Realigning Two UK publishers announced internal realignments. Ebury is adding “self” and “lifestyle/BBC” publishing “hubs” to the smart and entertainment hubs they created earlier this year — and now publicity and marketing are being brought closer together. It seems publicity is now called “campaigns,” with Joanna Bennett promoted to head of campaigns for the Smart…
Audio
In Sweden, Bonnier and Storytel’s Standoff Over Audio Compensation
Swedish publisher Bonnier and the leading digital audiobook service in Scandinavia Storytel have been in a dispute since April — when Bonnier started withholding their new release audiobooks from Storytel, most prominently with the release of Camilla Lackberg’s latest novel. In a posted FAQ, Bonnier said they were retaliating after Storytel started “hid[ing] all the…
Chronicle Books to Add Audio Line
Chronicle Books is the latest independent publisher to add an audiobook line, starting with four titles this spring and intending to release 10 to 15 “select nonfiction” titles a season, simultaneous with print book publication. Chronicle Prism managing director Mark Tauber oversees Chronicle Audio as well. As with their print book, Hachette Book Group will…
People, Etc.
Michael Gentile has been promoted to vice president, education sales and marketing, Penguin Random House, expanding his role to include oversight of education sales across all children’s and adult divisions. On the children’s side, he will report to to Felicia Frazier, senior vice president, children’s and education sales, and on the adult side to Kim…
Audible to Settle Lawsuit with Up to 12 Million Free Audiobooks
Audible could issue as many as 12 million free audiobooks and reimburse up to 8.4 million customers for overdraft fees to fulfill the settlement terms of two recent class action lawsuits. The plaintiffs in Grant McKee et al. v. Audible, Inc. and Eric Weber and Bryan Rees v. Amazon.com, Inc., and Amazon Services LLC claim that Audible…
People, Awards, Etc.
At St. Martin’s, Joe Goldschein has been promoted to senior director, marketing & sales operations; Kim Ludlam to director, creative services; Martin Quinn to associate director, marketing; Marissa Sangiacomo to senior marketing manager; Erik Platt to senior manager, digital advertising operations; Danielle Prielipp to senior marketing manager; Joe Brosnan to senior marketing manager; DJ DeSmyter…