AGP Executive Report

Publishing Launch: Riot House Publishing launched as an independent press with a small, author-first model built around equitable profit-sharing, opening with two acquisitions including a book on Trump tariff policy. Indigenous Voices: Chelsea Vowel’s updated second edition of Indigenous Writes returns with new sections on identity fraud, denialism, cultural appropriation, and reserve drinking water. AI & Rare Books: 404 Media reports Amazon buys rare books, strips them, and scans them for AI training—renewing copyright and preservation alarms. Bestseller Buzz: Sarah J. Maas revealed A Court of Thorns and Roses books 6 and 7—A Court of Splintered Harmony (Oct. 27) and A Court of Forgotten Melody (Jan. 12)—with covers and plot teasers. Manga Industry: Manga Mavericks Books added Erica Friedman as Managing Editor as it ramps up plans for 2027. War on Publishing: Russian shelling damaged Kyiv publishing offices and warehouses, disrupting shipments and forcing recovery. Local Book Culture: A new community book shop opened in Red Hook.

Publishing Industry Moves: HarperCollins is launching a new U.S. manga imprint, Kazé, with an initial slate of seven titles planned for later this year. Education & Testing: India’s NTA will re-conduct UGC-NET June 2026 exams for English, Commerce and Sociology after errors were found, with retests set for September and no extra fee for candidates. Manga & Books in English: Seven Seas details English releases for There’s No Freaking Way I’ll Be Your Lover! (novels and manga), as the first manga part ends and a second season adaptation is scheduled for early 2027. Children’s Literature Spotlight: Chinese illustrator Cai Gao becomes the first Chinese recipient of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, a major global honor for picture-book creators. Literary Culture Event: Shanghai’s Sinan Literature Month opens with an exhibition spotlighting 65 Lu Xun Literary Prize winners, using immersive installations to bring literature to life. Book Market & Conflict: Reports say a Russian attack on Kyiv damaged the office of Nash Format publishing and destroyed the Petrivka book market. New Releases: Dirigold Publishing releases How a Warehouse Really Works, a practical guide aimed at educators and supply-chain learners.

Education & Testing: India’s NTA released provisional UGC-NET answer keys for 84 subjects, with objections open until Aug. 18; later it ordered a fresh exam for English, Commerce and Sociology after errors including garbled titles and repeated questions. Libraries & Community Reading: Vancouver Public Library’s Friends group is back with a $2 used book sale featuring 50,000+ titles (Aug. 28–Sept. 1) plus a book drive Aug. 17–27. Arts Funding: New Zealand literature gets a smaller slice of Creative New Zealand funding than other arts, with just $4.6m across 12 grants in the latest round. Publishing & Culture Events: Westmeath County Council brings the National Archives’ 1926 Census exhibition, “The Story of Us,” to Mullingar (free, Aug. 25–Sept. 4). Controversy in Academia: Cambridge professor Jason Arday, facing plagiarism and claims scrutiny, has died at 41. Books & Society: A Myanmar government ban targets a book on trafficking of African migrants into border “cyberscam compounds.”

Publishing & Books in the News: A new book from former Pfizer toxicologist Dr. Helmut Sterz claims COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were sold without proper safety testing, with a release set for Aug. 26. International Book Culture: The 11th International Istanbul Arabic Book Fair opened in Turkey with 300+ publishers from 30+ countries, under “The Story Continues,” and with Syria as guest of honor. Manga Publishing: Shueisha says Boruto: Two Blue Vortex will skip the October V Jump issue and return in the November issue shipping Sept. 18. Education & Curriculum: The U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity plans Western civilization coursework using a textbook from Encounter Books, as part of a broader push toward “classical” and patriotic learning. Children’s/Reading Community: A Sri Lanka report says the National Child Protection Authority received 1,000+ child abuse complaints over two months, urging parents to use dignity-preserving discipline and pointing families to its book Shiksa. Memoir/Publishing Deals: Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine’s co-written memoir “In My Darkest Hour” lands Sept. 8 via Grand Central’s Da Capo label.

