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
News
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 […]
PubWest Joins With IBPA
Independent publisher associations Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and PubWest will combine under the IBPA name, effective July 1. According to a release, the organizations have long collaborated and had overlap in their membership. The combined entity will allow the associations to better advocate for independent businesses. “Bringing together IBPA and PubWest will allow the two organizations to strengthen their member benefits, trade market programming, networking opportunities, and education so that we can provide one destination for all members’ association needs,” the release says. PubWest will cease operations on June 30, and its membership and programming will be incorporated into […]
Jamie Oliver Pulls Children’s Book After Protests
Jamie Oliver has pulled his children’s book Billy and the Epic Escape from publication around the world, following protests by indigenous Australians. The book is published by Penguin Random House UK. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Commission (Natsiec) spoke out about the book, calling it “damaging” and “disrespectful” and saying it perpetuated stereotypes. Indigenous literary figures in Australia supported the effort to get Oliver to withdraw it. In the portion of the book that raised concern, a First Nations girl living in foster care in an Indigenous community is abducted. Sharon Davis, chief executive of Natsiec said this […]
HBG Employees Write Letter Protesting New Basic Liberty Imprint
Employees of Hachette Book Group wrote a letter to management protesting the publisher’s new conservative imprint Basic Liberty and the hiring of former Heritage Foundation fellow Thomas Spence. (The letter was posted on the Instagram account xoxopublishinggg.) The employees write: “As employees of HBG, we stand together in firm disapprobation of The Heritage Foundation, Project 2025, and any conservative movement of thought that strips away sacred rights and the humanity of people. We disavow David Shelley’s unsympathetic and insensitive remarks, and maintain that the dignity, rights, and freedoms of all people should be upheld by everyone, especially those in positions […]