Melville House Books

The likelihood of legal action against one of the UK’s biggest bookselling chains, W.H. Smith, “appeared to increase this week as the retailer began telling publishers it will now accept orders only if they conform to its disputed terms and conditions.” A Publishing News report says publishers contact “all were adamant there would be no capitulation.” According to PN, “The assumption is that Smiths wants to put publishers in a position of refusing to fulfill orders,” but as one publisher comments, “it’s not for publishers not to supply — it’s for Smiths not to order. If Smiths don’t order, the trading relationship is ended.”

Dennis Johnson is the founder of MobyLives, and the co-founder and co-publisher of Melville House.