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PW, Independent Publishers Launch #ReadIndie Campaign
Publishers Weekly is joining with a group of independent publishers to launch #ReadIndie, an online campaign launching May 4th designed to highlight the range, importance, and distinctive character of the indie publishing community.
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University Press of Kentucky Has New Funding, Director
The University Press of Kentucky has had its state funding restored after losing it in 2018, and in March, Ashley Runyon took over as director of the press.
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Left-Wing Indie Publishers Form Coalition
The Radical Publishers Alliance is an international group of left-wing independent publishers who have joined together with the goal of supporting each other during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Petition Asking Poetry Foundation for Millions Gains Support
A Change.org petition has garnered nearly 1,500 signatures asking the Poetry Foundation to dip into its deep pockets to support poets and independent publishers who are struggling economically because of the pandemic.
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Coloring and Crosswords Books for Adults Get Boost
Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, adults have been on the hunt for activities both to while away the hours and to reduce anxiety and stress.
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Series Are the Alpha at Wolfpack Publishing
Wolfpack Publishing, a genre publisher with more than 90% of its business in digital book sales, is finding success with its direct-to-consumer focus during nationwide shelter-in-place orders—especially considering its emphasis on series.
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CCNY’s Publishing Certificate Program Faces the Pandemic
The Publishing Certificate Program at the City College of New York has recently found its graduates facing the same problem as everyone else in the book business: dwindling job prospects in an industry reeling from the impact of Covid-19.
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Federal Appeals Court Declares Literacy a Constitutional Right
In a 2-1 ruling released on April 23, the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court held that basic literacy is “implicit in the concept of ordered liberty” and central to “the basic exercise of other fundamental rights,” including political participation.
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New Rivers Press Slated for Closure in Spring 2022
New Rivers Press will shut down in spring 2022 due to budget cuts proposed by its host institution, Minnesota State University-Moorhead.
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Kensington to Introduce Larger Mass Market Format
This bigger mass market paperback will make “for a more comfortable reading experience," said Kensington CEO Steve Zacharius, who noted that, with sales of the traditional format in steady decline, he believes the larger size could revitalize the format.
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Craft, DIY, and Activity Books Buoy Publishers During Coronavirus
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted all aspects of book publishing, from putting pressure on sales channels to changing the kinds of books consumers want. A number of independent publishers have pivoted to meet the demand for books in newly popular categories and formats.
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Publishers and Literary Organizations Seek Donations to Survive
Cinco Puntos Press launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $250,000, as did Small Press Distribution, which is seeking $100,000. Lambda Literary, the LGBTQ-focused group, is asking for $175,000 to survive.
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EDC Gets Paycheck Protection Loan
Educational Development Corporation announced it received a $1.44 million loan under the Paycheck Protection Program. The company has seen a drop in sales in its publishing division, although business in its direct-to-consumer group has increased.
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Indie Publishers, Booksellers Waiting for CARES Act Relief
As small businesses around the country await funds from the landmark Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, indie publishers and booksellers are having mixed experiences trying to secure this financial lifeline.
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Rallying Around #BooksAreEssential
Are books essential items? Many in the industry, including 'PW,' think that the role they play in the well-being of American culture makes it clear that they are. These industry figures agreed.
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What Book Orgs Are Doing to Help the Biz Through Covid-19
Trade associations and other organizations have stepped up to provide information and resources to help those in the book publishing industry navigate the crisis. Below is an overview of what a number of groups are doing.
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Elena Ferrante’s Publishers Discuss Her New Novel
In the U.S., 'The Lying Life of Adults' won't be published until September 1, after a delay caused by Covid-19—but its publishers, here and worldwide, still have high hopes for the book.
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As the Pandemic Rages, Reedpop Looks Toward 2021
The coronavirus raised too many hurdles to make BookExpo viable this year, organizers say. Now the company is looking for ways to fill the void, and toward a new year.
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Authors Guild Finds Writers Are Losing Significant Income
A survey by the Authors Guild of its members found a majority of authors had already lost significant income due to the ongoing pandemic, led by lost fees from appearances and writing opportunities.
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Agents Weigh Whether to Submit Projects During the Pandemic
As a plunge in sales caused by the recent coronavirus outbreak forces publishers to tighten their purse strings, agents are struggling with a new wrinkle to one of their age-old dilemmas: when to submit their clients’ new manuscripts.