September 13, 2026

Passing the Torch

Last week, Bloomsbury chief executive Nigel Newton announced that he will gradually hand over leadership of the U.K.-based publisher he founded 40 years ago, starting with his transition into the role of executive chairman and a newly launched search for his successor. Hot adult fiction sales led to a nearly 4% increase in overall publishing sales in the first half of 2026, according to the latest data from the Association of American Publishers. Audible said it quadrupled its output of English-language translations of European audiobooks this year in response to growing demand for genre titles, including thrillers and romantasy. And literary agent Neil Blair launched High Line Publishing Studio, a transatlantic publisher focused on books by Jewish and Israeli writers as well as nonfiction titles that “meaningfully shape public conversation.”

On September 9, boxer and author Laila Ali (l.) and illustrator Cozbi A. Cabrera (r.) celebrated the release of their picture book A Spark of Greatness (Crown) with a signing event at Barnes & Noble 5th Ave. in New York City.

Courtesy Cynthia Lliguichuzhca

Bloomsbury Sets Five-Year Succession Plan

Nigel Newton, who founded the U.K.-based publisher 40 years ago and has overseen its growth into a £325.9 million company, will transition into the role of executive chairman. Bloomsbury expects to appoint a new chief executive in two years. more

Publishing Industry Sales Up in First Half of 2026

Boosted by a big June gain in adult fiction, led by the popularity of Theo of Golden, total industry sales for the 1,416 publishers that report to AAP’s StatShot program rose 3.9% in the first six months of the year. more

Audible Ramps Up English Translations of European Audiobooks

The audiobook company says it is accelerating its production of English-language translations of popular genre titles from France, Germany, Italy, and Spain to meet growing demand. more

Agent Neil Blair Launches High Line Publishing Studio

Founded by the U.K.-based Blair, who represents J.K. Rowling, and with financial backing from a coalition of investors, the new publisher has offices in London and New York and will operate through two imprints, with a focus on Jewish and Israeli writers. more

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