As detailed in a shocking exposé published by New York magazine this week, eight women have accused bestselling author Neil Gaiman of sexual assault.

Neil Gaiman (photo: Beowulf Sheehan)

The article describes a pattern of predatory behavior going back decades, typically involving young women in their 20s who were fans of the author, and expands on allegations first made last summer in Master, a podcast series produced by Tortoise Media.

In a statement posted to his website Tuesday, Gaiman denied the allegations, saying that he thought these relationships were consensual and that he has "never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone."

The New York Times noted that although a number of upcoming TV and film projects related to Gaiman were canceled after the original allegations were made, "the responses from his publishers, agents, and professional collaborators have been far more subdued."

Katherine Kendall, one of the women who went on the record with New York, told the Times there was a "culture of secrecy" around Gaiman's behavior, and that "Neil's works were his bait, and promotional events were his hunting ground. As long as his publishers and professional collaborators remain silent, Neil will continue to have unrestricted access to vulnerable women."

Kendra Stout, whose account is also featured in the New York article, is quoted in the Times as saying: "The silence of the community around him--his fandom, his publishers--is loud and disturbing. I've heard that it was an open secret that he was a predator, but that whisper network did not reach me."

Following Gaiman's post on Tuesday, Stout shared a statement on behalf of several of the women who have come forward that said, per the Times: "we are disappointed to see the same non-apology that women in this situation have seen so many times before."

The Story Book Cottage opened last fall at 2243 Hwy. 41 in Greenbrier, Tenn. The Connection reported that since its launch, the bookshop and cafe has "become a new local destination for Greenbrier residents and surrounding communities."

The Story Book Cottage is the creation of the Pierson family, who converted their business Fishtales, an aquatic store specializing in freshwater fish and aquascaping, into a bookstore.

Owner Christy Pierson said that the idea to change direction came from her two daughters, who wanted to bring a bookstore of their own to the community: "My daughters are huge readers, I'm a huge reader, and I worked in libraries and bookstores when I was younger. My oldest daughter is getting her master's in library science. Her dream is to open up a bookstore, so I said, why don't we just do that? We were tired of cleaning fish tanks, so we thought a bookstore would be much easier."

The Story Book Cottage offers a wide range of new titles, including large children's, YA, and fantasy sections. The store also hosts many literary-themed events, as well as book clubs and photography sessions.  

Pierson said her family continues to feel overwhelmed by the bookstore's success: "I think people are just so happy to have something local to do, to bring their kids on a Friday night and let them play in our play area while they have coffee. The community has been wonderful. I can't tell you how many times people have been like, 'We don't want you to close. We're going to support you.' So, they seem really happy about it."

Saying it is "heartbroken for everyone who has been affected by the fires" in Los Angeles, Books Are Magic, Brooklyn, N.Y., is "putting its heartbreak" into several ways of helping. It's already been sending books to mutual aid groups "to help kids and families rebuild their home libraries, and to offer some small comforts for the long days ahead." And now it's launched a fundraiser selling a special L.A. T-shirt, with all proceeds going to World Central Kitchen's operations in Los Angeles. (To order, click here.)

"We love L.A. We love Skylight and Vroman's and the Last Bookstore and Octavia's Bookshelf and Book Soup and Diesel and Now Serving, each a vital, vibrant community hub," the store wrote. "We love the L.A. writers we've hosted over the years, always wanting to sneak ourselves into their suitcases. If there's a city full of magic, creative and transportive and hopeful, it's Los Angeles.... We love you, L.A. Always have, always will."

Books Are Magic added, "If you've been displaced and need a care package, please let us know."

The Book Industry Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Sourcebooks and the Denver Publishing Institute, has opened applications for a scholarship to attend DPI. The scholarship is worth up to $7,000 and includes tuition, room, and board, along with up to $2,000 to cover travel and lost wages.

