Ebook lending through public libraries has been something of a headache since the advent of digital reading. Strange "hoop jumping" requirements from publishers and technology obstacles to overcome for libraries and patrons has made this a winding road, to be sure. But as it turns out, some of the barriers are not artificial... and not in the best interests of these … [Read more...] about Amazon Blocks Libraries from Loaning eBooks
Enki Enables Free eBook Borrowing to All CA Residents
All aspects of society have learned a few things during the past year as we braved a worldwide pandemic. First, we learned that working from home actually is a possibility for a great many industries. We've also learned that working from home can be difficult if you have family members to care for. We've learned that masks can stop the spread of COVID and a lot of other … [Read more...] about Enki Enables Free eBook Borrowing to All CA Residents
Books, Book Reviews Are Headed to the Moon
This has certainly been a big month for space exploration and advancements, with NASA's Perseverance rover, China's Tianwen-1, and the United Arab Emirates' Hope all reaching Mars this month. and , but a new piece of space news will have bookworms rejoicing: ebooks are going where no books have gone before... and so are some book reviews! It all started when Astrobotic and … [Read more...] about Books, Book Reviews Are Headed to the Moon
Books in the Time of COVID: The Panorama Project Report
Last year was a difficult one for retailers and consumers alike. Lockdowns, vital restrictions on the public, job loss and business closures, and more--coupled with the ever-present fears for health and safety in the face of a deadly global pandemic--led to a lot of financial anxiety in every industry. But a new report not only unearthed some positive news about books and … [Read more...] about Books in the Time of COVID: The Panorama Project Report
B&N May Reinvent Itself… and It Could Save Bookstores
Barnes and Noble has been outrunning the Grim Reaper's shadow for quite some time, and it has put a valiant effort into new tactics and new approaches in order to keep the doors open. While it hasn't yet taken the advice from many authors, publishers, experts, and readers--namely, get the candles and coffee mugs off the shelves and fill the place with books--a new approach is … [Read more...] about B&N May Reinvent Itself… and It Could Save Bookstores
NetGalley Bought by Japanese Company Media Do
This month, a significant publishing acquisition occurred which turns all of the shares of Quality Solutions/Firebrand Technologies over to a Japanese company's US operations, Media Do International. Firebrand is the parent company of popular ARC distributor and potential review source, NetGalley. Launched in 2008 shortly before BookExpo America by Rosetta Solutions, the … [Read more...] about NetGalley Bought by Japanese Company Media Do
B&N Press Just Sweetened Its Deal for Indie Authors
One of the most important things about self-publishing has always been that authors were finally in control. Without gatekeepers blocking the way, authors could sell where they wanted to, price their books how they wanted, write whatever genre and crossovers they wanted. Choice is a glorious thing when it comes to buying and selling, but that choice diminished somewhat with the … [Read more...] about B&N Press Just Sweetened Its Deal for Indie Authors
Authors to Dept of Justice: Stop the Penguin Random House Buy of Simon & Schuster
Once upon a time, the publishing world involved a vast, gatekeeping entity called the Big Six. Shortly after a devastating anti-trust lawsuit involving five of those publishers, Penguin and Random House merged to become the current largest trade publisher in the US. But a new deal to buy Simon & Schuster--amounting to what the Washington Post has called "the Big Bad Wolf … [Read more...] about Authors to Dept of Justice: Stop the Penguin Random House Buy of Simon & Schuster
Founder of Waterstones Not Sorry About Loss of Indie Bookstores
A rather biting article appeared in The Guardian in which brick-and-mortar bookstore chain Waterstones' founder Tim Waterstone said he doesn't feel guilty about the role that the megachain played in killing indie bookshops in the UK. At the time comparable to Borders or Barnes and Noble, Waterstones had the same deadly effect: sweep in, undercut the little guy, then close the … [Read more...] about Founder of Waterstones Not Sorry About Loss of Indie Bookstores
Amazon Publishing Nabs Several Top Authors
Amazon Publishing certainly isn't new to the industry anymore, but somehow, people continue to be surprised by the names the company manages to publish under its different imprints. According to Publishing Perspectives, Dean Koontz, horror author of more than 45 titles, is the latest name to sign with Amazon for a five-book deal, the first of which will release … [Read more...] about Amazon Publishing Nabs Several Top Authors