Get the latest on book publishing: a judge tosses key claims in the Google piracy lawsuit, Penguin Random House acquires Wonderbly, Michelle Obama’s new book is announced, and library funding faces new threats. Plus, chart-topping bestsellers, trends from Apple Books and Kindle, and why authors are experimenting with serialized novellas.

In this episode, we explore the shifting landscape of book publishing—from Spotify streaming audiobooks on planes to rising AI narration concerns. We unpack digital library cutbacks, book bans in schools, KDP royalty changes, and the booming influence of BookTok. Featuring insights on creator rights, audiobook trends, and the ongoing battle between access and control, this episode is your essential briefing on the future of books, tech, and storytelling in 2025.

Amazon cuts Kindle and Goodreads staff. Chicago libraries slash digital borrowing. The U.S. Copyright Office says commercial AI training may violate fair use. Plus: BookTok’s power, AI narration’s limits, and top audiobook & Kindle bestsellers. Get all the essential book publishing news and platform shifts in this must-listen daily roundup.

In today’s episode of Book Bytes, we break down the biggest shifts shaping the publishing world, audiobook platforms, and the future of AI and content rights.

👉 Bloomsbury bets big on "romantasy" with a new U.S. imprint and in-house sales team — signaling a long-term commitment to one of publishing’s fastest-growing genres.

🎧 Library apps like Libby and Hoopla are quietly dominating audiobook discovery. We unpack why 63% of listeners say library access is essential — and what that means for authors, publishers, and platform strategy.

⚖️ Reddit sues AI company Anthropic over unauthorized content scraping for chatbot training. This lawsuit could redefine how tech companies access and pay for public data — and it's a wake-up call for publishers, creators, and platforms alike.

We also explore:

• Genre-specific imprints as a rising trend in publishing

• The future of audiobook monetization through public libraries

• How AI’s appetite for data is triggering legal and ethical battles

Whether you're an author, editor, rights manager, or tech strategist, this episode delivers the context you need to navigate a rapidly changing publishing landscape.