Gabe Hudson, 52, author of short story collection Dear Mr. President and novel Gork the Teenage Dragon died on November 24. Hudson also hosted a podcast called “Kurt Vonnegut Radio.”
Archives for November 2023
Author Sues OpenAI and Microsoft on Behalf of Nonfiction Writers
Julian Sancton, author of Madhouse at the End of the Earth: The Belgica’s Journey into the Dark Antarctic Night, has filed suit against OpenAI and Microsoft on behalf of other nonfiction authors, citing copyright infringement in training ChatGPT, Bing Chat, and other generative AI tools. Unlike other similar suits, this one focuses on the work of nonfiction authors, and is the first to name Microsoft as a defendant. Like other suits, this one asserts that the tech companies are making a profit—the complaint quotes an OpenAI report that it is making $1.3 billion per year—from the use of copyrighted works, without […]
Hachette UK Becomes Shareholder of Flame Tree Publishing
Hachette UK has become a shareholder of Flame Tree Publishing, an independent publisher of books, gifts, and art calendars, as of October 31. Hachette UK previously became the company’s distributor. Nick Wells, founder and publisher of Flame Tree, said in a release, “Building on our strong sales, print and licensing relationships, we look forward to a period of stability to allow our creative development to flourish even further.” Flame Tree’s managing director, Frances Bodiam said, “We recently switched from Marston to Hachette Distribution, so we know their positive culture is a good fit, and we look forward to working together […]
Best Of: NYPL
The New York Public Library released its extensive list of best books of the year.
People 11/22
Karen Lotz, president and publisher of Candlewick Press, is stepping into the role of publishing director-at-large and will continue to work with select authors.
Vivendi Finalizes Takeover of Lagardere
Following a second promised sale (of Gala magazine to Groupe Figaro), Vivendi announced Tuesday that it has officially closed its deal for a controlling interest in Lagardere. Vivendi’s executives say in the announcement, “As we do for all our businesses, while preserving its integrity, we will support Lagardère in its development and the transformation of its businesses. Together, we will strengthen our international presence in the fields of creation, content and distribution. We are delighted to start a fruitful collaboration, bringing all our activities to new heights.” Vivendi owns 60 percent of Lagardere stock, and just over 50 percent of […]