Latest from The Bookseller

Trade tributes to 'irreplaceable' Jackie Collins Publishing colleagues past and present have lined up to pay tribute to "extraordinary" and "irreplaceable" Jackie Collins, author of "bonkbuster" classics including Hollywood Wives and The Stud, who has died of breast cancer aged 77, just days after the release of her latest novel.

BA's Walker calls for 'Civilised Saturday' The Bookseller Association's president has encouraged booksellers to launch the antithesis of Black Friday - Civilised Saturday - to compete with the consumer rush on goods this year. Giving the president's address at the BA's annual conference this morning (21st September), Tim Walker, owner of Walker's Bookshops, called on booksellers to create an event to mark "Civilised Saturday" on the 28th November - the Saturday after the last pay day before Christmas and the day after Black Friday.

National Book Awards will not run this year The National Book Awards will not run in 2015, The Bookseller can confirm. Cactus TV, which has produced the consumer-focused awards since the closure of Publishing News in 2008, said an update about a 2016 ceremony would be issued soon.

Calliope Gifts to open third retail shop Calliope Gifts, the gift shop brand founded by former Borders bookshops c.e.o. Philip Downer and head of buying Andy Adamson, has announced the opening of a third retail shop, in the Orchards Shopping Centre at Haywards Heath. The 1,120 sq ft shop will open on October 10th 2015, and will feature Calliope’s "signature" selection of gifts, homewares, fashion accessories, greetings cards, stationery, toys and books. According to Calliope, as one of the “exciting” independent retailers “revitalising” the UK’s high streets, their mission is to provide “a gift for everybody”.

Shortlist announced for inaugural Richell Prize Fiction and non-fiction writers have been shorlisted for the inaugural Richell Prize for Emerging Writers established in honour of the late publisher Matt Richell.

More German chains join Tolino alliance The Tolino alliance has added strength in depth in its German home market. Regional book chains Mayersche and Osiander have joined the successful partnership with immediate effect. Both newcomers are family-owned and major players in their markets – Mayersche (40 branches, €160m turnover) in Northrhine Westphalia and Osiander (34 branches, €67.9m turnover) in southern Germany.

Curtis Brown supports Syria fundraiser Curtis Brown will support Patrick Ness' fundraising for Syria campaign by offering up an agent every two weeks for auction, starting with c.e.o. Jonny Geller. The highest bidder will win lunch and a reader's report, with all proceeds going to Ness' Save the Children Syrian Refugee Crisis Fund.

W&N buys title from lawyer Philippe Sands International lawyer Philippe Sands is to write a “part historical detective story, part family history, part legal thriller” for Weidenfeld & Nicholson.

Two more titles lined up for Mr B’s imprint Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights is to publish more titles after the successful release of its first two books. The award-winning independent based in Bath founded a publishing arm called Fox, Finch & Tepper last October and is set to release two new titles at the end of October this year.

Clairview to publish Ben Okri booklet Independent publisher Clairview Books is releasing a new booklet by Ben Okri based on a lecture he gave at the International School of Storytelling in Sussex. The Mystery Feast: Thoughts on Storytelling will be published on 14th October as a £3.99 paperback original and £2.99 e-book (available across all platforms). Clairview’s distributor is BookSource.

Summersdale signs deal for Purple Ronnie books Summersdale has signed a four-book license deal with the Purple Ronnie brand.

Gollancz Festival holds event for aspiring writers Science fiction and fantasy imprint Gollancz is to expand The Gollancz Festival to host an event for aspiring authors.