The former owner who built the Martha’s Vineyard bookstore (now run by her son) writes in the MV newspaper about her experiences on July 4th: “John said, I’m going to take you into the building, here is your flashlight. And when I walked into the building wearing that heavy fireman’s suit — so heavy and they wear it all day! — I cannot tell you, the flashbacks of 35 years. And I cannot adequately describe the heat. It was like you were at a barbecue and someone had lit the briquettes right under you. It was so hot, the ceiling […]
Papers Say Direct Group France Sale Planned
Le Figaro and Les Echos have reported that Bertelsmann is working with Morgan Stanley to elicit offers for the Direct Group France division, which comprises both book clubs and the France Loisirs bookstore chain. One paper estimates the group could sell for 300 million euros, and the business newspaper says the sale could begin in September. But a spokesman for Bertelsmann said that no decision has been made yet, adding that “the news over the timing and the price are pure speculation.” Reuters In a broader story, FT Germany says the Bertelsmann has decided to sell off the Direct Group […]
Thomas Disch, Novelist, Said to Take His Own Life
The “author, poet and critic who twisted the inherently twisted genre of science fiction in new, disturbing directions, including writing his last book in the voice of God, died on Friday in his Manhattan apartment. He was 68. “His friend Alice K. Turner said Mr. Disch shot himself. She and other friends told how his apartment had been devastated by a fire; then his partner of more than 30 years died; then his home in Barryville, N.Y., was flooded; and finally, he faced eviction after he returned to the apartment.” His friend, novelist Norman Rush, tells the NYT: “He was […]
Review Cuts at Cleveland Plain Dealer
Book editor Karen Long notes that her Sunday book section has been cut by 25 percent: “The pages are being cut to one and one-half. Nobody following the news biz can pretend to be surprised, but all of us can be sad, just the same. She emphasizes that “a reduction of 25 percent still allows us a passing grade, especially if we spend the real estate we do have more wisely. That means that shorter reviews gain a new currency, especially the brand of substance and succinctness practiced by, for example, Dave Walton and Michele Ross.” NBCC blog
Bertelsmann Makes China Pullback Official
Following previous reports in the Chinese press, Bertelsmann officially announced the termination of its book club business in China on July 3. That decision came two weeks after the announced closure of all of the company’s 36 franchised retail bookstore chains in 18 cities in China. A Chinese analyst tells Interfax: “Chinese customers are more sensitive to price when purchasing books, but Bertelsmann’s book club model has failed to provide enough discount compared to its competitors, such as Joyo and Dangdang. What’s more, Chinese consumers are becoming more and more used to online purchasing but Bertelsmann, on the other hand, […]
Parry Departs
Agent Emma Parry has left Fletcher Parry “to pursue new challenges” as of July 1. Partner Christy Fletcher will take over Parry’s clients and continue to work non-exclusively with UK agents alongside Melissa Chinchillo, recently promoted to full agent and rights director. “New additions” to the agency’s staff are planned for the fall and Fletcher will retain the name “for the time being.”