Author uses crowdfunding for debut novel

E.C. Desvignes, a chef and former fashion industry professional, began a crowdfunding campaign on Ulule to self-publish her first novel, Psithurisme. The book, which focuses on themes of renewal and resilience, follows Penelope’s journey to Pointe Saint-Mathieu, where she experiences transformative events.

Support and future plans

Desvignes worked on the novel for two years with the help of friends and her spouse. If the campaign meets its goals, she plans to use Librinova, a publishing assistance service praised by French literary experts, to help bring the book to a wider audience. She confirmed that the project is entirely her own and does not involve artificial intelligence.

Diverse literary projects underway

Other literary projects include The Waiting Room of Life, a personal development book by Marie Boquillon aimed at young graduates, and Night and Day, an illustrated poetry collection by Coline Hezard that explores themes of loss and the unnamed. Aurélie Fiani is raising funds to open La Cabane à Livres, a bookstore in Meudon-la-Forêt, while Babouche à oreille, an independent publisher in Saint-Clément-de-Rivière, is offering books with QR codes linking to music and voices.

Publishing trends in 2026

In the United States, the publishing industry saw an 8.9% rise in revenue in August 2026, driven by paper books and digital audio, though e-book sales declined. In France, Hachette Livre experienced a 4% drop in domestic sales, but international growth helped balance the decline. Lagardère Publishing, which owns Editis and Fnac, reported revenue of 836 million euros in the third quarter of 2026.

Crowdfunding and new releases

Several authors and publishers are using crowdfunding platforms like Ulule to fund their projects. These include Rock 'n' Roll Jungle, a French independent manga returning for a second volume, and Conquista, a historical novel set in the 16th century. Altered Blood, a dystopian science fiction comic, follows Kryo, a half-human, half-alien character in a world where Earth no longer exists.

Industry developments and losses

Other developments include the death of Japanese manga artist Tetsuya Chiba at 87 and the passing of French writer René Belletto, who won the Femina Prize in 1986. In Canada, the Poetry in Transit program, which has featured poetry on buses since 1996, faces funding cuts that could lead to its end by the 2026-2027 season. In Georgia, a proposed textbook reform has drawn criticism from the International Publishers Association for potentially limiting educational diversity.

Changes in retail and EU rulings

In France, Lagardère Travel Retail announced that Relay bookstores at Lyon station would no longer be able to freely order books, with a fifth of the book space to be replaced by Lego toys. This decision comes amid debates about editorial choices. Meanwhile, the European Union’s Court of Justice ruled that some funds collected by collective management organizations could be used for broader public services, while others must support rights holders.

Technological advancements and legal decisions

In the realm of technology, Bookwire, a German distributor, announced the development of an AI-based pricing optimization engine and an assistant that can analyze sales data through natural language queries. In the United States, a federal court ruled that members of a Florida school board could be held accountable for books removed from libraries, a procedural win for PEN America and other advocacy groups.

New releases and creative works

Other literary projects include Heathen(s), a fantasy manga by Shindo inspired by ancient Greece, and The Ogre, the Tree and the Child, a gothic tale by David Willer, presented as an illustrated book. Chacha and Zali, a children's book series featuring deaf protagonists, was launched by Atama Éditions. The League of Extraordinary Women Writers by Askabak editions blends real authors with fantasy monsters in short novels.

Impact of media adaptations

In the realm of film and publishing, Netflix adaptations like Bridgerton and Lupin have been linked to increased book sales, though the exact impact remains debated. In the United States, a new law could hold school board members accountable for books removed from libraries, following a ruling by a federal court of appeals.