NPD BookScan looked at sales data for books that have been removed from shelves or publicly challenged, finding that media attention converts into sales spikes — though the absolute numbers range widely. “When a book finds itself at the top of a national news story because it has received a challenge, sales go up,” said Kristen McLean, books industry analyst for NPD. “But that doesn’t translate into an overall sales boost for other banned books. It’s the immediacy of the story, and viewers’ reaction to it, that drives increased sales. It is also likely that many consumers don’t know what […]
Last Reminder: Buzz Editors Panel This Wednesday
It’s only natural: There is an abundance of virtual events and panels through May, and many of us wait until the last minute to enroll. So this will be our last call for our Buzz Books Editors Panel, this Wednesday, May 18 at 7 PM Eastern. It’s not from a single publisher and it’s not days and days of sessions: It’s one lively session, featuring six curated potential breakout titles, presented in conversations between the authors and their editors. The extra twist this time is Who? Weekly podcaster and forthcoming author Bobby Finger joins us as emcee — and once again we […]
ILP Acquires Estates of Marsh, Rule and Thirkell
International Literary Properties (ILP) announced the acquisition of three more literary estates, in whole or in part: A majority interest in the literary estate of New Zealand crime novelist Dame Ngaio Marsh; a majority interest in the literary estate of American true crime author Ann Rule; and full ownership of the literary works of British author Angela Thirkell. CEO of ILP UK and Europe Hilary Strong said in the release: “I have been lucky enough to work closely with a number of crime estates, amongst them Agatha Christie and Margery Allingham, and Ngaio Marsh is undoubtedly one of the masters […]
Acquisitions: University of Georgia Press Buys NewSouth Books
The University of Georgia Press announced its acquisition of NewSouth Books, founded in 2000 and based in Montgomery, Alabama, with a catalog of over 400 titles. Publisher Suzanne La Rosa will join UGA Press on July 1 and continue to publish 8-12 new titles annually under the NewSouth imprint. Editor-in-chief Randall Williams will continue to edit selected titles and recommend works for acquisition. UGA Press director Lisa Bayer said in the announcement: “NewSouth Books has always punched above its weight in representing the culturally complex and socially significant Deep South to the world. We are thrilled to honor Randall and […]
AAP Meeting Highlights Challenges to Books and Copyright
The AAP convened a virtual annual meeting on Monday, with current board chair (and ceo of HBG USA) Michael Pietsch and AAP president and ceo Maria Pallante reminding the audience of the organization’s current core values and reviewing the abundant challenges they are confronting. “As an industry, we must therefore be vigorously involved in the policy battles that threaten our industry,” Pallante said. “Big Tech” was mentioned multiple times in her remarks, along with “the radical, systematic infringements of the Silicon-valley based Internet Archive, a case we continue to litigate in New York, and the misguided but aggressive actions of […]
Qatar Will Retain Lagardere Stock
Qatar Holding, a longtime major shareholder in Lagardere, announced over the weekend that it will not tender it shares to Vivendi, meaning it will hold on to its stock. The investment authority was given a board seat last year. They note in the press release, “Qatar Holding LLC may consider acquiring or selling Lagardère S.A. shares depending on market opportunities and/or applicable regulatory requirements.” Their decision should not affect Vivendi acquiring control of Lagardere in the tender offer, since Vivendi already controlled over 45 percent of shares before launching the offer. In other Lagardere news, catching up for the record, […]