DPI will run from July 13 to August 8 at the University of Denver. The program features industry professionals teaching courses and giving lectures on subjects that include book marketing, manuscript editing, copy editing and proofreading, digital marketing strategies, the role of the bookstore, and more. Participants can choose to attend in-person or remotely.

To be eligible for the scholarship, booksellers must be employed full- or part-time at a physical bookstore with a tenure of at least 90 days, and must be employed by the bookstore at the time of the program. Applicants must also discuss application and potential selection with their store owner/manager before applying.

"We look forward to welcoming Binc’s newest Denver Publishing Institute scholarship recipient to our 50th anniversary program in 2025," said DPI director Jill Smith. "Booksellers who attend DPI bring deep understanding of how books reach readers in their communities, and they also bring curiosity to learn more about the book industry. We anticipate another great summer devoted to professional development and learning about all facets of book publishing."

Applications will be open until Friday, February 7.

Independent Publishers Group has created a program for Christian publishers that will include a Christian showcase for publishers to connect with buyers and booksellers, similar to its Spanish-language showcase last October; the hiring of a Christian sales rep; the creation of a Christian Edelweiss catalog to market the list; continuing membership in the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association; sponsorship of the Protestant Church-owned Publishers Association; and attendance at the Religious Education Congress in 2025.

At the same time, IPG has added four Christian publishers for sales and distribution:

Launched in January of 2020 as the publishing arm of Our Daily Bread Ministries and originally known as Discovery House Publishers, Our Daily Bread Publishing has published bestselling titles My Utmost for His Highest, God Hears Her, and Stand Strong. "For more than 86 years, our mission is to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all. Our Daily Bread Publishing is a vital part of this mission," said Londa Alderink, v-p of U.S. sales, marketing, and design. "Partnering with IPG allows us to reach more readers with resources that lead to deeper Bible engagement, a more fruitful relationship with Jesus, and vibrant lives of faith." (Effective July 1.)

Inspired by the life and thought of St. Josemaría Escrivá, Scepter Publishers' mission is to help ordinary Christians find God and realize sanctity in their work, family life, and everyday activities. Michael Aquilina, v-p of sales & marketing, said, "We're excited to team up with IPG to expand access to Scepter's content around the world. This partnership will help us deliver on our mission to help readers from every walk of life give everything they do to God." (Effective May 1.)

Iron Hill Press, which was launched in 2016 by YM360, a provider of Gospel-centered youth ministry resources and live events. Iron Hill produces devotionals and Bibles for men and women, as well as adult nonfiction. (Effective May 1.)

Global Publishing Partners, a boutique publisher committed to empowering the mission of its publishing partners through specialty imprints. Its flagship imprint, Global Publishing, features Bibles and works from an array of authors worldwide, offering insights and faith-based inspiration. (Effective March 1.)

IPG CEO Joe Matthews said, "These recent signings complement IPG's existing list of Christian publishers, including Editorial Patmos, 1517 Publishing, and Northwestern Publishing House. Creating a Christian program, like our other specialized publisher programs, allows us to address the specific needs of these publishers and offer them the best sales and marketing services for the type of books they publish."

For more information about the IPG Christian program, contact distribution@ipgbook.com.

Children's book author Carole Gerber, who published nearly two dozen picture books, early readers, and chapter books, died December 12. She was 77. Gerber's legacy as an educator and author "extends to approximately 100 elementary science and reading texts that have shaped young minds across generations," her obituary noted. Her final children's book, Venus Flytrap: Queen of the Meat-eating Plants, will be published in 2025.

Carole Gerber

Her other books include Leaf Jumpers, illustrated by Leslie Evans; Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More!: Poems for Two Voices, illustrated by Eugene Yelchin; 10 Busy Brooms; Winter Trees; A Band of Babies, illustrated by Jane Dyer; Tuck-in Time: A Picture Book, illustrated by Tracey Campbell Pearson; The Gifts of the Animals, illustrated by Yumi Shimokawara; and P Is for Purr, illustrated by Susanna Covelli.

