AGP Executive Report

Comic-Con Publishing Buzz: Marvel used San Diego Comic-Con to lock in major screen tie-ins that will keep book-and-comics readers watching—Ryan Gosling’s Ghost Rider heads to 2028 (Shawn Levy directing), while Black Panther 3 lands Dec. 15, 2028 with David Jonsson as a new T’Challa. Comic Previews: Doomquest #3 previews Doom in a Revolutionary War-era body with futuristic tech ambitions, and X-Men #34 spotlights Juggernaut’s struggle to stay heroic among reformed villains. Publishing & Adaptation: BBC’s The Rapture writer Bryony Kimmings says the TV version shifts from the novel’s disaster ending to a more personal mystery, reflecting changed attitudes toward climate and justice. Literary Culture: A new University Press of Kansas book, Shokhí: A Kanza Relative, a Monument, and Rematriation, documents the return of a sacred 28-ton boulder to the Kaw Nation. Local Book Life: Hay-on-Wye’s independent shops and bookshops are credited with keeping the town thriving beyond festival season. AI & Books: A New York Times investigation and a separate Amazon search experiment highlight how hard it can be to spot AI-written biographies and books in online listings.

AI & Copyright: A new report says AI firms are buying antique books, ripping out pages, and scanning them at scale to train models—raising fresh questions after Anthropic’s $1.5B settlement over using books to build Claude. Streaming & Adaptations: HBO’s Harry Potter TV series is set for a December 25, 2026 debut, with major fantasy rivals lining up across Netflix, Amazon and Disney+. Comics & Awards: DC dominated the 2026 Eisner Awards at San Diego Comic-Con, led by Absolute Batman and Absolute Martian Manhunter. Publishing Industry: Ize Press announced English print collector editions for Korean webcomic BL hits Codename: Anastasia and Anastasia and Mignon. Local Literary Life: A Nederland author event spotlights Dr. Annabelle Nelson’s new book on storytelling, wisdom and archetypes, with a library talk and guided archetype-finding. Cultural Loss: Seoul’s Onul Books, run by Nobel laureate Han Kang, closed after a change in ownership forced tenants out.

Book Reviews & Literary Buzz: Uma Subedi’s novel ‘Paridhi’ leans into non-realism, with a writer-protagonist whose life feels guided by unsettling voices and shifting reality. Historical & Political Writing: Herta Müller’s ‘The Village on the Edge of the World’ returns as a survival memoir of language and fear under Ceausescu, while Jesmyn Ward’s ‘On Witness and Respair’ blends essays, dreamscapes, and family lore to confront what the U.S. is becoming. Children’s Books & Reading Access: Hachette UK’s Raising Readers places a ‘Book Nook’ at Hubberston and Hakin Community Centre in Wales, and Kharis Publishing releases ‘Grammy, What Color Am I?’ plus ‘Powerful Parenting’ for tougher parent-child seasons. Community Events: The Tennessee Antiquarian Book & Ephemera Fair heads to Franklin (July 24–26), and an Athens author event spotlights ‘A Brush with History’ on July 30. Publishing/Industry Watch: A court-approved Anthropic settlement over pirated books is in the mix, alongside ongoing debates about AI training and authors’ rights.

Amazon Best-Seller Push: Jack Canfield’s co-authored business/purpose title “The Heart of Success” keeps climbing after multiple authors (Stefanie Mielert, Mary K. Ott, Dr. Camilo R. Gomez, and Lisa Gunsberg) report Amazon Best-Seller status following a July 16 launch. Arts & Culture Leadership: Arts Council England appoints Julia Kingsford as director of literature and the South West, tasked with national investment in literature and widening access for new writers. Jewish Literature Spotlight: Amir Tibon, winner of the 2026 Sami Rohr Prize for Jewish Literature, discusses “The Gates of Gaza” and memory, recovery, and hope in a conversation tied to Israel’s current political stakes. Publishing/Pop Culture Adaptations: Dark Horse announces “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” as an 80-page graphic novel adaptation, arriving Jan. 19, 2027. Local Reading Life: Simcoe Reads launches a county-wide Canadian authors challenge with a finale debate and vote in September. Community Arts Funding: BRIT Trust Diaries highlights Leicester charity Pedestrian’s music program “Press Start” for young people at risk.

