Happy Friday, everyone! Can you believe June is almost here? It seems like just yesterday I was saying the exact same thing about May. Time really is moving even more strangely than usual in quarantine doesn’t it? Let’s take a look at the biggest news hitting the publishing world this week.
First, some Kobo news. Our Kobo Originals team has collaborated with West End Phoenix to create a collection of stories by Canadian literary voices, reflecting on COVID-19 life. The first collection is out now, with proceeds going to Community Food Centres Canada and their Good Food Fund specifically set up to assist those in need during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Be sure to check it out!
Simon and Schuster have selected Jonathan Karp as their new CEO.
Frankfurt Bookfair is continuing to move forward with their plans for a slightly scaled back event, and have released new details as to what that will look like.
By now we’re all familiar with the rescheduling of publication dates due to Covid-19. This article examines how publishers have been making these decisions.
The comic book industry came to a screeching halt when the pandemic hit the US, and while things are starting to slowly pick up again, it’s probable that it’s going to be very different when it comes back.
The Book Industry Charitable Foundation, which helps support booksellers in need, has never been busier and are an example of how the book selling industry is coming together to help one another during these unprecedented times.
Larry Kramer, AIDS activist and writer, passed away this week at the age of 84.
23 Poet Laureates have been named recipients of fellowships for community projects around the US.
The Omega-verse was all over the news last weekend, as questions of copyright surrounded the fictional world.
J.K. Rowling has announced that she will be publishing her newest work, The Ickabog, for free! She’ll be releasing the story as a serial free of charge, with an official publication date this fall.
A writing class in New York made up of essential workers has been writing haikus about the pandemic, and they are beautiful and haunting.
If you’ve been reading these roundups you know I’ve been enjoying judging the bookshelves in the background of interviews, so you’d better believe I loved this article on the history of the “bookcase flex”.
Have a great weekend!
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Rachel, Author Engagement Intern
“I have been a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer for the better part of my life, so to say I was excited about a new series taking place in the Buffy-verse would be a wild understatement. The story is fresh and fun, filled with complex female protagonists, a compelling Big Bad, and enough Buffy lore and in-jokes to feel familiar and comforting.”