HBG Sales Fell 18% in Third Quarter
Third-quarter sales at Hachette Book Group USA fell 18.5% compared to the third period of 2013, parent Lagardere reported. The decline was attributed to strong sales last year, when HBG had an “unusually” large number of bestsellers, and the “difficult situation” with Amazon in 2014.
Vook Acquires Coliloquy
Coliloquy, which produces enhanced choose-your-own-adventure e-books and apps, has been bought by digital publisher Vook. The company’s newest acquisition follows its purchase, earlier this year, of Byliner, a digital publisher of long-form nonfiction and fiction. Vook will continue to use the Coliloquy name.
Jerry Jenkins Shutters Christian Writers Guild
The Christian Writers Guild, owned by novelist Jerry Jenkins, has ceased operations. Jenkins, who purchased the group in 2001, announced the closing via the CWG website, citing no reason but noting that students would be able to finish writing courses offered through the guild. The CWG began as a correspondence course in the 1960s.
BEA, BookCon Will Have Separate 2015 Dates
Reed Exhibitions has set the new dates for the 2015 editions of BookExpo America and BookCon. While Reed originally considered overlapping the two events on one day, as was the case in 2014, executives have decided to make BEA and BookCon separate shows, with BEA running May 27–29 and BookCon to be held May 30–31.
B&N Starts Bundling Program, Adds Print Option to Nook Press
Barnes & Noble has created B&N Sync Up, a program that will allow customers to buy the digital editions of select titles for $4.99 each after purchasing the print editions. In addition, the company has expanded the services it provides to self-published authors. Nook Press Print Service will allow authors to create their own print books and have them shipped to an author’s home about one week after placing an order.
