Latest news from The Bookseller including David Bowie biography to Hodder

Booksellers urged to support campaign against illegal downloading The Booksellers Association has released a video which urges people not to illegally download creative content such as e-books, or risk destroying the industry.

Isla Fisher pens children’s fiction series Piccadilly Press has acquired world rights, excluding North America, to a children’s fiction series by actress Isla Fisher.

Vaizey: Volunteers should not replace library staff The use of volunteers in libraries is a “win-win” situation but they should not replace paid staff, culture minister Ed Vaizey has said.

Scholastic to publish World of Warcraft titles Scholastic has signed a deal to publish a new series of books based on the World of Warcraft game franchise for readers aged 8-12.

Toby Mundy and ALLi release LBF rights guide Toby Mundy Associates, in partnership with the Alliance of Independent Authors has published a rights guide in advance of the London Book Fair, showcasing 13 independent authors, with sales ranging from 450,000 copies sold to 20,000.

Bear Grylls embarks on publishing programme with Bonnier Zaffre TV and survival star Bear Grylls has signed up to a publishing programme with Bonnier Zaffre.

Julia Roberts to produce Coben adaptation Julia Roberts is set to produce and star in a film adaptation of Harlan Coben’s latest thriller Fool Me Once, according to Deadline.

David Bowie biography to Hodder Hodder & Stoughton is to publish a biography of David Bowie by music journalist Lesley-Ann Jones, entitled Hero: David Bowie, this September.

English PEN launches Modern Literature Festival English PEN has launched its first ever English PEN Modern Literature Festival which will see UK-based writers present new works in tribute to writers at risk around the world.

Penguin Life acquires Micromaster at auction Penguin Life has acquired world rights to a book on the power and joy of learning small, specific skills by author and adventure traveller Robert Twigger.

Australia's Booktopia plans IPO to expand Booktopia, an Australian online book retailer, is set to float in the second half of 2016 for a $150m initial public offering as it plans to expand.

Pushkin to publish Bass for first time in UK Pushkin Press is to publish American writer and activist Rick Bass for the first time in the UK.