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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Authorlink Members Get FREE Current-Release Books. See how!

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

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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.

Online writing classes, cell phone downloads, and more

Hi Everyone,

Please remember our offices will be closed Dec. 24-January 1, 2008 for the holidays.

January will be an exciting month here at Authorlink. On January 5, 2008, Penguin/Putnam Editor Stacey Barney will launch a four-week online writing class on Authorlink, as will Lisa Lenard Cook, whose new book about fiction writing, The Mind of Your Story, will be published in April 2008. Then later in the month on January 23, Lisa Dale Norton, UCLA writing instructor, will be providing a one-hour interactive teleconference in the Authorlink Virtual Classroom January 23, 2008. Norton's new book about memoir, SHIMMERING IMAGES: A Handy Little Guide to Writing Memoir, will be released by St. Martin 's Press in Spring '08. And Bonnie Hearn Hill's Advanced Novel Writing class is in progress now. Late registration may still be possible.

Don't miss the chance to talk to these pros one-on-one about your manuscript.

Sign up now for Early Bird Discounts! Find details here.

Another terrific event in January will be the launch of our CelebWire stories over MPS Mobile's Global Reader. You can already download New York Times bestselling authors' new stories from our site, and in just a few weeks, you'll have the option of downloading to your cell phone too. No special software or device is needed. Watch the site for details.


And here's the industry news for this week. See these stories on our website at www.authorlink.com

Updated Every Thursday
Last Update: December 13, 2007
NY Times Bestselling Authors Featured on New Authorlink CelebWire and Global Reader™


S&S to Add Beacon Street Girls to Its List Beginning in May 2008

Tor Books, Seven Seas Team Up to Form New Manga Imprint

National Endowment For Arts Grants $1 Million to Writers

John Wiley Shows Strong Second Half, Boosted by Blackwell


Book Critics Survey Shows Few Changes In Book Review Ethics

Borders Group Names Former B&N Exec To Borders Board

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


Authorlink Members Get
FREE Current-Release
Books. See how!


UK REPORT
in alliance with

Updated December 13, 2007

Retailers Optimistic About Christmas Sales Despite Spending Weaknesses

Publishers' Association Conference Aims to Protect Africa's Copyrights


Forster Leaves Virgin Books, MD Leaves After Publisher Takeover

Penguin UK Joins Dolly Parton's Literacy Program

Authorlink Launches CelebWire Stories by Bestselling Authors

Hi Everyone,

The big news this week is our own! And there are tons of new articles in our December 1 news issue, so do click here for the latest, including a video interview with Nan Talese, senior vice president of Doubleday/Random House: www.authorlink.com.

Meanwhile, take a look at our new CelebWire!

New York Times Bestselling
Authors Featured on New Authorlink
Celebwire and Global Reader™

NEW YORK, DALLAS, TX/12/1/2007--New York Times bestselling authors Heather Graham and Jacquelyn Mitchard headline the list of literary celebrities featured in the December 1, 2007 launch of CELEBWIRE, a new alliance between Authorlink.com and MPS Mobile's Global Reader™ that will allow readers to download brand new stories either from the Authorlink website or on their cell phones, without any special equipment or software. Also featured in the December launch is award-winning Elmer Kelton, who has earned the distinction, "Best Western Writer of All Time."

Heather Graham offers Blood Drops, an intriguing new mystery involving characters from her latest novel, The Séance. Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of Oprah pick, The Deep End of the Ocean has penned Ghosts in Bright Sunlight, a mini sequel to her new novel, Still Summer, and Elmer Kelton offers, The Reluctant Shepherd, a new story about that fun-loving cowboy Hewey Calloway, portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones in the movie from Kelton's novel, The Good Old Boys. More celebrated authors are joining these big names in the new feature, designed to let readers taste the very best writers again or for the first time. Many stories will provide readers with a deeper look at favorite characters from popular novels. More top authors will be adding their stories every month. And CELEBWIRE will introduce "New and Notable" authors such as rising star Brett Battles, author of The Cleaner (Delacorte), to audiences that they might not otherwise reach.

Initially, the stories can be downloaded from Celebwire at Authorlink.com after December 1, 2007, and soon afterward into cell phones from MPS Mobile's Global Reader™.

Authorlink users will be able to read brand-new, never-before-published stories by their favorite authors and be the first to learn more about the heroes and heroines from celebrated novels and settings—all for a nominal 99 cent fee per download. These famous authors will be giving fans glimpses from their big novels of things like left-out chapters, aspects of the characters they didn’t reveal in their books, unsolved puzzles or questions, or excerpts from forthcoming works. All secrets they’ll share with readers first via Authorlink.com. Readers won’t want to miss a single story in these continuing sagas!

The stories will be downloadable from the Authorlink.com site and on mobile phones throughout the world, in alliance with MPS Mobile, a Holtzbrinck company. Users can choose whether to download directly from Authorlink, the MPS WAP site or onto their mobile phones via a new Global Reader™ system.

