S&S Launches Audio Imprint Simon Maverick, Helmed by Jason Pinter - Publishers Weekly

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They are choosing who they want to work with

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about a new Simon and Schuster (S&S) imprint.

According to Nathalie op de Beeck and John Maher's post, S&S has plans for the imprint to eventually be audiobooks first before other formats for books from indie authors.

Panzer says, "It sounds like an interesting new publishing avenue for indie authors."

Note: This is a long, long length post. You'll need to decide what to bring to snack on while you read.

To read the post tootle over to Simon Maverick

'Kairos' Wins 2024 International Booker Prize - Publishers Weekly

That's an important prize to win.

Today, Panzer made a quick stop at the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about the Booker Prize.

According to John Maher's post, Jenny Erpenbeak's book Kairos won the International Booker Prize. The book was a translation from German.

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading.

To read the post tootle over to International Booker Prize

DOJ v PRH: Brian Murray Still Wants S&S at HarperCollins - Publishers Weekly

Today, Panzer is bringing you the latest news from the Publishers Weekly site about the Department of Justice's (DOJ) lawsuit to stop the Penguin Random House (PRH) and Simon and Schuster merger (S&S).

The defense starts next.

John Maher's post is about HarperCollins CEO Brian Murray's testimony explaining how PRH obtained the right to buy/merge Simon and Schuster. An economist's testimony is also included.

Panzer says, "This little kitty wants to know, 'How big is too big?'"

Note: This is a long post. Bring a glass of iced tea and muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to More DOJ vs. PRH

DOJ v PRH: Don Weisberg, Government's Economist Raise Concerns Over PRH-S&S Merger - Publishers Weekly

Not good for authors.

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer back to the Publishers Weekly site. There our inquisitive kitty boy found the latest news on the Department of Justice's (DOJ) lawsuit against the merger of Penguin Random House (PRH) and Simon and Schuster (S&S).

John Maher's post describes the DOJ's argument that the merger will cause financial harm to authors. Including: The merger would create a publisher which would control 49 percent of the industry. and A publishing entity that large would have control over the size of author advances in book auctions.

Panzer says, "49 percent?"

Note: This is a long post. Bring a big glass of iced tea and three sugar cookies for today's reading.

To read the post tootle over to DoJ and PRH merger

Justice Department Sues to Block Penguin Random House Aquisition of S&S - Publishers Weekly

 Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when the Panzermobile was shaken by clapping and cheering coming from outside. Following all the noise took our adventuresome kitty boy to the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about the Penguin Random House acquisition of Simon and Simon was causing all the noise. Panzer has been telling you about the proposed acquisition and the opposition to it since it was announced last year.

According to the post by John Maher and Andrew Albanese with reporting by Jim Milliot, the United States Department of Justice has filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to stop the acquisition of book publisher Simon and Schuster by Germany's Bartelsmann's book publisher Penguin Random House. In the suit the DOJ says if the acquisition were allowed to go through PRH could use its market dominance to control author incomes and books published. The post includes links to other posts with addition information about the acquisition.

This post was a lot of work.

Panzer says, "This little kitty thought since there was so much opposition to the acquisition that the Department of Justice would step in."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a thermos of tea and three muffins for your reading. If you plan to follow the links in the Publishers Weekly post, bring another thermos of tea, eight more muffins and your sleeping bag for a nap in the middle.

To read the post tootle over to Dept. of Justice and PRH

To read Panzer's original post about the acquisition tootle over to Germany's Bertelsmann

To read Panzer's post about the Authors Guild's stand on the acquisition tootle over to Authors Guild 

PRH Audio Debuts Voiceover Casting Platform, Ahab - Publishers Weekly

 Today as Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere, he heard clapping and cheering coming from outside the Panzermobile. Following all the noise took our adventuresome kitty boy to the Publishers Weekly site. There with no digging at all he found a post about the new Ahab platform.

 

Worldwide jobs for you.

According to the post by John Maher, Penguin Random House (PRH) has made additions to their inhouse Audio platform to allow outside access. The new platform is called Ahab. Ahab allows voiceover actors to list their profiles, audition for projects and accept employment from content creators for projects outside PRH. Ahab allows voiceover actors worldwide to post their profiles and content creators worldwide to post their project needs. There is a link and a video included in the post to learn more about Ahab.

 

Panzer says, "Hmm ... I wonder if Ahab would let this little kitty post a profile to do translations into cat-speak projects."

 

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection. If you plan to follow the links in the post, bring another cup of tea, a muffin and a chocolate chip cookie (biscuit).

 

To read the post tootle over to voiceover platform

RWA Retires RITA Awards, Debutes the 'Vivian' After a Winter of Controversy - Publishers Weekly

As Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere today the Panzermobile was shaken violently by crying and clapping coming from outside. Following all the hullabaloo took our confused kitty boy to the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about the Romance Writers of America (RWA) that was what was causing all the noise. Panzer told you earlier this year (and last year) about all the problems the Romance Writers of America has been having with the RITA Awards, the membership and the previous Board of Directors resignations.

