Results Drop at McGraw-Hill

Sales and profits fell in the third quarter ended September 30 at McGraw-Hill Education, and parent company McGraw-Hill Cos. said it expects to have a decision soon on whether to sell or spin off its publishing division. Total revenue fell 11%, to $836 million, while adjusted operating profit declined 15%, to $268 million. In its two business units, revenue in the School Education Group decreased 16%, to $352 million for the quarter.

Perry Retiring at UNC Press

David Perry, editor-in-chief of the University of North Carolina Press, is retiring. The industry veteran, who started at UNC Press in 1979 as an editorial assistant, will be stepping down in March 2013. Perry has been UNC’s editor-in-chief since 1995 and has focused on the categories of history and Southern studies, specifically books about the Civil War and military history titles.

Ferguson Wins Giller Prize

Will Ferguson has won the C$50,000 Scotiabank Giller Prize for his novel 419, published by Penguin Canada/Viking Canada. A Giller win can bump up sales of a title by as much as 500%, and Penguin Canada has ordered an additional print run of more than 50,000 copies to keep up with demand. The book will be published by Penguin U.S. in the spring.

B&N E-Ink Devices for Sale in U.K.

In a move that puts Barnes & Noble on the path to becoming an international content and technology provider, the retailer began selling its Nook Simple Touch (£79) and Nook Simple Touch GlowLight (£109) e-ink reading devices last week at more than 1,600 retail outlets in the U.K. B&N also launched a British Nook Store offering access to millions of e-books and moved to raise its brand awareness in the U.K. with a “Read in Bed” advertising campaign to highlight the Nook GlowLight’s night-light technology.

BINC Wants to Help

The Book Industry Charitable Foundation, which looks to help booksellers facing severe hardship and/or emergency circumstances, is prepared to aid stores affected by Hurricane Sandy. Booksellers needing assistance or want more information can contact BINC at (866) 733-9064 or info@bincfoundation.org.