News Latest Publishing News

[AgentPete]

PW Star Watch 2025 Finalist: Noah Perkins​

Noah Perkins, the founder of the Young Publishers Association, is highlighted for his commitment to fostering in‑person connections among young book‑industry workers. The article notes that the organisation has evolved from a casual bar meet‑up into a registered charity that hosts networking events and supports early‑career professionals.

Waterstones unveils Book of the Year 2025 shortlist​

Waterstones announced its 2025 Book of the Year shortlist, which includes novels by R. F. Kuang, Lucy Steeds and Arundhati Roy. The shortlisting recognises a diverse range of high‑profile authors and sets the stage for the retailer’s end‑of‑year award.

Patsy Irwin to retire from Transworld​

After a 35‑year career at Transworld, publicity director Patsy Irwin will retire next month. The story notes her long service with the publisher and the transition planned ahead of her departure.

Farshore wins four‑way auction for Elle Kennedy YA thriller​

Electric Monkey, Farshore’s young adult imprint, won a competitive four‑way auction for Elle Kennedy’s thriller *Thornbird* in a two‑book deal. The acquisition brings Kennedy’s bestselling style to Farshore’s YA list.

Fourth Estate signs ‘masterful’ Ann Packer novel​

Fourth Estate acquired Ann Packer’s novel *Some Bright Nowhere*, which explores the profound gifts and costs of loving someone as the end of life approaches. The deal adds a new literary novel to the HarperCollins imprint’s fiction list.

Helena Bonham Carter to narrate Holly Dawson’s memoir​

Actor Helena Bonham Carter will narrate the audiobook edition of Holly Dawson’s memoir *All of Us Atoms*, which is being published by Canongate. The audiobook release is scheduled for late October, adding star power to the memoir’s audio edition.

Michael O’Mara reveals *Words to Love a Planet*​

Michael O’Mara Books announced Ella Frances Sanders’s nonfiction book *Words to Love a Planet*, which gathers more than 200 environmentally themed words from 80 languages. The collection blends global etymology with environmental reflection to celebrate the natural world.

Farshore signs new Jack Meggitt‑Phillips series​

Farshore signed a two‑book deal with Jack Meggitt‑Phillips for a new middle‑grade series that reimagines *Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde*. The first instalment, *The Potion of Doom*, will launch next autumn and promises a playful take on the classic tale.

Cosy horror debut for Orbit​

Orbit UK acquired Megan Flynn’s post‑apocalyptic cosy‑horror novel *When the Forest Whispers*. The deal includes two books and describes the novel as defying categorisation by balancing dark themes with warmth and found‑family elements.

People’s history of the British Isles to HarperNorth​

HarperNorth bought Brian Groom’s book *These Isles: A People’s History of the British Isles*, which offers a kaleidoscopic account of shared stories across Britain and Ireland. The acquisition aims to provide a new perspective on the interconnected histories of the isles.

Midas to launch Wiley book on men​

Publicity agency Midas will spearhead the campaign for George Bell’s book *Be a Man About It*, a Wiley title exploring modern manhood. The book is scheduled for January release and will be promoted through an ambitious publicity programme.

Faber hires new editor​

Faber appointed Linda Mohamed, formerly of PRH, as its new fiction commissioning editor. The announcement highlights Mohamed’s energy and passion for diverse storytelling, signalling Faber’s commitment to broadening its list.

IBBY Honour Book 2026 nominations revealed​

Six books from the UK have been selected for the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) Honour List 2026. These titles will join works from other member countries in the global IBBY collection.

White Rabbit signs David Keenan’s ‘love letter to Glasgow’​

White Rabbit acquired David Keenan’s novel *Boyhood*, described as “the great Glasgow novel” set in the 1980s yet written in the 21st century. The rights deal positions the book as a major literary portrait of Glasgow.

Publishers Lunch Daily Deals – October 30 2025​

The Publishers Lunch Daily Deals newsletter recaps notable book acquisitions on 30 October 2025. Highlights include Meredith E. Phillips’s Regency romance *A Rogue’s Guide to Winning a Wife*, Nikki Ervice’s road‑trip novel *Roadshow*, Ivy Fang’s horror debut *Poppy Creek* (won at auction), Megan Flynn’s cosy‑horror novel *When the Forest Whispers*, and Johannes Lichtman’s novel *Mosquitoes*. Additional deals span mystery, romance, science‑fiction and non‑fiction projects.

‘Heavyweight’ shortlist unveiled for William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2025​

The Bookseller reported that former England cricketer James Anderson and ex‑professional road cyclist Pippa York are among seven titles shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2025. The shortlist recognises notable sports‑writing across diverse disciplines.

Bonnier teams up with Yoto on new literacy initiative in school libraries​

Bonnier Books UK has partnered with audio‑player company Yoto to launch a literacy initiative in school libraries across the UK. The collaboration aims to encourage children’s reading by integrating audio stories into library programmes.

Two‑tier audio is imminent​

In this commentary, Nathan Hull argues that audio publishing is moving toward a two‑tier model. He envisions inexpensive, straightforward listens alongside premium, highly produced audio editions, signalling a bifurcated future for audiobook formats.

On the power of pseudonyms​

Aaron Kent reflects on a decade of writing under a pseudonym, noting that the alias has provided freedom and breathing space. The comment piece explores how pseudonyms can empower writers by separating their creative work from their personal identities.

Books on Podcasts: Philip Pullman relieved to finish the story of Lyra Belacqua​

The Bookseller’s podcast column observed that Philip Pullman dominated podcast charts by appearing on both the Waterstones and Ask Penguin podcasts in the same week. Pullman expressed relief at concluding the long‑running story of his heroine Lyra Belacqua.

Hemlock Press wins four‑way auction for Ivy Fang’s debut novel​

Hemlock Press secured the UK rights to Ivy Fang’s debut horror novel *Poppy Creek* in a four‑way auction. The book, pitched as a blend of satire and supernatural suspense, will be published as part of a two‑book deal.

Yellow Kite signs Liz Earle’s new book on the female healthspan​

Yellow Kite, an imprint of Hodder & Stoughton, acquired Liz Earle’s forthcoming book *How to Age*, focused on extending the female healthspan. The title will explore evidence‑based strategies for healthy ageing.

Embla falls for Lizzie Lee’s Cotswolds Christmas romance in two‑book deal​

Embla, Bonnier’s digital‑first imprint, signed a two‑book deal with author Lizzie Lee for cosy romance novels set in the Cotswolds. The first title, centred on a Christmas romance, is slated for release next year.