HarperCollins confirmed on Friday that they are shutting down Harper Design. They said in a statement, “HarperCollins has made the strategic decision to close Harper Design. Moving forward, illustrated books will be published across the various imprints.” A representative told PL that some employees will be leaving the company, but did not specify how many.
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Harper to Use Newly-Designed Font for Some Non-English Works
Harper Collins will deploy a newly-commissioned font, Harper Arc, that “was designed to improve readability” while saving space: It “will reduce the amount of paper used per title by up to 20 percent.” Starting in July, they will use the font on select non-English titles published by Harper divisions in Europe and South America. The company is also exploring using the font more broadly, including English-language titles. CEO international foreign language and chief digital officer Chantal Restivo-Alessi says in the announcement, “It promises to deliver on two important initiatives at HarperCollins: improving readability and sustainability. Translations in Europe can be […]
Bookshop.org Has Raised $2.3M to Launch Ebook Sales
A Wired profile of Bookshop.org founder Andy Hunter details the past and future of the company, most notably explaining that Hunter has raised $2.3 million to fund the company’s initiative to sell ebooks. (Participating bookstores will make 30 percent of the cover price for each book sold.) In January, the ABA — which is a Bookshop investor — voted to invest $200,000 in the ebook rollout, and the project’s main investor is William Randolph Hearst III, who was a principal investor when Bookshop launched. The article acknowledges the challenges involved in the initiative, since many alternative app-based reading platforms have tried […]
Ingram Plant Closure will Eliminate 270 Jobs
The print-on-demand facility that Ingram is closing in Allentown, PA this year, as announced in January, will eliminate 270 jobs in phases between now and the end of the year, according to a filing with the state’s Department of Labor and Industry. The company is expanding its distribution center in Chambersburg, PA, where it will will add print-on-demand book manufacturing. Ingram said in a statement it “has offered relocation opportunities and/or severance and outplacement assistance to all Allentown associates.” (Chambersburg is 134 miles west of Allentown.)
Quirk Books Implements Four-Day Work Week
Quirk Books has instituted a four-day work week for all of their 24 employees, on a yearlong trial basis. Hours will not be affected Monday-Thursday, and Thursday is an in-office work day. SVP, publisher Jhanteigh Kupihea; founder and president Dave Borgenicht; and svp, sales, marketing, and publicity Nicole De Jackmo write in a statement to PL: “Our executive leadership team has focused a lot on compensation, benefits, and promotions in the last two years but we wanted to pursue a more substantial solution to burnout and the work-life imbalance that’s common to our industry.” They continue, “Our colleagues work really […]
Scholastic to Combine Book Fairs and Clubs In New School Reading Events Group
Scholastic announced today that it would combine its Book Fairs and Book Clubs divisions into one “integrated school reading events business,” which will launch in June. President and ceo Peter Warwick said in a release: “Today, these highly differentiated, uniquely Scholastic businesses have significant overlap and synergies in their customers and operations. By integrating both Clubs and Fairs into a single, aligned organization, we’re excited about the multiple opportunities to expand Scholastic’s impact, serve our customers better and improve efficiencies.” Book Fairs president Sasha Quinton will lead the new division. Book Clubs president Judy Newman will transition to a new […]