The short story is the most versatile of literary forms, and the most neglected.

In this country, it is too often treated as a minor art, condescended to by readers, editors and critics who act as if the novel is the only legitimate format for prose fiction.

Rather than a condensed or abbreviated version of a novel, a good...

When Penguin bought self-publishing platform Author Services, I wrote that the publisher had changed the conversation. In agreeing a deal that sees Penguin form a new company with Random House, what can now be said is that the two publishers have redefined what it means...

Publishers are concerned about the potential impact that universal e-book lending could have on their business models and on author’s earnings, as well as the risks of piracy. Meanwhile booksellers are particularly alarmed by the idea that any e-book could be borrowed free just by pressing a button.

Both are right to be...

Events are a growing part of publishers' author strategies, but do they always result in a move up the bestseller lists?

Speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival last week, Clare Balding, whose memoir My Animals and Other Family was recently published, said she's gunning to be number one in the charts this...