Book Publishing News 05/26/17

LPC Books Wins Two Selah Awards at the BRMCWC

Her Deadly Inheritance by Beth Ann Ziarnik took first place in the “First Novel” category and A Heart Set Free by Janet S. Grunst won first place in “Historical Romance.” Congratulations to Beth and Janet and all the LPC authors who placed in the final round of the Selah’s. Great job!

Harlequin Closes Its Love Inspired Historical Imprint

Harlequin recently announced that it is phasing out Love Inspired Historical (their Inspirational Historical imprint), and four other lines. In a statement from Loriana Sacilotto, Executive Vice President of Global Publishing, Sacilotto said, “In the face of this ever-changing (retail) environment we are shifting resources from a few series that have been in decline and focusing our efforts on the series that are the most popular with readers and booksellers.” LPC Books continues to find success in its two historical imprints, Heritage Beacon Fiction and Smitten Historical Romance.

How to Grade an Author’s Marketing Ability

Rob Eagar writes, “Recently, I worked with a first-time author who received a six-figure advance from his publisher. But, halfway through writing the book, the author decided he no longer felt interested in the process, turned in a bland manuscript, changed jobs, ignored the book’s release, and cost the publisher thousands of dollars.” Read more to see if you are an author who failed the first grade of your new publishing career …

Are Mass Market Books Dying?

Mass market paperback books are printed for large audiences cheaply. They are smaller, usually 4 inches wide by 7 inches tall, and the text is in a smaller font. These smaller sized books are often called pocket books, and they do fit easily into a purse or a back pocket.

“In steady decline for years, the format (mass market) is either enduring an incredibly slow death or has begun to right itself in the market,” writes Publishers Weekly, Rachel Deahl. “According to NPD BookScan, which tracks roughly 80% of print sales, mass market titles accounted for 13% of total print units sold in 2013; that figure dropped to 9% last year.” Read more …

Bookstore Pop-ups Keep On Popping Up

“By being a pop-up I don’t have to open a store and run the risk of failing,” says Charlie Pugsley of BookSpace in Columbus, Ohio. “I’m learning everything as I go and can apply it to the store when I open it.” Read how Pop-ups and book kiosks are transforming the bookselling business.

Barnes & Noble’s New CEO Defends Physical Bookstores

“Barnes & Noble’s new CEO, Demos Parneros, sees the new bookstores that arch-rival Amazon.com is opening as proof there is still a need and consumer appetite for brick-and-mortar book retailing. Parneros, a longtime Staples retail executive, took the reins of the largest U.S. bookstore chain in April as its fourth CEO in as many years, after serving as operations chief for five months. He’s been given the mandate to revive a brand that has struggled to claim its share of online sales, notably from Amazon.” Read how Parneros plans to revive B&N.

Tips for Marketing Your Book

Rick Snyder offers six social media marketing tips that can help you develop a framework for your book promotion.

“Growing an author platform online takes planning, time, and effort,” writes Shama Hyder, “but with a little know-how you can build an online community of your own.”

BookBaby released its free “Twitter for Authors in 10 Minutes a Day,” guide. This free PDF will help you use Twitter to connect with readers, book reviewers, fellow writers.

Learn: