This week, the publishing world is looking closely at its finances, with new reports showing a dip in revenue. Meanwhile, a key industry group is changing the rules on book pricing, and digital platforms are evolving how content is discovered and verified. Here’s what you need to know.
-
US Publishing Revenues See a Dip
The Association of American Publishers (AAP) released its May 2025 StatShot report, showing a downturn in the market. Overall publishing industry revenue was down 7.5% for the month, contributing to a 1.8% decline year-to-date. The trade (consumer books) sector saw an even steeper drop of 8.1% for May.
Published: July 29, 2025
AAP April 2025 StatShot Report: Overall Publishing Industry Down 4.0% for Month of April, and Down 0.2% Year-To-Date - AAP -
║█║ Book Industry Rethinks Barcode Price Mandate
The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) has updated its guidance on barcodes, giving publishers more flexibility on whether to include the price. Previously mandated, the change allows publishers to test different price points more easily without the cost of stickering inventory. However, since major partners like Barnes & Noble still rely on the price extension for their systems, the BISG recommends open communication between publishers and retailers to avoid operational hiccups.
Published: August 4, 2025
BISG updates guidance on barcode price extensions - Book Industry Study Group -
Instagram Posts Are Now SEO Assets
A game-changing update for digital content creators and editors: Instagram posts are now being indexed in Google search results. This shift means that social media content strategy must now incorporate SEO principles for year-round visibility and growth. For editors, this elevates the importance of crafting keyword-rich captions and alt text to ensure content is discoverable beyond the platform itself.
Published: July 29, 2025
Event SEO 2025: Instagram, AI & Search Marketing Guide -
TikTok Expands User-Led Fact-Checking
TikTok has announced an expanded launch of its “Community Notes” feature, the platform’s version of user-submitted fact-checking. This move aims to add context and verification to content, empowering the community to flag misinformation. For editors working in digital media, this represents another evolution in content moderation and the ongoing effort to maintain accuracy on rapidly moving platforms.
Published: July 30, 2025
https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/tiktok-launches-community-notes-footnotes-in-the-us/756370/ -
ESPN Offers Glimpse into News Editing Role
For those curious about the skills needed in a fast-paced newsroom, ESPN is hiring a Universal News Group Intern for the fall. The role involves editing news stories for ESPN.com, the app, and shows like SportsCenter, as well as writing and editing scripts with reporters. It’s a practical look at the diverse responsibilities of a modern news editor, from digital platforms to broadcast television.
Published: July 30, 2025
https://jobs.disneycareers.com/job/bristol/espn-universal-news-group-intern-fall-2025/391/84423783728
Tools & Tips
- Fictionary: The Structural Editor for Storytellers Tired of tools that only catch typos? If you work with fiction, check out Fictionary. It’s designed for developmental and structural editing, helping you analyze a manuscript’s plot, characters, and pacing with intuitive visual aids. It’s less about comma placement and more about the narrative arc, making it a powerful tool for looking at the big picture.
Fun Fact
Here’s one for the word nerds. The ampersand (&) was once taught as the 27th letter of the English alphabet. Schoolchildren reciting their ABCs would finish with “X, Y, Z, and per se and.” Over time, the phrase “and per se and”—Latin for “(the symbol) & by itself (means) and”—was slurred together to become the word “ampersand”.
We’d love to hear from you!
Have you participated in any Editing events or utilized new Editing tools recently? Share your experiences or insights with us—we’re featuring selected community voices in next week’s edition.