AI & Copyright: A major $1.5B Anthropic settlement over training with authors’ books won final court approval, while a separate music publishers lyrics lawsuit also targets Anthropic—keeping the fight over AI use of published works front and center. Book-to-Screen Buzz: Disney+ set Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 3 for November 20, adapting The Titan’s Curse, and SDCC also teased Stuart Fails to Save the Universe with DC characters. Publishing & Retail: Sony’s reported move toward an all-digital PlayStation future sparked backlash over ownership and preservation—another reminder that “access” debates are spreading beyond books. Literary Culture & Community: The first Colombo Literary Festival opens July 24 as a trilingual event (Sinhala, Tamil, English) running through July 29, with talks, music, and cinema. New Releases to Watch: Assouline charts André Fu’s hotel and restaurant interiors in André Fu: A Designer’s Vision, while Shadowpaw Press re-released Erna Buffie’s Let Us Be True for a new generation. Local Book Life: Independent shops keep growing—Stevens Point’s Bound to Happen Books marks five years, and Tucker, Georgia welcomed Black Dog Books on Main Street.

AI & Publishing Tech: UK’s Bloomsbury is set to receive £14m from an AI copyright settlement, while a US judge approved a $1.5B Anthropic settlement tied to books used to train Claude—another major test for how publishers get paid in the AI era. Book Industry & Policy: Illinois’ first-in-the-nation cryptocurrency tax is being challenged in court by the Chamber of Digital Commerce, adding to the week’s theme of legal fights over how new tech gets regulated. Libraries & Community Reading: Raymond Briggs’s personal library (1,000+ books) is now on sale at Oxfam, and Ipswich Book Festival returns Oct. 2–4 with a Schools Week aimed at getting 4,000 children meeting authors. Local Author Moments: Burlington native Robert Ficociello heads home for a Barnes & Noble storytime and signing Aug. 1, and Pawlet Public Library trustees move forward on a new director offer while preparing for their annual book sale. What’s Selling: “One-Punch Man” Vol. 37 hits No. 1 on Japan’s Book Hot 100, showing manga momentum continues.

AI & Copyright: A US judge approved a $1.5B Anthropic settlement tied to books used to train Claude, a landmark moment for authors and publishers facing generative-AI disputes. Education Policy: Nigeria’s NERDC cut textbook assessment and ranking fees and ordered refunds for overpayments, ahead of a national textbook ranking system. Publishing & Tech: Google’s Gemini now handles “life admin” on new Samsung foldables, with task automation that can book, order, and manage apps. Books & Community: Chagrin Falls police launched “Booked and Charged,” a first-ever officer-led book club with library support, plus “Badges and Books” for kids. Local History & Memoir: Chardon councilman Andrew Blackley debuted “Wielding the Trident,” a Spruance WWII naval biography. International Reading Rights: Hong Kong raids saw booksellers arrested over alleged “seditious” publications, with a viral “I am a bookstore employee” slogan rallying support. Notable Death: Charles Gaines, author of “Pumping Iron,” died at 84, leaving a legacy that helped mainstream bodybuilding. New Releases: Insight Editions is publishing companion books for Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” film.

AI Copyright Ruling: A US judge approved Anthropic’s $1.5B settlement with authors and publishers after pirated books were used to train Claude, with about $3,000 per book and most covered titles already claimed. AI Policy Pressure: UK publishers say the deal should push ministers to require licensing for training data, turning a US courtroom win into a global policy test. Industry Accountability: A separate report alleges Anthropic used Dutch bestsellers from authors without consent via “shadow libraries,” adding fuel to the licensing debate. Publishing & Rights: Bloomsbury says it’s among the beneficiaries, with thousands of titles included. Book-to-World Events: Apple TV is developing Rebecca Yarros’ romance novel Peculiar Stars into a series. Community Reading: St. Maarten marked Caribbean Literature Day with a children’s authors panel, spotlighting regional voices. Local Books & Libraries: Belmont Public Library welcomed a new director focused on modernizing services and building community. Literary Culture: The Atlantic Festival announced its first speakers and programming for Sept. 17–19 in New York.

