Tattered Essence

The EU commissioner in charge of the Internet is attempting to put new rules in place to make it easier to put more books online and accessible across the EU, reports the New York Times.

Sony has weighed in in favor of the Google Settlement, which the company says will “foster competition.”

Canadian publisher Kunati Books is going under, according to one of its former authors.

Computer company Asus said it plans to introduce its own e-reader by the end of the year, reports Wired.

The BBC is looking to sell a majority stake in BBC Audiobooks. At least sources familiar with the company are saying that.

BBC Audiobooks was formed in 2001 and includes the American division BBC Audiobooks America.

The decision to sell is part of BBC’s strategy to more tightly focus its operations. Look for the sale to be completed in 2010.

Crime novel author Dominick Dunne has died at his home in NYC. He was 83. He was believed to be battling bladder cancer. He has a new novel, “Too Much Money,” coming out in December.

A self-published book is doing the impossible. It is getting a window and launch event at Neiman Marcus.

Self-publisher Mandy Williams, who is the “Black” of the sister writing duo, “the Red and the Black,” is not an easy person to turn down.

The store manager of the Houston Neiman Marcus compares the book that she and sister, Tina Pennington, wrote, What I Learned about Life When My Husband Got Fired!, to a cross between The Devil Wears Prada and a practical book on finance.

The book will be rolling out to other Neiman Marcus stores in Texas and be available online in a special Neiman Marcus edition.

The Bellwether Prize committee will accept submissions from September 1 through October 2, 2009. This period is for the 2010 award. The prize was established by Barbara Kingsolver,

The prize supports the writing and publication of serious literary fiction addressing issues of social justice in culture and human relations. It has been awarded in even-numbered years for the past decade. In addition to the $25,000 cash prize, the award guarantees publication of the winning novel by a major U.S. publishing house.