Louise Braverman has joined HarperOne as director of publicity, reporting to Melinda Mullin. She was previously at Viking/Penguin.
Archives for February 2022
Waterstones Reportedly Close to Deal with Blackwell’s
Waterstones is days away from finalizing a deal to acquire Blackwell’s, the Financial Times reports. A source says that the deal is expected to be in the “low, single-digit millions,” and it would likely be subject to regulatory approval. Blackwell’s ceo David Prescott “said the company was still in exclusive talks with a prospective buyer.” Like Foyles, which was bought by Waterstones in 2018, Blackwell’s will remain its own brand. Waterstones is owned by Elliott Advisors, which purchased Barnes & Noble in 2019.
Imprints: Magnolia Publications
Thomas Nelson Publishing announced a partnership with Magnolia Publications, a new independent company from Chip and Joanna Gaines. “Jo and I have been changed for the better by people’s stories. These past few years, we’ve had the opportunity to introduce some of these inspiring people to the world, and we’re convinced that there are far more stories out there that need to be told. That’s our hope for Magnolia Publications—that it would be a source of storytelling where people walk away encouraged and inspired,” Chip Gaines said in a statement. Magnolia’s first book is The Road to J.O.Y.: Leading with […]
People 2/25
James Phirman will join the sales department as vp, special markets at HarperCollins on February 28. He was most recently senior director, special sales for HMH Books & Media.
Aspen Words Literary Prize Finalists
New ABA VP Announced; Board Meets with Labor Attorney
At the American Booksellers Association three-day virtual board meeting this month, Duende District Bookstore owner Angela María Spring was announced as co-vice president, sharing the title with Kelly Estep. Last year, the board allowed for two vice-presidents to “improve the pipeline to the presidency” as part of their equity and inclusion initiatives. In a session focused on “board education about an industry trend,” the board met with labor attorney Mark A. Konkel from the ABA general counsel’s office. Bookselling This Week reports that Konkel “represents owners but is pro-worker and knowledgeable about unions from the perspective of both employers and employees. He […]