UK-based retailer WH Smith remains “clear and consistent” in their strategy and results, showing a regular modest decline: Sales for the six months ending February 29 of £256 million were down by £10 million (just under 4 percent) and profit of £22 million was down by £2 million. They will be expanding an in-store boutique initiative with Toys ‘R Us, adding 30 store-in-stores by the end of the year, and they continue to make clear that their flexible lease portfolio leaves them willing and able to close locations if they don’t like the terms: “We only renew a lease where […]
Distribution: Frank Miller Presents
Comics publisher Frank Miller Presents will create graphic novels that will be distributed by Abrams’ new Kana imprint, which is led by Abrams ComicArts publisher Rodolphe Lachat.
Former Lagardere Publishing CEO Nourry Said to Prepare Launch of New Publisher
La Lettre (The Letter) in France recently ran an unconfirmed report that former Lagardere Publishing CEO Arnaud Nourry “is preparing his return in secret, three years after being brutally ousted from his chair.” Fired three years ago after speaking out in opposition to any splitting up of Hachette Livre or a sale to Editis”\ (back when the battle for control of Lagardere’s assets was still brewing), La Lettre says Nourry’s non-compete clause “expires in April”—at the end of the month, according to Le Point—and he “intends to take advantage of the restructuring of the editorial landscape brought about by Vivendi’s […]
More On Barnes & Noble Education’s Funders
In documents filed with the SEC, Barnes & Noble Education provided more granular detail on their fresh infusion of capital. New controlling equity-holder Immersion Corporation is investing through their subsidiary Toro 18 Holdings. Of the $50 million in new equity investment, $45 million is coming from Toro 18, and the remaining $5 million is coming from VitalSource. For the additional $45 million fully backstopped equity rights offering, Toro 18 accounts for a commitment of up to $35 million of the stock, with Outerbridge Capital Management taking $5 million—they hold a board seat, and likely lost big on their significant holding […]
Obituary: Janet Reid
Longtime literary agent and generous creator of Query Shark, Janet Reid died on Sunday, after a brief illness, reportedly passing “swiftly and at peace, with loved ones seeing her through.” Her client Allison K. Williams wrote on social media, “My beloved agent @Janet_Reid has departed for the great library in the sky. Long before we worked together, her blog & @QueryShark educated me about querying, publishing & writing. She was a generous advice giver who truly listened to writers at all stages.” Friends and her next of kin are working on an official obituary.
Imprints: JVL Media
Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon have announced the creation of a new publisher, JVL Media, created with author and publisher and Davis’s co-publisher on her memoir, Lavaille Lavette. Davis says in the announcement, “This endeavor embodies our collective aspiration—to champion and elevate voices that resonate with authenticity and are often overlooked. Our mission is to interlace a rich mosaic venerates the enduring heritage of storytellers from diverse walks of life.” The company says in fall 2025 it “will expand its literary repertoire to include an array of children’s books and young adult titles.” The first announced titles Had […]