Ian Rankin’s In a House of Lies (Orion) hit the roof of the Bookstat e-book chart, flying straight into the number one spot for the week ending 11th July.
Obituary: Joanna Cole, author of The Magic School Bus
Obituary: Joanna Cole, author of The Magic School Bus Jul 16 2020 Prolific, award-winning children’s book author Joanna Cole, widely recognized for her nonfiction, and especially for being the creator of Ms. Frizzle, the intrepid and enthusiastic captain of the wildly popular Magic School Bus series, died on July 12 of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Sioux City, Ia. She was 75. Source: Publishers Weekly More News Stories
Hay Festival launches live Q&A series
Hay Festival has launched a series of Book of the Month live Q&A sessions with authors, to expand its digital offering.
Bonnier Books UK to release 500 Words: Black Lives Matter
Bonnier Books UK is releasing 500 Words: Black Lives Matter, a book featuring short stories children have submitted to a Chris Evans-devised Virgin Radio competition this month.
W&N acquires Jenner’s ‘roller-coaster ride of historical curiosity’
Weidenfeld & Nicolson has commissioned historian, author and podcaster Greg Jenner to write a book "answering the funniest, most unique and curious questions" he has been asked by members of the public.
HC to publish Piers Morgan’s ‘clarion call’ on free speech
HarperCollins has acquired world all language rights to Wake Up: Why the ‘Liberal’ War on Free Speech is Even More Dangerous than Covid-19 by broadcaster and journalist Piers Morgan.
Libraries could be leaders once again
As they try to re-open, public libraries have two big problems and three large advantages. The first problem, obviously, is that they have to be so safe that people actually want to work in and visit them. I don’t think anyone anywhere has solved that problem yet - but I’m sure there are experts who are trying to find a way. Without the answers, those who open aren’t being brave; they are being stupid and placing other people at risk. It is the absolute and top priority.
S&S bags four-book deal with Jenny Valentine
Simon & Schuster has acquired four middle-grade novels from Jenny Valentine.
Writers and artists call for EU funds to protect European culture
Artists including writer Nina George and singer Björk have called for the European Council to provide extra funding for Europe's cultural sector following the coronavirus crisis.
Beijing Book Fair confirms details of online 2020 event
Confirming widespread expectations, Beijing International Book Fair has finally made a public confirmation that it will be held as an online edition only this year. BIBF begins on 26th August.
