UK bookstore chain Waterstones has been affected by a broader ransomware attack on Blue Yonder supply chain software, the Bookseller reports. The attack, which affected hundreds of companies in the US and UK, disrupted connectivity in the bookseller’s warehouse systems, a spokesperson for Waterstones said. Bookstores have not been affected. “Progress is being made with recovery at Blue Yonder and thankfully our own systems have not been affected,” the spokesperson said. “Our workarounds have been effective and we have continued to receive deliveries and send daily deliveries to our shops.” Ransomware gang Termite has claimed responsibility for the attack, which […]
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Penguin Random House and United for Libraries Launch Grant Program
Penguin Random House has launched a new grant program with United for Libraries that will award small grants of $500 and $1,000 to libraries in need. The program with give away a total of $25,000, specifically supporting Friends of Library groups and organizations that raise money for local libraries. Additionally, some libraries will receive $500 in-kind grants to purchase PRH books. “Small and rural libraries are community cornerstones, but today—when the freedom to read is under attack across the country—they are more important than ever,” said Skip Dye, senior vice president of library sales and digital strategy at Penguin Random […]
Shelley On His Beginnings, Mission, And Creating a Safe Space to Fail
The newest episode of Open Road’s Open Book podcast features Hachette US and UK ceo David Shelley, who discusses his beginnings in publishing and rapid rise as an editorial assistant at Allison & Busby and his goals for Hachette. His mission for Hachette in both countries is based on four pillars: understanding consumers, ownership mentality, growth mindset, and changing the story (the company’s DEI initiatives). The pillars, he said, “infuse everything” and come up in employees’ meetings and performance reviews. “I’m very passionate about the idea that within our organization, within Hachette, what good looks like, you have to really […]
Friendly Skies
We stopped posting at the Bad Place a long time ago, when it became clear that the algorithm demanded payment — either in cash or provocative “engagement” — to actually reach any of your “followers.” So it has been a pleasure to watch a real community emerge again over at BlueSky, where we have started to share publishing news again. And we have loved seeing so many authors using the platform to share their deal report screenshots. Join us if you like: @publisherslunch.bsky.social
Murray on Audio, AI, and Backlist
At the UBS Global Media and Communications Conference on Tuesday, Harper Collins ceo Brian Murray discussed the growth of audio and the success of the company and the books business as a whole. Much of the conversation focused on emerging technologies. Murray said that audiobooks have “eclipsed” ebook sales for the publisher, in part due to the growth of listeners using Spotify and Audible. While previously, audiobook listeners were very committed to the format and used Audible, Spotify was able to target “more occasional audiobook listeners” who were already using the platform for music and podcasts. “We now know, a […]
Party Press
The NY Post made a lengthy “exclusive” out of a report claiming that, “Simon & Schuster staffers are fuming after their Christmas party was once again scrapped by what they called the Scrooge-like investment giant that owns the famed book publisher, The Post has learned…. ‘They are being cheap and not having a big company-wide party this year,’ one of the sources told The Post.” As for comment, S&S ceo Jonathan Karp writes to PL: “Today’s NY Post story about KKR having anything to do with S&S not having a holiday party is a total work of fiction. I made […]