Hey friends,
Yesterday brought some significant news in our industry: Employees at Hachette Book Group voted overwhelmingly (388 to 130) to unionize with the Washington-Baltimore News Guild. This creates the largest union in U.S. trade publishing history, covering around 600 workers across remote and office roles.
As someone who’s spent years in publishing—as an author, agent, publishing specialist, and mentor—I’ve seen how burnout, turnover, and unsustainable workloads ripple through every layer of the business. This vote feels like a moment worth paying attention to.
From the Workers’ Side
The Hachette Workers Coalition (HWC) has been clear about their goals: livable wages (regardless of location), better working conditions, caps on workload hours, a fair grievance process, and protections around AI. In their words, it’s about creating “an equitable and dignified workplace where workers can flourish.”
One organizer put it powerfully: They want readers to know “the creative works that they’re enjoying are being created by fairly-paid, well-treated, and cared-for human labor.” That resonates deeply with me.
From Hachette
HBG leadership has stated they recognize the election results and intend to approach “this new era with hope and in good faith,” with plans to begin bargaining soon.
What This Could Mean for Authors & Agents
Short-term, things will likely feel like business as usual while negotiations get underway. Longer-term, a more stable, supported publishing workforce could lead to stronger editorial partnerships, better project attention, and a healthier industry overall. Of course, there may be some growing pains—delays or shifts in processes—as they work toward their new goals.
I’ve always believed we’re in this together: authors, agents, editors, publicists, and everyone who loves stories. When the people bringing books into the world are cared for, it strengthens the entire ecosystem. It aligns with what I talk about often here—sustainable creativity, building community, grace in the long haul, and protecting the passion that keeps us going.
This isn’t about “us vs. them.” It’s a reminder that real change happens when people use their voices. For those of you querying, submitting, or navigating this wild industry, my advice remains: Keep writing the stories only you can tell. Build your craft. Protect your peace. Find your tribe. And know that movements like this are part of the slow, necessary evolution toward an industry that values the humans behind the books.
This subject goes back to Mark Gottlieb’s article that I shared a few months ago. If you haven’t read it yet, you can catch up here:
Why Publishing’s Labor Reckoning Could Change Books for the Better: Trident Media Group’s Mark Gottlieb Declares The Passion Tax Comes Due https://www.ibtimes.com/why-publishings-labor-reckoning-could-change-books-better-trident-media-groups-mark-gottlieb-3803158
Mark was at the Realm Makers Conference in St. Louis that I just got back from, and I thanked him for his article. We have a great conversation about the situation for those of us who work in publishing.
If you’re a writer feeling the weight of it all, remember: Your voice matters, your persistence matters, and all the good people who chose to stay are building something better together. That includes you. Never quit. 💛
With gratitude and hope,
Brandy