I really hate the water.

According to the post by John Maher, the Romance Writers of America (RWA) has done away with the RITA Awards and replaced it with the Vivian Awards. The new Vivian Award is named after Vivian Stevens. Vivian Stevens was RWA's founder. There will be new rules and new training for the judges for the awards to 'ensure the Vivian is inclusive, equitable, and accessible.' There's a link to the site where the new information will be posted after it's voted on by the Board included in the post.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... Now we'll see if this new award can help calm the waters in the RWA Tsunami."

Note: This is a short-medium length post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to RWA Rita Awards
To read Panzer's previous post about the RWA tootle over to Romance Writers of America

Macmillan Lays Off Some Staff, Temporarily Cuts Some Salaries - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard crying and shouting coming from outside the Panzermobile. Following all the hullabaloo took our brave kitty boy to the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging in the posts, he discovered one about publisher Macmillan's cost cutting efforts that was causing all the noise.

It may never be safe to leave here.

John Maher's post says publisher Macmillan has announced the company has laid off some staff members, closed the Thomas Dunn imprint and Tom Dunn has left the company. In addition, salaries for employees making more than $60,000 per year are being cut on an increasing scale ranging from 20 percent to 50 percent depending on the employee's salary amount. These cost cutting measures are in response to Covid-19's impact on closing book stores and the lack of book orders and book sales from those stores.

Panzer says, "That Covid-19 thingy is really impacting the book publishing industry."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Macmillan

A Buoyant 2020 Audie Awards Celebrates 'The Only Plane in the Sky,' Stephen King - Publishers Weekly

Today as Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere, the Panzermobile was shaken by clapping and cheering coming from outside. Following all the hullabaloo took our brave kitty boy to the Publishers Weekly site. With no digging at all he found a post about the Audie Awards.

Jim Maher reports in his post that the 2020 Audie Awards were presented on March 2. The awards are given annually by the Audio Publishers Association. 'The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11' was named the Audiobook of the Year. The Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Stephen King. The entire list of all 24 winners is included at the end of the post.

Panzer says, "There are 24 winners because there is a winner for every genre, like one winner for mystery, one winner for fantasy, one winner for memoir, one winner for male narrator, one for female narrator, and one winner for each of the 19 remaining genres."

Note: This is a h-u-m-o-n-g-o-u-s length post because of the winners list. Bring a gallon of tea and two dozen muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Audie Award winners

RWA Cancels 2020 RITA Awards - Publishers Weekly

This is a big mess.

Today as Panzer was tootling around in the Catosphere the Panzermobile was sudden shaken by crying and screaming coming from outside. Following all the noise took our brave kitty boy to the Publishers Weekly site. There with no digging at all he found a post about the Romance Writers of America and the RITA Awards.

According to the post by John Maher, the Romance Writers of America (RWA) has announced the cancellation of the 2020 RITA Awards. The reason for the cancellation cited by the RWA was the ongoing turmoil surrounding the suspension of Courtney Milan's membership and other punishments against her. A recall of RWA President Damon Suede petition is being filed based on his involvement in Courtney Milan's punishments. For the prestige American romance writers want to become members of the RWA, so all the turmoil and arguing is taking a toll on the reputation of the organization. There are links included in the post to information about what has led up to the cancellation.

Panzer says, "The RITA Award in romance writing is like the Shamus Award in PI writing. It's like the top of the writing ladder."

Note: This is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Rita Awards

Looking for Answers to Copyright at IAF Panel - Publishers Weekly

Today, Panzer decided to make a quick trip to the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging around in the posts our kitty boy found one about the International Authors Forum.

According to the post by John Maher, the International Authors Forum (IAF) held their annual meeting earlier this month. While the meeting entailed discussions of copyright in general, the new European Union (EU) Copyright Directive was a main discussion topic. The post covered the IAF's exploration of Article 17 and its implementation in each EU country. There was also discussion of how Brexit might impact the UK's response. The post includes links to other information sites and posts.

Now I can relax because it's not just me.

Panzer says, "This little kitty feels so much better to learn it's not just me that's confused by Article 17 of the EU Copyright Directive. Turns out a lot of humans are confused by it too."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a cup of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Copyright

Hallmark to Publish Audiobooks - Publishers Weekly

This little kitty loves audio books.

Today's trip into the Catosphere took Panzer to the Publishers Weekly site. There our traveling kitty boy found a post about Hallmark Publishing.

According to the post by John Maher, Hallmark Publishing has announced the company's entry into audiobook publishing. Hallmark Publishing and Dreamscape Media will work together to produced the audiobooks. A Valentine's Day story is the first audiobook set for release February 12. The post contains quotes from a press release by Hallmark Publishing about the partnership.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... The post has a list of four sites to buy the audiobooks. The list includes Audible and three others."

