Starting Jan. 1, trade sales for Microcosm Publishing will be represented by Abraham Associates in the Midwest. Bob Barnett at Third Act Sales will represent Microcosm in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Imprint Group continues to provide sales support in the western US, and Como Sales Co. will continue in the East.
Small/Indie Publishers
IBPA Updates Hybrid Publisher Criteria
The Independent Book Publishers Association has updated its criteria for what defines “reputable hybrid publishers.” This is the first update to the criteria since they were introduced in 2018. The new guidelines are made up of 11 points, and the IBPA specifies that hybrid publishers must meet all points: Define a mission and vision for its publishing program. Vet submissions. Commit to truth and transparency in business practices. Provide a negotiable, easy-to-understand contract for each book published. Publish under its own imprint(s) and ISBNs. Publish to industry standards Ensure editorial, design, and production quality. Pursue and manage a range of […]
Literary Arts Emergency Fund to Give $4.3 Million in Grants
The Academy of American Poets, Community of Literary Magazines & Presses and National Book Foundation have renewed the Literary Arts Emergency Fund (LAEF), which will give $4.3 million in emergency funding to nonprofit literary arts organizations and publishers affected financially by COVID-19. Created last year, the LAEF is again funded by a grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Executive director of CLMP Mary Gannon said: “Mission-driven literary magazines and presses form the bedrock of the publishing ecosystem, fostering an environment where literary artists and their work can flourish. By supporting these dedicated publishers through the ongoing challenges they face, we […]
Curiosity Quills Press, Behind on Royalties on Falling Sales, Gives Authors Option to Terminate
Curiosity Quills Press co-owner Eugene Teplitsky has confirmed to PL that the publisher is behind on authors’ royalty payments and temporarily shutting down print operations with the exception of middle grade novels, citing “month after month” of dwindling sales as the cause. All authors now have the option to terminate their contracts, “no strings attached” (including the waiving of their contractual “termination fees”), Teplitsky wrote in an email. Authors who wish to terminate should “simply email us at editor@curiosityquills.com and we will revert rights to all who ask for it, no questions asked,” he wrote. He is also giving authors the ability to […]
Another UK Independent Publisher Seeks Support
It has been a difficult period for independent publishers in the UK, with Saqi Books the latest to announce that it is seeking new investment or else will discontinue its English-language publishing program after 30 years. In their statement they indicate: “Following considerable success and significant growth over the years, Saqi is now reviewing its long term strategy. It is no secret that publishing in the UK is an uphill struggle, especially for a small independent outfit. We have been going from strength to strength and we saw our highest turnover in 2013. The directors are now reviewing our strategy […]
Audible Lines Up Film Stars for Audiobooks; Hay House Launches Film/TV Divisions
Audible is going Hollywood, enlisting a number of accomplished actors–including Annette Bening, Colin Firth, Dustin Hoffman and Kate Winslet–to narrate a new line of audiobooks, featuring many classic works selected by the performers. Scheduled for release beginning in early 2012, the offerings include these pairings: Kim Basinger (The Awakening by Kate Chopin) Annette Bening (Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Wolfe) Jennifer Connelly (The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles) Colin Firth (The End of the Affair by Graham Greene) Anne Hathaway (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum) Dustin Hoffman (Being There by Jerzy Kosinski) Samuel L. Jackson (A Rage […]