Obituary: MJ Rose
Our community lost another generous and innovative stalwart, as bestselling author, independent publisher, book marketer and tireless author advocate and friend M. J. Rose (Melisse Shapiro) died suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday. Rose wrote 21 books, including The Reincarnationist, which was adapted into a TV show. She was also a co-founder of International Thriller Writers; founded and ran book marketing service AuthorBuzz.com; and was a co-founder with Liz Berry (later joined by business partner Jillian Stein) of 1001 Dark Nights and its imprint Blue Box Press. Shapiro helped countless authors promote their books, develop their careers, and navigate the mysteries […]
Murray on Audio, AI, and Backlist
At the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference on Tuesday, Harper Collins ceo Brian Murray discussed the growth of audio and the success of the company and the books business as a whole. Much of the conversation focused on emerging technologies. Murray said that audiobooks have “eclipsed” ebook sales for the publisher, in part due to the growth of listeners using Spotify and Audible. While previously, audiobook listeners were very committed to the format and used Audible, Spotify was able to target “more occasional audiobook listeners” who were already using the platform for music and podcasts. “We now know, a […]
Quarterly Profits Jump at Barnes & Noble Education
After a preliminary report a month ago, Barnes & Noble Education announced full results for their second quarter ended October 26, with sales down 1.4 percent to $602 million due to the closing of 109 physical and virtual stores (many of which, they say, were underperforming). Previously they estimated sales would “essentially flat.” Net income doubled to $49.7 million, up from $24.9 million, “due to improved operating income, lower interest expense, and reduced restructuring and other charges.” Adjusted EBITDA was up 29.1 percent to $66 million, attributed to $13 million in cost savings from closed stores, “productivity initiatives.” They estimate […]
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The Strand Union Strikes
Unionized booksellers at The Strand in New York went on strike starting Saturday, December 7. The union has been negotiating for a new contract since August and authorized a strike in November. The current contract expired on Thanksgiving, November 28 and the approximately 90 unionized employees have been working without a contract ever since. According to UAW Local 2179 representative Will Bobrowski, the parties will go back to the bargaining table at 10:30 AM today (Monday). The union is currently not picketing in front of the store, but is ready to go back to the picket line at any time […]