Germany’s big bookseller Weltbild has filed for bankruptcy reorganization following longstanding disagreement among the 12 Catholic diocese that own the company on how to finance it, exacerbated by declining sales in the second half of 2013. The company said in a statement, “The lower level of sales expected for the next three years as well doubles the amount of financing needed until the company is restructured.” Reuters says that the filing “does not affect the bookstores,” referring to their half-ownership of Germany’s second largest book chain, which includes the Hugendubel stores. They have been the second-largest online bookseller in the […]
The Week Ahead
The big week of Digital Book World events starts on Monday (as will our coverage) — which means you have until Sunday night to pre-enroll and avoid higher on-site prices. Our 10 percent discount on individual DBW and “total access pass” tickets is still valid, and it remains the best deal available, so use this link/code if you like to save money. We’ve already broken records on every front and are looking forward to a great program, an amazing roster of well over 100 speakers and moderators, and a rich crowd from across the industry and around the world (just […]
Trade Sales Show A Lift In Fall, But eBooks Remain Down Slightly for 2013
The AAP reported monthly sales data for September and October of 2013, showing modest gains versus a year ago when you combine the two months. Total sales first showed year-over-year gains in August, after 10 consecutive months of flat or declining numbers. September trade sales gained 7.5 percent, up $47.5 million, with increases in nearly all tracked sub-categories, to $665 million for the month. In part, however, fall titles shipped earlier in 2013 without the presidential election to steer around. Which may be why the October numbers show a slight decline, down 1.5 percent (or $11 million) at $664.5 million […]
Loudest Voice In the Room Release Moved Up to Next Tuesday
Riding a strong wave of pre-publication coverage — from an authorized excerpt to a broken embargo — Random House is moving up publication of Gabriel Sherman’s THE LOUDEST VOICE IN THE ROOM to Tuesday, January 14 (originally set for release on the 21st).
A World of Information and Contacts
The BBC will have a crew on-site throughout next week’s biggest-ever Digital Book World for general coverage and as part of documentary they are shooting on Amazon — one of our main discussion themes. They are part of our largest international contingent ever. Even though most of the big last-minute registration wave comes from local visitors, we’re still getting enrollment from around the world (including Moscow, Melbourne and Torino just this morning). Like all the best trade events, DBW is about the people you see and meet as much as the over 100 expert speakers you’ll hear from. Two of […]
Digital “White Boxes,” and More
NetGalley has paired with the American Booksellers Association for a program that will offer member booksellers exclusive access to certain digital galleys. As the release explains, “the Digital White Box program complements and expands on the long-standing Red and White Box programs, which provide physical galleys and book promotional information to qualifying ABA member stores.” The first selection of titles in the new program will be offered to booksellers starting in February. Separately, IndieReader.com will display a collection of self-published books with their reviews and ratings through the digital catalog service Edelweiss (for a fee of $399). Co-owner of The […]