AI and Authorship: South Korea’s Kyobo bookstore rejected a buyer’s order for 100,000 books over copyright concerns, as South African author Coral Hart defended publishing 370 AI-assisted books in 20 months. Publishers are also leaning on reader trust to distinguish human-made books. Publishing Shake-up: Catapult Books’ sale has left authors and staff facing uncertainty over its Spring 2027 list, while UK arts bodies will fund places for 12 small publishers at London Book Fair 2027. Book Bans: UK readers are snapping up Sally Rooney’s novels after sales were halted, with Irish bookshops reportedly helping get copies across the border. Literary Scene: The East Anglian Book Awards named its 2026 shortlist, spanning fiction, memoir, history, poetry and children’s books.
AGP Executive Report
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AI and Authorship: Canadian publishers say trust and writer disclosure remain their best safeguards as detection tools prove unreliable. The debate intensified after Quebec’s Boréal dropped a prize contender over suspected AI use, while a South African author defended publishing 370 AI-assisted books in 20 months. France has launched a literary prize for books written with AI. Book Access: Sally Rooney’s books have surged in demand after UK sales were halted over her Palestine Action ties; Irish booksellers are helping readers get copies, and actors and writers have rallied behind her. Independent Publishing: Catapult Books is being sold, prompting authors to mourn a major loss for Los Angeles’s literary scene. ACE and Inpress will fund places for 12 small publishers at the 2027 London Book Fair. Bookshops: Harvard Book Store plans a second location in downtown Boston, while Goldfinch Books is raising community shares to secure a permanent home.
Obituary: Japanese novelist Ryu Murakami, author of Almost Transparent Blue and Coin Locker Babies, has died at 74. His debut won the Akutagawa Prize in 1976. New Deals: Jonathan Cape has acquired Mary Gaitskill’s sequel to This Is Pleasure and three backlist titles; W&N bought Lucy Rose’s queer folktale Slipskin, while Orbit signed a dystopian romantasy trilogy by Nisha J. Tuli. Industry Standards: The Book Industry Study Group is preparing to recalibrate under new executive director Allison Belan, as publishers face AI, supply-chain pressures and calls for stronger standards. AI and Authorship: South African writer Coral Hart says she has produced more than 370 books with AI in 20 months, drawing fierce backlash. France has also launched a literary prize for AI-written books, as copyright concerns grow. Publishing and Censorship: Sally Rooney’s books have surged in demand in the UK after Faber stopped distributing them there, citing its inability to pass on her UK earnings. Authors and actors have rallied behind Rooney, renewing debate over the reach of the UK’s Palestine Action ban.
AI and Publishing: Library and Archives Canada has tightened ISBN eligibility for AI-generated books, drawing support from author groups who say the policy protects human creators. France, meanwhile, has launched a literary prize for books written with AI, highlighting a growing divide over the technology’s place in publishing. Book-Ban Fallout: Sally Rooney’s books are selling briskly in Britain after publishers withdrew them amid concerns over a law targeting Palestine Action. Actors and authors, including Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, have backed Rooney, while critics warn the dispute threatens literary freedom. War’s Cultural Toll: Russia’s attacks have destroyed 13 million Ukrainian books, according to the country’s culture minister, underscoring the scale of damage to its publishing sector. Screen Adaptations: Hollywood is leaning further on established titles: new research points to rising interest in adapting backlist books for television and film.
Sally Rooney Row: UK readers are snapping up Rooney’s novels after Faber withdrew them over legal risks tied to her support for Palestine Action. Irish bookshops are sending copies across the border as writers and public figures condemn the move as a threat to free expression. AI Copyright: Around 300 authors have filed individual claims against Meta, alleging it used their books without permission to train AI models. Publishing Business: Bloomsbury reported half-year adjusted profit down 30% and revenue down 5%, but still expects a record full year, banking on its second-half lineup, including Sarah J. Maas. HarperCollins has launched Wildlit, a New Adult imprint aimed at a fast-growing readership. Books Under Attack: Russia’s summer strikes destroyed 13 million Ukrainian books, according to Ukraine’s culture minister. AI and Books: France has launched a literary prize for books written with AI, adding to a growing debate over the technology’s role in publishing.
