Kathleen Schmidt
@kathmschmidt.bsky.social
President, KMSPR. Book publishing, marketing, consulting, strategy. I write Publishing Confidential on Substack.
My thoughts on the current nonfiction book market. open.substack.com/pub/kathleen...
The Nonfiction Conundrum
Is Nonfiction in trouble?
open.substack.com
This depresses me. www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
Book Output Topped Four Million in 2025
The total number of books published in the U.S. in 2025 jumped 32.5% over 2024, according to statistics compiled by Bowker, led by a boom in self-published titles. The number of traditionally publishe...
publishersweekly.com
Um, USA Today put the two new ACOTAR books on their bestseller list. Book 6 isn’t out until Oct 2026, and Book 7 isn’t out until Jan 2027. This is why bestseller lists are b.s.
I don't think anyone will acquire this for $2M. www.geo.tv/latest/65470...
Sarah Ferguson's $2M memoir dream hits publishing wall
Sarah Ferguson had hoped to turn her life story into a lucrative publishing deal in the United States, but insiders claim the plan has hit a firm wall in the American book market.The 66-year-old forme...
geo.tv
People are DEFINITELY going to have feelings about this. Gift link: www.wsj.com/business/med...
Exclusive | Simon & Schuster Names Former Amazon Executive Greg Greeley as CEO
The publisher is turning to an industry outsider as expanded entertainment options squeeze the book business.
wsj.com
AWP is so overwhelming the first time. I like it, though.
If you’re going to AWP, and plan to stay at the Hyatt Inner Harbor, I have news: they oversold it. I’m in one half of a suite w a pullout couch. Some guy told me they tried to put him in a conference room.
Can someone please come over and pack my bag for AWP? I don’t know what to wear.
My tombstone will read: She could be guilted into attending events.
If you’re going to AWP this week, come say hi.
Anne Trubek@atrubek.bsky.social · 5mo agodefinitely gonna be the best panel at AWP
If you're heading to AWP in Baltimore next week--I'll be there, too. Here is my panel. Come say hi.
FYI, I will be on NPR’s All Things Considered at 5:40 PM or 7:40 PM EST tonight. I’m talking about the current media landscape as it pertains to books.
Publishing, what are we doing here? A guidebook to prison?https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/taylor-sheridan-first-book-how-to-not-die-in-prison-1236513557/
And Now Taylor Sheridan Is an Author
'How to Not Die in Prison' will be published in June by Simon & Schuster, which used to be owned by Paramount.
hollywoodreporter.com
Publishers are going to have to consider this equal time nonsense/networks bowing down when they want to acquire books by politicians. www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/bus...
FCC Chair to Hollywood: Talk Shows Aren’t Legitimate News
ABC's 'The View' is currently under investigation over an interview with Texas State Rep. James Talarico, after which it didn't meet FCC requirements that would've allowed his opponents equal time.
hollywoodreporter.com
I have been listening to the audiobook of Virginia Guiffre's memoir. What happened to her and all the survivors is horrific. It cannot be ignored.
emptywheel@emptywheel.bsky.social · 6mo agoJamie Raskin uses his introductory statement to introduce a bunch of the survivors, sitting right behind Pam Bondi.
Not a single conservative publisher would have given a book a second thought if the tables were turned. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/11/b...
The Book Jackets Were Ready. Then Charlie Kirk Was Shot.
nytimes.com
He’s happy because he just destroyed a stuffed toy.
I wrote about yesterday’s NYT piece where we met authors who “write” romance using AI. open.substack.com/pub/kathleen...
Romance, AI, and The New York Times
Not all publicity is good publicity.
open.substack.com
I wrote something personal + listed ways to help Minnesota. Please pass it along. open.substack.com/pub/kathleen...
HOW TO HELP MINNESOTA
Plus, a personal story from me. Book Therapy will resume next Friday.
open.substack.com
Really proud of my husband for working crazy hours yesterday to help get this out today. Springsteen, Streets of Minneapolis. youtu.be/wWKSoxG1K7w?...
Bruce Springsteen - Streets Of Minneapolis (Official Audio)
YouTube video by Bruce Springsteen
youtu.be
Yesterday, I wrote a piece about Belle Burden's book and why it should not be #1 on the NYT Bestseller List. It's pretty egregious of the Times, IMO. open.substack.com/pub/kathleen...
A Tale of Three Bestseller Lists
Belle Burden's book 'Strangers' is #1 on the NYT Nonfiction Hardcover Bestseller List. Other bestseller lists tell a different story.
open.substack.com
This indie bookstore in MN is doing good work for people. Give them business. www.commabookshop.com
Comma, a bookshop
Independent bookstore in Linden Hills, Minneapolis, offering fiction, nonfiction, young adult, and Minnesota-made gifts
commabookshop.com
Here’s a website with all the ways you can help people in Minnesota. Pass it on. www.standwithminnesota.com
Stand With Minnesota
A directory of places to give to as Minnesota defends itself from ICE occupation
standwithminnesota.com
