THE FIGHT IS ON!
Want to borrow that e-book from the library? Sorry, Amazon won’t let you.
Its monopoly is stopping public libraries from lending e-books and audiobooks from Mindy Kaling, Dean Koontz, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Trevor Noah, Andy Weir, Michael Pollan and a whole lot more. The books are published through Amazon, under various imprints like Thomas & Mercer, Lake Union, and more. Know who your publisher is and what your rights are!
Maryland Legislature Passes Law Supporting Library Access to Digital Content
Two more states (New York and Rhode Island) have also introduced similar legislation to ensure libraries have the ability to license digital content offered to the general public under reasonable terms.
WARNING! MARCH 12, 2021
SCAM ALERT: Paper Bytes Marketing Solutions and its stable of imaginary agents
The scam formerly known as Chapters Media and Advertising.
Contract Red Flag: when a publisher claims copyright on edits
Join in @Home July 23 – 25, 2021
Due to concern for public health and safety, San Diego Comic Convention had to cancel both of its in-person events in 2020 and recently announced that their spring 2021 show, WonderCon in Anaheim, will also be canceled. Look for updates for an online event in July and hopefully, an in-person event in November.
Chicon 8: The 80th World Science Fiction Convention
September 1-5, 2022 (yes, that’s 2022!)
Diversity in Romance Books Still Lags
Union Booksellers Protest at NYC’s Strand
Frankfurt commits to In-Person Fair, opens registration, expects about 2/3 the number of vendors as in 2019.
The Frankfurt Book Fair has recommitted to running a hybrid meeting in 2021, one that will feature in-person and virtual elements, and has opened registration for exhibitors. The in-person event is scheduled for October 20-24 and has been given the theme of “re:connect.” Canada will be the 2021 fair’s guest of honor.
Killer Nashville, this year and more—please note the registration form says NO REFUNDS which apparently includes Covid lockdowns. One registrant from last year reported them to the attorney general’s office and was able to settle (details unknown). A good tip to keep in mind.
August 19-22, 2021
August 18-21, 2022
August 24-27, 2023
Scribd announces an audiobook production line, highlighting independent publishers, subscription style.
Hillary Clinton and Louise Penny team up to pen a thriller while Bill Clinton and James Patterson prepare their second thriller.
NetGalley and its owner Quality Solutions/Firebrand Technologies have been sold to Media Do International, a Japanese ebook distributor.
Vault Comics, S&S Ink Worldwide Distribution Deal
Independent comics publisher Vault Comics reached an agreement with Simon & Schuster to provide worldwide distribution for Vault Comics titles beginning May 1, 2021.
Columbia, Howard University to launch Black Studies Book Series, Diversity Program. Plans are to use the book line to recruit and train students for careers in the book industry.
Kid Lit community rallies against Anti-Asian racism. A rise in hate crimes targeting Asian-Americans since the Covid-19 pandemic brought together a group of Asian-American children’s authors to make change.
Sourcebooks launches Women Voices Imprint with E.L. James as First Author—the new imprint will “expand what publishing can be for women authors.” It launched at midnight March 31 when the entire print backlist of mega-selling author E.L. James became part of the unit.
Like cozy mysteries? This might be the book club for you. If so, consider joining the Cozy Cat Press Book Club, where cozy mystery lovers get to discuss their favorite cozy mysteries together. Book clubs are a great way for book lovers to connect with each other, and in the age of COVID, it’s important to stay connected. The book club is completely virtual, so you can join in anytime from anywhere via Facebook Groups and Goodreads.
