Publishers Weekly reported that editors are seeing a rise in fantasy novels where female warriors take centre stage rather than male knights. The article noted that these “lady knight” books – many with romantic or sapphic storylines – are emerging from the popularity of romantasy and subvert historical gender tropes by depicting women in armour as the heroes.【648210367677472†L52-L75】
Publishers Weekly’s bestseller list for early November showed legal thrillers dominating the hardcover fiction chart, with new novels by John Grisham and Michael Connelly occupying the top slots. In nonfiction the top-selling title was Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s memoir *Nobody’s Girl*, and the magazine also noted strong sales for festive romances and historical fiction.【657469386566025†L218-L237】
After KKR’s acquisition of Simon & Schuster, editor Michelle Herrera Mulligan launched the bilingual imprint Primero Sueño at Atria Books to publish Latinx voices. Publishers Weekly said the imprint will partner with the Spanish‐language publisher Urano on cross‑listed titles and aims to bring bilingual and bicultural stories to a broad audience.【831319295366341†L62-L88】
Publishers Weekly’s annual Star Watch programme recognised 36 honorees and four finalists for their achievements in publishing and bookselling. The article highlighted the diversity of roles represented—from editors and publicists to rights professionals—and noted that one individual would be named the year’s superstar at an awards ceremony.【296206548322094†L216-L239】
In an accompanying piece, the magazine explained that the Star Watch initiative celebrates emerging leaders across the book trade. It emphasised that the programme provides networking and mentorship opportunities designed to nurture rising talent in publishing.【462699321583559†L56-L63】
Publishers Weekly announced that Helen Rouner, head of Rivers Book Company, was selected as the 2025 Star Watch superstar. The article said Rouner was honoured for her entrepreneurial approach to publishing and her success building a vibrant independent press.【295080012489994†L216-L225】
An in‑depth feature looked at the new English edition of Olga Tokarczuk’s novel *House of Day, House of Night*. The author, translator and editors discussed the challenges of rendering the experimental structure and Polish cultural references for English readers and explained how the project reflects Tokarczuk’s blend of fiction, memoir and philosophy.【904479365662098†L60-L97】
Publishers Weekly interviewed Nick Raines of the Dayton Literary Peace Prize to mark the award’s twentieth year. Raines said the prize honours books that promote empathy and understanding, and he argued that the mission is even more vital during a time of heightened political polarisation.【287894788948784†L50-L86】
The magazine’s weekly deal roundup reported that anthology *Views from the Overlook*, inspired by *The Shining* and edited by Ellen Datlow and Margo Lanagan, sold to Vintage. It also noted Ron Chernow’s forthcoming biography of painter James McNeill Whistler, a new novel called *The Rouse* from China Miéville, and several other significant acquisitions across fiction and non‑fiction.【260609048668448†L60-L99】
Publishers Weekly reported that Macmillan is buying the print and audio publishing divisions of Sounds True. The imprint’s books will be released under St Martin’s Essentials while its audiobooks will be issued by Macmillan Audio; founder Tami Simon will remain with the company to oversee its direct‑to‑consumer platform.【44162554381693†L56-L82】
Publishers Weekly offered an obituary for John F. Baker, its former editorial director, who died on 23 October. Colleagues recalled his deep knowledge of the industry, his mentorship of young editors and agents and his efforts to expand coverage of small presses and diverse voices.【336058195044853†L56-L104】
Reporting from the Guadalajara International Book Fair, the magazine profiled Mexican novelist Juan Pablo Villalobos’s return to his hometown to present his latest book. Villalobos spoke about writing humorous fiction rooted in Mexican culture and how appearing at FIL 2025 fulfilled a longstanding dream.【190957080786729†L58-L103】
Publishers Weekly noted that Barcelona would be guest of honour at the 2025 Guadalajara fair, highlighting the strength of Catalan publishing. Catalan publishers plan to showcase a wide range of fiction and nonfiction and hope the spotlight will boost translation opportunities and cultural exchange.【972599892351069†L61-L89】
In a profile of author Rachel Hawkins, Publishers Weekly discussed her upcoming thriller set in a 1950s Italian villa inspired by Mary Stewart’s romantic suspense classics. Hawkins explained how she blends gothic atmosphere with modern gender dynamics and why she enjoys exploring marriage and ambition through the lens of crime fiction.【854435758612150†L50-L99】
The magazine’s business brief noted that Amazon’s online sales increased 10 percent year‑on‑year in the third quarter of 2025. Growth was driven by strong demand in categories such as books and household goods, while profits were boosted by advertising and cloud services.【33342600933234†L88-L99】
Publishers Lunch reported that Miami‑based Mango Publishing is shutting down because pandemic‑era debt and supply‑chain disruptions left it unable to service its loans. The company’s lender is liquidating assets, and founder Christopher McKenney told authors the press had “exhausted all cash” and could not pay its debts.【808241906556273†L45-L52】