Gerber's passion for storytelling "was matched by her love of reading," according to her obituary. "She was an avid reader of historical fiction and biographies, and she was a dedicated member of her book club.... We celebrate the remarkable and resilient woman she was--author, mother, grandmother, friend, and eternal optimist. She will be loved and missed always."

Rachel Kanter, owner of Lovestruck Books in Cambridge, Mass., welcomed publishers, authors, and fellow booksellers to an industry preview party Wednesday night at her new romance bookstore and cafe.

"Cold outside? Warm up with a book." That was the wintry sidewalk chalkboard message at 2 Dandelions Bookshop, Brighton, Mich., which noted: "We are really feeling Coco's latest chalkboard on this cold, snowy morning! Come to the shop to warm up with a good book and a free cup of Coffee with Character--our custom blend from the coffee pros at @brighton_coffeehouse."

At Phaidon:

John Quinn is joining the company as CFO, effective January 27.

Siobhan Bent has been promoted to v-p of global marketing and publicity.

Ellie Levine has been promoted to global director of digital marketing.

Emma Tsankov has joined the company as social media manager.

---

John Sellers has been promoted to senior director, publicity, at HarperCollins Children's Books. He was previously director, publicity.

Sharks Unhooked: The Adventures of Cristina Zenato, Underwater Ranger by Patricia Newman, illus. by Becca Hall (Millbrook Press).

Today:
Fresh Air: Pagan Kennedy, author of The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story (Vintage, $19, 9780593314715).

Tomorrow:
Good Morning America: Tyler Merritt, author of This Changes Everything: A Surprisingly Funny Story About Race, Cancer, Faith, and Other Things We Don't Talk About (Worthy Books, $28, 9781546006961).

Sherri Shepherd Show: Graham Norton, author of Frankie: A Novel (HarperVia, $18.99, 9780063436473).

The Mystery Writers of America has announced the recipients of its Grand Master, Raven, and Ellery Queen awards.

Laura Lippman and John Sandford are the 2025 Grand Masters, an honor that "represents the pinnacle of achievement in mystery writing and was established to acknowledge important contributions to this genre, as well as for a body of work that is both significant and of consistent high quality," the MWA noted. 

Face in a Book, El Dorado Hills, Calif.

The Raven Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in the mystery field outside the realm of creative writing, will be presented to Face in a Book Bookstore & Gifts, El Dorado Hills, Calif. Peter Wolverton of St. Martin's Publishing Group, will receive the Ellery Queen Award, which honors "outstanding writing teams and outstanding people in the mystery-publishing industry." The presentations will be made at the 79th annual Edgar Awards Ceremony, to be held May 1 in New York City.

"Laura Lippman's contributions to the mystery genre--as a writer, a teacher, and a role model for aspiring writers--especially women writers--make her a wonderful choice for Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master," said MWA executive v-p Donna Andrews. "And, as someone who's been a fan of John Sandford since the first few pages of Rules of Prey, I'm overjoyed to see him getting the well-deserved recognition of being named MWA Grand Master."

Tina Ferguson

Face in a Book bookstore owner Tina Ferguson said, "We are utterly shocked, humbled and delighted to learn that Face in a Book is receiving the Raven Award from the Mystery Writers of America. Face in a Book is proud to celebrate over a decade of dedicated service to the literary community. Since opening its doors in 2012, the bookstore has worked tirelessly to create a vibrant, welcoming space for both mystery writers and readers. Through special events, author signings, and a curated selection of mystery novels, Face in a Book has become a hub for fans of the genre to connect, discover, and dive deep into the thrilling world of whodunits, exotic locations, and complex characters."

MWA board member James L’Etoile commented: "Independent bookstores are the backbone of the mystery community... Tina Ferguson, Janis Herbert, and the staff go above and beyond to support the writing community. Face in a Book is so much more than a bookstore--it's become a place of learning, engaging, and celebrating all things mystery."

