On the latest episode of their Open Book podcast, Open Road ceo David Steinberger talks to Macmillan ceo Jon Yaged about his philosophies about running a creative business. Yaged, whose grandfather was a professional jazz musician, said that growing up around the music business influenced his work in publishing. “The thing that I think about the most is the creative process and the passion,” he said. “My grandfather really did the thing he loved the most for a living. And when I talk to the team at Macmillan, I say, ‘we should have joy in our day.’ I talk about […]
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Open Road Highlights Growth, Consumer Reach
In his yearly letter to employees, Open Road ceo David Steinberger notes the company’s growth, and its success in targeting readers. The number of titles in Ignition, Open Road’s ebook backlist marketing program, increased 44 percent, “the largest annual title increase in our history.” Steinberger also notes that the Amazon star ratings for Ignition titles has increased over time. According to data shared with PL, 50 percent of books with a rating of 3.1–3.3 made it to 4 stars within 3–5 years. That number goes up to 58 percent for books that started with a 3.4–3.6 rating and 59 percent for […]
Neil Gaiman Sued For Sexual Assault, Battery and Human Trafficking
Scarlett Pavlovich, who formerly worked as a nanny for Neil Gaiman and Amanda Palmer, has sued Gaiman for sexual assault, battery, and human trafficking in Wisconsin federal court. The suit follows a long article in New York Magazine last month expanding on allegations from five women first reported by New Zealand podcast Tortoise Media. The allegations include claims of violent rape, an episode in which “Pavlovich lost consciousness due to severe pain,” and “another in which she was left bleeding after he struck and choked her with a belt.” Gaiman has written on his blog that the encounters were consensual: […]
Mango Lays Off Staff In Reorganization
Mango laid off several people recently due to “marketplace changes” and “cost challenges.” They confirmed at least three layoffs. “We had to make some tough decisions to reorganize and downsize the team by several people to enable us to refocus our strategy on our authors and titles where Mango has proven to be highly successful over the last 10 years,” said Chris McKenney, president & ceo of Mango Publishing in a statement to PL. “We’re going back to our pre-pandemic roots of strong author partnership and reader-based analytics innovation.” Mango’s publisher Brenda Knight will leave to form her own company, […]
Hachette Book Group Slashes Union Square Staff
Just two months after acquiring Union Square and Co. from Barnes & Noble, Hachette Book Group has notified the unit’s staff that it will eliminate a substantial number of positions. HBG employees report and believe the layoffs to affect approximately 60 jobs, or roughly half of the Union Square personnel. The company tells PL, “We do not disclose personnel information; however, it is inaccurate and false that 60 employees are being let go. Additionally, some of the impacted employees have been offered other roles within the company and are working with human resources to remain at Hachette Book Group.” When the acquisition […]
Unbound Cash Flow Issues Leave Authors, Freelancers Unpaid
UK crowdfunding publisher Unbound has missed payments to authors and other business associates after failing to raise enough money in 2024, the Bookseller reports in a long exclusive story. Payment dates for royalties and other payments have been moved repeatedly, several sources report the magazine. One author said that he has been waiting for payment for more than six months. Another reported that he has not been paid for a book that published in early 2024, and was told in July that “the company could not pay its authors because they had not received ‘promised funds’ that they had reportedly earned […]