Haymarket Books editorial director Katy O’Donnell was named a PW Star Watch finalist for 2025. The article notes that she has embraced Haymarket’s political mission, helped deliver several New York Times bestsellers and driven a 25 % sales increase by building an activist‑minded publishing programme.
A coalition of seven foundations led by the Mellon Foundation created the Literary Arts Fund, pledging at least $50 million over five years to support nonprofit literary organisations. Former Academy of American Poets head Jennifer Benka was appointed executive director, and the fund aims to serve readers and writers outside commercial publishing.
Books‑A‑Million’s new owners have revitalised the bookstore chain: fresh capital has funded store upgrades, and the company plans to open 15 new locations in 2026. Executives told Publishers Weekly that record sales have come from improving the in‑store experience, expanding manga and gift selections, and using AI to spot trends.
Publishers Weekly previewed a graphic biography of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. The book depicts Fela’s life and cultural legacy through art that captures Nigeria’s political turmoil and shows him building the Africa Shrine in Lagos; it accompanies narrative text that situates his music in the fight against oppression.
Amina Iro, an associate editor at Hachette’s Legacy Lit imprint, was honoured as a PW Star Watch finalist. She has shaped the imprint’s inclusive nonfiction list, working closely with authors and overseeing projects such as Ilyasah Shabazz’s upcoming memoir and the Heritage Line series.
After a Fifth Circuit panel dismissed free‑speech claims in Little v. Llano County, the plaintiffs petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case. Publishers and freedom‑to‑read advocates filed supporting briefs, arguing that officials shouldn’t be allowed to remove books from libraries based on ideology and urging the Court to clarify First Amendment protections.
In a sponsored spotlight, Publishers Weekly highlighted the Indie Author Project, which connects indie authors with libraries. The initiative streamlines submissions and helps libraries discover self‑published titles without relying on traditional distribution.
Erewhon Books associate editor Viengsamai Fetters was recognised for her passion for speculative fiction and for nurturing revolutionary narratives. She is known for championing stories that centre marginalised voices and for her commitment to inclusive publishing.
Publishers Lunch reported that historical novelist C.W. Gortner, author of 16 books about figures ranging from Catherine de Medici to Marlene Dietrich, died on 25 October; his latest novel, *The Saint Laurent Muse*, came out in March. Canadian military historian Tim Cook also passed away; his forthcoming book *The Unquiet Western Front* is scheduled for release next year.
In a significant ruling, a judge denied OpenAI’s motion to dismiss a consolidated class action alleging that ChatGPT’s outputs mimic copyrighted books. The case, which includes authors Michael Chabon, Ta‑Nehisi Coates and Sarah Silverman, will proceed to trial to determine whether the AI infringes authors’ rights.
Swedish audiobook and e‑book subscription service Storytel reported record Q3 results: sales rose 6 % to SEK 1.013 billion, operating profit jumped 74 % and adjusted EBITDA increased 44 %. Streaming revenue grew 4 % amid strong gross margins, prompting CEO Bodil Eriksson Torp to raise the company’s guidance for the year.
Circana Bookscan’s data for the third quarter showed print book sales about 1 % lower than the same period in 2024. Adult fiction and young‑adult sales declined, but children’s books rose 2 % overall, led by a 6 % increase in children’s nonfiction.
Publishers Lunch highlighted new releases for the week of 28 October. Fiction titles included new novels from Louise Penny, Mark Z. Danielewski and V.C. Andrews, while nonfiction featured books by Zadie Smith, Cameron Crowe, Judd Apatow and Jonathan Karl.
Random House Children’s announced that it will publish *The 50 United States!* on 2 June. The complete manuscript and artwork, discovered in UC San Diego’s Geisel Library archives, features the Cat in the Hat and invites readers to memorise all fifty states; illustrator Tom Brannon completed the finished art.
The U.S. Solicitor General petitioned the Supreme Court to halt a ruling that temporarily reinstated Copyright Office director Shira Perlmutter. The government argues that the Register and Librarian of Congress are executive officers and that the D.C. Circuit ignored precedent when it ordered Perlmutter’s reinstatement.
Simon & Schuster sued the estate of the late thriller writer Nelson DeMille for £1.275 million, alleging he failed to deliver a contracted novel. The publisher seeks repayment of a £635,000 advance on an unfinished book and a portion of a multi‑million‑dollar three‑book contract signed in 2014.
Inclusive children’s publisher Knights Of is poised to shut down. The Bookseller reports that accountancy firm Hart Shaw has been instructed to place the company into liquidation, subject to a shareholder vote.
Orion Fiction won a competitive three‑way auction for Birmingham writer Liam Brown’s darkly comic thriller set within the book business. The novel is billed as a subversive look at the “topsy‑turvy” world of publishing.
Philip Pullman’s long‑awaited *The Rose Field*, the final volume in his Book of Dust trilogy, debuted at number one on the Official UK Top 50. Classified by its publisher as adult science‑fiction and fantasy, the novel sold nearly 50,000 copies in its first week; Jeff Kinney’s *Partypooper* topped the children’s chart.
Bloomsbury CEO Nigel Newton told The Bookseller that artificial intelligence will aid creativity rather than replace authors. He believes generative tools will help writers overcome blocks and get “back in the zone,” positioning AI as a complementary technology.
Agent Lucy Irvine has left PFD to join the Darley Anderson Children’s Book Agency. She brings a roster of award‑winning authors, including bestseller Bill Wood and children’s writer Judith Eagle.
Rosanna Pike’s novel *A Little Trickerie* and Sandi Toksvig’s *Friends of Dorothy* have made the shortlist for the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction. The prize celebrates humour writing and will announce its winner later in the year.
