Weekly Write-Up: 12th June 2019
by Tom Ashford
Welcome to the SPF Weekly Write-Up, where each Wednesday we collect together the self-publishing news of the week so you don’t have to.
This week: Barnes & Noble is bought by a hedge fund, microgenres continue to be lucrative, and the 100 best fiction and non-fiction books ever (apparently).
Barnes & Noble and Waterstones, Together at Last
Elliott Management, the hedge fund that already owns British bookstore chain Waterstones, has taken over its American equivalent, Barnes & Noble. Bookstore chains seem to be in a spot of trouble since the arrival of ebooks, given that Waterstones had been saved back in 2011 (Elliott Management bought the company last year).
Waterstones returned to profit in 2016 after six years of losses – perhaps the hedge fund can do the same for Barnes & Noble, which last year recorded a $137,700,000 loss.
You can read the original article here.
The Rise of the Microgenre
We’ve seen evidence of niche genres being very lucrative for writers before – just check out this episode of the Self Publishing Show. And here we have a new article exploring new microgenres, such as Nascar Romance, Amish Hearts and medical romances set at Christmas, and how whilst niche genres might immediately feel limiting, they can open up pathways to larger readerships.
You can read the original article here.
The 100 Best Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Ever (Apparently)
Last but not least, I found a couple of articles which people might find interesting. They’re a list of the top 100 (English-language) novels and non-fiction books of all time, and whilst I doubt anyone agrees with every item on each list, I’m sure there’s plenty for anyone looking for a new book to read. They’re a few years old, but given the number of classics listed I doubt much will have changed in the past dozen months or so.
Tom Ashford
Tom Ashford is a professional copywriter, author of numerous dark fantasy and sci-fi novels, and the Head of Content at the Self Publishing Formula Blog. His books include the Blackwater trilogy and the Checking Out series.
He lives in London with his wife, in an apartment that doesn’t allow pets. Find out more about Tom here.
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