The world of bookselling and publishing struggles at the start of the year to make sense and prepare for some major upheavals in everything from diversity in education to economic tariffs. Access to a wide range of books allows for an educated, informed, and forward-thinking population. While some powerful groups like the American Bookseller Association stand firm in their commitment to raising all voices and ensuring access, other corporations and individuals actively fight against the same things.
Amid all the upheaval, authors and booksellers go about their business of writing and providing quality books to the reading public.
For a deeper dive into the latest industry shifts, check out Book Industry News for October & November 2024.
- American Bookseller Association’s 20th Winter Institute
- Tariff Threats Upset Publisher Production
- Cynthia Swanson – Big 5 Author Goes Indie
- Academic Libraries Must Subscribe, Not Purchase Books
- Simon & Schuster Gets Rid of Blurb Requirements
- Big Five File Lawsuit to Challenge Book Banning
American Bookseller Association’s 20th Winter Institute
The February 26th meeting of the American Bookseller Association (ABA) demonstrated a mix of enthusiasm and dedication to the industry’s future. Amid the continuing issues surrounding book bans and the current push for less diversity and inclusion in every aspect of life in the United States, the ABA is strongly committed to standing up for what is right. Bookstore board member Brein Lopez remarked that they ‘blazed a path for the diverse spectrum…’ while others expressed similar feelings of hope.
Books have always been involved in political and social realities around the world. While open support for diverse voices was clear, others expressed a need for growth when it came to other global issues, such as the war in Gaza and BIPOC bookseller support. The focus remains not on large-scale declarations or protests, however, but on the people involved with selling books in the country.
Tariff Threats Upset Publisher Production
The most cost-effective book printing and production options have existed in China for years, but Trump’s new and upcoming tariffs may change that. Add the fact that a lot of paper currently used in United States manufacturing comes from Canada, another tariff target, and things could get even more difficult for printers and publishers.
In the months preceding the actual increases, these businesses weigh their options. The general attitude, which was voiced by one publisher clearly, was “I can’t afford to eat the cost.” Expect hardcover and bulk-printed paperbacks to get more expensive in the coming months.
Cynthia Swanson – Big 5 Author Goes Indie
For many authors, the biggest goal in life is to get published by one of the Big 5 publishers. This dream came true for Cynthia Swanson with her first book, The Bookseller, when Harper Collins picked it up in 2013. More success followed quickly after with international rights sales, positive trade reviews, and a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. The skilled author followed her debut novel up with The Glass Forest, sold to Simon & Schuster.
Then things got a little rocky. The imprint at S&S, Touchstone, folded, and resources diminished for many books. Cynthia wrote her next book, Anyone But Her, and expected acceptance at one of the Big 5 again. She had cred in the industry and proof of sales, after all. When it did not gain traction, the author decided to take a new path: going indie.
Academic Libraries Must Subscribe, Not Purchase Books
Libraries that offer academic and educational content get most of their materials from a limited number of brands like Web of Science and Ex Libris. These fall under the umbrella of Clarivate, an international information services provider. In the past, these libraries could buy books and other materials directly to add to their collections. The February 18th announcement changed all that. Instead, they will only have the option to lease the resources if they pay an ongoing subscription.
Although this greedy decision affects this company’s offers to libraries, there are others who plan to continue offering perpetual access for a one-time cost, such as EBSCO Information Services. While some talk of transformative options and more options in collection development, the non-ownership, subscription-based model reduces access, decreases affordability, and will undoubtedly leave many students without materials and books they can benefit from.
Simon & Schuster Gets Rid of Blurb Requirements
In the writing community, the term ‘blurb’ means different things. It is often used for the book description sent to agents or used on retail sites. However, in the publishing industry, a blurb is a quote from another author that goes on the back of the inside of a published novel and lets people know they should read it. Famous authors give books they like these quotes, increasing the final product’s perceived clout.
Do they work? Are they necessary? According to Simon & Schuster’s latest announcement, they are more an annoyance for authors than they are of benefit to people who buy and read the books. They will no longer require contracted writers to seek out these blurbs before publication. While this affects only a small number of people, it may signal a change in the industry when it comes to marketing techniques.
Big Five File Lawsuit to Challenge Book Banning
In the ongoing fight against book bans and censorship, the Big 5 book publishing companies – Penguin Random House, Hachette, HarperCollins, MacMillan, and Simon & Schuster – have banded together to bring a lawsuit against the state of Idaho’s newest book ban bill. Other organizations and individuals, including the Author’s Guild, the public library system, authors, teachers, and parents, are also involved with the legal proceedings.
House Bill 710 is just another in a long line of similar actions taken across the United States to limit diverse and adult-themed books in school and public libraries. For example, it forbids anyone under 18 to access any so-called sexual content, which seems to include health information and LGBTQ+ content of any kind. The “harmful to children” vague language also puts political and satirical classics, diverse voices books, and others in trouble.
The beginning of 2025 brings continued upheaval and challenges across the publishing, bookselling, and reading world.
