Archives for July 2021
July Picks
Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction
Legal: Former Bonnier Books UK CEO Found In Contempt
Former Bonnier Books UK CEO Richard Johnson, fired in 2018 for what the company called gross misconduct, has now been found in contempt of court after threatening to release secret “evidence” against the company, the Bookseller reports. For months, Johnson failed to respond adequately to a January motion for injunctive relief after he threatened that he had “taped a lot of conversations with senior people in Bonnier over the years and the conduct and those tapes are as clear as anything.” Johnson was ordered to pay Bonnier’s court costs, and additional consequences are still possible. Johnson belatedly submitted a witness […]
UNC Press Responds to Chair Reappointment Controversy
The University of North Carolina Press released a statement yesterday following the refusal of the UNC System Board of Governors to reappoint the Press’s existing and renominated chair Eric Muller, who spoke out about the university’s handling of race and history. Vice chair of the UNC Press board Lisa Levenstein and director of UNC Press John Sherer write that many individuals and organizations have “rightfully voiced support for the reelection of Eric Muller,” who “served tirelessly and brilliantly as chair of the board during one of the most successful periods in the history of the Press.” While underscoring the Press’s […]
The Office: HBG Introduces Hybrid Work Model
Hachette Book Group will reopen its offices with a hybrid work model this September, requiring staff to work from the office at least two days a week, on fixed days of the week. “Changing from working entirely from home to working two fixed days a week in the office is intended to be a manageable transition,” ceo Michael Pietsch wrote to staff. Different locations will reopen in weekly phases, with the New York office scheduled for September 13. (There is no date yet for reopening their Toronto office, however, “due to federal and provincial regulations in Ontario.”) Additionally, a new […]