Scottish Publishers Locked in Row, Barnes & Noble Rejects Billionaire's Bid, and More

by Staff
2.17.10

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:

Readers Digest Association UK has filed for administration, a move which will allow its U.S. parent company to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. (Bookseller)

An attempt by a billionaire investor to become the majority shareholder in Barnes & Noble was rejected by the bookseller's board of directors.

A Hindi poet rejected a major literary prize from the Indian government because of an accompanying request for his "bio-data," a term which in South Asian culture refers to a resumé. (Hindu)

Poetry. There's an app for that, courtesy of the Academy of American Poets.

A British rail company is starting a book club for train commuters. (Guardian)

American Short Fiction and the University of Texas in Austin will host a tribute to J. D. Salinger next week, featuring literary luminaries reflecting on the author and reading from his unpublished letters.

A dispute over allegations of corruption and power-grabbing has broken out among Scotland's leading publishers trade associations. (Bookseller)

An acclaimed Canadian debut novelist found inspiration by riding a bicycle around Toronto. (Star