By Rebecca Lawrence

Welcome to the Booker Albert Biweekly! Lately it seems like we hear so many discouraging things about the publishing industry. So this week I wanted to focus on a hopeful topic! New imprints equals new opportunities!

New Year Equals New Imprints

Book sales were up overall last year so it’s no wonder that there is a slew of imprints being released. All big five publishing houses are planning on opening one or more imprint/s this year. It will be interesting to see what these imprints mean for next year’s sales.

Thousand Voices x RHPG—PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE

With the first book set to be published in October 2025, Thousand Voices x RHPG has acquired six books so far. Jenna Bush Hager's Thousand Voices Media has partnered with the Random House Publishing Group to introduce Thousand Voices x RHPG. This venture aims to publish works from debut and emerging authors across various genres, including romance, suspense, and memoirs. Bush Hager will collaborate with editors throughout the publishing process to ensure each book's success. Among the titles acquired by the imprint are Conform by Ariel Sullivan, a psychological thriller exploring the dark side of societal conformity, Beyond the Stars by Cassie Blake, a heartwarming romance set in a small town with a twist of destiny, and The Long Road Home by Rachel Adams, a memoir detailing the emotional journey of reconnecting with one's roots. These acquisitions reflect the imprint's commitment to offering diverse and compelling stories that resonate with a broad readership.

Publishers Marketplace

Primero Sueño Press—Simon & SCHUSTER

Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, announced a new imprint Primero Sueño Press in February 2024. Named after the famous poem Primero Sueño by renowned Mexican poet Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz, this imprint will serve both English and Spanish speakers seeking books about identity, culture, inspiration, entertainment, wellness, and personal development. Among the books Primero Sueño Press has already acquired are Rooted in Heritage by Maria Elena Garcia, a memoir reflecting on the intersection of cultural identity and personal growth, The Healing Winds of Oaxaca by Pilar Reyes, a wellness guide blending traditional Mexican healing practices with modern self-care strategies, and Weaving Dreams by Carlos Alvarez, a collection of stories exploring the complexities of family and legacy in the contemporary Latinx experience.

Publishers Marketplace

Saturday Books—St. Martins (Macmillan)

Macmillan’s St. Martin's Publishing Group announces the launch of Saturday Books in Fall 2025. This new imprint focuses on New Adult fiction, targeting readers aged 18-30 with stories that explore themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the complexities of young adulthood. Among its early acquisitions are The Last Thorn by Talia Hibbert, a spicy magical retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in an alternative modern-day Britain, and several debut works.

Publishers Marketplace

HarperPop—Harper Collins

In Winter 2025 HarperCollins launches HarperPop, a dynamic imprint focused on licensed publications, pop culture tie-ins, and trend-driven titles. Targeting both adult and young audiences, HarperPop bridges the gap between literature and entertainment, bringing to life books inspired by popular media, fan-favorite franchises, and cultural phenomena. Among the imprint's newly acquired titles are Star Wars: The Lost Jedi Chronicles, an exclusive expanded universe novel, The Witcher: Tales of the White Wolf, a spin-off from the hit franchise, and Heroes Reborn, a novel that builds on the popular superhero television series.

Publishers Marketplace

Run For It—Orbit (Hachette)

Orbit announces the launch of Run For It, a bold new imprint dedicated to horror fiction, set to debut in Summer 2025. Run For It will publish its first three titles in Summer 2025, offering readers a terrifying and immersive experience. The imprint has already acquired My Ex, The Antichrist by Craig DiLouie, Moonflow by Bitter Karella, and I’ll Make a Spectacle of You by Beatrice Winifred Iker.

Publishers Marketplace


Want to see more? There are several more new imprints coming from the Big Five and other publishing houses—List of New Imprints from Publishers Marketplace
 

What a TikTok Ban Could Have Meant for Sales

If the TikTok ban ever goes through, it would significantly impact book sales, especially for titles popular on BookTok, where viral recommendations have driven many books onto bestseller lists. A 2023 study revealed TikTok’s role in boosting book sales, and a ban would disrupt this marketing magic, making it harder for authors and publishers to reach audiences, which could lower visibility and sales. If the US ever loses TikTok, the book industry would need to find alternative marketing methods to replace TikTok’s impact.

A laugh-out-loud spicy adventure romcom. Perfect for fans of The Lost City, Lyla Sage and Christina Lauren.

A surprise gift is exactly what Adriana Jones needs to improve her vacation, and a bracelet with gems will do the trick. Except once it’s on, she’s faced with two problems:

—The bracelet is actually meant for Andrew Jones—the renowned and utterly gorgeous archaeologist.

—It will not come off, no matter how hard she tries…

Andrew Jones needs this bracelet if he wants to find an ancient lost treasure deep in the jungles of Colombia. And there’s no way he’s letting Adriana’s mistake cost him his career. There’s only one solution: Adriana must accompany him on his quest. Trekking through jungles and crawling through crypts wasn’t on Adriana’s vacation agenda, but an adventure with the very sexy Dr Jones might just be the treasure she’s been seeking…

What to expect:

• Forced Proximity

• Opposites Attract

• Fish out of Water

• Destination romcom

• Slow burn

• Spicy

It sounds super fun! Paperbacks will be available for purchase on May 8th, 2025, and the eBook will be available on May 2nd, 2025.

Instagram: @oliviajacksonbooks  @onemorechapterhc

Stay tuned every other Thursday 10 AM.

If you have a topic that you think I should write about or you want to write an article for us, email me at [email protected] with your bio and topic. We’re always looking for fresh perspectives.

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Happy reading,
Rebecca Lawrence