As we get closer to noting the final very best books of the year, we wanted to give special acknowledgment to some of the honored books first previewed ahead of publication in our popular, free Buzz Books digital samplers. Every year it’s our privilege to help bring consumers, booksellers, reviewers, media and others these curated early glimpses at forthcoming discovery titles and breakout books — and every year, it’s a pleasure to see how many of the titles featured in Buzz Books go on to acclaim. This year more than 20 titles in our two editions of Buzz Books made […]
People: Fallon to Retire From Pearson, HMH Exec Departs, and More
After presiding over years of asset sales, waves of significant layoffs, and a significant decline in sales, Pearson chief executive John Fallon has decided to retire in 2020 after a successor is selected. By his account, “Over 75% of the company is now growing, as we work our way through a major industry wide disruption in the other 25% of Pearson – US Higher Education Courseware. All of Pearson is now very well placed to meet the need for affordable and effective learning…. We’re now at the stage where it’s time to transition to a new leader, who can bring […]
ICM Sells A Stake to Private Equity
ICM Partners, which bought its freedom in 2012 from controlling investor Rizvi Traverse Management, has once again sold a stake in the agency. This time, they have a sold a minority one-third share in the agency to Crestview Partners, for approximately $150 million. CEO Chris Silbermann told Variety some of that money would be used to “reward” employees across the agency, along with buying out some current equity holders. The press release indicates that “all ICM Partners employees, including assistants and support staff, will benefit financially from the deal.” “It will also help fund acquisition of other agencies and related […]
Whitehead and Keefe Still Lead the Consensus Best Book of the Year Race
Here is our weekly updated aggregation of the best of Best Books of 2019 lists, now with over 50 lists tabulated. Colson Whitehead still leads the field, with Patrick Radden Keefe continuing to top all nonfiction titles. The Very Best of the Best Books of 2019: The Top 10 So Far 1. The Nickel Boys, by Colson Whitehead [22] 2. Say Nothing, by Patrick Radden Keefe [17] 3. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, by Ocean Vuong [16] 4. Trust Exercise, by Susan Choi [15] 5. The Yellow House, by Sarah Broom [14] 6. The Testaments, by Margaret Atwood [12] Normal […]
Briefs
Film/TV Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman, through their company Escapist Fare, have signed a multi-year overall deal with CBS TV Studios. That deal starts with a limited series adaptation of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay for Showtime, but includes a number of other projects in development. Akiva Goldsman and Alex Kurtzman will executive produce Kavalier & Clay, and Paramount Television will produce (since Paramount Pictures owns the film/TV rights). Initiatives This year James Patterson will give holiday gifts totaling over $200,000 to Barnes & Noble booksellers around the country as well, in addition to his annual holiday bonuses […]
Remembering Susan Kamil
Random House executives and a formidable roster of authors provided a rich, heartfelt and inspiring celebration of the exuberant life of Susan Kamil, who died in September, on Thursday afternoon at the New York Times Center. Random House publishing group president and publisher Gina Centrello said emotionally, “If I am successful at all today, it is due in large part to Susan’s guiding hand.” As Centrello recalled, “About 15 years ago, I was appointed publisher of Random House. Prior to this, all of my experience in publishing was in commercial publishing. Literary publishing was a different world; a very different […]