Note: This is a short-medium length post. (Or long-short length post, if you prefer.) Bring a cup of tea and half a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Hallmark audiobooks

The Random House and Crown Publishing Groups Merge - Publishers Weekly

Panzer was shaken from his nap by the sound of shouting and yelling coming from the Catosphere. Jumping into the Panzermobile our brave kitty boy followed all the noise to the Publishers Weekly site. There he discovered a post about the merger of the Random House Publishing Group and Crown Publishing Group are merging.

According to John Maher, in a letter to employees US CEO Madeline McIntosh announced the merger of Random House Publishing Group and Crown Publishing Group. The merger will create one super-sized publishing group. For now Random House Publishing Group and Crown Publishing Group will each keep their name.

Back to something important. A nap.

Panzer says, "Is there such a thing as too big in publishing?"

Note: This is a long post. Bring a cup of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Random House and Crown merger

New Walmart partnership Brings Retailer Into the E-Book Game - Publishers Weekly

My tummy hurts. That was a bad ride.

Panzer hardly entered the Catosphere when the Panzermobile was buffeted around like a feather in the wind by clapping and cheering. Following all the raucous noise took our adventuresome kitty to the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about Kobo.

According to the post by John Maher, Walmart has agreed to a partnership with Rakuten. Through Rakuten's Kobo the partnership will give Walmart a foothold in the ebook and audiobook market and give Rakuten's Kobo a foothold in the United States ebook and audiobook market. The ebooks, audiobooks and the Kobo ereader will be sold in 4,000 brick and mortar Walmart stores and online at walmart.com.

Panzer says, "Umm ... My ebooks are available through Kobo. Does that mean they'll be sold at walmart.com?"

Note: This is a short post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Walmart - Rakuten Kobo partnership

Amazon Publishing Launches New imprint - Publishers Weekly

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him to the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging in the posts there our industrious kitty boy found a post about Amazon's newest publishing imprint.

According to the post by Jim Maher, Amazon has started a new publishing imprint. The Amazon Original Stories imprint will publish short stories, essays and reporting pieces. The material will be between 5,000 and 20,000 words, so "it can be read in a single sitting." The post lists the announced authors scheduled for publication in 2017 and 2018. However, the post doesn't list any submission guidelines or even if Amazon is open to submissions for the new imprint.

It's a simple question.

Panzer says, "This little kitty wants to know exactly what is Amazon's definition of reporting pieces?"

Note: This is a shortish-medium post. Bring a cup of tea and muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Amazon new imprint

B&N Unveils New Apps and New Holiday Sales Strategy - Publishers Weekly

Already thinking about Christmas?

Panzer was out tootling around in the Catosphere when he heard holiday music. Our inquisitive kitty boy followed all the noise to the Publishers Weekly site. There he found a post about Barnes and Noble's plans for the holiday sales season.

According to the post by John Maher, Barnes and Noble has two new apps to make holiday shopping easier. The first is called Book Graph. When a customer chooses an online book to examine, the app gives them other similar books to consider. Included in the post is a link to the app. The second app is called SmartGift. After a customer purchases a gift they can send an email to the recipient. The recipient has the option to receive the gift or return it and pick another. There's also a holiday catalog/gift guide for the holiday season. Barnes and Noble also has a book drive for charity running until January 1, 2018. Customers can buy a book and donate it to the charity book drive.

Panzer says, "This little kitty thinks that second app is interesting. ... Mom can send an email to me that says 'I bought you a new cat sweater. If you don't like it you can exchange it for what you want.' ... Hmm ... Then I can exchange it for catnip. ... Sounds good to me."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a thermos of tea and three muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Barnes and Noble

Hachette U. K. Acquires Bookouture - Publishers' Weekly

I've been one busy kitty today.

Panzer is helping Mom update Cat Wisdom for Humans, so he made a very quick trip into the Catosphere today. Our hurrying kitty stopped in at the Publishers' Weekly site. With a little digging he found a post about Hachette U. K.

According to the post by John Maher, Tim Hely Hutchinson, Hachette U. K. CEO, announced the acquisition of digital publisher Bookouture. Oliver Rhodes, CEO and founder of Bookouture, will remain in that capacity. Bookoutre will stay in its current location and all employees will remain with the company. Bookouture's digital authors can now be seamlessly published by Hachette U. K. Little, Brown print publishing arm.

Panzer says, "Bookouture sure has grown in only four years."

Note: This is a shortish-medium post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Hachette UK

Scholastic Releases "Fantastic Beasts" Cover Design - PW

There's no cats on them.

Panzer  was tootling around in the Catosphere and stopped in at the PW (Publishers' Weekly) site. Our adventuresome kitty happened to find an announcement there about the cover design releases for J. K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

According to the post by John Maher, Scholastic released the covers for the screen play of the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and the covers for two movie tie-in books. The covers are included in the post.

Panzer says, "I did my cover reveal today, so I thought it was only fair to give equal time to Scholastic for J. K. Rowling."

Note: This is a short post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post, tootle over to Fantastic Beasts