The American Booksellers Association published an explainer on how the new tariffs will affect the book world. As previously reported, standard printed books imported into the US are exempt from the new tariffs. However, the cost of producing books—and thus, book prices—could go up, if publishers use ink, pulp, or paper imported from other countries, such as China or the EU. Paper from Canada (and Mexico) that is “wholly grown, produced, or manufactured” within the country is exempt, since it’s subject to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Retaliatory tariffs from other countries will affect books exported by US publishers, however. […]
International News
Amazon Calls France’s 3 Euro Book Delivery Fee Discriminatory
In its continued fight against France’s mandated minimum €3 fee to ship books priced under €35, Amazon criticized the measure in an argument before the Court of Justice of the European Union, Reuters reports. (France’s highest administrative court has sought guidance from the CJEU, which is Europe’s highest court.) The fee was instituted in 2023 to help France’s independent bookstores, which aren’t able to offer free or extremely reduced shipping the way that Amazon and other large online retailers can. “The major retailers are using their delivery methods as a way of creating a new type of competition on the […]
Imprints: Red Tower Pairs with PRH UK
Independent publisher Entangled will expand their Red Tower imprint to the UK, in a partnership with PRH UK’s Penguin Michael Joseph division. The line launches this summer, with SHIELD OF SPARROWS by Devney Perry, and plans to grow to 12 titles a year. Entangled publisher Liz Pelletier says in the announcement: “At Entangled Publishing, our mission has always been to bring extraordinary stories to readers everywhere. This partnership with Penguin Michael Joseph marks an exciting new chapter for us, expanding the reach of Red Tower Books across the globe. “With Penguin Random House’s exceptional passion for books and distribution networks, […]
AAP Calls for AI Companies to Respect Copyright At Paris Summit
Several members of the International Publishers Association, including the Association of American Publishers, have issued a statement in connection with the Summit for Action on Artificial Intelligence being held in Paris this week. According to the IPA, the summit “intends to promote reliable, sustainable and responsible AI.” The IPA notes, “The summit…has a special responsibility as there will be no trusted AI without respect for intellectual property rights. There will be no ethical AI without the authorization of rightsholders. There will be no sovereign AI without a fair business model.” The statement, which is signed by 38 cultural and arts […]
Nourry Gives Details on Les Nouveaux Editeurs
The Bookseller reports that Arnaud Nourry told Livres Hebdo that his new publishing company, Les Nouveaux Editeurs, now comprises eight houses—two dedicated to “general literature,” one for nonfiction, and others focused on children’s books; comics, manga and graphic novels; essays; and other nonfiction. Two of the publishers have been named—La Tribu and Maison Pop—and the others will be announced in the coming months. LNE aims to publish 20–30 books in 2025, 100 in 2026, and 200–250 in 2027 and the royalty rate for “adult general literature” is at least 10 percent. Nourry plans to give the business over to his […]
Penguin Random House to Acquire Australia’s Text Publishing
Text Publishing in Melbourne, Australia announced a deal in which they will be acquired by Penguin Random House. The publisher was founded in 1990 and has been majority owned by publisher Michael Heyward and senior editor Penny Hueston, in partnership with Maureen and Tony Wheeler (the founders of Lonely Planet). Heyward said in the release, “Text has created an unparalleled space for itself in Australian publishing. Now it’s time for a new owner to provide a home for the company’s entrepreneurial energies and its family of brilliant authors. We are lucky to have the right custodian in Penguin Random House […]