News Today's Book News

[AgentPete]

Redmayne Resigns from HC UK, Elton Named Interim CEO​

HarperCollins UK chief executive Charlie Redmayne resigned from his role. Group managing director Kate Elton was appointed interim CEO, taking responsibility for UK and Irish operations while reporting to HarperCollins global CEO Brian Murray. The company said a permanent appointment would be announced in due course.

Stable Book Group, Open Road Ink E‑book Agreement​

Stable Book Group (13 Books, Zando, etc.) signed a marketing and distribution deal with Open Road. Under the agreement, Open Road will distribute Stable’s ebooks and include them in its Ignition marketing platform, a first for the digital publisher. The arrangement takes effect on 1 November and covers all new and backlist titles.

2025 National Book Award Finalists Announced​

The National Book Foundation announced its 2025 National Book Award finalists in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, translated literature and young people’s literature. Authors like Rabih Alameddine, Omar El Akkad and Gabrielle Calvocoressi made the shortlists, and winners will be named on 19 November.

Baker & Taylor Prepares Plan to Shut Down​

Following the collapse of its sale to ReaderLink, library wholesaler Baker & Taylor announced it will wind down operations. CEO Aman Kochar told staff there was no path forward; around 520 employees were laid off, with 253 of 318 distribution‑centre staff let go immediately and the remainder staying on to help wind down until early January. The company expects to cease operations by January 3.

Booksellers in Denver Celebrate Accessibility and the Freedom to Read​

At the Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association’s FallCon in Denver, booksellers reported record attendance. Programming highlighted accessibility—including large‑print and dyslexia‑friendly titles—and the association distributed “Freedom to Read” T‑shirts as a statement against book bans. Authors such as Jason Reynolds and Aisha Saeed discussed the importance of accessibility and defending readers’ rights.

‘Tango’ Plaintiffs Plan an Appeal to the 11th Circuit​

Authors Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, whose picture book *And Tango Makes Three* was removed from Florida school libraries, said they would appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. A federal judge had dismissed their First Amendment claim, prompting free‑speech advocates to criticise the decision and promise further legal action. The authors hope the appeal will reinstate their book and set a precedent protecting challenged titles.

Andrews McMeel Acquires Quirk Books​

Kansas City–based Andrews McMeel Universal bought Philadelphia publisher Quirk Books. Quirk will operate as an imprint of Andrews McMeel with founder Dave Borgenicht continuing as publisher, while distribution remains through Penguin Random House. Quirk is known for quirky, cross‑genre titles and plans to publish around 20–25 books a year under its new owner.

Mad Cave Unveils Digital Revamp​

Comics publisher Mad Cave Studios launched a redesigned digital platform that brings together its Mad Cave, Maverick, Papercutz and Nakama imprints. The site features a new reader, integrated online shop and recommendation engine, with a mobile‑app launch planned. Marketing vice‑president Heather Antos said the revamp aims to broaden the publisher’s reach and provide fans with a seamless digital experience.

Dame Jilly Cooper: A Legend and a Trailblazer​

BookBrunch reported that bestselling novelist Dame Jilly Cooper died at age 88. The article hailed the author of *Riders* and other “bonkbuster” novels as a legend and trailblazer who entertained generations of readers and transformed romantic fiction.

Blink Hires Veronique Norton as Editorial Director​

Bonnier Books UK’s non‑fiction imprint Blink has appointed Veronique Norton as editorial director. Norton moves from Coronet and said she was thrilled to join Blink and build its list.

Firefinch Signs Heather Morris Novel​

Firefinch secured Heather Morris’s new novel *The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse*. Set in Nazi‑occupied Paris, the story is based on true tales of heroism and sacrifice and will be published by the new HarperCollins imprint.

Remembering Dame Jilly Cooper – the Queen of Joy​

An opinion piece celebrated Dame Jilly Cooper’s life and career, noting that she reinvented the romantic novel with her witty, exuberant stories and coined the “bonkbuster”. Contributors praised her warmth, her love of animals and her ability to bring joy to millions of readers over decades.

Orion Unveils *Queenie* Sequel​

Orion announced that Candice Carty‑Williams will publish *Queenie Is Working On It*, a sequel to her bestseller *Queenie*, in July 2026. The book will follow heroine Queenie as she navigates new challenges and ambitions.

More Translated Fiction for Manilla Press​

Manilla Press expanded its translated fiction list with acquisitions including Silvia Avallone’s *Nadine*, Laura Imai Messina’s *[title unnamed]* and Maria Agúñde’s *[title unnamed]*. The publisher said the new books, translated from Italian and Spanish, highlight powerful voices from around the world.

Kogan Page Launches Business Skills Series​

Kogan Page unveiled a new series focused on business skills such as communication and leadership. The publisher said these abilities will be increasingly important as artificial‑intelligence tools reshape the workplace.

Monster Deal for Hachette Children’s​

Hachette Children’s Group acquired Aaron Blecha’s illustrated middle‑grade series *Monster Doctor*. The deal includes multiple books, and the publisher plans to introduce the humorous series to a wide readership.

