Author launches crowdfunding for new book
Patrick St Jean, an independent author, is starting a crowdfunding campaign on Ulule to fund the second volume of his series Atlantis & Civilisations, titled Le dernier souffle des Géants. This follows the first book, Déluge, which examined global flood myths, and the new volume will explore the myth of fallen angels and the exodus of early civilizations.Other books seek crowdfunding support
Other literary projects are also seeking crowdfunding support. Cécile Mahon, a former air force officer, is funding the print edition of La Forêt n’oublie pas, the second volume of her Capitaine Watson trilogy, while Elisa Skye's Trois contre toi is a feminist historical romance centered on a hidden daughter of Queen Anne of England.Publishing industry sees varied results
In the publishing world, Daniel Křetínský, owner of Editis, has received approval from the European Commission to acquire Fnac Darty, which could give him control over major French publishing and retail operations. Meanwhile, Hachette Livre reported a 4% drop in sales in France but growth in international markets.U.S. publishing sees growth
In the U.S., the publishing industry saw an 8.9% increase in sales in August 2026, driven by print books, while e-book sales declined. This contrasts with the situation in France, where debates over AI's role in authorship and copyright are ongoing.AI's role in literature debated
Authors and publishers are addressing challenges, including the impact of AI on authorship and copyright. A survey showed that 69% of French people do not consider AI-written texts as genuine literature. A proposed law in France aims to promote the French language in public spaces and limit the use of "globish," a simplified form of English.Industry changes and challenges
Other developments include the closure of HarperCollins' Buffalo warehouse and the relocation of its distribution to Indiana, as well as the death of notable figures in the literary world, such as Cem Akaş, a Turkish publisher, and René Belletto, a French noir and fantasy writer. Libraries and bookstores also face challenges, including rural library struggles in Occitanie and the impact of the rising cost of living on bookstore operations.Comic book growth and funding concerns
In Italy, the comic book market saw a 14.9% growth in sales in the first nine months of 2026, with one in ten books sold being a comic. Meanwhile, in Canada, the Poetry in Transit program, which has featured poetry in public transport for 30 years, faces potential funding cuts.
