Overnight book news from The Bookseller

Digital focus goes multiformat Retaining a focus on digital is crucial, say publishers, with the consumption of texts on mobile devices growing and children’s interaction with media being transformed.

PRH bolsters consumer engagement team Penguin Random House UK’s consumer engagement team has hired two "high profile" new people to step up its direct audience relationships with readers. Claire Wilshaw, former brand director for Vintage, and Booksandquills vlogger, Sanne Vliegenthart, are joining the Penguin consumer engagement team as audience development director and social media producer respectively, to build direct relationships with readers through digital marketing and partnerships, using the Penguin brand.

IPG membership hits 'record high' Membership of the Independent Publishers Guild has hit a "record high" of more than 600 companies which is "proof of the flourishing state of independent publishing in the UK at the moment," the organisation has said.

Old Street signs former literary agent Crawford Old Street Publishing is releasing the first book by former literary agent James Crawford, who is publishing and research grants operational manager for Historic Environment Scotland.

Blloon confirms closure but considers 'complete pivot' Blloon has confirmed that following a series of talks on Friday (30th October) the subscription service will close. However, the platform’s founder Thomas Leliveld told The Bookseller the company was currently evaluating the “different strategic options we have at our disposal” and said as a consequence the company will not shut down.

Nicholls and Almond shortlisted for Guardian Children’s Prize Authors David Almond, Sally Nicholls, Kate Saunders and Frances Hardinge have been shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2015.

Saunders hired to manage Enid Blyton brand Hachette Children’s Group (HCG) has appointed Etta Saunders to the newly-created role of global brand manager to take prime responsibility for the Enid Blyton brand. Starting on 23rd November 2015, Etta will be working closely with the licensing and publishing teams to maximise opportunities for growth, reporting to deputy m.d Clare Somerville.

Kershaw wins 2015 No Exit short story competition Liz Kershaw's "The Valentine Murders" has won No Exit Press’ 2015 short story competition.

McNab in Antartic trek for #ReadingJourney appeal Andy McNab is set to embark on a trek to the South Pole this month in aid of The Reading Agency’s #ReadingJourney appeal.

Comma Press to publish Diao Dou Comma Press is publishing the first full title in English by popular Chinese author Diao Dou, translated by Brendan O’Kane.

Hoffman joins Aaron M Priest Literary Agency Mitch Hoffman, previously vice president executive editor at Grand Central Publishing, is set to join New York's Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency as a senior agent.

Orion re-launches BookBark for independents Orion has re-launched its online resource for independent booksellers, BookBark.co.uk.