Latest trade news from The Bookseller

Publishers go back to backlist Backlist is more important than ever for the publishing industry and the opportunity to use backlist titles to drive the sale of frontlist titles is, according to publishers, “one of the true excitements” of the new era of digital publishing.

Tom Weldon: 'Book readers don't want subscription' Penguin Random House's c.e.o. Tom Weldon has said the company will not be exploring subscription, as he is not convinced it is what readers want. Weldon, in conversation with The Bookseller's editor Philip Jones at today's FutureBook conference, said PRH UK is betting on three things for the future - books, kids and new ways of connecting authors and readers.

Tamblyn, Stein and Nash present industry 'Big Ideas' Gathering data to create an informed picture of consumers, utilising the skills of all staff, and valuing BookTubers were among the suggestions put forward at the FutureBook Conference’s Big Ideas panel. Kobo president Michael Tamblyn, who chaired the panel on Friday (14th November), began the session by putting forward two big ideas, “both opportunities, one that we used to have and want back and one that we’ve never had before but now can”.

Booksellers stocking up for the festive period Independent booksellers are predicting strong sales of classic children’s books this Christmas, with the sector proving to be resistant to e-book sales. “Children’s bookselling is particularly important at Christmas, with design and illustration continually raising the bar,” said Sheila O’Reilly of Dulwich Books in south London. “These books make the perfect gift and the only hard part is helping a customer narrow it down to one choice. Children’s books are increasingly becoming Kindle-proof, making them essential to the stability of bookselling during Christmas.”

Nosy Crow, Profile and PRH among FutureBook's innovation winners Nosy Crow m.d. Kate Wilson has been named most inspiring digital publishing person at the FutureBook Innovation Awards. Wilson was named as the winner at a ceremony held at the FutureBook Conference in central London this afternoon (14th November), beating a shortlist that also included Unbound founder Dan Kieran, agent Simon Trewin, indie/hybrid author Hugh Howey and Hachette Book Group c.e.o. Michael Pietsch.

Quarto strikes distribution deal with Allen & Unwin The Quarto Group has consolidated its distribution in Australia and New Zealand following a deal with independent publisher Allen & Unwin. The combined imprints of the Quarto Publishing Group USA and Quarto Publishing Group UK will now be distributed in both countries by Allen & Unwin, beginning on 1st March 2015.