In this week’s edition: SAG-AFTRA goes on strike, book banners target children’s picture books, the WGA condemns AI-generated articles on G/O Media sites, another lawsuit against OpenAI, an interview with Colleen Hoover, and more.

Hollywood’s Historic Double Strike, Explained
Vox
As of midnight on Wednesday, the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has joined the Writers Guild of America (WGA) on the picket line. It’s the first time the two unions have been on strike at the same time since 1960.

“Racist,” “Grooming”: Why Parents Are Trying to Ban So Many Picture Books
The Washington Post
Nearly 10 percent of book challenges in more than 100 school districts nationwide targeted children’s picture books, according to the Post’s analysis. The vast majority of books targeted featured LGBTQIA+ characters and subjects.

WGA East “Demands Immediate End” To AI-Generated Articles on G/O Media Sites
Deadline
In a statement issued Wednesday, the Writers Guild of America, East, called AI-generated posts on Deadspin, Gizmodo, and other G/O Media sites an “existential threat to journalism” and asked readers not to click on the stories.

The Merch-ification of Book Publishing
Esquire
Influencer culture is transforming book marketing and publicity as publishers and marketing agencies create campaigns with influencers in mind, triggering criticism of how book influencers prioritize aesthetics over actual reading.

Sarah Silverman and Other Bestselling Authors Sue Meta and OpenAI for Copyright Infringement
Los Angeles Times
A proposed class-action lawsuit seeking just under $1 billion in damages was filed in a San Francisco federal court by authors Richard Kadrey and Christopher Golden along with Silverman, who is both an actor and a published author.

Harlequin Introduces New Romance Imprint, Afterglow Books
Publishers Weekly
Starting in January 2024, the imprint plans to release two titles per month, capitalizing on the success of TikTok’s popular #spicytok content.

48 Chaotic Hours with Colleen Hoover
TIME
Two days in the life of Colleen Hoover, as she opens up about her career and success.

Congratulations 2023 “IPPY” Awards Medalists
Independent Publisher Book Awards
Conducted annually, the Independent Publisher Book Awards honor the year’s best independently published titles from around the world.

Indie Publishers Generate More Than Half Their Revenue from Overseas, IPG Report Finds
The Bookseller
According to a survey of IPG members, in 2022, respondents reported that 48% of their sales came from the domestic market, while 52% came from exports and rights. The reopening of international markets after lockdowns was believed to contribute to a growth in digital turnover compared to previous years.