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Our roundup of key news affecting authors. In this edition: publishers buying coronavirus-related titles, the news industry fights for stimulus, the Newark mayor reads poetry at briefings, and more…

Inside the Book Industry’s Battle to Stay Afloat During the COVID-19 Crisis
Esquire
“Yet even as the industry reels, the ever-indefatigable literary community is rising to the occasion in surprising ways, coming to a forceful and impassioned defense of those who make their livelihood through books.”

Publishers Snap Up Corona Books, from Case Studies to Plague Poetry
The New York Times
“Authors are racing to produce timely accounts of the outbreak, with works that range from reported narratives to spiritual guides.”

Bookstore Sales Plunged 33.4% in March
Publishers Weekly
“The drop in bookstore sales was expected as most physical stores closed and many consumers turned to e-tailers such as Amazon and Bookshop to purchase books.”

How the Publishing World Is Staying Afloat During the Pandemic
HuffPost
“Quarantine may be a golden opportunity to finally read ‘War and Peace’—but it’s not an easy time for the book industry.”

A Feud in Wolf-Kink Erotica Raises a Deep Legal Question
The New York Times
Accusations of plagiarism and copyright infringement have raised a maelstrom in the world of fan fiction.

News Industry Lobbyists Say Congress Needs to Include Relief in Next Stimulus Package
CNN Business
“This week local journalists are spotlighting the work that shows how essential they are, particularly in the midst of a pandemic.”

Restructuring at Simon & Schuster Children’s
Publishers Weekly
“Jon Anderson, president and publisher of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, announced on Wednesday in a staff memo that the company’s children’s division will be reorganizing under two publishing entities.”

Unsold Book Returns in Coming Weeks Could Be Another Blow for Publishers
The Star
“A massive return of books stemming from the two-month run of closed doors at bookshops and retail outlets could be a crushing financial hit for many domestic publishers, particularly the smaller independent variety.”

New Jersey Mayor Reads Poetry During Press Briefings to Uplift Residents During Coronavirus
People
“Toni Morrison’s words ring powerful in Ras Baraka’s baritone voice, and silence follows.”