Book Buying On the Web Gains Momentum

Hi Everyone,

The big news this week is that across the globe, the percentage of people purchasing books online is climbing. The not-so-good news for Americans is that the biggest growth happened overseas while the market universe in the U.S. lagged behind. The growth in foreign markets is probably why Penguin has decided to publish its line of classics in Korea. Interestingly, Penguin Canada is restructuring its editorial department and is about to launch a "custom publishing" unit, details for which are still not available.

Another key announcement this week was the surprise departure of the CEO of Borders UK. Read full details at the link below.

By the way, be sure to catch the audio interview February 1, 2008 for Beautiful Children, Charles Bock's debut novel from Random House.

Feel free to post your comments here! And do join our E-mail Alert via http://www.authorlink.blogspot.com/. Visit our full website at http://www.authorlink.com/

LATEST NEWS

SEATTLE/1/31/2008--Amazon announced today that it will acquire Audible, Inc., largest provider of digital audio downloads in the U.S. Amazon is expected to close the estimated $300 million deal in the second quarter.

Yesterday, Amazon announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2007. Operating cash flow was $1.41 billion in 2007, compared with $0.70 billion in 2006. Free cash flow increased 143% to $1.18 billion in 2007, compared with $0.49 billion in 2006.

Net income increased 112% to $207 million in the fourth quarter, or $0.48 per diluted share, compared with net income of $98 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, in fourth quarter 2006.

"This quarter showed accelerated sales growth and record operating profits," said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. "In our view, these unusual financial results are driven by one thing: continuously improving the customer experience."

Authorlink News Updated Every Thursday
Last Update:
January 31, 2008

• NY Times Bestselling Authors Featured on New Authorlink CelebWire and Global Reader™



• Nielsen Report Shows Book Buying Tops All Internet Transactions



• G.P. Putnam and Web Animators Team Up For Live Web Series



• Penguin to Publish Famous Classics In South Korea



• Penguin Canada Refocuses Fiction Unit, Enters Custom Publishing



• RH Adult Trade Unit Realigns Sales Force



• News Corp, Judith Regan Settle Law Suit

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UK REPORT
in alliance with PUBLISHING NEWS
Updated January 31, 2008

• Borders UK Chief Quits Post In Surprise Departure



• Random House Argues for 15% On eBook Sales



• Woolsworths Manager to Head Book Distribution Arm



• New Film Spurs Penguin Push On Bond Books

Book Sense BestsellersUpdated Weekly

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Cell Phone Novels Gain Momentum

Hi Everyone,

One of the most interesting stories of the week from the book publishing industry is that cell phone novels have taken off in Japan. And we predictthey'll soon be doing the same in the USA. Do note that these novels, though originating on cell phones, were then released in printed book form.

The good news is that if you're a religious writer, there's a new award being offered by HarperCollins division, Harper One.

The financial news is mixed this week, with a few heavyweights in the industry, Quebecor World Inc., and Meredith Corp showing signs of weakness. So be sure to read all the headlines this week for the full details.

News Updated Every ThursdayLast Update: January 24, 2008

• NY Times Bestselling AuthorsFeatured on New Authorlink CelebWire and Global Reader™


• Canada's Largest Book Printer Files For Court Protection


• Cellphone Novels Hit Bestseller Lists In Japanese Market


• S&S Names Painton to Oversee Adult Trade Editorial


• Meredith Corp. Cuts Staff, Forms Retail Division


• Harper One Offers Huston Smith Prize For Best Religious Work


• Borders Group Names Mick McGuire To Board of Directors


• Chronicle to Complete Move to Hachette Warehouse in February


• Try Authorlink's Virtual Classroom for Writers!FREE lesson sample! Check out these exciting classes!


• Authorlink Members Get FREE Current-ReleaseBooks. See how!
  

UK REPORTin alliance with Publishing News, Updated January 24, 2008 (For links to these stories, please go to our site at www.authorlink.com)

• Random House Literary Imprint Jubilant Over Kennedy's Costa Prize


• Penguin Digital Marketing Joins Forces With MySpace


• Nestle Prize Ends Long Partnership With Reading Charity
  Borders UK To Launch TV Channel for Readers
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Bigger and Better Things For Our Writers

Hi Everyone,

We're looking forward to a fantastic New Year with all of our members and visitors.

First, we're excited about the kickoff of our new CelebWire. Brand new short stories by New York Times bestselling authors, and other top authors! Short stories you've never read before. Do check it out at www.authorlink.com/celebwire.

In our January 2008 edition , you can see a video interview with New York Times bestselling author Phillip Margolin. Also, this month there are interviews with authors Patricia Schultz, Lisa Schroeder, and Amulya Malladi.

Then you can hone your own skills by reading this month's columnists. Lisa Lenard Cook writes about "letting go." Lisa Dale Norton talks of bringing characters to life, and Rochelle Shapiro explores point of view. Also don't miss Mark Hosack's screenwriting column, Character is More Than Just Witty Dialogue--an excellent piece.

And do check out our interactive online writing classes with top publishing pros. Bestselling author Bonnie Hearn Hill launches another popular Advanced Novel Writing class on January 19, followed on January 23 by Lisa Dale Norton in a one-hour group discussion. And catch Lisa Lenard Cook and Penguin editor Stacey Barney in classes beginning February 16. See the details at www.authorlink.com/classroom/classroom.php.

If you have questions about our classes, feel free to e-mail me. They're quick and easy to join, and completely interactive. And all you need is your computer and the Internet to enroll and access our classes.