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01/17/12--04:48: The lovely hardback (chan 1007721)

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As digital sales grow, physical books must become more durable—and desirable.

One of the world’s most beautiful books is the Bodleian Library’s Shakespeare. It is the only edition left in its original, simple 1623 binding. “Patina" is too effete a word to describe how handled, battered and well-worn it looks. It’s like that old pair of boots that Van Gogh painted.

Tue, 17/01/2012 - 12:43

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01/18/12--01:34: Share the passion (chan 1007721)

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Can the trade pull together to hit a key deadline for World Book Night?

Giving someone something that you love is almost always a satisfying experience. And it is an experience that all of us working in the book industry have had on plenty of occasions when it comes to literature. For sharing your passion for a book with another person who has yet to go on that reading journey is one of the joys that drives our business and motivates us as people. The personal recommendation is one of the essential wires by which we are connected to one another.

Wed, 18/01/2012 - 09:32

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01/20/12--04:58: Jewel in the crown (chan 1007721)

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Barnes & Noble may want to think twice before jettisoning its Nook business.

The US book retail giant Barnes & Noble announced its “holiday” sales a few days back (Christmas seems to have become a dirty word over there). They made for interesting reading. Digital content revenues rose 113% and sales of the Nook, its proprietary e-reader, were up 70%. Digital content is heading for 10% of B&N’s overall revenues by the end of its financial year in April.

Fri, 20/01/2012 - 12:56

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01/24/12--08:54: The power of prizes (chan 1007721)

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The SYP's a.g.m. debated the impact of longlists and the effect of the entry fee.

The 16th January saw the Society of Young Publishers (SYP) 2012 a.g.m. at Stationers' Hall in London.

This year’s Publishers Question Time debate covered the subject of prizes. The panel was chaired by William Alden, Stationers’ Hall clerk, and comprised: Booksellers Association c.e.o. Tim Godfray; prizes and awards manager at Booktrust Claire Shanahan; prizewinning author Keren David; and editor and co-founder of Slightly Foxed Gail Pirkiss.

Tue, 24/01/2012 - 16:30

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01/26/12--09:09: Charting the future (chan 1007721)

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This year must surely see the publication of the book trade's inaugural e-book chart.

The editor asked me if I would like to write a column about my hopes for the book world during 2012. As someone who is notorious for his positive and chirpy outlook on life, I found it hard to resist. So here, if I may, are some hopes, dreams and wishes for the year ahead.

Thu, 26/01/2012 - 17:06

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