Ferguson added: "I grew up wanting to be Nancy Drew! But I'm forever grateful that I grew up to be a bookstore owner in a community abounding with writers and readers who love a good whodunit."

Ellery Queen Award Peter Wolverton began his career 35 years ago at St. Martin's Press and is now executive editor and v-p. "Mysteries have been a part of my publishing career from the first day I joined St. Martin's and I was blessed to have Ruth Cavin and Tom Dunne as mentors," he said, adding that "35 years later it's amazing to me that I'm joining Ruth and my great colleague Kelley Ragland as a recipient of the Ellery Queen Award. Mysteries forever!"

Selected new titles appearing next Tuesday, January 21:

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (Entangled: Red Tower Books, $32.99, 9781649374189) is the highly anticipated third entry in the Empyrean fantasy series.

We Do Not Part: A Novel by Han Kang, trans. by e. yaewon and Paige Aniyah Morris (Hogarth, $28, 9780593595459) is by the winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature.

Let's Call Her Barbie by Renée Rosen (Berkley, $29, 9780593953631) is a fictional retelling of how the Barbie doll was created.

The Inheritance: A Novel by Trisha Sakhlecha (Pamela Dorman, $29, 9780593832561) is a thriller about a family reunion where a business tycoon will announce his succession plan.

Mask of the Deer Woman by Laurie L. Dove (Berkley, $29, 9780593816103) follows a former Chicago detective who returns to her father's Indian reservation after her daughter dies.

Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I'd Known About Menopause by Naomi Watts (Crown, $29, 9780593729038) combines the actress' personal experience with the latest medical knowledge.

Three Wild Dogs (and the truth): A Memoir by Markus Zusak (Harper, $27.99, 9780063426078) shares the experience of adopting three large rambunctious dogs.

Go Higher: Five Practices for Purpose, Success, and Inner Peace by Big Sean (Simon Element, $28.99, 9781668045732) explores a rapper's spiritual and practical self-help methods.

Gambling Man: The Secret Story of the World's Greatest Disruptor, Masayoshi Son by Lionel Barber (Atria/One Signal, $29.99, 9781668070741) is a biography of the tech investor CEO of SoftBank.

Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation by Bennett Parten (Simon & Schuster, $29.99, 9781668034682) chronicles Sherman's March to the Sea from the perspective of the tens of thousands of slaves it liberated.

Very Bad at Math by Hope Larson (HarperAlley, $15.99, 9780063311282) is a middle-grade graphic novel about a successful girl with dyscalculia from the Eisner Award-winning cartoonist/author.

Mixed-Up by Kami Garcia, illus. by Brittney Williams (First Second, $14.99, 9781250840882) features a fifth grader who discovers she has dyslexia.

Paperbacks:
Bad Seed by Sharon Sala (Sourcebooks Casablanca, $9.99, 9781728279114).

Light & Easy Mexican Cooking: Track Your Macros and Lose Weight the Simple Way with 60+ Delicious, Low-Calorie Meals by Jaimee Raquel Partida (Page Street, $22.99, 9798890032126).

Yoga Fix: Functional Movement for a Pain-Free Body by Erin Motz (DK RED, $19.99, 9780593959435).

The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang, trans. by Slin Jung (Ace, $19, 9780593952665).

In Need of a Cowboy by Linda Lael Miller and Heather Graham (Kensington, $17.95, 9781496751119).

From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:

Hardcover
The Champagne Letters: A Novel by Kate MacIntosh (Gallery Books, $28.99, 9781668061886). "This novel is an exciting glass of history and present day that celebrates a strong woman, pouring in journal entries from an 18th-century connoisseur of early champagne with a modern tale of deception, love, and revenge. Well worth the time and read!" --R. Aimee Chipman, The Bluestocking Bookshop, Holland, Mich.