New Book Releases: Former Pfizer toxicologist Helmut Sterz’s upcoming book claims COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were sold without proper safety testing, reigniting debate over pharmaceutical accountability. Author & Publishing Spotlight: Journalist Bankole Thompson’s next book, endorsed by former federal chief judge Gerald Rosen, frames Frederick Douglass and America’s 250th anniversary through “12 Moral Questions,” due in early 2027. Comics Preview: DC’s Batwoman #6 (Aug. 19) revisits Kate Kane’s fall, Alice’s death, and a mysterious rebirth in Petalon. Comics Preview: Marvel’s Captain Marvel: Dark Past #5 (Aug. 19) sets up a final showdown that reveals the truth behind Carol Danvers’ family legacy. Publishing & Culture: An Arabic London bookshop removed Mein Kampf after backlash, saying it wanted to stay welcoming to the community. Literary News: The New York Times ranks Tana French as the most prolific great thriller writer of the 21st century, with multiple novels topping expert and reader lists. Industry & AI: Booksellers report sudden bulk purchases of obscure titles, with suspicions pointing to AI training demand after a U.S. fair-use ruling. Sports & Reading: A library’s “Unearth a Story” summer program logged heavy participation, including 122,918 minutes of youth reading.

Publishing & Health Claims: A former Pfizer toxicologist, Dr. Helmut Sterz, is set to release a new book alleging COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were sold without proper safety testing, framing the program as a “Vaccine Mafia.” Netflix Adaptation Spotlight: Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi’s debut novel The Polygamist—once rejected by publishers—has become a Netflix hit, reaching the platform’s top 10 in dozens of countries. Celebrity Biography Launch: Priyanka Chopra unveiled the cover of Empress: The Definitive Biography of Sridevi (Westland Books), with a December release date and rare-photo-heavy framing of the star’s pan-Indian rise. Literary Community & Loss: Children’s author Carrie-Anne Browne (38) is remembered as “gentle beyond measure” after the publication of Bonnie and the Gleam Queen Team. Publishing Business Watch: Avtar Steel filed IPO papers with SEBI to raise ₹585 crore, including plans for a specialty steel melting division and expansion of stainless-steel wire manufacturing. Cambridge Scandal Aftermath: The death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday, amid plagiarism allegations and a recently released memoir, is driving renewed debate about academic scrutiny and race. Book Culture & Events: Belfast Fleadh 2027 hotel prices are already surging—some rooms more than double—while libraries and festivals continue to push reading through community book sales and author events.

COVID Vaccine Claims in New Book: A former Pfizer toxicologist, Dr. Helmut Sterz, is set to publish “The Vaccine Mafia,” alleging COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were sold without proper safety testing, with the book framed by a foreword from John Leake. Library Makerspace Expansion: St. Tammany Parish Library opens its first Makerspace at the Madisonville branch, adding tools like laser cutting, 3D printing, and garment/print equipment, with free patron use (materials rules apply). Community Borrowing Grows: Bridgewater Public Library’s “Library of Things” lets cardholders borrow items for one-week loans, including tools and kits, with a liability waiver and return rules. Major Stephen King Reissue: Hodder & Stoughton lines up a 40th-anniversary edition of Stephen King’s “It,” featuring an introduction by the Duffer Brothers. Audiobook Push for “Huckleberry Jim”: Blackstone Publishing will release the unabridged audiobook of “Huckleberry Jim” during publication week, alongside print and ebook editions. Local Festival Spotlight: Rutherglen’s 900th-anniversary book festival lands big names including comic artist Frank Quitely and crime writers Denise Mina and Callum McSorley.

COVID Vaccine Claims: A former Pfizer toxicologist, Dr. Helmut Sterz, is set to release a new book alleging COVID-19 mRNA shots were sold without proper safety testing, reigniting debate over vaccine oversight. Jewish Festival Spotlight: “The Lost Baker of Vienna” by Sharon Kurtzman was named the Community Read featured book for the Jewish Book & Arts Festival, with a fall author discussion planned. Publishing & Culture: Oxford University Press published a full English translation of Confucian philosopher Yi Ik’s “Sachil Sinpyeon,” marking the latest milestone from a Korean texts translation project. Local Book Retail: “Books on the Bridge” opened in Long Eaton, focusing on independent authors and tabletop games to serve readers who don’t want to travel for mainstream titles. Book-to-Audience Moments: A new live-action “Tengu no Daidokoro” season 3 debuts Oct. 1, expanding the manga-to-screen pipeline for fans. Community & Learning: A new workbook-style book, “Time for Me,” offers journaling and art prompts aimed at helping busy therapists practice self-care.

