Balcells Literary Agency. The memorandum […]
People: Nussbaum Leaves F+W for America’s Test Kitchen, Silverberg to S&S
CEO and chairman of F+W Media for the past 8 years David Nussbaum is leaving that post to become ceo of America’s Test Kitchen/Boston Common Press, starting October 14. COO and CFO Jim Ogle will serve as interim CEO of F+W as well while the board looks for a permanent replacement. Controlling owner Tinicum’s co-managing member Terence O’Toole will take on the role of chairman of the board. O’Toole says in the announcement, “We thank David for his leadership and wish him all the best in his new position. We look forward to working with Jim and the entire F+W management team to continue F+W’s transformation.” Tinicum […]
Germans Ask For Second Investigation, Into Amazon’s Audio Empire
After helping to spur a European Commission investigation into Amazon’s ebook contracts with publishers, announced this June, Germany’s Publishers and Booksellers Association filed a new complaint with Germany’s Cartel Office and the EC. Now they are asking for additional scrutiny of Amazon’s Audible subsidiary, accusing the company of misusing the leverage from a near-monopoly in digital audiobooks. German accounts claim Audible wants to move publishers to a “flat-rate” service, and has threatened to stop offering publishers’ product if they do not agree to the new terms. Association head Alexander Skipis says, “The business model of Amazon and Audible is aimed […]
People, Etc.: A New Trump Book for Threshold
Donald Trump will publish a new book, currently untitled, with Threshold Editions on October 27. Consistent with his presidential campaign, “Trump will outline how a crippled America could be restored to greatness,” the publisher reports. “The book will explore Trump’s view on key issues including the economy, big CEO salaries and taxes, healthcare, education, national security, and social issues. Of particular interest will be his vision for complete immigration reform, beginning with securing the borders and putting American workers first.” Trump adds, “I am excited to announce that work on my new bestseller is almost done…. Not since The Art of the Deal have […]