After the release of yesterday’s news that they would independently publish revised editions of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels, Ian Fleming Publications Ltd posted an explanation, on their website. “We consulted with a number of parties but ultimately decided that, rather than making changes in line with their advice, it was instead most appropriate to look for guidance from the author himself. The original US version of Live and Let Die, approved and apparently favored by Ian, had removed some racial terms which were problematic even in mid-1950s America, and would certainly be considered deeply offensive now by the vast […]
Revised Fleming Books To Be Published in April
A week after the news of Roald Dahl’s books being edited, and not being edited, comes the revelation that new editions of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels will be published with racist language removed, The Telegraph reports. Ian Fleming Publications Ltd, which holds the rights, hired sensitivity readers to review the books prior to their paperback reissue in April. A 10-year license to Vintage UK to publish the Bond novels expired in 2022, and according to bookseller metadata the estate will publish both the digital and print editions directly in the UK, without a traditional publisher partner. William Morrow publishes the […]
Indigo’s In-Store Processes Return After Cybersecurity Incident
After a cybersecurity incident felled its website and many in-store services on Feb. 8, Indigo announced on social media that stores can now process all forms of payment, as well as returns and exchanges. The company put up a placeholder site where customers can browse books and other merchandise that’s available in store, but the site can’t accept purchases or check the status of previously-placed online orders. The Indigo app is also unavailable. In an FAQ on the website, the company said their investigation “has found no indication” that customer data, including credit card information, was compromised. The company does […]
Bonnier Books Gains After Record Year
Bonnier released their 2022 earnings, reporting sales at the Bonnier Books division of SEK 7.4 billion ($736 million), growing 13.7 percent over their record 2021 results. EBITDA was SEK 385 million, down from SEK 573 million last year, as “margins were squeezed by, among other things, rising paper prices.” Audio subscription service BookBeat grew to more than 700,000 subscribers. CEO Erik Haegerstrand said, “We can be quite satisfied with the financial results for 2022. The financial results for 2022 exemplified the advantage and security of having diversified operations, which reported relatively stable earnings overall. But our growth and earnings must […]
Harper Union Ratifies Contract; Will Return to Work Feb 21
Today the Harper Collins employee union ratified the tentative deal reached by management and union representatives last week. Striking staff will return to work on February 21. The new contract, which will be in effect through 2025, sets a minimum salary of $47,500 — meeting Macmillan and Hachette Book Group’s recently-increased base pay — which will then increase to $48,500 in 2024 and $50,000 in 2025. Bargaining unit employees will also receive one lump sum payment of $1,500, and “guaranteed annual increases for everyone rated above ‘unsatisfactory’.” The company remains an open shop but with strengthened union protections, including additional […]
People 2/16
At Harper Collins, Kelly Roberts has been promoted to senior director, divisional sales. Kerry Moynagh has been promoted to vp, executive director of children’s sales. Jim Hanas has been promoted to vp, central marketing & strategy. Megan Hodnett has been promoted to vp, sales finance.