AI Copyright: A US judge has given final approval to Anthropic’s $1.5B settlement with authors over pirated books used to train Claude, though 350 authors opted out—another big test for how AI companies handle publishing rights. Publishing & Law: In Colorado, conservative law firms have joined the defense in a federal lawsuit tied to school library book bans, as a December jury trial looms. Rights Under Pressure: Vietnam faces fresh scrutiny after Human Rights Watch urged the release of five people arrested over a Ho Chi Minh book, with authorities calling it anti-state propaganda. Book-to-Screen Buzz: Disney+ is moving ahead with an “Afterlife with Archie” series, targeting a Halloween 2027 launch. Literature in the Spotlight: Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” has sparked a cultural backlash online even as classicist Daniel Mendelsohn says readers should “rejoice” the world is talking about Homer again. Local Book Life: Boston’s Healthy Rides expands a free transport program for older residents, while libraries across the US keep rolling out author events and summer reading picks.

AI Copyright Clash: A U.S. judge approved Anthropic’s $1.5B settlement with authors after pirated books were used to train the Claude chatbot, with payments set at about $3,000 per book. Courts & Public Interest: An appeals court rejected Biden’s bid to block release of ghostwriter interview recordings, citing substantial public interest. Publishing Meets Tech: Amazon and Apple are facing renewed scrutiny over AI-written books flooding stores. Children’s & Community Reading: Archie Comics reintroduces Scarlet Saltee as an autistic teen in a new story aimed at neurodiversity conversations, while local libraries and events keep pushing family reading—like flashlight story time at Macon County Public Libraries and a Winnie-the-Pooh centenary merchandise push. Book Culture Abroad: China’s “Book Sunbathing Festival” returns as libraries air ancient manuscripts outdoors for preservation. New Releases: David Benjamin’s “An Apartment in Paris” shares what it really takes to build a life in the city.

AI & Copyright: A US judge approved Anthropic’s $1.5B settlement in an authors’ lawsuit over alleged book piracy used to train Claude, with payments due to cover hundreds of thousands of works—while the bigger question of fair use for AI training still isn’t fully settled. Publishing Industry: Reuters reports the deal is the first major US copyright case to settle, rejecting claims the payout was too small and setting a new benchmark for what copyright fights may cost. Science & Books: A new book challenges the scientific consensus on acetaminophen (Tylenol) and autism, arguing the debate has missed key areas of concern beyond pregnancy. Global Influence & Democracy: A Global Witness investigation alleges First Quantum Minerals ran a covert influence campaign in Zambia, raising questions about how money and media shape politics. Retail & Reading Culture: Books Kinokuniya is opening in Melbourne, betting on experience-led retail as bookstores compete beyond shelves. Comics & Adaptations: Marvel drops the first trailer for “Avengers: Doomsday,” while Image’s “Narco #5” and X-Men’s “Hellfire Murder #1” land with mystery-driven hooks.

AI & Writing Integrity: The F. Sionil Jose Young Writers Award in the Philippines opened submissions with a new rule that organizers may ask for drafts and authorship records, flagging entries suspected of undisclosed generative AI. Publishing & Community Events: Indie Children’s Authors Network launched a free family literature festival in Menston, while a Sarnia publisher rolled out a Common Sense Factor Kids colouring/activity series aimed at teaching practical life skills. Language Preservation: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis ordered an action plan to preserve and promote Marathi, including expanding school “Book Village” and “Library in a Box” efforts. Books in Crisis: Ukraine’s book industry is seeking UAH 150–200 million to restore about a million books damaged by Russia’s strikes on publishers and printing facilities. Local Publishing & Culture: New owners of a Catskills local publishing house say they’re working to preserve regional culture, and a UK indie children’s festival spotlights authors and illustrators outside big publishers. Crime Fiction Release: Romsey author Sam Holland’s new Audible Original thriller sets a serial-killer chase over 24 hours, narrated by Holliday Grainger and Billy Howle.