BookBrunch noted that the £75,000 Cundill History Prize, the world’s richest history award, went to Oxford historian Lyndal Roper for *Summer of Fire and Blood*, her study of the German Peasants’ War. Roper’s book was praised by judges for its narrative power and insight, and the win was later echoed in coverage by other outlets.【132882169597926†L39-L42】
According to BookBrunch, Pan Macmillan concluded a six‑figure deal for two cosy fantasy novels by YouTuber‑turned‑author Lucy Jane Wood. The as‑yet‑untitled books are described as “high‑concept cosy” stories blending magic and everyday life and will be published under the Tor UK imprint.【435289510153280†L39-L41】
In a BookBrunch interview, romance writer BK Borison discussed pivoting from small‑town contemporary romances to paranormal romance. She previewed her upcoming festive novel *Good Spirits*, which introduces ghosts into her charming Lovelight and Heartstrings universe.【380046925486635†L41-L43】
BookBrunch reported that independent publisher Profile’s turnover reached £21.5 million with profits of £3 million in fiscal 2024/25. The company credited continued interest in the puzzle book *Murdle* and steady backlist sales for what its CEO called “remarkable” results.【923919403819099†L39-L41】
Andersen Press announced a forthcoming children’s series called *Will Shakespeare Mysteries* by authors Kaz Penney and Sammy Elgie. BookBrunch’s snippet said each instalment will reimagine a Shakespeare play as a mystery, aiming to introduce young readers to the Bard’s stories in an accessible way.【426554566636088†L41-L43】
BookBrunch reported that Rough Trade Books acquired Charlie Fox’s debut novel *Drool*, described by the publisher as a “love story covered in blood”. The novel is a dark retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, likened to Angela Carter meets *Euphoria* in its mix of horror and teenage angst.【624270881032464†L41-L43】
The Booksellers Association named its Books of the Month for November, according to BookBrunch. Bloomsbury titles *Petty Lies* and *Swanfall* were chosen as Fiction and Children’s Book of the Month respectively, spotlighting emerging authors.【676147629071939†L39-L40】
BookBrunch said Bonnier’s digital‑first imprint Embla acquired Lizzie Lee’s novel about a romance in the Cotswolds set at Christmastime. The deal reflects the continued popularity of feel‑good seasonal fiction among e‑book readers.【757365483653124†L39-L41】
According to BookBrunch, Atlantic Books bought a memoir by musician Melissa Auf der Maur, former bassist for Hole and Smashing Pumpkins. The book, due out in spring 2026, is described as a love letter to 1990s rock and will chronicle Auf der Maur’s life and musical career.【493063272192792†L41-L42】
BookBrunch reported that HarperCollins imprint HQ pre‑empted *Time Travel for Beginners* by Jaclyn Moriarty. The novel centres on a travel agency in Sydney that sends clients back to the day they were born, promising a quirky time‑slip romance with a high‑concept twist.【537652803695837†L41-L42】
The Bookseller revealed that Blackwell’s selected 15 titles for its 2025 Book of the Year award. The fiction category pits Danish author Solvej Balle against Olivia Laing, Vincenzo Latronico, Ian McEwan and Philip Pullman.【151751055373333†screenshot】
Reporting on the same day, The Bookseller said the European and International Booksellers Federation had published a Charter on Artificial Intelligence. The document sets out principles for the responsible and ethical use of AI within bookselling and the broader book ecosystem.【85175380743482†screenshot】
The Bookseller reported that Lyndal Roper, regius professor of history at the University of Oxford, won the 2025 Cundill History Prize for *Summer of Fire and Blood: The German Peasants’ War*. Judges praised the work as both thrilling and tragic, and Roper said she hoped the book would bring the peasants’ story to a wider readership.【987458372909014†screenshot】
A Bookseller news brief noted that independent publisher Profile’s latest figures show a second‑best trading year despite turnover falling from its record peak in 2023‑24. Strong backlist sales helped deliver solid profits, with puzzle book *Murdle* remaining a key earner.
The Bookseller reported that books by South Korean novelist Han Kang and British author Ian McEwan are among the contenders for Foyles’ Book of the Year 2025. The shortlist mixes international fiction with titles from independent publishers, reflecting the retailer’s eclectic tastes.
In a trade‑interview feature, The Bookseller talked with Rachel Leyshon about taking over as managing director of children’s publisher Chicken House. She discussed continuing the house’s focus on imaginative middle‑grade fiction while expanding into new genres and formats.
The Bookseller announced the six titles on the William Hill Sports Book of the Year “Heavyweight” shortlist for 2025. The nominated books include biographies and investigative narratives covering boxing, football, cycling and athletics.
A podcast column in The Bookseller highlighted an interview with Philip Pullman in which the author expressed relief at completing his trilogy about Lyra Belacqua. Pullman reflected on the decades he has spent writing the *His Dark Materials* and *Book of Dust* series and hinted that he may return to Lyra’s world in shorter pieces.
The Bookseller reported that Faber & Faber has hired Linda Mohamed as its new fiction commissioning editor. Mohamed, previously at Atlantic Books, will acquire literary fiction and help develop emerging authors as part of the publisher’s editorial team.