A Monsoon Rising: A Novel by Thea Guanzon (Harper Voyager, $32, 9780063277304). "Talasyn and Alaric must prepare for the Moonless Dark and the eruption of the Voidfell. This book is equally funny and heartbreaking as we find out more about their pasts, the present, and how it affects their actions. A stellar Hurricane Wars installment." --Lisa Kroger, Village Books, The Woodlands, Tex.

Paperback
Alice Sadie Celine: A Novel by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright (Simon & Schuster, $17.99, 9781668021606). "Written in gorgeous prose that dives deeply into each of the three women's characters and backstories, with a level of suspense that kept me wondering how things would turn out in the end. This novel is unique and surprising. A great read." --Christine Bell, Roundabout Books, Bend, Ore.

Ages 4-8
Between You and Me by Rob Sanders, illus. by Raissa Figueroa (Clarion, $19.99, 9780063239593). "Moving to a new place can be hard and frightening, but it can also be wondrous and fun like this uplifting picture book about new places, new friends, and new adventures." --Stephanie Staton, CoffeeTree Books, Morehead, Ky.

Ages 6-11
Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp (Annick Press, $19.99, 9781773218922). "I LOVE THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL! Fantastic illustrations perfectly depict the story's changing moods. Problems are solved righteously with humor. And I love that spiders are depicted as the intelligent, valuable creatures they are." --Kay Wosewick, Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, Wis.

Teen Readers: An Indies Introduce Title
Tangleroot by Kalela Williams (Feiwel & Friends, $19.99, 9781250880666). "Sometimes your family history is as tangled as the vines on the ground. When Noni is forced to make a new home in the 'Big House' built by an enslaved ancestor, she may discover truths about herself and her family that none could have imagined." --Sally Sue Lavigne, The Storybook Shoppe, Bluffton, S.C.

[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]

Shayne Terry explores the nuance and complexity of pain and birth in Leave: A Postpartum Account, offering a raw and candid look at her difficult, years-long postpartum recovery. "I have long believed in the power of language to shape our experience," she writes. "What we call things matters." What she calls her birth experience is not to be taken lightly: "traumatic," "hard, with bright, soft spots," "a physical fracture in my life." Moving back and forth across time, Terry speaks around and then directly to the details of her fourth-degree tear when her son "ripped his way into the world," leaving her physically broken in ways she was wildly unprepared for in the weeks and months following the birth of her son.

The CDC estimates that more than 50,000 women per year--or some 135 per day--suffer dangerous or life-threating complications from "consequences of pregnancy or childbirth," and yet Terry notes how rarely these complications are discussed. There are occasional whispers of tears, stitches, a wound the size of a dinner plate, but these are couched within the love and joy and health of the baby delivered. "The baby is healthy. The baby is beautiful. We love the baby. Words that are true but hide other truths." Terry pours her own truths out onto the page, truths that go beyond a healthy baby, truths that lead her to examine the generational trauma she inherited from her mother and her mother's mother; to understand the deep connection between physical and mental anguish; to place her situation within the context of efforts by some to limit access to reproductive healthcare and maternal supports, like paid leave, all at once. Terry reveals the transformative power of transparency, what it looks and feels like to be honest with oneself and with others about birth and pain and trauma--and the messy, complicated feelings that arise when the three occur at once.

"Birth is a portal that can take us to other births," Terry reflects, and Leave honors this observation, revealing with a boldness and rawness that her one birth is both deeply personal and entirely universal. It is not hard to imagine that Leave must have been cathartic for Terry to write. What is harder to embrace is the realization that it is also cathartic to read, acknowledging what often goes unsaid and unrecognized, for any reader who has given birth, endured pain, or known someone who has (in other words: nearly everyone). --Kerry McHugh, freelance writer

Shelf Talker: A raw and candid account of one woman's long, traumatic recovery from birth and what it offers in our understanding of motherhood, pain, and recovery.