the Harper Studio blog asks former publisher/now agent Larry Kirshbaum what one thing he would change about the publishing business: “I’d like to see less titles published by the large publishers. The smaller publishers have financial and capacity restraints which tend to keep their lists within the realm of what they can successfully market. The larger publishers, having greater resources (and also larger infrastructures) seem to believe that the larger their lists, the more chances they’ll have for scoring big successes. “Unfortunately, even when you have multiple imprints, size no longer works in their favor. (Large publishers tend to have […]
HBG Creates New Division
Hachette Book Group is creating a new division around two of their recently-formed imprints, putting the sci-fi and fantasy line Orbit and graphic novel line Yen Press together. Tim Holman will be vp and publisher of the new division, which takes the Orbit name, reporting to ceo David Young. Kurt Hassler becomes sole publishing director for Yen Press, reporting to Holman, as co-director Rich Johnson leaves the company at the end of the month. Alex Lencicki is marketing and publicity director for the new division. Young says in the announcement: “The establishment of this new division reflects not only our […]
Toni Morrison's Sound Serial
NPR’s web site will offer a four-day series of pre-publication readings by Toni Morrison from her forthcoming novel A MERCY beginning October 27 as part of their Book Tour program. Additionally, NPR’s Lynn Neary will discuss the book with Morrison in a webcast interview and All Things Considered’s Michele Norris will have a broadcast interview with Morrison. Senior supervising producer for NPR Digital Media Joe Matazzoni says, “This exclusive moves affirms our goal of making NPR.org a must-visit site for readers and listeners interested in writers and ideas.”
Bunch of Grapes Sale Goes Through
Businesswoman Dawn Braasch has bought the Bunch of Grapes Bookstore on Martha’s Vineyard, where he also worked as events coordinator before last summer’s fire, and will reopen in temporary quarters next month while the original is being restored. Braasch has signed a long-term lease for the store’s previous space, and hopes to reopen there next summer. Ann Nelson, who owns that building and used to own and run the store, will serve as a consultant for Braasch.MV Gazette Separately, Anchorage bookstore A Novel View “will be closed indefinitely due to the death of its owner, Patricia Tegtmeier, who passed away […]
People
John Fagan–who already serves as director of marketing, Penguin Books; executive director, academic marketing & sales; and marketing director, eBooks–is taking on the additional role of marketing director for Plume and Hudson Street Press. Liz Keenan is moving up to publicity director for both imprints. Ginee Seo has resigned as editorial director of her eponymous children’s book imprint at Atheneum, PW writes. Longtime publishing executive Dan Harvey, 62, died yesterday after a long struggle with melanoma. He was most recently svp, director of marketing for Trident Media Group. For 17 years, he held senior management positions at the Putnam Publishing […]
Amazon's Quarter Is Fine, But They're Braced for a Grim Finale
Amazon.com held up well enough in their fiscal third quarter, which ended September 30, recording another healthy increase in sales of 31 percent to $4.26 billion (with an $80 million boost due to favorable currency exchange). Operating income rose 26 percent to $154 million. The sales number was in line with analysts’ expectations but the income figure fell well short. Of greater concern to markets is Amazon’s reduced guidance for the fourth quarter. Sales are projected to fall between $6 billion and $7 billion (an increase of between 6 percent and 23 percent), and operating income is projected to range […]