Under a new first‑look arrangement, HarperCollins Productions’ Avon A imprint partnered with Fox Entertainment Studios to develop television series, films, and platform‑specific movies inspired by Avon A titles. HarperCollins executives Caroline Fraser and Jennifer Contrucci will serve as non‑writing producers, ensuring continuity between the books and screen projects; the companies plan to coordinate releases to boost cross‑platform momentum.
Content powerhouse Alloy Entertainment announced that its book division will be integrated more closely with its television and film units. The reorganisation comes with promotions for Josh Bank, now head of global entertainment; Lanie Davis, senior vice‑president of television and film; and Joelle Hobeika, senior vice‑president of books and digital originals.
Following Baker & Taylor’s announcement that it would wind down operations, public libraries scrambled to fill the distribution gap. Librarians told Publishers Weekly they were shifting orders to Ingram and Bookazine and worried about delays, while vendors noted that a sale of the business to ReaderLink had fallen through.
The Swedish Academy awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature to Hungarian novelist László Krasznahorkai. Announcing the 11 million‑kronor prize, the Academy praised his “compelling and visionary oeuvre” that blends apocalyptic terror with contemplative tone; his best‑known works include *Satantango* and *The Melancholy of Resistance*.
At the Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association breakfast in Denver, authors including Melissa de la Cruz and Dhonielle Clayton urged booksellers to view reading as an act of resistance. They emphasized making stories accessible and opposing censorship, while highlighting experiences of marginalised readers and the importance of diverse books.
Publishers Weekly’s roundup noted that Clint Smith celebrated the young readers adaptation of *How the Word Is Passed* at a launch event, an exhibition devoted to Tove Jansson’s Moomin characters closed at the National Children’s Museum, and author appearances included Jerry Pinkney’s family discussing his legacy and interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins debuting a picture book.
Publishers Lunch’s “People 10/9” column reported several promotions. Gayley Avery was promoted to senior vice‑president of DK North America; Tim Paulson joined Andrews McMeel Publishing as executive vice‑president and publisher; Hachette Book Group created a retail sales group led by Nicky Devaney with new directors of sales and operations; and new editors and publicity staff were hired at Basic Books, Simon & Schuster Children’s, Gallery Books, and Riverhead.
Publishers Lunch shared the winners of the $50,000 Kirkus Prizes. Lucas Schaefer’s novel *The Slip* won the fiction prize, Scott Anderson’s *King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion and Catastrophic Miscalculation* claimed the nonfiction award, and Thao Lam’s picture book *Everybelly* took the young readers’ literature category.
A group of former Mango Publishing staff, including chief content officer Hugo Villabona, have formed Key Lime Publishing. According to the launch announcement, the new company aims to empower new and under‑represented authors with an inclusive, human‑centred publishing philosophy; Ingram Publisher Services and Publishers Group West will handle worldwide sales and distribution.
Canadian independent publisher House of Anansi announced that president Semareh Al‑Hillal will leave the company on 31 October 2025. Anansi publisher Karen Brochu and Groundwood publisher Karen Li will assume responsibility for the adult and children’s divisions, and a new five‑member board—comprising owner Scott Griffin and members Leanne Shapton, Martha Sharpe, R.L.—will oversee governance.
The Romantic Novelists’ Association announced the shortlists for its 2025 Romance Industry Awards. Categories recognise everything from romantic fiction and debut novels to supporting bookstores and librarians; winners will be celebrated at a ceremony in March 2025.
Simon & Schuster is expanding its specialist audio imprint Simon Maverick into the British market. The UK launch sees Alice Twomey promoted to audio publisher, and the imprint will focus on premium and documentary‑style non‑fiction productions, demonstrating the company’s commitment to audio growth.
In an interview with BookBrunch, YA author and content creator Bill Wood discussed his love of horror fiction and how he built a community on BookTok. Wood described his upcoming novel *Be Right Back* as a love letter to horror tropes and said he enjoys interacting with readers online.
HarperCollins issued an apology to former US First Lady Melania Trump after removing unverified allegations from Andrew Lownie’s book *Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York*. The publisher acknowledged that certain passages about Melania Trump had not been properly fact‑checked and confirmed that they have been deleted from future editions.
Hachette celebrated a sold‑out Muslim Romance Festival that showcased authors writing romance featuring Muslim protagonists. Organiser Sanah Ahmed thanked readers and authors for supporting the event and said the enthusiastic response demonstrated demand for diverse romantic stories.
Independent publisher Indigo Press has acquired Yuliia Iliukha’s collection *My Women*, described as an urgent series of interconnected stories about women confronting war. The book promises to explore resilience, trauma and solidarity among women in conflict zones.
Transworld authors James Corden and Ruth Jones sold out the London Palladium for an event promoting their book *When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything In Between*. The actors recounted anecdotes from their comedy careers and discussed the making of the beloved television series while entertaining a packed audience.
UK rights imprint Robinson has bought *The Vanishing Girl of Kabul* by journalist Zahra Joya. The book profiles Afghan women whose rights have been stripped away under Taliban rule and aims to highlight their courage and fight for freedom.
The Irish postal service An Post has extended its title sponsorship of the Irish Book Awards until 2027. The agreement secures the future of the high‑profile awards, which celebrate the breadth of Irish writing and publishing, and provides financial stability for the next two years.
Vintage imprint Fern Press has acquired Rye Dag Holmboe’s *Everyday Beauty*. Described as a book about finding transcendence in ordinary life, the author urges readers to appreciate overlooked details and see the poetic in the mundane.
