Authors Are Protesting Amazon’s Ebook Policy That Allows Users to Read and Return
Authors are protesting Amazon’s ebook return policy, claiming the system allows readers to “steal” from self-published authors. This policy allows customers to cancel an accidental ebook order within seven days, and it seems readers are taking advantage of that window to finish a book and return it after reading. This means that royalties originally paid to the author at the time of purchase of the ebook are then deducted from their earnings balance.
Bookstores Respond to Demise of Roe v. Wade
Friday’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that overturned Roe v. Wade left many distraught indie bookstore customers seeking the solace of their local indie bookstore as a comforting safe space. Bookstores such as Left Bank Books in St. Louis, Missouri; Charis Books and More in Decatur, Georgia; Women and Children First in Chicago, Illinois; Zenith Bookstore in Duluth, Minnesota; A Room of One’s Own in Madison, Wisconsin; and Second Star to the Right Books in Denver, Colorado reported busy and emotional days and customers sought books on reproductive justice and abortion rights, some offering a percentage of sales toward women’s health, reproductive rights, and human rights organizations.
Sheffield Hallam University Suspends English Literature Degree
Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England announced that it would be suspending its degree in English literature after a government crackdown on what ministers regard as “low value” courses. These new rules stipulate that universities could face penalties if fewer than 75% of undergraduates complete their courses and fewer than 60% are in professional jobs or studying for a further degree within 15 months of graduating. This adds to a growing concern for job losses and the future of arts and humanities departments in higher education.
Angie Thomas’s On The Come Up Teaser Trailer Is Here
Angie Thomas’s sophomore novel, On The Come Up, was optioned for adaptation upon release and at last night’s BET Awards, the film’s first teaser trailer was released.