Macmillan to Begin Library Lending

Macmillan has announced that it will begin its first e-book library lending program by the end of the first quarter. Using the agency model and working with a number of distributors, Macmillan will offer libraries over 1,200 backlist e-books from its Minotaur Books imprint. Once purchased by a library, the titles will be available to them to lend for two years or 52 lends, whichever comes first. All of the books in the program will have the same digital list price, $25. OverDrive, 3M, and Baker & Taylor will handle distribution at launch.

Drake Rises at Crown

In the latest realignment at Random House’s Crown Publishing Group, David Drake has been promoted to senior v-p and deputy publisher, and, among other changes, Michael Palgon, current executive v-p and deputy publisher, is leaving. Drake will assume his new post when Palgon departs, in March. Taking over many of Drake’s former duties will be Carisa Hays, former Free Press publicity director.

Scribner and Touchstone Publicity Combined

Simon & Schuster has combined the Scribner and Touchstone publicity departments, both of which will now report to Brian Belfiglio, v-p, director of publicity, effective February 19. As a result of the reorganization, Marcia Burch, v-p, director of publicity for Touchstone, is leaving the company on February 15.

Amazon Buys Software Company

Amazon has acquired IVONA Software, a text-to-speech technology company whose products power the text-to-speech, voice guide, and explore-by-touch features on Kindle Fire tablets.

Amazon Children’s Names Two Imprints

Roughly a year after the Amazon Children’s Publishing division launched, it has announced two new imprints. Two Lions will be home to picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade fiction, and Skyscape will be devoted to titles for young adults, encompassing works from both established authors and new voices. Margery Cuyler is editorial manager for Two Lions, and Tim Ditlow is editorial manager for Skyscape.

Osprey Plans New Imprint

Osprey Publishing, the Oxford-based military history publisher, has announced plans to launch a new imprint called Osprey Adventures. According to Osprey, the new imprint will focus “on the blurred lines where fact and fiction meet.” The first series to launch under the Osprey Adventures imprint, Myths and Legends, will be available in March.