An 8th Circuit Appeals Court said it would consider ordering a new trial in Jesse Ventura‘s defamation case against the estate of Chris Kyle and HarperCollins over remarks published in AMERICAN SNIPER, the AP reports, because the plaintiff’s attorney told jurors during closing arguments that the publisher’s “insurer is on the hook if you find that Jesse Ventura was defamed” during last year’s trial. The jury awarded Ventura $500,000 for defamation and another $1.3 million for unjust enrichment. Appeals court judge William Riley admonished Ventura’s lawyer, David Bradley Olsen, for being “over the line” with his remarks to the jury, and then challenged […]
Nook Unveils The GlowLight Plus
Following a premature leak on their own web site a month ago, on Wednesday Nook formally launched its first new ereader in two years, the GlowLight Plus. The new 6.9-ounce device — slightly heavier than its predecessor — is hailed as the company’s “first waterproof and dustproof device,” and therefore perfect “for worry-free reading anywhere – including the bath and the beach.” As in the past, a promotion offer that runs through the end of the year gives device buyers three free ebooks from a selection of 20 participating titles, three free magazines and a $5 content credit. “We’re excited to introduce the best ever Nook eReader […]
People, Etc.
Longtime vp, director of publicity at Viking Penguin Carolyn Coleburn is stepping aside from her duties on December 1. She will take on the new role of vp, executive publicist, in order to “allow her to concentrate her full-time energies and expertise on individual publicity campaigns, while allowing more flexibility with the commute between her home in Philadelphia and our Hudson Street offices.” Succeeding Coleburn as director of publicity on December 1 is Lindsay Prevette, about whom Brian Tart said in the announcement: “She is highly respected by, and collaborative with, editors, authors, media, and booksellers. I am looking forward […]
People, Awards, Etc.
At SUNY Press, Rafael Chaiken has been promoted to assistant acquisitions editor and Emily Keneston has been promoted to assistant production editor. As of January 1, Dutch agency Sebes & Van Gelderen will change its name to Sebes & Bisseling, as Willem Bisseling becomes a partner after almost 10 years with the firm. The shortlists for the ALA Carnegie Medals were announced, with the winners to be named at the ALA Midwinter conference in January: Fiction The Book of Aron, by Jim Shepard A Little Life, by Hanya Yanagihara The Sympathizer, by Viet Thanh Nguyen Nonfiction H is for Hawk, by Helen Macdonald […]
People, Etc.
Sally Kim has joined Putnam as vp, editorial director, moving over from Touchstone, where she held the same position. Putnam and Dutton president Ivan Held said in the announcement: “Sally is the perfect person to both help carry on Putnam’s bestselling tradition and to lead our editorial team in the evolving marketplace. She has vision, market acumen, an eye for talent on the page, terrific agent relationships, and the right sensibility to help each editor bring in top books in each of Putnam’s areas of strength.” Kim added: “I can point to so many books on Putnam’s rich and distinguished […]
Bookselling: Barnes & Noble To Close Downtown DC Location; Sherman’s Buys Maine Coast Book Shop; and More
Barnes & Noble will close its downtown Washington, DC location by the end of the year, the Washington City Paper reported. Company vp, development David Deason told the paper: “Despite our best efforts to come to an agreement with the property owner to extend the lease, they have decided to move forward with another tenant and the store will close at the end of December.” Maine Coast Book Shop and Cafe has a new owner in Sherman’s Books & Stationery’s Jeff Curtis, who will make the store the sixth location of Sherman’s as of January 1. “Putting what amounts to […]