Industry & Advocacy News
February 2, 2018
Our round-up of articles of interest and key news affecting authors. In this week’s edition: Delivering books on horseback, new translation category for the National Book Awards, and more…
The Globalization of the National Book Awards
The New York Times
The newly-created translation prize for authors and translators of fiction and nonfiction works is the first new prize category to be added in over two decades.
Walmart Is Bringing the Fight to Amazon’s Turf: Ebooks
Fortune
This year, Walmart will start selling ebooks, audiobooks, and e-readers, as well as partner with Kobo in a move to increase their market presence beyond just physical books.
The Shallowness of Google Translate
The Atlantic
Simple tests show that when it comes to translation, human translators are nowhere near being replaced by machines.
Star-Studded Lineup to Honor Legendary Author Judy Blume for Her 80th Birthday
Broadway World
Molly Ringwald, Jacqueline Woodson, Rachel Vail, Chloë Sevigny, Meg Wolitzer, and more will pay tribute to literary icon Judy Blume on Sunday, February 4 in New York City.
Female Librarians on Horseback Delivering Books, ca. 1930s
History Daily
As part of Franklin Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration, a Pack Horse Library Initiative was established to help Americans become more literate by delivering books to remote areas on horseback.
Events Recognize Author William Kennedy at Age 90
Times Union
“I’m thrilled to honor him and highlight the impact he has had on the literary world,” said Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “He tells the story of Albany in a way that has really caught the imagination of the entire country.”
Burger King Explains Net Neutrality with a $26 Whopper
CBS News
Burger King gives a lesson in Net Neutrality with an ad showing customers being told they will “be charged different prices for a Whopper, based on speed, or MBPS (making burgers per second). Prices range from $5 to $26.”
Congress, It’s Time to Pay Musicians
“We’ve seen a growth of interest in creator activism like never before,” said Mr. Friedman, the head of industry and government relations for the Recording Academy.
