The Bookseller.com

7th September 2008

Bloomsbury facing author 'revolt'

25.04.08

Bloomsbury has responded to criticism that it is facing an authors' revolt over its "obsession" with J K Rowling. The publisher said: "At no time has the backing of our other authors been anything less than 100 per cent."

The Telegraph has reported that the publisher is facing growing author unrest over its favourable treatment of Rowling. The newspaper reports that this preoccupation was behind bestselling writer Joanna Trollope's surprise move to Transworld. It reports that she left after "complaining that Nigel Newton, the chief executive, and his management team have become preoccupied with satisfying the City and shareholders" and were "no longer interested in fully promoting any authors except Rowling".

But responding to the criticisms, a Bloomsbury spokesman told the newspaper: "Bloomsbury has supported J K Rowling from the very first Harry Potter. At no time has the backing of our other authors been anything less than 100 per cent, as evidenced by the great success of new and established authors such as Margaret Atwood, Susanna Clarke, Justin Cartwright, William Boyd, David Guterson, Kate Summerscale, Louis Sachar, Jeffrey Eugenides, Donna Tartt, Jon McGregor, Khaled Hosseini, Ben Macintyre and many others."

The piece quotes from a number of sources without naming them. One agent who is reported to have "several top writers" with Bloomsbury, is quoted: "There is a definite feeling that the Harry Potter phenomenon has led to other authors being neglected somewhat."

Trollope's move to Transworld consolidates her hardback and paperback publishing. Her editor at Transworld, Linda Evans, told The Bookseller that neither party would be commenting about the move "until her responsibilities towards Bloomsbury are over". That will be at the Hay Festival [22nd May-1st June].

Telegraph

Authors Bloomsbury J K Rowling Home Joanna Trollope

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