October 27, 2012

Penguin-Random House? / Book Thief / Sony Book Club


This Saturday we'd like to share four pieces of news for you....

PENGUIN + RANDOM HOUSE = ?
A report released on Friday, announced that Pearson Plc (PSON) is in talks to combine its Penguin book-publishing unit with Bertelsmann SE's Random House. This merger would be in response to a surge in providers of electronic books. 

No agreement has yet been reached, and the union might never actually happen, but we know for a fact that talks are in the works. Merging the two units could reduce their estimated combined costs about 2-3% and since Random House has greater revenue, they'll likely have a bigger stake in the new entity. Together, the two units could give the companies more control over the publishing market as places like Amazon constantly bring down the market prices.  

What Do You Think About the Merger?

THE BOOK THIEF ON STAGE!
I love The Book Thief! It's probably one of those books I will be spreading the word about until I have no one left to tell, LOL.  And I'm not the only one: in the six years since it was published, it has sold over 2.5 million copies in the United States alone! And Brian Percival, one of the directors of "Downton Abbey" is already slated to direct a film version. 

And last week, audiences were graced by a stage version of the book at the Steppenwolf Theatre for Young Adults in Chicago, IL. 

For anyone who hasn't read it yet (shame on you!), The Book Theif follows a poor German girl, whose family hides a Jewish man in its basement. In the novel, Death is the narrator and is portrayed as a reluctant character who is extremely poetic. 

Are You a Fan of this Amazing Novel?

SONY READER VIRTUAL BOOK CLUB!
Yesterday, Sony Reader Store has announced the launch of its inaugural virtual book club, The Sony Readers Book Club. 

Every month, Sony Reader Store will pick a book of the month; then, during the month, Reader Store will have a virtual book club meeting, an online chat with the author (via facebook and twitter), and they will also offer special discounts and extras for book club members. 
Will You Be Joining?

RANDOM TIDBITS...


Don't forget about National Novel Writing Month!! 
Wendy Higgins reveals the cover to her second book in the Sweet Trilogy Series, Sweet Peril
Eve Silver reveals the cover of the first book in The Game series, Rush



If you have book news you'd like to have posted on GCR Saturday Book News, please email it to: maria@goodchoicereading.com 


9 comments:

  1. I really think that the Sony Reader book club would be a fun thing to do and kind of cool that they thought of it. I am not a follower of the publishing companies but I can guess that merging with another is a big step.

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  2. The Penguin merger is very interesting. I wonder if it happens, what the outcome would be for the customers.

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  3. I love the Book Thief! I just finished it a few days ago, and I didn't know it was made into a play. xD
    ivy.realies@ymail.com

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  4. The only thing I see happening is that tons of editors will be released and the market for independent editors will be flooded. You'll have your choice of known name editors to work with new indie authors.

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  5. I published via AuthorHouse and Penguin bought that...so far I see no change. CHANGE? What is that :)
    M.C.V. Egan

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  6. I'd kill to see the play! (Ok, not really) One of my favorite books. Although I'm a little scared about the film adaptation, as usual.

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  7. The Book Thief is on my "to read" list (would love to see the play). :) I'm not sure how I feel about the merger, I don't think I'm for it though. :)

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  8. I'm excited about the Penguin and Random House merger! This could be exciting. Thanks for all the book news!

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  9. It will be interesting to see if the choice of books they publish changes over the years, influenced by the merger. They each have their own style.

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