Gollancz acquired Joanne Harris’ ghost story *Sleepers in the Snow*, described as a superb and moving novel. The rights deal adds another high‑profile title to Gollancz’s fantasy and speculative fiction list.
The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival drew over 100,000 visitors, setting a new attendance record. Organisers credited a diverse programme of events and star authors for the spike in footfall.
Wimbledon BookFest recorded a 40 % increase in ticket sales, attracting more than 20,000 attendees in its 18th year. Festival organisers highlighted strong community support and an expanded programme as drivers of the growth.
Rough Trade Books acquired Welsh rock musician Owen Williams’ debut *Atrocity Exhibitions: Grieving in the TikTok Underworld*. Described as a “short sharp literary shock,” the book will publish in January and explores grief in the digital age.
An opinion piece in BookBrunch argued that despite economic and supply‑chain challenges, bookshops around the world continue to thrive. The article credits passionate booksellers and supportive communities for keeping independent shops vibrant.
Frances Lincoln won a three‑way auction for *The Paper Girl*, a feminist fable written by Welsh author Caryl Lewis and illustrated by Kanako Abe. The story is slated to be published in illustrated form.
HarperCollins UK has reopened its year‑long traineeship programme aimed at attracting talented people from ethnic minority backgrounds. The scheme offers placements across the publisher’s divisions and will begin accepting applications for the 2026 cohort.
August Books acquired Geraint Anderson’s satirical guide *How to Con Friends and Manipulate People*. The parody of self‑help books comes from the author of the financial memoir *Cityboy* and lampoons the personal‑development genre.
Well‑being entrepreneur Liz Earle will publish *How to Age* with Yellow Kite. The book outlines protocols for healthy ageing, emphasising nutrition, hormone balance, sleep and strength training.
New Modern acquired Alexander Larman’s biography *Lazarus: The Second Coming of David Bowie*, timed for the 10th anniversary of the singer’s death. The book will explore Bowie’s life and legacy through new interviews and archival research.
In an opinion column, Richard Mollet surveyed global copyright debates around artificial intelligence. He warned that new technologies pose challenges to creators’ rights and urged policymakers to balance innovation with fair compensation.
BookBrunch summarised a Springer Nature report that uses data to evaluate gender representation and inclusivity across book publishing. The report aims to help publishers set benchmarks and track progress toward diversity goals.
The £40,000 David Cohen Prize for Literature will be announced next week. The piece notes that poet and novelist John Burnside won the previous award and that the biennial prize honours a lifetime’s achievement in writing.
Editors Ella Horne and Jake Williams have created *The Stack*, a podcast in which they recommend six books around a common theme. The aim is to help readers discover new titles and broaden their reading.
Rock the Boat acquired two young‑adult thrillers by Tess James‑Mackey. The first, *Better Off Dead*, follows a teenager working at a haunted holiday park who is hunted by a malevolent force; a second untitled book is also planned.
Emily Rhodes, founder of Bookbanks, told BookBrunch that food‑bank users eagerly accept books, debunking claims of a reading crisis. After a partnership with *The Sunday Times*, Bookbanks expanded to six locations and plans to open 30 sites across the UK, staffed by volunteers from the book trade.
Watermark bought Jane Fraser’s novel *Weights and Measures*, which follows an ordinary family at the outbreak of the Second World War. The publisher praised the book as emotionally powerful and historically rich.
Head of Zeus signed Labour MP Liam Byrne’s nonfiction book *Why Populists Are Winning: and How to Beat Them*. The book explores the rise of populist politics and proposes strategies for countering it.
BookBrunch announced the shortlist for the 25th anniversary Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize. Eight novels are in contention for the UK’s leading award for comic fiction.
In an interview, award‑winning novelist Rose Tremain discussed her lifelong search for stories, the themes of love and death in her work and how writing continues to propel her forward. She emphasised the importance of curiosity and empathy in fiction.
An exploration of the booming horror genre argued that Halloween week highlights how the category has grown beyond a niche market. Authors, publishers and booksellers noted increased demand for horror novels and cross‑genre experimentation.
Genesis Publications unveiled *Fearless: The Anthology*, a limited edition featuring rock guitarist Ronnie Wood’s words and images. The edition includes signed copies and archival material celebrating Wood’s career.
Hodder & Stoughton imprint Sceptre prevailed in a three‑way auction to acquire Stacey Yu’s debut novel *Kitten*. The story follows a woman whose life is transformed after she falls in love with her boyfriend’s cat.
Scribner pre‑empted Anushka Joshi’s novel *Starlet*, a reimagining of the life of Hollywood’s first South Asian star Merle Oberon. The book promises a lush, transporting narrative exploring fame and identity.
Jessica Kingsley Publishers’ Writing Prize announced its 2025 winners, highlighting work that gives voice to people living with disability and chronic illness. The prize recognises unpublished writing that challenges stereotypes and promotes understanding.
Picador marked the 50th anniversary of Malcolm Bradbury’s campus satire *The History Man*. The publisher commemorated the milestone with celebratory events and a new edition of the novel.
Blink, an imprint of Bonnier Books, won a four‑way auction to publish Love Island star Olivia Bowen’s memoir *Lost Until Love: Learning to Find Myself Again*. The memoir recounts the decade since her appearance on the reality TV show and charts her personal growth.
Simon & Schuster UK’s Gallery imprint launched a wide‑ranging publicity campaign for comedian Kathy Burke’s memoir *A Mind of My Own*. Plans include events, media appearances and marketing to reach both fans and new readers.
