Author of The Power of Habit Charles Duhigg served as a curious and somewhat baffling witness for the defense on Thursday. The upshot is, he is a very happy Random House author, and he has made so much money he really doesn’t care about his advances. Also, despite having an MBA and having written about economics, he does not appear to understand the nuts and bolts of business very well. Duhigg has had a rewarding and valued partnership with his editor, Andy Ward. On the process of writing The Power of Habit, Duhigg said, “It would not be unfair to […]
People 8/10
Jamison Stoltz has been promoted to editorial director of both Abrams Press and The Overlook Press.
AAP Decides Not to Pursue Legal Fees from Maryland — This Time
The AAP notified Judge Deborah L. Boardman that it “does not wish to burden the Court with a request for costs and fees” from the State of Maryland after their thorough drubbing in court. But in a warning to other states still contemplating similarly unconstitutional efforts to encroach on the Copyright Act with respect to terms for ebooks sold or licensed to libraries, the AAP makes clear that its “decision is limited to this case, which involved the first bill of its type passed by a state legislature. AAP expressly reserves all rights, claims, and remedies that may be applicable […]
Obituary: David McCullough, 89
The bestselling author of 12 books and two-time winner of both the Pulitzer and the National Book Award, David McCullough died on Sunday at 89, “surrounded by his five children in Hingham, MA.” His wife, Rosalee, died two months ago. Simon & Schuster ceo Jonathan Karp said in a statement: “David McCullough was a national treasure. His books brought history to life for millions of readers. Through his biographies, he dramatically illustrated the most ennobling parts of the American character. Simon & Schuster has been honored to be David’s publisher for 54 years. He was greatly admired and beloved throughout […]
People 8/9
Harper Has Modest Finish to Year, Looks Forward to Rings of Power
News Corp. reported fourth quarter and full fiscal year earnings on Monday afternoon, with HarperCollins recording sales for $513 million for the quarter ending June 30, $20 million higher than a year ago — though down a little on an underlying basis. Sales are $20 million higher due to an additional week in the quarter, plus the acquisition of HMH added $14 million in the quarter. As we have noted previously, Harper is penalized by the strong dollar (whereas European-based publishers benefit), so there was a $16 million “impact” from currency fluctuations as well. Digital sales rose 9 percent for […]