Links of Interest: February 8, 2017
The latest in news and trends, publishing and politics, new imprint announcements, and marketing tools.
Culture and Politics
Some Call for Boycott of Simon & Schuster after It Signs Controversial Alt-Right Author
Simon & Schuster’s deal with Twitter-banned right-wing Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos sparks protest and discussions about free speech.
The Pantsuit Nation Controversy: Social Media and Rights Issues
A book deal based on material shared in the Pantsuit Nation Facebook group raises questions regarding rights and fair use.
Authors’ Protest: Penguin Random House in the UK Reopening Talks with Unions
An outcry from authors and others has helped prompt Penguin Random House UK to reconsider its original decision to discontinue talks with two unions.
The Authors Guild’s Look at Potential Election Implications
After the US general election an Authors Guild essay asks practical questions, but its main concern is the protection of free speech.
Not Sure about Voting in the US? Consider the EU Directive and Authors
Like the Authors Guild in the States, the Society of Authors is leading the way in the UK on publishing-contract reform.
Profile: Stephen Lotinga
Profile of Stephen Lotinga, who became the chief of the UK Publishers Association weeks before results of the Brexit referendum.
For Once, Keeping Calm May Be Too Much to Ask of Britain
As this edition of The Hot Sheet is written, the full upshot of the UK’s “Brexit” referendum is far from known.
Keep Your Eye on This: The UK Weighs Its EU Membership
By the time you receive our next edition, the result of the June 23 referendum on the UK’s membership in the European Union will be known.
Romancing the Differences: “Multicultural,” “Diverse,” and Nielsen’s New RWA Summit
Questions of diversity in romance came into play last year at RWA’s conference, and the Nielsen program is designed to tackle them.