Rooney Row: More than 150 writers and artists have backed Sally Rooney after her books were withdrawn from UK sale over concerns that publishing them could breach anti-terror laws. The open letter calls the move censorship and urges the government to change course. AI and Publishing: France has launched a prize for books written with AI, as publishers press for stronger safeguards against AI use of copyrighted books. Print Industry: South Africa has imposed a 5% tariff on newsprint imports, a measure intended to support local producers but raising concerns about costs for the print sector. Ukraine’s Books: Russian attacks destroyed 13 million Ukrainian books over the summer, a major blow to the country’s publishing industry. Independent Bookshops: Darlington’s new Chapter & Filter café-bookshop opens this weekend, pairing speciality coffee with a plan to champion independent authors.
New Acquisitions: Simon & Schuster UK won a six-way auction for BBC F1 writer Andrew Benson’s Fernando Alonso biography; Century secured Emanuele Midolo’s Vatican investigation in a five-way auction, while Faber acquired Vladimir Kara-Murza’s memoir of modern Russia. Writers’ Support: Helen Fielding has launched the Bridget Jones Prize for unpublished comedy writers in northern England, with £2,000 for the winner. AI and Authors: The Society of Authors withdrew from the Ethical AI Charter after member backlash, prompting a pause and consultation. Publishers are also pressing for a copyright body to address AI’s use of books. Books Under Pressure: Russia’s culture minister says 13 million Ukrainian books were destroyed this summer. In the UK, Sally Rooney’s books have been withdrawn from sale following her support for Palestine Action.
AI and Copyright: Publishers are pressing for a copyright body to challenge AI firms’ use of books without permission or payment. South Korea’s Kyobo rejected a suspicious 100,000-book order amid fears of AI training, while reports say Google is seeking Korean book deals as lawmakers debate protections. Publishing Deals: Choc Lit has signed Cara Heart’s Hockey Hearts series in a five-book deal, a bright spot for commercial fiction. War’s Toll: Ukraine’s culture minister says Russian attacks destroyed 13 million books this summer; the government is preparing support for publishers and bookstores. Access to Authors: Sally Rooney’s books have been withdrawn from UK sale amid concerns over legal consequences linked to her support for Palestine Action. Graphic Novel Sales: September’s Circana chart puts The Long-Lived King, based on The Owl House, at No. 1 among adult graphic novels, ahead of Dungeon Crawler Carl and Absolute Batman.
AI and Books: Kyobo, South Korea’s largest bookstore chain, rejected an overseas company’s unusual request for 100,000 books after it could not verify the buyer or intended use, amid fears books are being bulk-bought for AI training. Korean publishers are also pressing for consent and payment when their works are used to train AI. Author Careers: London Writers Centre and the Eve White Literary Agency named six winners of a non-fiction competition supporting writers from under-represented backgrounds. A new look at BookTok’s impact argues that authors are increasingly expected to promote themselves online, not just write. Publishing Rights: Faber has withdrawn Sally Rooney’s books from UK sale, citing legal concerns over paying the author after her support for Palestine Action. Industry: Condé Nast UK profits fell by more than a third, while plans to sell the Vogue publisher were scrapped. Memoir: Eric Dane’s posthumous memoir, My Book of Days, is drawing attention with his account of addiction and repeated stints in rehab.
Comics Economy: New York Comic Con set an attendance record of more than 250,000 and generated an estimated $90.8 million for the city, underscoring the commercial pull of comics and fan culture. Publishing Deals: HCG won a 10-way auction for Bianca Pozzi’s picture-book series, while Pan Macmillan took a stake in independent publisher New River Books. AI and Copyright: Publishers in Korea are demanding consent and payment for AI training on books, as reports of AI firms seeking or using copyrighted titles intensify concerns over authors’ rights. UK Book Sales: Sally Rooney’s books have been withdrawn from UK sale amid legal concerns over her support for Palestine Action, raising questions about publisher payments and royalties from adaptations. Book Fairs: More than 230,000 books were sold at the University of Punjab Book Fair, while Sharjah’s 2026 fair is set to bring together 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries.
