Abrams has cancelled publication of controversial graphic novel A SUICIDE BOMBER SITS IN THE LIBRARY by writer Jack Gantos and illustrator Dave McKean, which was to be released in May 2019. The decision was made “together with the book’s creators,” after the title received criticism online. Abrams said in a statement, “While the intention of the book was to help broaden a discussion about the power of literature to change lives for the better, we recognize the harm and offense felt by many at a time when stereotypes breed division, rather than discourse.” The cancellation follows posts on Twitter by Zainab […]
News
Your News Goes Here
We just made it easier than ever to send your news our way, with a Newsbox page at PublishersMarketplace. As always, info@publishersmarketplace.com is the best place to email your press releases and personnel announcements, and deals should be reported via our English-language and International rights forms, please. But now you can also enter your less formal bulletins right into the Newsbox — along with news tips, story ideas, and any confidential communications you do not want to transmit via email. (Plus you can upload documents, memos, and other files.) Bookmark it as your reference point for how to reach us […]
Stephen Elliott Files Lawsuit Against Media Men List Creator Moira Donegan
Author and former editor of literary website The Rumpus Stephen Elliott filed a lawsuit in New York’s Eastern District against Moira Donegan, the creator of the S—-y Media Men list on Wednesday. Elliot alleges “libelous communication of knowingly false statements” in the private Google spreadsheet that became very public, along with intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotion distress. Elliott published an essay on Quillette in September, called How An Anonymous Accusation Derailed My Life. He seeks damages of at least $1.5 million, from Donegan as well as the other anonymous contributors to the list, asserting that “the defendants’ actions […]
Briefs: An Eric Carle Imprint, NYRB’s Statement, and More
Imprints Penguin Children’s is launching a World of Eric Carle imprint in winter 2019, “dedicated to the works of the acclaimed and beloved author and illustrator.” Francesco Sedita leads the line, which “will focus on publishing books that are based in the core values of discovery, creativity, learning and growing.” Initiatives Penguin Random House resumes its annual “2-Day transit program” for independent booksellers for the seventh year, starting October 1 and running through March 1, 2019. Bookselling Shaw’s Book Shop in Westwood, NJ is closing at the end of September after 40 years of operation. Owner Tom Downs said Amazon […]
AAP Celebrates Copyright and Freedom of Expression
The AAP (Association of American Publishers) held its annual meeting in the Penguin Random House Building on Thursday afternoon, using the occasion to underscore the organization’s new focus. As PRH ceo and current AAP chair explained, “We wanted to refocus AAP on two core priorities: Copyright protection, the publishers’ lifeblood, and…the value proposition of publishing for society…as well as our collective contribution to the economy.” AAP’s ceo Maria Pallante was hired with that focus in mind, “to lead in the areas of law and policy,” and she in turn emphasized the subtleties of enacting that mission. While “copyright is absolutely […]
Ian Buruma Leaves NYRB
Ian Buruma is leaving his position as editor of the New York Review of Books, confirmed Nicholas During, a publicist for the magazine. Buruma had succeeded the late co-founder Robert B. Silvers in May 2017. His exit follows the controversial publication online by the Review last week of an article written by Jian Ghomeshi, called Reflections from a Hashtag, and a subsequent interview Buruma gave to Slate’s Ian Chotiner, in which he defended his decision to publish the piece. (The print version of the issue has not landed yet.) Buruma commented to Dutch outlet Vrij Nederland, that he was not fired by […]