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Kobo’s Tamblyn named chief content officer; MIBA hires executive assistant

Here’s look at the 67 new and established authors and illustrators who will be featured at the Winter Institute’s signature Author Reception or the Closing Reception hosted by Wi8’s small and independent press sponsors.

This week, Chelsea Handler, Diana Gabaldon, Wally Lamb, and Octavia Spencer were added to the list of breakfast speakers for BookExpo America 2013.

Michael F. Hoynes, a former advertising executive and business consultant who served as the American Booksellers Association’s chief marketing officer from 1998 – 2003, died on January 31, 2013, at age 73.

The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression expressed sorrow today at the death of Carolyn Forsman, a former librarian who supported free expression by becoming an award-winning jewelry designer and creating pieces that celebrated the freedom to read.

ABA has announced the names of the presenters and panelists for Winter Institute 8’s breakout sessions, to be held on Saturday, February 23, and Monday, February 25.

Wi8 bookseller registrants will soon receive a complimentary copy of Alex George’s A Good American (Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam),  this year’s One Institute, One Read title. George recently spoke to BTW about what it means to be a “good American,” the importance of finding a place to call home, and what it has meant to his work to have the support of indie booksellers.

New York Times features year’s 100 notable books; Indiana lawmakers want Amazon to collect sooner; S&S in partnership with Author Solutions; HarperCollins to debut HarperTeen Impulse; HMH in book donation campaign with First Book; McGraw-Hill to sell education business; Sheehan promoted to Ingram Library Services Group

Newbery Medal-winner Rebecca Stead, author of  “Liar & Spy,” a featured title in Thanks for Shopping Indie promos beginning November 24 at participating ABA member stores around the country, talks to BTW about middle school friendship, her writing process, and her own personal spy experience.

This week, Black Dog & Leventhal announced the winners of its “Why My Bookstore Matters” Winter Institute scholarship contest, launched in September in celebration of this month’s publication of “My Bookstore: Writers Celebrate Their Favorite Places to Browse, Read, and Shop.”

William Kuhn, author of “Mrs. Queen Takes the Train,” a featured title in the multi-publisher Thanks for Shopping Indie promotion beginning November 24, talks about Queen Elizabeth, his writing process, and the public’s fascination with powerful people.

Jennifer Bigelow has resigned as executive director of the Southern California Independent Booksellers Association, effective December 31, 2012.

American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression President Chris Finan will be honored at the National Coalition Against Censorship’s Annual Celebration of Free Speech & Its Defenders on November 12 in New York City.

World Book Night U.S. has hired two new staff members: Laura Peraza, to manage social media platforms; and Erin Cox, to handle fundraising. Both will also work with Executive Director Carl Lennertz on customer service, web content, and marketing materials. 

As booksellers head to the fall regional trade shows, World Book Night U.S. has been posting video highlights of this past April’s celebration in different regions of the country on YouTube. Added this week is video of celebrations in California, just in time for the Northern and Southern California trade shows this month.