Latest News from The Bookseller

Franklin: 'toxic competition' in large publishers The atmosphere in some large publishing houses is "toxic" as imprints are forced to compete against each other for big titles, Profile Books' owner Andrew Franklin has said.

FutureBook shortlists focus on imaginative publishing Eight book tech companies, 15 digital books, 10 marketing/publicity campaigns, seven platforms and 15 individuals from within the book business will go head to head for the coveted FutureBook Awards. The shortlists display excellence and innovation with the winners announced at the FutureBook Conference (4th December).

The Bookseller and The Sunday Times to run weekly e-book charts The Bookseller and The Sunday Times are to run weekly e-book bestseller charts, with data supplied by all of the main trade publishers to The Bookseller.

HarperNonFiction signs comedian Schumer Award-winning comedian Amy Schumer’s memoir has been snapped up by HarperNonFiction after an intense multi-publisher auction. The tentatively titled The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo is a collection of personal stories and anecdotes, combining Schumer’s fresh take on feminism with socially aware satire "ranging from the raunchy to the romantic, the heartfelt to the harrowing".

Frankfurt hall move embraced by most publishers UK publishers have broadly welcomed the shift to Hall 6 at this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair, with a number highlighting the proximity of the rights centre as a spur to deal-making, and the central location attracting more international publishers to their stands. Others focused on the opportunity the move gave them to refresh their look.

Lone Iranian explains compatriots’ FBF boycott Iran’s national stand remained empty and cordoned off on day two of the Frankfurt Book Fair, with signs explaining the country’s stance reading: “Freedom of speech: insulting the sacred beliefs of others.”

Budgets cuts could see 60% of Norfolk's libraries close Norfolk County Council could close 60% of libraries in a bid to save £11m over the next three years, it has been reported.

Subscriptions shrug off Oyster Publishers are signing up to subscription services at this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair despite the recent news that start-up Oyster, a proponent of the model, is to close next year.

Michael O’Mara to publish 'menagerie' colouring book Michael O’Mara Books has commissioned a colouring book of animal portraits by Richard Merritt, one of the artists behind the Art Therapy series, and Clare Scully. The Menagerie, which publishes 12th November (p/b, £9.99), is printed on perforated paper and the images are designed to be coloured then pulled out and displayed. Michael O’Mara said the PR and marketing campaign for the book will be its biggest ever, with advertising on the London Underground and an animated video retail partnership.

Journalist Cocozza's book to Hutchinson Hutchinson has pre-empted a book by Guardian journalist Paula Cocozza.

Wood’s Blocks build overseas amid big-screen interest A Boy Made of Blocks by Guardian games editor Keith Stuart, about his experience of playing Minecraft with his autistic son, has sold into multiple territories, with “strong proactive interest from Hollywood studios”, according to publisher Sphere, which is also selling film rights.

Picador acquires Stevens' book at auction Pan Macmillan's Sophie Jonathan has acquired Bleaker House by Nell Stevens in a “hotly contested” auction.