Quercus Picks Up *The Wealth Habit*​

Quercus bought world rights to personal‑finance book *The Wealth Habit* by financial educators Ken and Mary Okoroafor. The book argues that simple, repeatable habits are the key to building wealth and will publish next March.

Bloomsbury Expands Dyslexia‑Friendly Range​

Bloomsbury added several adult titles to its dyslexia‑friendly format range, noting that dyslexia affects roughly one in 10 UK adults. New 2025 additions include *Want*, Liu Cixin’s *The Three‑Body Problem* and Patti Smith’s memoir *Just Kids*, printed in easy‑to‑read editions.

TV Deal for *Murder Most Unladylike*​

The popular children’s mystery series *Murder Most Unladylike* by Robin Stevens will be adapted for television by Studiocanal. The production aims to bring the adventures of schoolgirl detectives Hazel and Daisy to screens worldwide.

The *Bear and the Piano* Celebrates 10th Birthday​

David Litchfield’s picture book *The Bear and the Piano* marks its tenth anniversary this year. The beloved story about a bear who discovers music is launching a licensing programme and will have a presence at Brand Licensing Europe.

Rebecca Raisin Back at HQ Digital With Four‑Book Deal​

Romantic‑fiction author Rebecca Raisin signed a four‑book deal with HQ Digital. The first book in the agreement, *The Little Porto Book Club*, will publish next August and is set in Portugal.

Nosy Crow Takes Flight With *Koalas In Capes*​

Children’s publisher Nosy Crow acquired a new illustrated series called *Koalas In Capes* by Terrie Chilvers and David O’Connell. The adventures follow caped koalas on heroic missions and will launch in 2026.

Nine Coco Wyo Colouring Books for PRH Children’s​

Penguin Random House Children’s bought nine colouring books from boutique publisher Coco Wyo. Upcoming releases include *Cozy Vibes* and *Cozy Days*, aimed at children who enjoy relaxing colouring activities.

People 10/7​

Publishers Lunch reported several personnel changes: Courtney Hodell stepped down from her role at the Whiting Foundation after more than a decade; Lauren Carr was promoted to deputy director of publicity at Gallery Books; Anna Hauser became assistant editor at Simon & Schuster; and Sang Duffy joined Bloomsbury Academic as global marketing associate.

New Books Publishing October 7​

A roundup of titles publishing on 7 October highlighted new novels by Thomas Pynchon and Mitch Albom and stories by Katherine Dunn. Nonfiction releases included books by Cory Doctorow, Joy Harjo and Ozzy Osbourne, while children’s releases featured works by Jason Reynolds and Holly Goldberg Sloan. Publishers Lunch noted 26 fiction titles, 13 nonfiction titles and 38 children’s titles hitting shelves.

Virago to Celebrate 25 Years of *The Blind Assassin* With Anniversary Edition​

Virago will publish a special edition of Margaret Atwood’s Booker‑winning novel *The Blind Assassin* to mark its 25th anniversary. The new release will include bonus materials and celebrate the enduring impact of the novel.

'Reconnecting in the Digital Age': The Works' Shift to Screen‑Free Focus and Front‑List Exclusives​

UK discount retailer The Works is repositioning itself as a family‑friendly, screen‑free destination. The chain will emphasise front‑list books, expand exclusive offerings and promote analogue activities to encourage shoppers to disconnect from screens.

Report Reveals ‘Stark Inequalities’ and ‘Precipitous Decline’ in Representation in Children’s Publishing​

A report from the charity Inclusive Books for Children found severe under‑representation of authors and characters of colour in UK children’s publishing. The Excluded Voices report warns that representation has declined precipitously and urges publishers to address systemic barriers.

Fortune Hunters: Richard Osman Is Number One for a Second Week​

Richard Osman’s novel *The Impossible Fortune* remained atop the UK bestseller charts for a second week despite a steep drop in sales from its debut. The book continues to outperform competitors and underscores Osman’s appeal with readers.

 

[MattScho]

Okay, while the list is chock-full of interesting stuff, nothing tops learning a new word for me: Bonkbuster!

 

[MattScho]

Also, Eddie Redmayne's big brother was head of UK HC? Who knew. It either makes it look like a crazy talented family, or the UK as a very small place.

 

[Sedayne]

Okay, while the list is chock-full of interesting stuff, nothing tops learning a new word for me: Bonkbuster!

It's a word I came across years ago, but usually in connection with Dame Jilly, RIP.

 

[MattScho]

I mean, I now kind of want to write a bonkbuster, but i would want it to be listed under that genre

 

[Sedayne]

I mean, I now kind of want to write a bonkbuster, but i would want it to be listed under that genre

There's a space to fill now, Matt.

 

[Pamela Jo]

We had an English woman come volunteer with us becasue somehow Dame Jilly had convinced her that horses and bonking went together like liver and onions. She was disappointed to find out that scooping up poo did not have an aphrodisiacal effect. Dame Jilly's equestrians have grooms to do that sort of thing and I don't think they get bonked much... That's all for Lord McRumpus and Lady DiddilyTumps after the hunt. Def. not thinking of a certain King and his divorced consort.