Top 3 Stories in Publishing & Literature
Polari Prize Backlash Over Inclusivity
Scholastic’s Big Restructure and Digital Pivot
Reform Ahead for Scientific Publishing
The 2025 Polari Prize for LGBTQ+ literature is facing significant backlash after author John Boyne—who has publicly identified as a “TERF”—was included on the longlist for his novella *Earth*. In response, ten nominees and two judges withdrew, while over 800 writers and publishing professionals signed a petition calling for Boyne’s removal, arguing his views conflict with LGBTQ+ inclusion. The Polari organizers issued an apology and pledged to review their nomination process. This saga has sparked wider questions about accountability and representation in queer literary spaces.
Scholastic, the powerhouse behind Harry Potter, Clifford, and The Hunger Games, is undergoing a major overhaul amid financial strain and plunging stock. To stabilize, the company is consolidating operations, selling and leasing back real estate, and re-evaluating its education division. It has also acquired animation studio 9 Story Media Group to transform book IP for YouTube and digital platforms. The goal: reignite relevance and reconnect with younger audiences.
A scathing critique of today’s academic publishing model calls for urgent reform. Critics say current incentives push quantity over quality, while high fees and exploitative open-access models funnel research dollars into publisher profits. The rise of AI further distorts meaningful contributions. Proposed solutions include realigning academic rewards with rigorous research, resisting outrageous article charges, and adopting nonprofit models like Latin America’s SciELO. Major publishers and academia are invited to lead systemic change.
Scholastic—synonymous with Harry Potter, Clifford the Big Red Dog, and The Hunger Games—is no stranger to reinvention. But 2025 marks a particularly challenging chapter: the company is restructuring with serious financial pressures mounting and stock down 40%.
Here’s the playbook
- Operational consolidation: They’re bundling book fairs, clubs, and trade publishing under a single executive—aiming for smarter, leaner management.
- Real estate maneuvers: Selling and leasing back their Manhattan headquarters and Missouri distribution centers to generate cash flow.
- Digital-first adaptation: Acquiring 9 Story Media Group to bring beloved titles into animation and YouTube-friendly formats.
These moves are not just crisis management—they reflect a deeper pivot. Children’s attention spans and media habits have changed. Buyouts of educational tools and book fairs—once long-standing revenue pillars—are no longer enough. By investing in storytelling for screens, Scholastic is demanding its content evolve with its audience.
Yet, it’s not a risk-free venture. Activist investors, like Ananym Capital (holding nearly 5%), are watching closely. Sales of kids’ books continue to slump, and the loss of their iconic CEO’s legacy still lingers.
Why it matters to creators and designers:
- IP extends beyond the page: When platforms shift, your storytelling and design approach must shift too—from the physical book to screen motion graphics and transmedia.
- Legacy doesn’t guarantee longevity: Even giants must adapt or they fade.
- Collaboration is key: This restructuring signals opportunities—for animators, screenwriters, illustrators, and agile publishers to engage in new forms of co-creation.
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