HarperCollins imprint HQ acquired world rights to Anna James’ first adult novel *Good Fortunes*. The book follows a woman who discovers a door leading into Jane Austen’s *Pride and Prejudice*, exploring themes of escape and the blurred lines between fiction and reality.
Scribner prevailed in a five‑way auction to acquire Marlowe Granados’ novel *Petty Intrigues*. Set in London’s bohemian art world, the book follows two friends navigating relationships and ambition; it was described as effervescent and layered with commentary on art, freedom and forging a full life.
Pan Macmillan bought world English rights to *Forget You Saw Her*, a thriller by Noelle W. Ihli that serves as a prequel to viral hit *Ask For Andrea*. The acquisition is part of a ten‑book deal; the prequel delves into the background of the characters caught up in the original story’s dangerous conspiracy.
In a rights deal, Monoray secured Dr Jessamy Hibberd’s self‑help title *The Overthinking Cure*. The psychologist offers readers cognitive behavioural techniques and practical exercises to identify and redirect negative thought loops, aiming to help people stop overthinking and regain control of their mental wellbeing.
Penguin General promoted Isabel Wall to executive publisher of the Viking imprint. Wall, previously publishing director of Viking, will oversee the imprint’s editorial strategy and list management in her new role.
Scholastic announced that illustrator James Lancett will make his authorial debut with the Galaxy Runners series. The first book, *Jello Breaks the Universe*, follows a mischievous slime creature who causes intergalactic havoc, setting up a humorous and action‑packed middle‑grade series.
Hachette imprint Hodderscape has acquired *Fishbone Cinderella*, the first adult novel by bestselling YA author Elizabeth Lim. Set against a historical backdrop, the story weaves family, love, sisterhood and war into a richly imagined narrative.
Bonnier imprint Zaffre won rights to R.A. Castellan’s epic fantasy *The Vampire Gods*. In the novel, an ancient vampire threat looms and new heroes must rise to battle the monsters, promising blood‑soaked action and elaborate worldbuilding.
HarperCollins imprint HQ acquired a three‑book small‑town romance series by debut novelist Stevie Greene. The series, titled *Honey Spring*, will begin with *The Perfect Matcha*, following characters who find love and community in a charming café setting.
More than 20 UK independent presses—including Bluemoose, Influx and Tilted Axis—signed an open letter urging the wider book trade to collaborate on securing the future of small publishers. The letter describes an “existential crisis” caused by rising costs and asks booksellers, media and larger houses to champion indie titles and share resources.
The Bookseller reported that sales of school textbooks and study guides declined sharply in 2025 despite the back‑to‑school season. The fall signals shifting student purchasing habits and raises concerns for publishers that rely on this autumn surge.
Julia Wisdom, publisher of HarperCollins crime imprint Hemlock Press, announced she will retire at the end of March 2026. Wisdom has spent 32 years at HarperCollins, commissioning award‑winning crime fiction and thrillers; colleagues praised her guidance and eye for talent.
Index on Censorship relaunched Banned Books Week in the UK, partnering with TikTok creators to champion challenged books. The campaign uses the hashtag #BooksOnBookTok to celebrate and defend titles that have faced bans or censorship, encouraging young readers to engage with free‑expression issues.
Usborne has signed debut author Emma Green’s *The Not‑So Great Escape*. The middle‑grade novel follows a road trip undertaken by friends grappling with grief and changing family dynamics, blending humour with heartfelt exploration of loss and healing.
Faber will release a definitive collection of Irish novelist Edna O’Brien’s essays, including several previously unseen pieces. A companion edition of O’Brien’s memoir *Mother Ireland* will accompany the book, offering readers insight into her long career as one of Ireland’s most celebrated writers.
Headline Press has pre‑empted *Shifting Sands: How a New World Order Is Being Forged in Africa* by journalist Aanu Adeoye. The book aims to examine how geopolitical competition over Africa’s resources is reshaping global alliances and influencing the continent’s future.
Little, Brown imprint Virago pre‑empted a two‑book deal for debut author Eleanor Davies. The novel *Once, I Was Fire*—pitched as dark academia—centres on friendship and obsession within a secretive university society and is the first in a planned series.
Simon & Schuster UK has acquired two new novels from British author Lizzie Huxley‑Jones. The titles, yet to be announced, will follow their previous work *Make You Mine This Christmas* and will continue to explore inclusive, feel‑good romance with queer protagonists.
HarperCollins children’s imprint Farshore has acquired two picture books from TikTok storyteller Sian Radford, known online as @moonandrue. The first book, *My Little Drummer*, celebrates the joy of music through the perspective of a child; a second untitled picture book will follow.
David Fickling Books has signed a new young‑adult fantasy novel from bestselling author Melinda Salisbury. Details of the plot have not been disclosed, but the acquisition sparked a six‑figure US offer and signals high expectations for the book.
Doubleday beat ten competing publishers to win world rights to *No Fair Maidens: A Wild Journey with the Lost Goddesses of Britain* by Kim Willis. The memoir mixes history, travel writing and feminist reclamation as Willis searches for forgotten female deities across Britain.
In a Bookseller interview, Yassmin Abdel‑Magied discussed her upcoming children’s fantasy debut. She said she wants the book to be fun and adventurous rather than didactic, and hopes to write a series that gives young readers joyous escapism while reflecting diverse experiences.
