Author and tabletop role-playing game (RPG) designer Daniel Fox joined Andrews McMeel Universal in the new position of executive creative director of games, reporting to president and publisher Kirsty Melville. He will create and acquire RPGs and related products, as well as work with AMU creators to help extend their brands into games. Fox says in the announcement, “There are a growing number of RPG designers looking for the right partner to bring their games to life in the broader RPG market. Gotham Ghostwriters has hired author and ghostwriter Jennifer Banash as director of its creative writing, and former Writer’s […]
Archives for May 2019
Wiley to Buy Knewton
Just days after the Cengage and McGraw-Hill merger announcement, Wiley announced a deal to buy the assets of ed-tech firm Knewton, in a transaction expected to close by the end of the month. The price was not disclosed — though Knewton was reportedly being offered at a “fire sale” price, with EdSurge saying, “There were other buyers bidding for Knewton’s assets, with the transaction prices discussed in the $10 million range.” One of the first big ed-tech companies, New York-based Knewton had raised over $180 in funding. “No industry analyst we spoke with believes the sale price was anywhere near […]
Lagardere Sales Up in Q1, Boosted by the Strengthening Dollar
Lagardere reported Q1 earnings Tuesday, with sales of €460 million in the book division, up €18 million compared to the same period last year. The strengthening US dollar contributed €12 million of the gain, however, and the purchase of Worthy Publishing added €2 million. Lagardere reports that the US business “delivered solid growth” (up 3.3 percent like for like), thanks to “good momentum” in digital audio books. Companywide, digital audio comprised 3.8 percent of sales, up from 2.5 percent a year ago, over 50 percent higher. France also saw “good momentum,” up 1.9 percent like for like, while the UK […]
Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous Tops June Indie Next List
The ABA named On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong as its No. 1 pick for June Indie Next list. You can sample it now in our Buzz Books 2019 Spring/Summer, along with titles from Mona Awad, Sara Collins, and Richard Roper, which are also on the June list. The rest of the picks: Ask Again, Yes, by Mary Beth Keane Red, White & Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston The Confessions of Frannie Langton, by Sara Collins Underland, by Robert Macfarlane Recursion, by Blake Crouch Magic for Liars, by Sarah Gailey Bunny, by Mona Awad Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered, by Karen […]
Judge Makes Several Key Rulings in Parneros v. Barnes & Noble
Judge John G. Koeltl decided Monday on several matters concerning former Barnes & Noble ceo Demos Parneros’ lawsuit against the bookseller. First, Judge Koeltl denied Parneros’ motion to dismiss B&N’s second counterclaim, which alleges that Parneros acted as a faithless servant by “sabotaging” a potential sale and therefore is liable for compensation. Parneros had asked for Barnes & Noble to start paying fees used to defend himself against those counterclaims — and here the judge ruled in his favor, awarding him advancement of 50 percent of those fees so far. Koeltl said BN’s argument that the alleged sexual harassment and […]
Chronicle Books to Add Audio Line
Chronicle Books is the latest independent publisher to add an audiobook line, starting with four titles this spring and intending to release 10 to 15 “select nonfiction” titles a season, simultaneous with print book publication. Chronicle Prism managing director Mark Tauber oversees Chronicle Audio as well. As with their print book, Hachette Book Group will distribute the audiobooks as well, through Hachette Audio. Tauber says in the announcement, “As we begin to publish the audio versions of these books that our team works so hard to shape, edit, make, and market, we are very pleased to be extending and building […]