Marks Out at Bookish
In another blow to Bookish, a forthcoming book-recommending and retail venture launched by Penguin, S&S, and Hachette, Caroline Marks, named to head Bookish in 2011, has left the company. The three publishers say they remain committed to the site and that they are searching for a new CEO. The site was supposed to launch in September 2012.
Diller, Rudin, Coady in Pub Venture
IAC chairman Barry Diller and film/theater producer Scott Rudin are teaming up to inaugurate Brightline, a multiplatform publishing house. Former Picador publisher Frances Coady has been named president and publisher. Brightline will partner with Atavist, a Brooklyn digital startup, for its first books, use its e-publishing platform, and license the Atavist software to other publishers.
Court Grants Stay in Google Case
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay in the Authors Guild’s case against Google until after it issues its decision on Judge Denny Chin’s May 31 ruling granting the case class action status. The stay comes just a month after Chin expressly denied a stay to Google. The order means that the current schedule, with oral arguments set for December 4, is now postponed indefinitely.
Judge Grants Approval in DoJ Settlement
Judge Denise Cote granted preliminary approval to the e-book settlement involving 54 U.S. states and territories. The order starts the clock ticking toward final approval, and notice will now go out to consumers within 30 days. Consumers will then have 90 days to opt out of the deal, or elect to receive a check instead of a credit to their e-book retailer accounts.
