Every day Poets & Writers Magazine scans the headlines—publishing reports, literary dispatches, academic announcements, and more—for all the news that creative writers need to know. Here are today’s stories.
More than five hundred authors and publishing professionals have signed an open letter urging U.S. publishers to not acquire books from former members of the Trump administration. Spearheaded by writer Barry Lyga, the letter states: “We believe in the power of words and we are tired of the industry we love enriching the monsters among us.” (Guardian)
Netflix has announced plans to adapt three of Ibram X. Kendi’s books for the screen: Stamped From the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America; Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You; and Antiracist Baby. (Entertainment Weekly)
Ten finalists have been selected for the inaugural Gotham Book Prize. Announced in July last year, the $50,000 prize will honor a new work of fiction or nonfiction about New York City each year. (Publishers Weekly)
“Watching Lewis, I witnessed steadiness and discipline, a commitment to poetry and to living within an artistic community, with its tangled and complicated personal histories and back stories.” Brenda Coultas shares memories of poet Lewis Warsh, who died in November last year. (Harriet)
The guest editors for the 2021 Best American Series have been revealed. Jesmyn Ward will edit the short stories volume, while Kathryn Schulz will edit this year’s essays. (Literary Hub)
Tim Duggan is moving to Henry Holt, where he will serve as vice president and executive editor. Most recently, he led an eponymous imprint within the Crown Publishing Group. (Publishers Lunch)
“Language matters—we’ve sure learned that these past four years!” NBC News interviews Richard Blanco, who served as the inaugural poet for Barack Obama in 2013.
QueryLetter.com shares the top ten entries from its book blurb writing contest, in which writers were invited to write blurbs for made-up books.