The Global Reader™ cell phone service works by reflowing text on the fly from a central MPS repository into any mobile device, framing the material to virtually any Internet-enabled mobile device. The Global Reader™ does not require the user to buy a new device, upgrade or change phone configurations. A user simply accesses Authorlink or the MPS WAP website, locates the desired content and downloads the material.

For a short introductory period, downloads via Authorlink will be FREE. Later, users can securely pay online for stories directly from the Authorlink.com site, or if downloading to a mobile device, through the Global Reader™, choosing from credit card and Paypal payment options. Many users can also have charges billed to their telephone account.

Watch for more CelebWire stories soon on Authorlink.com and globalreader.wap.com Users can also text message to Global Reader™ 22646 and look for the AUTHORLINK/ CELEBWIRE icon. Soon, visitors will also be able to text message Authorlink as well.

In addition to CELEBWIRE, Authorlink short stories posted by members in its STORY LINK section will also be available for downloading via Authorlink.com or virtually any cell phone with just a few clicks.

About Authorlink.com

Authorlink.com, the news, information, and marketing site for editors, agents, writers, and readers, was founded in 1996. It is among the largest and longest running sites for the publishing industry, with nearly a million unique and loyal visitors per year. In addition to news, Authorlink offers video, audio and text interviews of New York Times bestselling authors, an interactive virtual classroom where writers can hone their skills with top instructors, and numerous how-to articles by well-known authors and speakers. Doris Booth is CEO of Authorlink.



Doris Booth
Editor-in-Chief Authorlink.com
Manager, Authorlink Literary Group

dbooth@authorlink.com
(972) 650-1986
Fax: (469)327-2889
www.authorlink.com
http://www.authorlink.blogspot.com

National book awards, new children's publisher

Hi Everyone,

This week's big news in publishing is about the National Book Award winners. Another item of special note is that the UK publisher Edgmont is moving into the U.S. market, providing children's book authors with another possible publishing outlet.

For more details on these headlines, please visit our full web site, Authorlink.com
Best,
Doris

News Updated Every Thursday
Last Update: November 15, 2007

Denis Johnson Wins National Book Award For War Novel

Judith Regan Sues News Corp For Smear Tactics

Macmillan Audio Acquires Language Dynamics Publisher

Writers Strike Strains Book Promotions


RDR Books Agrees to Delay Harry Potter Lexicon


BISG Examines Challenges of Tracking and Trading Digital Content


Simon & Schuster Launches Environmental Initiative and Paper Policy

Borders' New Site to Feature Streamlined eCommerce System


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FREE lesson sample!
Check out these exciting classes!


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Books. See how!


UK REPORT
in alliance with

Updated November 15, 2007

Edgmont Moves Into US Market With Kids' Division

National Book Tokens to Launch Debit Cards in '08


Debrett's to Launch Commercial Series With '07 Review


Norman Mailer Remembered By Longtime Editor

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Book Sense Bestsellers
Updated Weekly

Doris Booth
Editor-in-Chief Authorlink.com
Manager, Authorlink Literary Group

dbooth@authorlink.com

This Week: See video interviews with bestselling authors

Thousands of articles and interviews with authors and publishing professionals
AUGUST 1-31, 2007 EDITION

BookFlixVideo/August 2007
Authorlink Inaugurates New BookFlix Streaming Video Section With
Intimate Interviews of Top Authors

• Mick Brown, author of Tearing Down The Wall of Sound, The Rise and Fall of Phil Spector


• #1 New York Times Bestselling author David Baldacci on his latest thriller, Simple Genius


• New York Times Bestselling author Gayle Lynds on her latest thriller, The Last Spymaster (Takes a moment to load file)


• Oscar-Nominated actor Bruce Dern on Things I've Said, But Probably Shouldn't Have.
  

BookBitesAudio/August 2007

Writing to Change the World, an Inspiring Guide for Transforming the World With Words
An Authorlink Exclusive AUDIO Interview With Mary Pipher, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of Reviving Phelia on her latestbook, Writing to Change the World (Riverhead, May 2007) July/August 2007

BookViewsText/August 2007

Self-Taught Novelist Marx Advises Newcomers to Tap Their Inner Voices An exclusive Authorlink interview with Patricia Marx, authorof Him Her Him Again The End of Him
by Ellen Birkett MorrisAugust 2007

Carolyn MacCullough Writes For the Teenager Inside of Her An exclusive Authorlink interview with the author of a trio of award-winning children's books.
by Susan Van Hecke August 2007

SKILL BUILDING

• The Art of Fiction: Revision Toolkit: Part 3 by Lisa Lenard Cook August 2007


• Narrative Nonfiction Playing With the Narrative Voice of Memoir by Lisa Dale Norton August 2007


• Reading as a Writer by Rochelle Jewel Shapiro August 2007


• Jump_Cut: On Screen Writing "Reel Time" and Three-Act Structure (cont) by Neil Flowers
  

Authorlink Virtual Classroom:

Mastering Point of View. Coming in October! Eight-week course with four intensive one-on-one private sessions

Instructor: Bonnie Hearn Hill, bestselling author of six thrillers for Mira. Read all about signing up! Watch for Bonnie's FREE introductory class, coming soon.

