News Today's Book News

Marco Jochum named PRH’s EVP and Director of Global Human Resources​

Penguin Random House promoted Marco Jochum to executive vice‑president and director of global human resources. In the new role he will convene HR leaders across the company and continue heading the HR function at PRH Germany, with CEO Nihar Malaviya praising his strategic leadership and experience.

Amazon adds Benetech accessible metadata to e‑books​

Publishers Weekly reports that Amazon now displays accessibility metadata in Kindle e‑book listings, highlighting which titles meet Benetech’s Global Certified Accessible standards. The new tags should make it easier for readers with disabilities to find books with reflowable text, alt text and other accessible features; Simon & Schuster is the only Big Five publisher currently certified.

Judge in Anthropic case has more questions, and suggestions​

In an update on the proposed settlement between authors and AI company Anthropic, U.S. District Judge William Alsup asked how claims would be handled when multiple rights holders assert ownership of the same work. He suggested additional notice to potential claimants and observed that authors might opt out if expected payments are too low.

Karp, Shelley and Yaged address People of Publishing​

At a People of Publishing conference, CEOs Jonathan Karp (Simon & Schuster), David Shelley (Hachette) and Jon Yaged (Macmillan) discussed generative AI, connecting readers with books and the agent‑editor relationship. Karp said editors sometimes “ghost” agents and urged his editors to reply within three weeks, while Shelley emphasised the need to reach children and to harness technology responsibly.

People 9/17: industry promotions and hires​

Publishers Lunch gathered job changes across the industry: Marco Jochum becomes PRH’s EVP and global HR director, Emily Isayeff was promoted to director of publicity at Ballantine, and Caro Perny joins Bantam Dell as director of publicity. Agent Becky Brown will head RCW Legacy, and there were further promotions at Tor Publishing Group and the Rights Factory.

Barnes & Noble Discover Prize finalists announced​

The Barnes & Noble Discover Prize finalists for 2025 are Kaplan’s Plot by Jason Diamond, Great Black Hope by Rob Franklin, Tilt by Emma Pattee, The Artist and the Feast by Lucy Steeds, Lonely Crowds by Stephanie Wambagu and Maggie: Or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar by Katie Yee. One debut author will receive a cash prize and promotion through Barnes & Noble stores.

Bloomsbury hires top Guardian executive​

BookBrunch reports that Bloomsbury Publishing has appointed Keith Underwood, chief financial and operating officer of the Guardian Media Group, as its new chief financial and operating officer. He will join Bloomsbury in February 2025 and oversee finance and operations across the publisher.

New generation hailed at Hodder​

Hodder & Stoughton celebrated promotions within its editorial staff, elevating Nico Parfitt, Kate Norman and Lucy Buxton to editor roles. The publisher said the promotions reflect a growing generation of commissioning talent and will strengthen its fiction list.

Independent publishers face ‘mixed’ outlook, IPG Autumn Conference hears​

A session at the Independent Publishers Guild’s autumn conference warned that independent publishers face a mixed outlook amid economic headwinds. Speakers discussed opportunities in AI and changes to legislation but also noted that growth could be hampered by higher costs and an uncertain market.

Macmillan Children’s Books pre‑empts major new series from debut author Louise Austin​

Macmillan Children’s Books has pre‑empted a major series from award‑winning debut author Louise Austin. The deal secures multiple books and positions the imprint to publish a new fantasy adventure for young readers.

Cornerstone Press acquires new ‘manual for the brain’ from Dr Amir Levine​

Penguin Random House UK’s Cornerstone Press has acquired Secure, a new non‑fiction title by psychiatrist Dr Amir Levine. The book is described as a manual for understanding the brain and marks his first publication since co‑writing Attached 15 years ago.

Hodder & Stoughton acquires two from debut author Tempest Black in six‑figure pre‑empt​

Hodder Fiction has pre‑empted two novels by debut author Tempest Black in a six‑figure deal. The acquisition includes The Seventh Day and a second crime novel that will launch a new series for the publisher.

Canongate triumphs in six‑way auction for Nikesh Shukla’s The Good Immigrant​

Canongate has acquired Nikesh Shukla’s book The Good Immigrant after Unbound’s closure, winning a six‑way auction for the rights. The publisher will issue the collection of essays about immigrant experiences under its Canons imprint.

September Publishing acquires psychologist and mythologist Sharon Blackie’s seventh book​

September Publishing has bought the seventh book by psychologist and mythologist Sharon Blackie. The acquisition expands the publisher’s non‑fiction roster and continues Blackie’s exploration of mythic narratives and personal growth.

Hot Key Books snares Maia Kane’s sapphic romantasy novels​

Bonnier’s Hot Key Books has acquired two sapphic romantasy novels by debut author Maia Kane: Season of Steel and Gauntlet of Gold. The publisher describes the titles as fast‑paced romantic fantasies that center queer relationships and adventure.

Picador snaps up Rebecca Birrell’s ‘completely gripping’ debut​

Picador has bought Venus, Vanishing, the debut novel by art historian Rebecca Birrell. The book is billed as a gripping exploration of art and obsession told through a suspenseful literary narrative.

Hachette UK to partner with National Literacy Trust to tackle ‘reading for pleasure’ crisis​

Hachette UK has teamed up with the National Literacy Trust to help reverse a decline in reading for pleasure among children. The partnership will distribute books and resources to roughly 4,000 children in disadvantaged communities and aims to ignite enthusiasm for reading.

Books on Podcasts: Ian McEwan imagines a dystopian future​

On the Take Four Books podcast, Ian McEwan discussed his novel What We Can Know, which envisions a dystopian Britain grappling with climate change and technological threats. The interview explored the author’s interest in how science and politics influence storytelling and his concerns about AI.