April 5, 2026

Slow Start

Last week, Circana BookScan data revealed that publishing print sales fell by 3.1% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. HarperCollins announced a partnership with AI-powered animation firm Toonstar, just days after its Harlequin division unveiled a similar agreement with AI entertainment company Dashverse. Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group shuttered its Roaring Book Press imprint and announced a new imprint for nonfiction and illustrated titles. And Globe Pequot continued its recent acquisition spree with the purchase of Linden Publishing.

During this year’s San Diego Writers Festival, held March 28 at the Coronado Public Library, author Jodi Picoult (r.) delivered the event’s keynote presentation. Joining Picoult in conversation were festival co-founder and director Marni Freedman (l.) and program director Anastasia Zadeik (c.).
(Courtesy Ollie Media)

Print Sales Fell 3.1% in the First Quarter of 2026

With no title coming close to matching last year’s blockbusters Onyx Storm, The Let Them Theory, and Sunrise on the Reaping, unit sales of print books fell in the period at outlets that report to Circana BookScan. Allen Levi’s Theo of Golden was Q1’s top seller. more

Harlequin to Co-Produce AI-Generated ‘Microdramas’

The romance publisher is partnering with Dashverse, an AI video company based in Bengaluru, India, to adapt 40 of its titles into animated shortform video series, beginning in April with Catherine Mann’s A Fairy-Tail Ending. more

HarperCollins Partners with ‘AI-Powered’ Animation House Toonstar

The publisher will co-produce animated YouTube series based on select titles through a “creator-led” process that employs Toonstar’s proprietary AI production technology, beginning with Lisa Greenwald’s popular middle grade series Friendship List. more

Macmillan Children’s Dissolves Roaring Brook, Forms New Imprint

Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group announced the launch of a new, as-yet-unnamed imprint for nonfiction and illustrated books, while Roaring Brook Press has been shuttered, resulting in layoffs and moves within the children’s division. more

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