RBmedia has partnered with Lee & Low Books to publish audiobooks for the children’s publisher. In a four-year agreement, books for all ages, including Indian No More by Charlene Willing McManis and Traci Sorell and Strong As Fire, Fierce as Flame by Supriya Kelkar, will be distributed globally by RBmedia brands Recorded Books and Tantor, and available on Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, and more.
Audio
Princeton University Press Launches Direct Digital Sales
Princeton University Press has partnered with Glassboxx for direct-to-consumer sales of ebooks and audiobooks on its website and via the PUP app. Previously, only print editions were available to consumers directly. The press is also working to publish its backlist titles in audio. “We are dedicated to putting readers first in everything we do, a mission rooted in inclusivity, by giving them the opportunity to read in the format of their choice,” PUP director of marketing and sales Katie Hope said in a release. “As we looked to serve our readers by adding e-books and audiobooks to our existing print […]
Storytel Gets Breathing Room With Capital Raise that Includes Otava As New Shareholder
Storytel has given itself a significant financial lift with a new share issue that raises approximately 400 million SEK (about $37 million) from its two largest shareholders — EQT Public Investment and Roxette Photo — while also bringing in Finnish media company and book publisher Otava as an investor. (In a separate announcement, Otava says they bought a 3.5 percent stake in the streaming media company, for about 125 million SEK.) Shares were priced at SEK 45.50. The board “believes [it] will strengthen the liquidity of the shares and be beneficial to the Company” and help “ensure a strong balance […]
Audio: RBMedia Expands Partnership With Chronicle Books
RBMedia has signed a three-year agreement to expand its audiobooks partnership with Chronicle Books. The deal will see RBMedia “increase the amount of Chronicle Books audio it publishes and collaborate with Chronicle Books on a variety of titles.” Tyrrell Mahoney, president of Chronicle Books, said, “We are excited to expand upon our partnership with RBmedia to develop our world-renowned, distinctive publishing into compelling audio experiences. This collaboration will ensure that an even wider range of our publishing program will be accessible each season to be heard and enjoyed.”
Audio: PRH Audio Expands Partnership with Peachtree Publishing
PRH Audio has made a deal with Peachtree Publishing to produce audiobooks of their frontlist chapter book, middle grade, YA, and Spanish-language releases, starting with spring 2023 titles. Previously, the two companies had worked together to turn select Peachtree titles into audiobooks. The list will include “about 20 audiobooks per year” and be released under PRH Audio’s Listening Library imprint. Rebecca Waugh at Listening Library acquired world English rights for titles included in the deal. She said in the announcement, “We’re excited to publish even more audiobooks with Peachtree as they expand their list of stellar children’s and YA titles. […]
Spotify’s Plans for Audiobook Growth Were Based on Magical Thinking About Apple’s App Store
Spotify has answered for themselves the question about whether their long-touted audiobooks offering will have much impact on the market. The company has struggled to obtain approval from Apple’s app store for their efforts to circumvent the well-known rules around in-app purchases. It turns out if you don’t want to pay Apple their 30 percent commission, you wind up with an awkward process: “The Audiobooks purchase flow that Apple’s rules force us to provide consumers today is far too complicated and confusing.” Spotify seems to think there is something new about this: “This harms not only consumers, but, this time, […]