Amazon's planned acquisition of Dorchester Publishing is fantastic news for those writers who had books with the troubled company. It's not a done deal yet, though. The auction won't take place until August, but it seems a forgone conclusion that Amazon will be successful in their bid.
Amazon says that any contracts not picked up will be terminated and all rights will revert to the author. Here's how Publisher's Weekly put it:
Moving forward, Dorchester authors will, Amazon said, be offered the choice about how they want their titles published. An Amazon spokesperson explained: "We want all authors to be happy being a part of the Amazon Publishing family going forward and we have structured our bid so that we will only take on authors who want to join us. As part of this philosophy, if we win the bid, Dorchester has committed to revert all titles that are not assigned to us."Read the rest here: Amazon Bids on Dorchester Assets.
If you'd like to read more about Amazon's planned acquisition of Dorchester Publishing, here are a few articles you might be interested in:
- Amazon Plans to Acquire the Assets of Dorchester Publishing (GalleyCat)
- Amazon Bids on Dorchester Assets (Publishers Weekly)
- Amazon to Acquire Dorchester (Unless You Are Ready To Outbid Them) (Digital Book World) Digital Book World also includes a copy of the full press release.
Cheers!
I have some experience with bankruptcy plans in American courts. I have not seen the details of the Dorchester Publishing bankruptcy, but the notion that Amazon -- if they win the auction -- will allow authors to opt in or opt out with full reversion of their assets is extraordinary and generous.
ReplyDeleteHi Antares, yes, it struck me as being a generous gesture. Amazon seems to be going out of its way to acquire a good reputation among writers.
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