National Parks Publishing: Chalice Press founder Brad Lyons is out with “The National Parks Inspiration Guide,” a faith-and-spirituality spin on family “Big Vacation” road trips that turned park visits into a lifelong writing project. Local Author Spotlight (Northern Ireland): JJ Tohill, 93, has spent 40 years compiling “The Upper Ards,” earning a Papal Benemerenti Medal for decades of community and voluntary work alongside his new book. Children’s Literature Week (NZ): Read NZ Te Pou Muramura is launching the inaugural Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s Book Week (Aug 15–21) to get kids, whānau, schools, libraries, and bookshops reading together. Religious & Community History (US): Theresa Laurence’s “Sister Sandra” documents Nashville’s Black Catholic nun and education reformer, with a July 21 signing and bus tour tied to her legacy. Literary Awards (France): Fnac has revealed the 30-book shortlist for its 25th Novel Prize, with the winner set for Sept 21. Political Controversy (South Asia): Exiled author Taslima Nasreen denies BJP/RSS links ahead of a Kolkata visit, saying the invitation is from a secular group and the state’s job is only security. Fantasy Milestone: Brandon Sanderson marks 20 years since “Mistborn: The Final Empire” (July 17, 2006) and shares a quick primer for new and returning readers. Children’s Literature Conference (Nepal): Nepal’s 31st National Children’s Literature Conference heads to Tilaurakot (Nov 27–28), with workshops and regional participation. Book-to-Screen Adaptations: Apple TV’s “Dark Matter” is set to return Aug 28, 2026, with coverage highlighting how the series is reshaping its book source for a new season.

Book-to-screen & publishing buzz: Colleen Hoover will produce the Amazon MGM romantic comedy adaptation of Ali Hazelwood’s Love, Theoretically, with Sofia Alvarez directing. Classics in the spotlight: Greek translator Emily Wilson says Nolan’s The Odyssey movie boosts awareness of Homer, but misses key themes—while Odyssey sales and library holds surge. New releases & author moves: Prolific Pulse Press announced Sarah Merritt Ryan’s sonnet collection My Soul to Keep; Liza Minnelli’s memoir Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! lands via Grand Central; and Elizabeth Margulis brings Transported to a Mass MoCA talk. Industry & access: Manhattan Book Group ranks 2026 self-publishing services (MindStir Media #1). Supply-chain pressure: A New Zealand booksellers report warns slow stock delivery from Australia is the biggest threat to local stores. Controversy & culture: Texas’ new Bible curriculum requirements raise concerns about democracy and citizenship teaching. Faith & form: Yael Ziegler’s After Ruth reframes Lamentations as deliberately constructed lament theology. Local literary life: Libraries and festivals roll out summer programs, from Plano Public Library events to Chinar Book Festival activity in Srinagar.

Adult Comedy & Live Events: Roy Chubby Brown brings a strictly over-18s comedy night to the city on July 31, with tickets at £32 plus fees. Summer Reading Picks: Authors share beach-ready books for holiday reading, spanning everything from romantasy to travel writing. Children’s Publishing & Community: Ascot Racecourse debuts “Side Glance: Life After the Finish Line,” a kids’ horse-welfare story, while a new 8–12 adventure, “Yoho,” launches with a missing-father sea quest. Author Events & Literary Culture: Bill Newcott discusses “Divided We Stand” at Lewes Public Library (July 23), and Lavenham Literary Festival announces a strong line-up including Kate Mosse and Andrew Lownie. Books & Society: A new piece on “Moana Mania” links kids’ obsession to the psychology of familiar comfort, and Joe Sacco’s “The Once and Future Riot” faces distribution trouble in India after requested changes. Publishing Industry Watch: Marvel plans to move publishing operations to California after 87 years in New York. Comics Previews: Spider-Man, Green Lantern, and Detective Comics all get fresh July 22 previews as digital-age threats and past ghosts return.

Publishing & Retail Innovation: A new guide spotlights “book nook kits” for brands and gift retailers, stressing reliable scene design, LED integration, assembly engineering, and retail-ready packaging. Community Author Events: Union Public Library hosts a free Monday talk with Sharrie Burggraff on her “Women of Purpose” series, focused on healing and empowerment after trauma. Literary Milestones: Bluff & Vine Literary Review marks its 10-year anniversary, celebrating a decade of giving local writers a platform across genres. Reading Access Abroad: Students in Yangon, Myanmar, get a mobile library launched by the China Cultural Center, bringing Chinese culture and language books directly to school. International Book Launches: Kyrgyzstan plans a presentation of “New Uzbekistan: The Way of Shavkat Mirziyoyev,” while Angola marks World Cup history with a Portuguese-published 20-years-later football book in Luanda. Festival Spotlight (India): Srinagar’s Chinar Book Festival opens with 200+ publishers, discounts, and youth-focused programming aimed at making Kashmir a reading hub. Health & Lifestyle Books: Liz Earle’s “The Good Menopause Guide” tackles menopause beyond hot flushes, including hair and other lesser-discussed symptoms. Insurance Literacy Comics: IRDAI launches a comic series to simplify life insurance concepts for consumers.