Publishing & Books in the News: A former Pfizer toxicologist, Helmut Sterz, is set to release a new book alleging COVID-19 mRNA vaccines were sold without proper safety testing, with the author framing the program as a “Vaccine Mafia.” Education & Literacy: An op-ed argues TikTok-style “crying” won’t fix America’s literacy crisis, while another piece spotlights how even graduate journalism students may not know basic writing terms. Community Book Culture: Togo’s Lomé Youth Book Fair expands with 30 exhibitors and a West Africa-wide focus on children’s books, workshops, and industry networking. New Releases & Events: Ohio Renaissance Festival will host fantasy author Christopher Buehlman for a signing tied to his upcoming “The Thrice-Bound Fool.” Libraries & Sales: Friends of the Pasadena Public Library announces a major used book sale supporting programs across its branches. Comics & Adaptations: Dynamite Entertainment confirms a new ongoing “X-Files” comic starring Mulder and Scully, launching this winter. AI & Publishing Concerns: Multiple reports keep circling the same worry: AI is reshaping publishing and raising fresh questions about quality and control.

Indigenous Kids’ Publishing: Tuguegarao’s Ibanag children’s book “Papa Teyo” was selected by IBBY for its “Young Readers in Indigenous and Endangered Languages” collection in Ottawa, spotlighting local language storytelling and a pipeline from Aklat Alamid workshops to global recognition. Publishing & Policy: India’s Parliament passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, aiming to speed critical mineral exploration and let mining lease holders add minerals to existing leases. AI in Sports: Hudle launched an AI-powered padel experience (“Hudle Vision”) that turns on-court play into highlights and performance insights, positioning recreational sports as more measurable and shareable. Health & Reading: A dementia explainer cites long-term research linking midlife blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking avoidance to more years without dementia—plus practical guidance for readers over 50. Literary Industry Watch: The Irish Writers Centre International Debut Novel Competition drew a record 804 submissions from 38 countries, with 12 winners pitching to publishers and agents in September. Book Market/Media: A new Mattel Press YA novel, “Barbie: Dreamscape,” hits shelves Aug. 18 as a standalone dream-versus-reality adventure. Controversy & Schools: A Colorado district adopted the Bluebonnet reading curriculum with “biblically infused” lessons, reigniting debate over religious content in public schools.

Faith & Memoir Publishing: Spines releases Resilient Faith Women: Breaking the Ties That Bound Us, a story-driven collection of women’s endurance and spiritual renewal by Jesse L. Brantley. New Memoir Spotlight: Palmetto Publishing debuts Sweat Equity by Mike Lauer, tracing his rise from Knicks ball boy to sports media and entrepreneurship. Christian Music Legacy: Darlene Zschech looks back on 30 years since “Shout to the Lord,” still calling its impact a “real miracle.” Prison Survival Book: Taylor Sheridan’s debut How to Not Die in Prison pairs his storytelling with Tom Nelson’s lived experience for a “travel guide” to incarceration. Publishing + AI Authorship Debate: CQT Media and Publishing releases Heavy With Joy, a poetry collection framed as AI-prompted and edited by a real adoptee, reigniting questions about voice and authorship. Kids/School Reading Support: Saddleback Educational Publishing launches decodable phonics libraries for older students (grades 4–12). Book-to-Screen Buzz: Disney Live Action taps Patrick Ness to adapt Miye Lee’s The Dallergut Dream Department Store. Comics Crossover: Lucasfilm and Marvel announce a first-ever crossover comic series, Star Wars/Marvel: Hope Assembles. Local Book Retail: Rigby’s The Nook and Kranny opens as a bookstore-and-bakery with family-friendly, smut-free selections.

Children’s Publishing Buzz: Oratia Books is pushing the next “I need a NEW BUM!” installment—#13 in Dawn McMillan and Ross Kinnaird’s New Bum! series—into stores ahead of Father’s Day 2026, with a North American edition also planned. Library & Community Reading: Friends of the Library are gearing up for fall, including a refreshed bookmobile debut tied to a 50th anniversary celebration in September, plus an Aug. 28 “The Sandlot” movie event and a September book sale. Anime Adaptation Watch: Kodansha USA’s licensed “Tank Chair” anime revealed more cast/staff and an Oct. 4 premiere, with SiM’s “DALALA” as the opening theme and Daoko on ending vocals. Indian Publishing & Politics: PM Narendra Modi urged youth to read autobiographies at the launch of Ram Nath Kovind’s “Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles,” while Juggernaut’s “Fractured Communities” by Umar Khalid drew an outdoor discussion after venue cancellation. AI Transparency in Publishing: Anthropic says Claude will watermark text and edits worldwide to meet EU transparency rules, adding another compliance layer for creators and publishers.

