Industry News

After meeting with indie booksellers, publishers, distributors, librarians, and ABA, the BookExpo team has announced a “reimagining” of the annual book industry event to deliver new value to attendees.

ABA’s Board of Directors has approved the Nominating Committee’s recommendation of four director candidates to stand for election to the Board. The petition process for additional candidates is underway.

The American Booksellers for Free Expression asked the U.S. State Department to “redouble its efforts” on behalf of publisher/bookseller Gui Minhai, who has again been detained by Chinese authorities.

The silent auction to benefit the American Booksellers for Free Expression and Every Child a Reader, featuring the Children’s and Teen Book Awards, will honor beloved author and illustrator Ashley Bryan. BookExpo registration is underway.

Trump’s budget proposes arts funding cuts; Penguin Young Readers launches imprint for diverse books; Alexander named Mellon Foundation president; New hires at HUP, B&N; PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award goes to imprisoned journalists

Retail sales at U.S. bookstores were down by 8.2 percent in December 2017 compared to December 2016, according to preliminary figures recently released by the Bureau of the Census. The independent bookstore channel ended the year with a 2.6 percent increase over 2016.

Under ABA’s Bylaws, any bookstore member may submit petitions to have the names of additional candidates for Board officers and/or directors added to the ballot for the 2018–19 elections.

In 2017, ABA welcomed 75 new indie bookstores that opened for business in 33 states and the District of Columbia. In addition, 22 established ABA member stores were bought by new owners.

Binc named co-beneficiary for San Francisco Writers’ Foundation auction; Book industry gathers at Sally Dedecker memorial; Oprah’s Book Club chooses An American Marriage; NBF’s new award for translated literature; Staff changes at SMP, Hachette Livre; Meryl Halls to become BA managing director; PEN America career achievement award winners; 2018 Audie Award finalists announced

The deadline has been extended for bookstores to become official event locations for Children’s Book Week. In addition, 20 finalists were announced for the Children’s & Teen Choice Book Awards.

In addition to the open forum discussions on topics of concern to booksellers, ABA’s Spring Forums will present an education session providing a year-long calendar of steps that bookstores can implement to improve their bottom line.