Small Press Distribution (SPD), which distributed for indie publishers since 1969, announced on Thursday that it has shuttered, citing “the challenges of a rapidly changing book industry and funding environment.” The staff has been reduced to a “minimal team,” which is winding down operations. They write, “Several years of declining sales and the loss of grant support from almost every institution that annually supported SPD have combined to squeeze our budget beyond the breaking point. SPD lost hundreds of thousands in grants in the past few years as funders moved away from supporting the arts. The tireless efforts of a […]
Lagardere Publishing “Expects 2024 to be A Less Favorable Year”
Lagardere released their entire full-year report for 2023, adding detail to the financial results it announced in February. The company says it “expects 2024 to be a less favorable year” due to the end of curriculum reform in Spain and the lack of a new Asterix title. The division “will actively pursue its strategy of targeted acquisitions in its core publishing business as well as in adjacent growth markets with business models similar to book publishing, such as board games and stationery.” The decline in US sales last year “was mainly attributable to Grand Central,” as Colleen Hoover’s 2023 release […]
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Sara Birmingham will join Random House on May 6 as executive editor.
April Indie Next List
The ABA named its Indie Next Picks for April, with James by Percival Everett as its No. 1 pick.
Imprints: Simon Acumen
Per our earlier report, Simon Element has announced their new business imprint, Simon Acumen. According to a release, “Simon Acumen publishes books that help readers navigate the dynamic world of work. Authors include thought leaders, innovators, academics, journalists, and professionally curious people who blend theory and practice to provide fresh insights and practical pathways for readers to adapt, learn, and grow as they pursue their professional ambitions.” It is led by publisher Richard Rhorer and executive editor Stephanie Hitchcock, who moved to the new imprint in November. Kimberly Meilun joins as editor, reporting to Hitchcock. Meilun was previously at Public […]
Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction Shortlist
The Women's Prize for Non-Fiction announced six titles for its shortlist. The winner will be announced on June 13.