Marvel x Star Wars Crossover: Marvel and Lucasfilm are teaming up for “Hope Assembles,” a five-issue comic series launching January 2027, written by Kevin Smith and illustrated by David Marquez, with characters like Darth Vader, Doctor Doom, Han Solo, and Wolverine crossing into Earth-616. Children’s Publishing & Grief: First-time author Laurie Cowin’s illustrated book “The Grief Monster” aims to help children name and process grief after her husband’s death, drawing on experiences at a grief-care center. Indigenous-Language Spotlight: Anishinaabemowin children’s title “Nibi nigomon or Nibi’s Water Song” was selected for IBBY/UNESCO’s Collection of Remarkable Books for Young Readers in Indigenous and Endangered Languages. Tech, Privacy, and Reading Habits: Google’s Gemini-powered “auto browse” in Chrome raises fresh concerns as it can navigate and act inside logged-in accounts, pushing trust questions beyond simple AI summaries. School Policy & Distraction: Michigan districts are rolling out action plans for tougher cell phone bans, with exceptions for emergencies and academic use. Book World on the Move: The State Library of Ohio is shifting to a digital-first model after relocating millions of items from a deteriorating building. Faith & Memoir Publishing: “He Lives: Finding Peace in Suffering” releases Aug. 11, sharing a long medical journey through a Christian lens. Cultural Events: Cuba’s Havana International Book Fair opens with 1,300+ titles and 2.4M copies, honoring Fidel Castro’s centennial.

AI & Privacy: Italy’s draft AI decree would let police collect and store biometric face data from people entering “sensitive” public areas for up to seven days, with the data auto-deleted unless a crime is linked—prompting criticism that it doesn’t fit the EU AI Act. Publishing & Tech: A new report says Anthropic is destroying books to turn them into data, reigniting fears about how AI training is reshaping reading and publishing. Books & Culture: HarperCollins Australia is publishing Olivia Ong’s memoir Back On My Feet, a wheelchair-to-recovery story released in Singapore Aug. 13. Author/Community Platforms: Hyderabad’s Authorbanter Club is connecting independent and self-published writers with readers through direct online-and-in-person sessions. Industry Finance: Intel plans a $15B share sale to fund its chip manufacturing turnaround and advanced packaging push. Book-to-Stage/Events: Scary Mommy is named official media partner for Are You There God? It’s Me, Menopause: LIVE!—a five-city tour tied to Heather J. Robertson’s debut novel.

Publishing & Retail: Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt says he built his bookstore empire after working as a Carnival Cruise ship officer and later at JPMorgan, as the chain leans further into video games and GameStop’s IPO-era tie-in highlights how retail media shifts with consumer tastes. Book Awards: Dr. Mel Tavares’ Make Families Great Again wins a second 2026 first-place honor (Golden Scroll Award), adding to its earlier Christian Indie & Small Press win. Libraries & Sales: The Georgetown Peabody Friends of the Library set a Sept. 16–19 fall book sale, with a Saturday bag sale for $10. New Releases: Stephanie Hazard announces pre-order for Making Sobriety Stick, a recovery-coaching guide published by Diversion Books and distributed by Simon & Schuster. Media & Books: Barack Obama’s Audible podcast A Great Book with Barack Obama launches Sept. 24, featuring six “worldview-shaping” titles. AI & Trust: At MAICON 2026, content-marketing pioneer Joe Pulizzi argues AI makes “more content” cheap, so trust and distinctiveness become the real strategy. Cultural Policy: A U.S. court fight over school book bans moves into a new phase, keeping curriculum control in the spotlight.

Ukrainian Publishing Under Fire: Russia’s drone strike destroyed about 8 million books at Ranok in Kharkiv, with publishers warning that attacks on warehouses are threatening Ukraine’s ability to keep textbooks and Ukrainian-language publishing alive. Paperless Reading & Travel Tech: Samsung launched a paperless train ticket feature in Samsung Wallet with Korail, adding mobile boarding passes and refunds directly in the app. Book Events Hit by Politics: In India, JNUSU says a discussion on Umar Khalid’s book will go ahead even after JNU cancelled the venue booking, while Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal criticized a court’s denial of anticipatory bail to two ex-TISS students. Publishing Ecosystem Stress: European booksellers report a mysterious wave of large, odd bulk orders that may be destabilizing the market. Cultural Spaces for Books: Indonesia’s creative economy ministry backed “book cafes” as a way to blend publishing and community reading, citing a Jakarta launch. Set-Jetting Meets Books: Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is driving huge search interest in “Troy,” even as the film’s Morocco set was built to be destroyed.