Clay Smith takes the reins as director of literary initiatives at the Library of Congress.

The Washington, D.C. publishing community is unique, including not only independent publishers but scores of university presses, think tanks, and government agencies.

An industry roundtable, held at the Multipli Forti literary festival in New York on June 6, addressed how independent publishers can get works of translated literature to readers in an era marked by media saturation and increased dominance by major companies over the book business.

Starting next April 1, Penguin Random House Publisher Services will take over distribution of the adult and children’s print books published by Disney Publishing Worldwide. Under the agreement, PRHPS will also take on distribution of Marvel Publishing’s collected editions and graphic novels to trade bookstores and wholesalers.

The website's mission, to publish works from countries underrepresented in English-first language regions, has not changed since its 2003 launch, but new developments planned to expand the literary conversation include today's reveal of its revamped website.

Watson takes the reins following interim executive director Cindy Myers, who stepped in to lead Small Press Distribution after the resignation of Brent Cunningham.

Ikkanda will join the Penguin Random House imprint as executive editor August 1. She will also acquire selectively for Dutton and Plume.

On June 1, 1940, our correspondent in London reported on the challenges British publishers faced in the early days of World War II.

Forty years ago, Lisa Ekus left her position as senior publicist at Crown Publishing to open her own public relations firm working exclusively with those involved with cookbooks and culinary pursuits. This year, Ekus's daughter Sally took the reins at the company, which has rebranded as the Ekus Group.

On May 18 a state court found there was probable cause that two books, 'Gender Queer' and 'Court of Mist and Fury,' could be deemed obscene under an obscure state law, and ordered the authors and publishers to defend the books in court. In a statement, freedom to read advocates say such actions "stifle the voices of authors and publishers."

After being introduced as a bill back in February, the Freelance Isn't Free Act has been passed in New York State. The law is intended to establish and enhance the rights of freelance workers including authors, journalists, and other writers on contract.

The imprint, which will publish nonfiction titles in the spirituality, relationships, and sexuality categories, is led by editorial director Elena Vega, who formerly worked as an editor for Macmillan and Simon & Schuster.

A listing of new and forthcoming adult, children’s, and young adult fiction and nonfiction titles on the history and social impact of Juneteenth (June 19,1865), the newly enacted national holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans at the end of the Civil War.

Eighty-three years ago, we reported on the creation of Pocket Books, which published paperback editions of bestsellers for 25¢ each.

Publishers discuss African American history and the books inspired by the U.S.’s new national holiday.

Whether it’s wild facts about animals, incredible human feats, or famous landmarks, the Weird But True! library of titles from National Geographic Kids is all about sharing the wonders of the world with young readers. Becky Baines, editorial director at National Geographic Kids, gave PW a sneak peek at the new series. (Sponsored)

The spring sales trend of weekly declines of about 6% continued last week, with unit sales of print books dropping 6.4% compared to the week ended May 22, 2021, at outlets that report to BookScan.

The Association of American Literary Agents has expanded its membership criteria and canon of ethics in an effort to create, as it explained, a "more equitable, participatory, diverse, and inclusive publishing community."