Unraveling the Mysteries of Nordic Publishing in Göteborg

In Feature Articles by Guest Contributor

• The Göteborg Book Fair, Scandinavia’s largest book event, starts this Friday, with Africa as the featured region, with more than 70 writers from the continent attending. • Scandinavian writers are hot all over the world and the fair’s timing just prior to Frankfurt offers a preview what’s likely to be featured from the Nordic countries at the big show. …

Old World, High Style: A Visit to Paris’ Librairie Galignani, Est. 1801, Publishers Since 1520

In Growth Markets by Rachel Aydt

• Paris’ venerable Librairie Galignani lays claim to being the oldest English language bookstore on the European continent. • Despite its age — the store was founded in 1801, but the publishers of the same name date back to 1520 — it has weathered the years well and continues be an important part of Paris’ vibrant literary community. By Rachel Aydt …

Brooklyn Embraces the World: Book Fest, Publishers Boost International Lit

In Feature Articles by Guest Contributor

• The Brooklyn Book Festival, which takes place this Sunday, is devoting a stage exclusively to international programming. Among those authors appearing will be Pakistan’s Feryal Ali Gauhar and UK graphic novelist Nick Abadzis. • The programming is a reflection of the broad community of independent publishers making their home in the borough, many of which focus on translations, including …

By Sticking with Java, E-Book Publisher Wattpad Exhibits Huge International Growth

In Europe by Edward Nawotka

• In August, Wattpad published usage analytics for downloads and readers of the company’s ebooks. The report covers desktop usage, as well as some 1,000 different phone models from 600 carriers in 160 countries (excluding China). • While English-language books and readers using smartphones remains the strongest segment, growth among Southeast Asian readers using Java-based feature phones is nearly as …

Chilean Artists Bomb Berlin with 100,000 Poems

In Growth Markets by Siobhan O'Leary

• On Saturday, Chilean artist collective Casagrande, along with Literaturwerkstatt Berlin, dropped 100,000 poems over Berlin as a protest against war. • This is the fifth instance of the “Poetry Rain” project, which has also taken place in four other cities that were subject to intense aerial bombings during their history. By Siobhan O’Leary BERLIN: Last Saturday night, just as the …

The Ideavirus: Seth Godin as a Microcosm of Publishing’s Flux

In English Language by Mike Springer

• Following Seth Godin’s decision last week to leave traditional publishing behind, several questions have been raised. Is he really making a radical change? Or is this simply another smart marketing play? • Godin’s very public defection is just one more example of how publishing is in flux. He may be the exception to the rule, but his example sets a precedent for others to …

Beijing International Book Fair: E-books and Digital Content Boost China’s $150bn Publishing Media Market (Update)

In Digital by Edward Nawotka

• The Beijing International Book Fair (August 30 through September 3) reflects China’s booming digital publishing business with 2,000 sq. meters of digital exhibits. • Sales of ebooks, downloaded games, apps and other digital content in China hit 80 billion RMB ($11.8 billion) in 2009. By Edward Nawotka UPDATED 8/29: Our initial statistical information stated that the $150bn applied exclusively to …