WH Smith offered a brief trading update for the 21 weeks ended January 25. Sales for the high street business — which the company is looking to sell — were down 6 percent in the period, or down 3 percent on a “like-for-like” basis at constant currency, “in line with expectations.” They expect to save £11 million in costs for the full year within the segment. The travel business delivered a 7 percent increase in sales, or 6 percent like-for-like. Sales at the company overall rose 3 percent in the period.
Forthcoming: THE SECRET OF SECRETS by Dan Brown
Doubleday will publish the next novel by The Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown, THE SECRET OF SECRETS, on September 9. The book, which has a 1.5 million copy first printing, features protagonist Robert Langdon and takes place in Prague. North American rights were acquired from Heide Lange at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, Inc. and the book will be edited by Doubleday vp and executive editor Jason Kaufman. According to Doubleday, the book will be published simultaneously in the US and 17 other territories: UK (Transworld, a division of Penguin Random House), Brazil (Sextante), Czech Republic (Argo), Denmark (Politikens), Finland (WSOY), […]
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Obituary: Karen Shapiro
Sourcebooks head of the IP children’s editorial group Karen Shapiro died suddenly and unexpectedly, the company said. Shapiro originated the How to Catch picture books and developed top sellers Welcome Little One, Little Red Sleigh, and books with Sesame Workshop. “Karen truly understood how great stories impact children everywhere, and she inspired everyone in her orbit with her boundless enthusiasm,” publisher and ceo Dominique Raccah said. “Karen made work—made our lives—more fun. We are better for having worked with her, and laughed with her. Karen was perhaps one the most influential modern children’s book creators. She was our friend, our […]
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Barnes & Noble Changes Buying and Campaign Teams, Lays Off Veterans
Following the quick departure of chief merchandising officer Jackie De Leo earlier in the month, Barnes & Noble has laid off a number of veteran staff as part of a “realignment of our buying and campaigns teams.” Senior director, books Shannon DeVito wrote in an email, “The aim is to streamline our responsibilities and better focus our efforts to improve our bookselling. Unfortunately, this has meant that a number of colleagues have left the business as their roles were removed.” PL is aware of at least seven longtime buyers and publisher liaisons whose roles were eliminated. As of today’s newsletter […]