Dan Brown’s thriller *The Secret of Secrets* shot straight to the top of Publishers Weekly’s hardcover fiction list, knocking Colleen Hoover’s *It Ends With Us* to #2. Mick Herron’s *Clown Town* joined his popular spy series on the list, and new titles by U.S. Supreme Court justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Neil Gorsuch debuted on the nonfiction side.
Publishers Weekly reports that an Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author sold her adult debut novel to Dial Press, while another significant deal involves a nonfiction book on the Trump era. Additional fiction and nonfiction acquisitions round out a busy week of publishing deals.
Skybound Entertainment founder Robert Kirkman told Publishers Weekly that he and Hasbro are rebooting the Transformers franchise and launching an interconnected Energon Universe that will link *Transformers* and *G.I. Joe* comics. Kirkman discussed how lessons from his *Invincible* and *Walking Dead* series are shaping this new era of comics storytelling.
Publishers Weekly notes that New York Comic Con 2025 will introduce a revamped professional program and exhibitors area, making it easier for creators and industry professionals to network and conduct business. DC Comics will return to the show floor after an absence, and the event is expected to draw strong attendance ahead of the holiday season.
Festival director Liz Koch told PW that the Brooklyn Book Festival has tripled in size over two decades, evolving into nine days of free literary events that showcase writers from around the world. Koch said the festival’s mission is to keep programming accessible and diverse while celebrating Brooklyn’s creative community.
In a special report, Publishers Weekly explains how Hong Kong printers are adjusting to geopolitical uncertainty and potential U.S. tariffs by diversifying supply chains and investing in greener technologies. PW also interviews six export-focused printing firms about capacity, paper shortages and the growing demand for high-quality illustrated books.
PW details the path to publication for Jaquira Díaz’s debut novel *This Is the Only Kingdom* — from its acquisition during the pandemic to the collaborative editing process and cover design. The piece highlights how Díaz worked closely with her agent, editor and marketing team to bring the novel to readers.
A U.S. federal judge dismissed Donald Trump’s $15 billion disparagement suit against Penguin Random House and the *New York Times*, ruling that the lengthy complaint violated court rules requiring short, concise pleadings. The suit, which accused the companies of orchestrating a conspiracy to harm his business interests, was struck down without prejudice.
According to the Association of American Publishers’ StatShot report, overall U.S. publishing revenues declined 1.7% in the first half of 2025, with adult fiction sales dropping 5% and adult nonfiction down 9%. Digital audio remained a bright spot, rising 15%, while trade paperbacks and hardcovers saw mixed results.
Scholastic reported that revenue for the quarter ended Aug. 31 fell 5% to $225.6 million and its operating loss increased to $92.2 million. The company said children’s book publishing and distribution sales grew 4% to $109 million, but trade sales remained flat and investments in digital platforms contributed to the loss.
BookBrunch reports that AM Heath, the agency representing the late Booker Prize-winner Hilary Mantel, has created a biennial adult novel prize in her memory. The prize honours Mantel’s commitment to supporting debut authors and will recognise outstanding unpublished fiction by new writers.
Singer and author Tom Fletcher has written *Pudsey and the Thread of Hope* with Puffin to support the BBC’s Children in Need appeal. The book will be released on 6 November and £1 from every copy sold will be donated to the charity, helping fund projects for vulnerable children.
Hodderscape has bought Amanda Connolly’s *Martyred Isle* trilogy in a pre-emptive deal. Described as “propulsive, dark and addictive,” the romantic fantasy series follows a young woman whose destiny is tied to a dangerous island realm.
The 4thWrite Prize for emerging Black, Asian and minority ethnic writers announced its 2025 shortlist. Judges include poet Caleb Femi and author Candice Carty-Williams, and the shortlisted writers span fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction.
Yale University Press will publish the wartime correspondence of Kathleen Harriman, daughter of U.S. diplomat W. Averell Harriman. Historian Geoffrey Roberts has edited the letters, which shed light on Harriman’s service as a news correspondent and unofficial diplomat during the Second World War.
Tiny Tree is expanding its relationship with children’s author David Barker, acquiring two additional titles. Barker’s next novel, *Pax and the Secret Swarm*, is due in October and will be followed by a further adventure set in the same universe.
Oscar-winning actor Tilda Swinton has recorded a reading of the *Tao te Ching* for Spiracle Audiobooks. The audiobook platform is seeking investors as it develops “Spiracle 2.0,” an expanded site that will eventually carry tens of thousands of titles and provide more opportunities for authors and performers.
Harvill Secker secured the UK rights to Janet Tay’s debut novel *Early Mornings at the Laksa Café* after a three-way auction. The novel, described as a warm story about fathers and sons and the balance between tradition and modernity, is set in Singapore and will be published next year.
HarperNonFiction has pre-empted UK rights to *Reading Same*, the first book by Instagram poet Hannah Rosenberg. The collection is billed as an intimate work about friendship and self-discovery, likened by the publisher to a conversation with close friends.
The charity Bedtime Donations has launched an appeal to fund an app that will provide audiobooks to children with vision impairment. Supporters hope the platform will make bedtime stories more accessible for families who rely on audio formats.
At a PublisHer gathering in New York, International Publishers Association president Bodour Al Qasimi delivered a video message to attendees at the “Women Shaping the Future of Publishing” event. The meeting connected women working across the global book trade and highlighted upcoming initiatives aimed at promoting gender equity in publishing leadership.
Poetry publisher Carcanet has hired Zoë Turner as its new marketing and events manager, replacing Jazmine Linklater. Turner will oversee promotional campaigns and public events for the independent press.
*The Bookseller* reports that renewed interest in classic literature is being fuelled by BookTok recommendations, beautifully produced editions and readers’ desire to discover timeless stories rather than chase fleeting trends. Publishers say a more curated approach also helps diversify sales in an increasingly crowded market.
Newly formed London press Akoya has appointed Kate Harvey as its publishing director ahead of the company’s official launch in October. Harvey will oversee acquisitions and strategy as the independent house prepares to release its first titles.
Start-up online bookshop BookKind has named Grace Ball as its account manager. Ball will work with authors, publishers and the retailer’s charity partners to build the brand and connect readers with the platform.
Cambridge University Press and Germany’s Max Planck Society have developed a new book-sales agreement that combines evidence-based acquisitions with open-access funding. The pilot programme aims to expand the number of scholarly books available as open-access titles while ensuring sustainable revenues for participating publishers.
Cornish children’s publisher Hungry Tomato has promoted three members of its team, a move the company says will support its expansion plans as demand for its nonfiction titles grows.
Publishers Lunch summarises the Association of American Publishers’ June StatShot figures: U.S. trade sales totalled $616 million in June, down 3% from a year earlier, with adult books slipping 7%. Hardcovers, paperbacks and ebooks all declined, but digital audio revenue rose 14% to $79.2 million and children’s/YA book sales grew 9% to $168.5 million.
A Book Industry Study Group survey cited by Publishers Lunch found that 45% of North American publishing professionals are experimenting with AI tools, and nearly half of their organisations use the technology. Respondents said they mainly deploy AI for administrative tasks and data analysis but expressed worries about translation accuracy and rights management.
Publishers Lunch reports that children’s book agent Elizabeth Harding has acquired literary agency Curtis Brown from siblings Tim and Ginger Knowlton. Tim Knowlton will step away from full-time work but remain as chairman emeritus to help with the transition, while Ginger Knowlton continues to represent her clients.
