The American Booksellers Association published an explainer on how the new tariffs will affect the book world. As previously reported, standard printed books imported into the US are exempt from the new tariffs. However, the cost of producing books—and thus, book prices—could go up, if publishers use ink, pulp, or paper imported from other countries, such as China or the EU. Paper from Canada (and Mexico) that is “wholly grown, produced, or manufactured” within the country is exempt, since it’s subject to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Retaliatory tariffs from other countries will affect books exported by US publishers, however. […]
Forthcoming: Thomas Pynchon, Patti Smith
Penguin Press will publish SHADOW TICKET, a new novel by Thomas Pynchon on October 7 in the US and Canada. The publisher writes in a release that the book is set in 1932 during prohibition: “Hicks McTaggart, a one-time strikebreaker turned private eye, thinks he’s found job security until he gets sent out on what should be a routine case, locating and bringing back the heiress of a Wisconsin cheese fortune who’s taken a mind to go wandering… By the time Hicks catches up with her he will find himself also entangled with Nazis, Soviet agents, British counterspies, swing musicians, […]
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Alliance Entertainment Sues Diamond Comic Distributors Over Bankruptcy Auction Outcome
Alliance Entertainment is suing Diamond Comic Distributors over the results of their recent bankruptcy auction. Diamond declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January, and Alliance was the high bidder on its assets with a bid of $72,245,000 (and widely reported as the winner in March). Universal Distribution and Ad Populum entered a joint bid of $69,130,000, “with Universal getting Alliance and Diamond UK, and Ad Populum getting Diamond Comics, Diamond Select Toys and everything else,” and were named the back-up bid. A hearing was set for Monday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the District of Maryland to ensure the legality […]
Abrams Books Employees Unionize
UAW Local 2110 petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for a vote to unionize Abrams Books employees, the first step in officially forming a union. The workers, including staff in publicity, marketing, production, design, managing editorial, sales, distribution, IT, finance, and the mail room, are looking for higher wages, increased job security, and more transparency from management. Local 2110 also represents the Harper Collins union. The union posted a mission statement on social media, which reads in part, “In forming a union, we stake our claim in shaping the future of Abrams: a more equitable, ethical, and transparent working environment. […]
Inside Inkitt
In a lengthy feature for Bloomberg, Vauhini Vara describes the publishing process at self-publishing startup Inkitt. The piece details the company’s use of AI to create stories and video content based on a writer’s ideas, a pivot that the company noted during their Series C funding round in early 2024. As previously reported, the company counts Macmillan chair Stefan von Holtzbrinck as an investor, as well as former Sony and Penguin Group ceo Michael Lynton. Former Harper Collins ceo Jane Friedman is an advisor (though they all joined before the company implemented their AI strategy). Authors can upload their stories on […]