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Rewriting History
Harlequin will cease publication of its long-running historical romance line in fall 2027, its latest effort to adapt its series business to evolving reader interests. At the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ Virtual Winter Conference, held February 6–7, agents and editors shared what they’ve been looking for in books for young readers, and emphasized the ongoing need for diverse submissions. George Saunders has re-upped with Random House for two more books, including an untitled novel and a work of nonfiction about the craft of writing. In the U.K., indie publishers are banding together to confront the AI industry over copyright infringement, while stateside, a little-known startup is promising to provide publishers infrastructure for AI licensing. Public Books explores how the new Wuthering Heights film rebrands the classic novel as a modern erotic romance. Librarian Martha Hickman, who appears prominently in a new documentary on the fight against book bans, shares 10 books that changed her life with Vogue. The New York Times traces Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk’s yearslong attempts to see through a TV adaptation of his work. For Lit Hub, book cover designers Oliver Munday and Chris Brand discuss the design process for Munday’s debut book. And the LA Times talks millennial midlife with Clutch author Emily Nemens.
In the romance publisher’s latest move to adapt its series business to the digital age, Harlequin Historical will cease publication in fall 2027 after nearly 40 years. more »
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators held its 2026 Virtual Winter Conference on February 6–7, featuring a panel of editors and agents, who shared what they’re looking for, advice for creators, and their feelings about diverse literature. more »
Andy Ward landed world rights to an untitled novel from the Booker Prize winner, as well as a nonfiction book about writing in the vein of A Swim in a Pond in the Rain, from Esther Newberg at CAA. Pub dates TBA. more »
Surya knows exactly who they are. Coming out as non-binary to their queer parents and best friend? A non-event. Catching feelings for Blessing—the boy in drama club whose smile makes their heart race? That’s trickier. With gorgeous illustrations, Gayathiri Kamalakanthan’s debut YA novel is “truthful, intimate, and powerful” (Laura Dockrill). (Sponsored) More »
Members of the U.K.’s Independent Publishers Guild have threatened legal action against AI companies over alleged copyright infringement, in what IPG chief executive Bridget Shine called the first step in “a long and arduous battle.” more »
The little-known startup, which powers publishing deals with AI firm Perplexity, aims to help publishers monitor, monetize, and control their content inside AI systems. CEO Jonathan Munk says the industry’s current approach just isn’t cutting it. more »
Summer Lopez (r.) and Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf were initially named interim co-CEOs in November 2024, following the announcement of former CEO Suzanne Nossel’s departure. Each brings a decade of management and program experience at PEN America. more »
Narwhal and Jelly want to be friends forever with you in this hilarious 10th book of the funny and adorable New York Times bestselling kids graphic novel series from Ben Clanton. “The most lovable duo since Frog and Toad.” —Dav Pilkey, bestselling creator of Dog Man and Captain Underpants (Sponsored) More »
Kimberly D. Moore’s The Bible in 52 Weeks (Rockridge Press) was the #1 overall seller on the Black Book Accelerator’s list of bestselling titles by Black authors in January. more »
This year, the veteran children’s author has no fewer than three picture books hitting shelves, highlighting the impact of African American contributions to the United States and the value of setting as a historical bookmark. more »
Rachel Griffin spoke with us about her new YA Chosen One fantasy, The Sun and the Starmaker, accepting grief as a part of love, and completing her novel amid recovering from a brain injury. more »
- Executive Director, Book Industry Study Group (BISG) - Book Industry Study Group (BISG) - full remote.
- Designer - Unnamed Press - Los Angeles, CA.
- Associate Manager, International Marketing & Publicity - Sourcebooks - Naperville, IL.
- PW Reviewers - Publishers Weekly.
- Executive Director of Columbia University Press - Columbia University - New York, NY.
Job Moves
- Jon Repetti, formerly marketing associate at Basic Books Group, has joined Deep Vellum and Dalkey Archive Press as marketing director.
- Sara DiSalvo has been promoted to director of publicity at Candlewick Press, Holiday House, and Peachtree.
- Adelaide Cronin has been promoted to associate national accounts manager at Candlewick Press, Holiday House, and Peachtree.
- Caitlyn Davis has been promoted to trade marketing coordinator at Candlewick Press, Holiday House, and Peachtree.
- Elyse Vincenty has been promoted to associate director of trade marketing at Candlewick Press, Holiday House, and Peachtree.
Awards News
- Inaugural Freudenheim Prize Winner: Peter Filkins’s translation of The Book Against Death by Elias Canetti has won the inaugural Freudenheim Translation Prize, presented by the Jewish Literary Foundation.
Bookstore News
- Indiana Bookshop to Relocate: Your Brother’s Bookstore is moving from Evansville’s Main Street due to rising rents.
- Boulder’s First Romance-Only Bookshop: Sugar and Spice Books opened its doors last weekend in the city’s Mapleton Hill neighborhood.
- Chicago’s Newest Bookstore: Partners in Crime will offer mystery and romance books when it opens in North Center later this month.
- Wisconsin’s Happily Ever After: The Well Red Damsel opened in Wauwatosa last summer and has since found success as the state’s first romance-only bookstore.
Click here to join the conversation in PW's Facebook group for booksellers.
Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden is #1 on our overall list this week. See the full list »
‘Mother Tongue’ by Sara Nović“This stirring account from novelist and translator Nović explores the fraught intersections of deaf identity, eugenics, and the adoption process.... Lucid and rigorously researched, Nović’s memoir offers a powerful critique of the systems that have marginalized deaf Americans across the decades. It’s a sobering must-read.” more »
Picture of the Day
On February 11, Gina Waggott (r.) celebrated the launch of her new biography, Scatman John: The Remarkable Story of the World’s Unlikeliest Popstar (Bloomsbury Academic), at the Last Bookstore in Studio City, Calif., Scatman John’s hometown. Joining Waggott was the bookstore’s manager, Joe Castro (l.).
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PW News Team: Ed Nawotka, Sophia Stewart, Sam Spratford, Jim Milliot, Cathy Lynn Grossman, Claire Kirch, Nathalie op de Beeck
To submit pictures of the day, email pics@publishersweekly.com.
To submit an obituary, email obituaries@publishersweekly.com.
Send editorial questions about this e-newsletter to Sophia Stewart.
Send advertising questions about this e-newsletter to Joe Murray.
For additional assistance, contact us by email or at the address below:
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