Closing Image: September 2, 2020
While the NPD Group tracks sales of traditionally published romance only, they’re seeing growth in the category this year as a result of COVID-19.
Day: September 2, 2020
Hot Sheet Index: September 2, 2020
The Hot Sheet Index reviewed the change in unit sales in January 2020 versus January 2019 in traditionally published romance.
Links of Interest: September 2, 2020
Amazon Better late than never? Powell’s will no longer sell on Amazon. The iconic independent bookstore, Powell’s Books, announced it will no longer sell rare and collectible books through Amazon Marketplace. Owner Emily Powell writes, “For too long, we have watched the detrimental impact of Amazon’s business on our communities and the independent bookselling world. … … Read more
Trailblazes: September 2, 2020
Opportunities, launches, and startups New agent alertStephanie Kim has joined New Leaf Literary & Media. Previously, she worked in traditional publishing at William Morrow and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; she also worked in communications at Hulu and Scribd. Her interests: narrative nonfiction (memoir, pop culture, self-help) and voice-driven fiction. Learn more. Literati expands into celebrity book clubsLiterati … Read more
Meanwhile, Audible Launches a New Subscription Offering
Audible is essentially rolling out a cheaper subscription plan that, in part, competes with Spotify—and carries no advertising.
Spotify Takes Tentative Steps into the Audiobook Market
For the last year, we’ve speculated Spotify would enter the audiobook market, and, two weeks ago, the company advertised an opening for head of audiobook.
Independent Bookstores Take a Cautious Approach When Placing Orders
Unpredictability permeates all aspects of bookstore operations, including inventory selection, title availability, and mail delivery.
Hot Shots: September 2, 2020
Hot Shots reviews recent publishing news in the headlines including Agents demanding that publishers protect authors during virtual events.