Eight-Figure Book Deal, Simon & Schuster Pilot Program, E-Books Rising, and More

by
Evan Smith Rakoff
1.16.14

Every day Poets & Writers Magazine scans the headlines—from publishing reports to academic announcements to literary dispatches—for all the news that creative writers need to know. Here are today’s stories:

Julie Bosman reports that St. Martin’s Press has offered an eight-figure book deal to author Sylvia Day for a series of romance novels called Blacklist. (New York Times)

Simon & Schuster has made its e-book catalog available for purchase to participating public libraries. In partnership with OverDrive, an e-book distribution company, the pilot program launched with thirty-one libraries on board. (GalleyCat)

A group of workers at an Amazon warehouse in Delaware voted 21–6 against joining a union. (Shelf Awareness)

The Pew Research Center reports that the percentage of adults who read e-books is rising, but is still far from replacing print. (Pew Internet)

The Academy of American Poets announced that poets Khaled Mattawa and Alberto R­íos will serve on its Board of Chancellors, replacing Victor Hernández Cruz and Ron Padgett, whose six-year terms have expired.

In Poetry magazine, several poets—including Danniel Schoonebeek, Maxine Chernoff, and Leah Umansky—reveal what books they are currently reading.

"Don’t listen to the old fogeys who insist that the reason women don’t make a lot of noise in the culture is that they do unremarkable work." Michelle Dean spotlights women poised to lead the culture in 2014, including novelists Gillian Flynn, Laura Lippmann, and Roxane Gay. (Flavorwire)