Creating a Novel a Publisher Will Buy , September 15, 2007 - October 6, 2007. Hands-on Guidance from a New York Editor Four-week intensive course with two one-on-one private sessions. Sign up now! Class space limited!

Instructor: Stacey Barney, editor at Putnam Booksfor Young Readers/Penguin Group USA Sign up now for early-bird discount!

Also: Crafting a Manuscript That Sells. Single-session discussion with Authorlink. CEO Doris Booth. FREE to members. Read all about signing up!

New Story Link Enables Member Writers to Earn Daily Short Story Royalties Read all about signing up!

Feed Shark

News update for writers and publishers

News Updated Every Thursday
Last Update: July 26, 2007

Hi Everyone,

Among items of particular interest this week for our writers are the expansions of two small presses. Fulcrum Publishing has acquired Speck Press, expanding its line, and Pegasus Books, a well respected New York-based small publisher is now churning out 40 books a year.

In the UK, publisher Little Brown has acquired Piatkus, so it will be interesting to see what grows from that merger.

Another new and potential market is bookseller Borders Group, Inc., which has now put itself in the publishing business, with Nick Santora's debut novel SLIP & FALL. We'll have an audio interview later this month with Nick, who has also written for the television shows Prison Break, The Sopranos and Law & Order and The Guardian, as well as multiple feature films. You'll want to see what he has to say in August about his writing journey. Stay tuned.

Headlines this week:

• Scholastic to Sue Distributors for Leak In Potter Distribution


• Harry Potter Sales Break All Records At Barnes & Noble


• Borders Names Two New Vice Presidents; Vanzura, Nasshan Depart


• Fulcrum Acquires Speck Press, Expands Lines


• Pegasus to Publish French Author Dumas's Long Missing Novel


• McGraw-Hill Second Quarter Income Soars


• Authorlink Introduces BookFlix Streaming Videos of Top Authors


• Try Authorlink's Virtual Classroom for Writers! FREE lesson sample!


• Authorlink Members Get FREE Current-Release Books. See how!
  

UK REPORT in alliance with PUBLISHING NEWS
Updated July 26, 2007

• PN Examines Big Week for Potter's Final Release


• Bertrams/THE Merger Gets Green Light


• Little Brown Acquires Indy Publisher Piatkus

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Interesting Offers for Writers

Hi, Everyone,

Among the interesting things happening this week include FREE books for our members and a FREE sample class in our online Virtual Classroom. Click the links below for more inforamtion. Also, its now easier than ever to advertise your new published book on Authorlink. Click the headline near the bottom of this week's issue.

Updated: July 19, 2007

• Reed Elsevier Announces Sale of Harcourt Education to HM Riverdeep


• Borders Group Announces Vanzura Resigation


• Bookstore Sales Continue Decline For Fifth Month


• MediaBay to Cease Operations


• Amazon Reveals The Harry-est Town in America


• MTV, Pocket Books Unveil Nikki Sixx's Heroin Diaries


• Authorlink Introduces BookFlix Streaming Videos of Top Authors


• Try Authorlink's Virtual Classroom for Writers! FREE lesson sample!


• Authorlink Members Get FREE Current-Release Books. See how!
  

UK REPORT in alliance with PUBLISHING NEWS
Updated July 19, 2007

• UK Gears Up For Potter's Release Date


• Orion Streamlines and Reshuffles Operations


• Publisher Updates Book on Discraced Contrad Black


• Retailers Restock Controversial Tintin Title
  
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• Book Sense Bestsellers Updated Weekly
• Want to reviewbooks for Authorlink? E-mail your credentials.
• Now! Advertise your published book or service here! Easy online upload and payment!

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Authorlink Adds FREE Lesson, Books

Hi Everyone,

This week's edition is packed with new information, including a FREE writing lesson sample and free book offer for our members. For complete details click the links or visit http://www.authorlink.com/.

July 12, 2007 Edition

• BEA Switches Vegas, Washington BookExpo Dates


• PGW Clients Regain Footing After AMS Demise


• Borders Pioneers Initiative to Deliver Cell Phone Content


• Comics Market Gains Momentum Across All Fronts


• Authorlink Introduces BookFlix Streaming Videos of Top Authors


• Try Authorlink's Virtual Classroom for Writers! FREE lesson sample!


• Authorlink Members Get FREE Current-Release Books. See how!

Now! Advertise your published book or service on Authorlink!
Easy online upload and payment!

UK REPORT
in alliance with PUBLISHING NEWS
Updated July 12, 2007

• Bertrams' Senior Executive Steps Down Amid Inquiry Over Sale to Woolworths


• Faulks Revealed As Author of New James Bond Novel


• PN Bookseller Service Doubles Reach Since April


• JK Rowling Makes Rare Chat Show Appearance
  
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