A lot has been happening in the publishing and writing world. Here is a quick roundup.
Publishers and Companies
“Microsoft has closed its e-bookstore, and everything you purchased will vanish in July” on PC World: “Microsoft will offer refunds, plus a bonus if you’ve marked up an ebook.”
“Epic Launches Original Content Program” on Publisher’s Weekly: “Redwood, Calif.-based kids’ digital reading platform Epic has kicked off an exclusive, original content program.”
“Publishers Turn to Chapbooks to Create Buzz” on Publisher’s Weekly: “[…] in an increasingly digital era, a handful of publishers are opting for a decidedly analog marketing tool for some of their bigger titles: the chapbook. Three marquee titles at three different publishers received the chapbook or pamphlet treatment recently.”
“Sweden’s Storytel Continues Its Global Expansion” on Publisher’s Weekly: “Sweden-based Storytel has combined digital audiobook retailing and an expansion into print publishing to establish itself as a force in European media with global aspirations.”
“Talkshoplive Partners with ReaderLink to Offer Books” on Publisher’s Weekly: “Looking to add books to its interactive selling platform, Talkshoplive, a streaming video shopping network offering social media–driven retail, is partnering with ReaderLink Distribution Services to offer book fulfillment to Talkshoplive clients.”
“Licensing Expo 2019: Publishers Hunt New Revenue Streams” on Publisher’s Weekly: “A number of publishers and licensors exhibiting at or attending this year’s Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, which runs June 4–7, are looking to license their proprietary, book-based brands to manufacturers of toys, arts and crafts, apparel, and other products. The goal is not only to create new revenue streams, but also to use the expanded retail presence to sell more books.”
“TaleFlick Opens Adaptation Marketplace” on Publisher’s Weekly: “TaleFlick, a company that fosters relationships between Hollywood and the publishing world, has just launched “The Marketplace,” an online platform where producers, publishers, agents, and writers can connect.”
“Harlequin Unveils New Film/TV Arm” on Publisher’s Weekly: “In a move to bring its content to more screens—big and small—Harlequin has launched Harlequin Studios. Harlequin CEO and publisher Craig Swinwood said the studio will aim to “expand the reach and breadth of our author franchises to grow beyond the book market while cultivating new fans through the development of a robust movie catalogue.””
Reading
“Free short story vending machines delight commuters” on The Guardian: “‘Short story stations’ in Canary Wharf print one- three- and five-minute reads on demand.”
“This online serial service is a new form of storytelling” on Salon: “With Serial Box Online Story Bundles, you’ll get hooked on weekly installments of captivating tales.”
Writing and Other News
“Funny Hats and Lonely Rooms: Give George R.R. Martin Some Respect” on The Ringer: “If the relentless mediocrity of Game of Thrones’ final season has clarified anything, it’s how desperately this show has always needed Martin’s imagination.”
“17 Writers on the Role of Fiction in Addressing Climate Change” on Literary Hub: “I reached out to several novelists, poets, and editors to ask them what role fiction about climate change plays in society today—with the understanding that smart policy is needed as much as great art. Their responses were provocative and deeply felt.”
“Deconstructing ‘I Wrote a Thing‘” on Publisher’s Weekly: “A bestselling author urges women not to be afraid to praise their own work”
“The world population is changing: For the first time there are more people over 64 than children younger than 5” on Our World in Data: “Countries across the world have been going through an important demographic transition: from young to increasingly ageing populations. In 2018 the number of people older than 64 years old surpassed the number of children under 5 years old. This was the first time in history this was the case.”
