Amazon, Perseus Reach New E-book Deal

The Perseus Books Group has completed negotiations over new e-book terms with Amazon. The agreement covers not only Perseus’ own imprints, but the more than 400 independent publishers that use the company’s Constellation service for e-book distribution.

Scholastic Has Higher Sales, Bigger Loss

Revenue at Scholastic hit $283.8 million in the first quarter ended Aug. 31, 2014. This figure is up 3% over the same period a year ago. The net loss increased to $34.1 million from $29.9 million. Despite the higher loss, Scholastic said it still expects to hit its financial targets for fiscal 2015, including revenue of $1.9 billion and earnings per share between $1.80 and $2 before the impact of one-time items.

Childs Named Publisher at Rowman & Littlefield

Rowman & Littlefield has appointed Jim Childs publisher of its trade division, effective October 13. Childs is currently president of Time Home Entertainment and publisher of Oxmoor House.

PRH Inks First-Look Deal with Universal

Penguin Random House is deepening its commitment to bringing more of its books to movie screens. Through a two-year first-look agreement with Universal Pictures, which will be overseen by Random House Studios head Peter Gethers, PRH will be a producer on projects developed.

Amazon Launching New Crowdsourcing Publishing Program

The e-tailer has confirmed that an American Idol-style crowdsourced publishing platform is “in the works.” The initial report about the program says the soon-to-launch initiative will offer authors the chance to have their work reviewed and then, possibly, published by Amazon.