The European Union has closed its antitrust investigation into Apple’s “anticompetitive behavior” blocking competing ebook and audiobook apps from selling directly within the app without paying Apple’s 30 percent tax. The complaint focused on Apple imposing “the mandatory use of its own proprietary in-app purchase system” and the company’s restrictions on allowing other apps to “inform iPhone and iPad users of alternative cheaper purchasing possibilities available outside the App Store.” The matter was closed because the unnamed complainant, a distributor of e-books and audiobooks, withdrew the complaint that it launched in 2020. “The closure of an investigation is not a […]
Atlantic Official
Jordan Michelman writes in the Atlantic about “the most coveted screenshot in the literary world,” honoring writers’ joy in sharing their “Publishers Marketplace Official” book deal screenshots. “It’s become one of the most important rites of passage in the book-publication process—more meaningful to some writers than a book party or book-cover reveal. For many authors, in fact, no book deal is complete until they’ve posted it. It is the Publishers Marketplace book-deal social-media post.” Lately, we have been admiring all the authors moving to BlueSky and populating it anew with their deals. Creators continue to impress us with their innovative […]
Best of: Washington Post
People 11/21
The Strand Union Votes to Authorize Strike
The Strand union, part of UAW Local 2179, has voted to authorize a strike as they bargain for a new contract. Seventy-two percent of members participated, with 92 percent of the bloc voting yes. According to UAW Local 2179 vice president Will Bobrowski, who previously worked at the store, the union has been bargaining since August and has extended their contract three times. The current contract applies through Thanksgiving (when the store is closed) and, notably, does not cover Black Friday. The union does not have plans for a walkout at this time, but Bobrowski told PL that workers are […]
Edelweiss Is Sold to Valsoft
Canadian marketing software company Valsoft Corporation has bought Above the Treeline, the company that owns digital book catalog platform Edelweiss. The group writes in a release that “the acquisition marks Valsoft’s first venture into software for the book market,” though they also bought a controlling stake in Klopotek in the summer of 2023. The Edelweiss team “will remain in their leadership role.” “We’re thrilled to be partnering with John and Annie Rubin to drive forward the modernization of the book industry,” said Anthony Caruso, investment partner at Valsoft. “Edelweiss has built an unparalleled reputation over the years, and its vibrant […]