Every day Poets & Writers Magazine scans the headlines—from publishing reports to academic announcements to literary dispatches for all the news that creative writers need to know. Here are today's stories:
Self-publishing phenomenon Amanda Hocking, who earned almost two million dollars over the last year by selling more than one million e-books, has signed a four-book deal with St. Martin's Press that will see her earn two million plus. (New York Times)
At least three Japanese indie bookstores were destroyed and several more bookstores suffered damage during the earthquake and tsunami, but in large part the publishing industry in Japan weathered the recent disasters with "relatively moderate" damage, according to Publishers Weekly. The country's publishers have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to relief efforts and continue to give books and manga to temporary shelters and affected schools.
Legendary Beat poet, publisher, and bookseller Lawrence Ferlinghetti turned ninety-two years old yesterday. (Jacket Copy)
The lead lawyer for the Authors Guild weighed in on the Google Books Settlement rejection over at Wired. He, too, is encouraged by the reactions of all parties to Judge Chin's decision and believes a revised settlement is still possible.
The Detroit News says that publishers are so wary of dealing with Borders that they "are becoming an obstacle as the bookseller tries to emerge from bankruptcy."
Portland mega-bookseller Powell's Books has released a mobile app that will direct a customer through the aisles of its store to the title she seeks, among other cool features. (Publishers Weekly)
What was it like to be the copyeditor on the highly secretive project of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter books? (State Journal-Register)
If you occasionally chew on the end of your pen while writing that masterpiece, perhaps a new peppermint candy pen with edible ink is in order. (Dave Hakkens)