AI & Copyright: Publishers are pressing for consent and payment as AI firms face allegations over book training material; reports say Anthropic sought Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese books, while a reported $1.5 billion settlement over pirated books highlights the legal stakes. UK Rights: Faber is withdrawing Sally Rooney’s books from UK sale, saying it cannot pay her royalties without risking prosecution over her support for Palestine Action. Publishing Deals: Hutchinson Heinemann pre-empted Brazilian sailor Tamara Klink’s memoir; Pan Macmillan signed Jessica Joyce for two romances, Hachette Children’s won a 10-way auction for Bianca Pozzi’s picture-book series, and Juniper acquired Jon Van Zant’s debut horror novel. Readers & Fairs: Punjab University’s book fair sold more than 230,000 books, while Sharjah’s international fair is set to host 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries. Publishing Business: Condé Nast UK profits fell by more than a third, and a sale of the Vogue publisher was ruled out.
UK Book Sales: Sally Rooney’s books are being withdrawn from UK sale after publisher Faber said paying her proceeds could risk prosecution over her support for Palestine Action; Rooney says she is prepared to accept the consequences. AI and Rights: Google is seeking Korean book deals as copyright legislation stalls, while Korean publishers call for consent and payment for AI training. Separately, Anthropic is to pay $1.5 billion over pirated books, intensifying scrutiny of how AI firms use copyrighted works. Publishing Business: Condé Nast UK profits fell by more than a third, and a sale of the Vogue publisher has been ruled out. Pan Macmillan has taken a stake in independent non-fiction publisher New River Books. Global Fairs: Sharjah International Book Fair is set to host 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries, with 1,500 events.
UK Book Market: Faber is ending UK sales of Sally Rooney’s books, saying it cannot pay her amid the dispute over her support for Palestine Action. AI & Copyright: Korean publishers are demanding consent and payment for book training data, as reports accuse Anthropic of downloading Han Kang’s books without permission. Publishing Business: Pan Macmillan has taken a stake in independent non-fiction publisher New River Books, while Condé Nast UK reported profits down 36% and revenue down 7% last year. Literary Funding: Trinidad and Tobago’s Bocas Lit Fest says dwindling private-sector backing puts its 2027 flagship festival and year-round programmes at risk. Global Book Trade: Sharjah International Book Fair says this year’s event will bring together 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries.
Book Fairs: Beirut’s fair is bringing publishers together amid Lebanon’s economic crisis, while Sharjah’s 2026 event is set to host 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries. Access to Books: Nigeria’s Copyright Commission is urging a national portal for books in accessible formats, aiming to improve access for blind and print-disabled readers. UK Book Market: Sally Rooney’s novels are being withdrawn from UK sale after publisher Faber said it could not pay royalties linked to her support for Palestine Action, which is proscribed in Britain. AI and Copyright: Reports that Anthropic used pirated copies of Han Kang’s books add to pressure from Korean publishers for consent and payment when books are used to train AI. Publishing Business: Pan Macmillan has acquired a stake in independent non-fiction publisher New River Books, while Frankfurt Book Fair exhibitor numbers have fallen amid geopolitical tensions.
UK Publishing Row: Sally Rooney’s books are being withdrawn from UK sale after publisher Faber said it could not pay her over her support for Palestine Action, raising questions about author royalties and political expression. AI and Copyright: Anthropic has reportedly agreed to a $1.5 billion settlement over pirated books, as Korean publishers demand consent and payment for AI training on copyrighted works. Publishing Deals: Pan Macmillan has taken a stake in independent nonfiction publisher New River Books, while Chinese publishers are using the Frankfurt Book Fair to bring their titles to global readers. Routes to Market: A couple who built a fortune self-publishing puzzle books offer a striking example of how authors can find readers beyond traditional publishing.
