Industry & Advocacy News
September 15, 2017
Our round-up of key news affecting authors. In this week’s edition: indie bookstore sales going strong, Hemingway’s cats safe from the storm, and more…
2017 National Book Awards Longlists
National Book Foundation
The National Book Foundation has released its longlists for the 2017 National Book Awards in Young People’s Literature, Poetry, Nonfiction, and Fiction. Special props to Authors Guild members Jesmyn Ward (Sing, Unburied, Sing, Fiction), Jennifer Egan (Manhattan Beach, Fiction), Frances FitzGerald (The Evangelicals: The Struggle to Shape America, Nonfiction), and to the son of longtime member Joanne Leedom-Ackerman, Elliot Ackerman (Dark at the Crossing, Fiction).
10 Books That Were Written on a Bet
Electric Lit
From Dostoevsky to Dr. Seuss, “a little doubt, a little pride, maybe some money on the line—that’s the kind of motivation authors need every now and again,” writes Patricja Okuniewska at Electric Lit.
Downloaded Audio Up 34.4% in April 2017
Association of American Publishers
“The strong growth of downloaded audio continued in April (34.4%) and from Jan. to April (29.6%),” according to AAP. “During that time, publisher revenue for this format jumped from $77.6 million in 2016 to $100.6 million in 2017.”
Indie Booksellers Report Solid Summer Sales
Publishers Weekly
A PW survey of over 15 independent bookstores found strong sales across most of the country, with expectations among bookshop owners running high for the fall season of bestsellers.
Man Booker Prize 2017: Shortlist Makes Room for Debuts Alongside Big Names
The Guardian
Judges for the Man Booker Prize, the august UK award for a novel published in English, announced their shortlist Wednesday morning. It includes debut novelists Emily Fridlund and Fiona Mozley alongside old hands Paul Auster and George Saunders. The winner will be announced on October 17.
The Millions Quiz: Essential Reference
The Millions
The Millions asks editors and writers: What is the one reference book you couldn’t live without?
Hemingway’s House and Cats Spared by Hurricane Irma
Los Angeles Times
Key West’s Hemingway Home and its 54 six-toed cats are safe and accounted for after museum staff and the famous pets weathered Hurricane Irma in place.
Photo credit: green-eggs-and-ham-cover by samhsloan@gmail.com under CC 2.0