UK Book Market: Sally Rooney’s novels have been withdrawn from sale in Britain after publisher Faber said it could not pass her royalties under its interpretation of laws concerning her support for Palestine Action, raising fresh questions about censorship and authors’ income. AI and Copyright: Anthropic agreed to pay $1.5 billion over pirated books, while Korean publishers demanded consent and payment for using books to train AI. The disputes intensify pressure on the industry to set clear rules for literary works. Publishing Deals: Pan Macmillan has taken a stake in independent nonfiction publisher New River Books, a notable investment in the indie sector. Global Reading: Spotify has expanded audiobooks into Ghana and Egypt, opening new routes to readers and Arabic-language content. Book Fairs: Sharjah International Book Fair is set to host 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries, while Baku’s fair will bring participants from 30 countries.
Publishing Results: Hachette UK reported 4% revenue growth in the third quarter, led by Rebecca Yarros and Freida McFadden. Industry Deals: Pan Macmillan took a stake in indie non-fiction publisher New River Books, while Penguin Michael Joseph pre-empted Laura Moore’s debut and Constable acquired two thrillers from Sam Blake. Rights & AI: Anthropic’s reported $1.5 billion settlement over pirated books sharpens copyright concerns; the Society of Authors says its position on generative AI is unchanged after backlash to its ethical-use charter. UK Book Trade: Faber is withdrawing Sally Rooney’s books from UK sale amid questions over paying royalties in light of her support for Palestine Action. Readers & Access: Spotify launched audiobooks in Nigeria, and Audible awarded £80,000 in grants to youth groups using audio storytelling. Press Freedom: Hong Kong’s independent “yellow” bookshops face closures and arrests, underscoring growing pressure on booksellers.
UK Book Market: Sally Rooney and publisher Faber are ending supply of her books to UK shops after she said royalty payments to her could risk breaching terrorism laws, because she intends to support Palestine Action. Existing stock can still sell, but the move raises questions about authors’ political activity, publisher liability and royalties from screen adaptations. Copyright and AI: Documents reportedly show Anthropic downloaded Han Kang’s books without permission, adding a high-profile dispute to publishers’ concerns over AI training and authors’ rights. Publishing Markets: Germany’s bookseller Thalia reported sales of €2.3 billion last year, while China’s online literature revenue doubled over 2021–25, highlighting sharply different growth stories across major markets. Digital Reading: Spotify has entered Egypt’s audiobook market, expanding its push into Arabic-language content. Frankfurt Book Fair: Exhibitor numbers fell this year amid geopolitical tensions, a sign of pressure on a key global meeting place for the publishing trade.
UK Book Market: Sally Rooney and publisher Faber have stopped supplying her books in the UK, saying current law could make passing her royalties on a criminal offence. Shops can still sell existing stock, but cannot reorder titles. Global Book Fairs: Sharjah’s 45th International Book Fair runs Nov. 4–15, bringing 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries and 1,500 events; Oman is guest of honour. New Deals: Transworld has acquired Jamie Scallion’s debut thriller Nines and its sequel, while Penguin landed a two-book deal for BookTok creator Abby Dewsnup’s YA horror-romance Rabbit Heart. Digital Reading: Spotify has brought 350,000 audiobooks to Nigeria and entered Egypt’s audiobook market, widening its push into digital reading. Industry Outlook: Frankfurt Book Fair exhibitor numbers fell amid geopolitical tensions, while figures presented there suggest 47.2% of EU adults had not read a book in the previous year.
UK Books Pulled: Sally Rooney and publisher Faber agreed to withdraw her books from sale in the U.K. after legal restrictions tied to her support for Palestine Action meant Faber could not pass on her U.K. royalties. Bestseller Momentum: Rachel Reid told a packed Massey Hall audience that she never expected Heated Rivalry to move beyond e-books; HarperCollins has now issued a collector’s hardcover, while her next Game Changers novel is due in June. Publishing Moves: Batsford is bringing its publishing operations together in a unified division led by Nicola Newman. AI and Books: Reports that major publishers use AI-generated cover art and other tools are intensifying debate over transparency as authors face greater scrutiny of AI in publishing.
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