Sign in

Matilda Battersby

@matildabattersby.bsky.social
682 followers 977 following 104 posts

Writer and journalist. Former arts editor at The Independent, and editor of Popshot Quarterly. The Bookseller sometimes

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
Angry @angrystaffer.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
No matter what side of the aisle you’re on, this argument should be chilling. Trying to limit freedom of the press under the guise of national security is what tinpot dictators do. That’s not how a functioning democracy works.
916112023706
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
The Bookseller @thebookseller.com · 18/09/2026
Breaking News: HarperCollins has dropped the backlist of children's author David Walliams, The Bookseller understands. 👇
ebx.sh
David Walliams' backlist dropped by HarperCollins
2420250
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
For a piece for @thebookseller.com I'm looking to speak to self-published/indie authors about if they pay businesses to help with distribution/other services (not including editing, proof, cover design etc). I'm on matildabattersby@gmail.com if you want to comment. Thanks!
121
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
The Bookseller @thebookseller.com · 13/08/2026
The Society of Authors (@societyofauthors.bsky.social) is helping authors after a self-publishing business went bust causing confusion, delays and leaving unpaid royalties “in limbo”. 👇
ebx.sh
Self-Publishing Partnership: Authors left 'in limbo' over unpaid royalties after company collapses
054
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
The Bookseller @thebookseller.com · 22/07/2026
The Bookseller’s investigation into bullying in the book trade has raised concerns about the sector’s approach to staff welfare, with reports of a culture of denial within some businesses, a sense of fear among employees, and a lack of accountability among some senior management teams 👇.
ebx.sh
The Bookseller's Bullying Survey: staff welfare an issue for sector, as Hachette and Sweet Cherry are singled out for criticism
063
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
The Bookseller @thebookseller.com · 17/07/2026
The founding editor of 8080 Books, a publishing imprint launched by Microsoft in 2024, has taken voluntary retirement amid a bid to “reduce headcount” at the tech giant “in the AI era”. 👇
ebx.sh
Founding editor of Microsoft's imprint 8080 Books takes voluntary retirement
013
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
The Bookseller @thebookseller.com · 16/07/2026
Authors of books featuring same-sex families, gay characters and other LGBTQ+ themes have told The Bookseller they have had school speaking events cancelled, or pupils withdrawn, amid complaints from “homophobic” parents 👇
ebx.sh
LGBTQ+ authors see rise in cancellations of school visits after 'complaints from parents'
181
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
A piece from me in today's @thebookseller.com which falls under 'wish it wasn't happening, but sadly it is'.
054
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
My funny walking style and I are in @theipaper.com today to try and discover if the way I walk indicates my age/health (that's not a photo of me btw) inews.co.uk/inews-lifest...
inews.co.uk
I had my walking analysed – and discovered how fast I'm ageing
Your walking speed and style can be a pre-warning of conditions such as dementia, and now British scientists have developed a quick test that could revolutionise health
120
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
Deepfaked authors? The latest from me for @thebookseller www.thebookseller.com/news/author-...
thebookseller.com
Author Shaun Rein's voice 'cloned with AI' to read book on 'deepfake' podcast
An author who discovered “deepfake” YouTube videos of himself reading chapters of a book published in the UK by Hachette has suggested that video content is a “dangerous” new battle for publishers whe...
272
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
North West Bylines @northwestbylines.co.uk · 01/01/2026
We love a bargain! However as gran used to say: "It's not a bargain f you don't want (or need) it." So even at £29 off and bargain basement price, we shall pass.
Unleashed, by Boris Johnson, down from £30 to £1
3116234
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
Keenan Taylor @talesofkaimere.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
I've gotten at least a dozen since last week, and that's just the paid promoters. Tons of people looking to make AI partnerships that stink of scam as well. Keep cautious out there, folks!
073
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
Patrick @onequietcorner.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
I know a writer who was targeted by several of these scammers....she had a bit of fun with them. alinaa.substack.com/p/the-book-m...
alinaa.substack.com
The Book Marketing Scammer Who Accused Me Of Scamming Him!
A Literal Literary Loser is Accused
111
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
Chain Bear @stuartcb.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
Jane Austen receiving an AI email offering to increase Pride and Prejudice's reach is top tier
031
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
My latest for @thebookseller.com Thanks to everyone who helped with this one! www.thebookseller.com/news/authors...
thebookseller.com
Authors hit with 'deluge' of scam emails from fake marketers offering paid promotion
Authors are being hit with a "deluge" of scam emails, some of which appear to impersonate industry professionals, marketing agencies and famous authors.
42111
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
The Bookseller @thebookseller.com · 19/12/2025
This year has seen a raft of 'audio-first' acquisitions, suggesting audio is 'no longer the afterthought' it once was 👇
ebx.sh
Audio 'no longer an afterthought' as publishers snap up raft of audio-first acquisitions
0105
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
My piece for @thebookseller.com today www.thebookseller.com/news/openai-...
thebookseller.com
OpenAI copyright case reveals 'ease with which generative AI can devastate the market', says PA
A judge’s ruling that legal action by authors against OpenAI for copyright infringement can go ahead reveals “the ease with which generative AI can devastate the market,” according to the Publishers A...
060
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 25/10/2025
Moody vibes in Herts today
050
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
Amy de la Force, Author @amydelaforce.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Another kickass Bookseller piece from my friend @matildabattersby.bsky.social, as a UK follow-up to the equally excellent 'The Publishing Industry Has a Gambling Problem' in The Walrus! www.thebookseller.com/features/tra...
thebookseller.com
Tracks of my tears: where does the fault lie when books fail to hit?
Sales data metrics are useful tools to place books in the market, but when a title does not meet expectations, why do authors take most of the blame?
263
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
The Bookseller @thebookseller.com · 15/10/2025
Digital-first publishers and self-published authors have told The Bookseller that book sales have been negatively impacted with “increased volatility in visibility” as a result of algorithm changes to the Amazon marketplace platform 👇 #BookSky
ebx.sh
Amazon algorithm changes have led to ‘volatility in visibility’, warn indie authors
054
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
I'm doing a reaction piece for @thebookseller.com to this excellent article thewalrus.ca/the-publishi... which suggests authors are unfairly blamed for their sales "track" -- if you want to share experiences, please email me at matildabattersby@gmail.com
thewalrus.ca
The Publishing Industry Has a Gambling Problem | The Walrus
Companies keep betting on the next bestseller. Literature is poorer for it
194
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
Moyette Gibbons @moyetteg.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
So delighted to have won the Shortlist Prize 2025 @firstnovelprize.bsky.social! A huge thank you to the amazing judges and The Literary Studio!📚🎉📚🎉
291
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
For today's story for @thebookseller.com I spoke to @samblakebooks.bsky.social about AI-generated fake novels on @awscloud.bsky.social www.thebookseller.com/news/author-...
thebookseller.com
Author Sam Blake urges 'better protections' from Amazon after AI rip-off books appear under her name
A bestselling author has called on Amazon to provide better protections against AI-generated “rip-offs” after “fake” books were marketed to readers under her name on the Kindle platform.
061
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Not such a helpful editorial assistant today
141
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
Anyone else on here whose kid started secondary school for the first time today? I can’t seem to do any work or focus at all wondering how he’s getting on. It was funny sending him off dressed like a tiny banker, having taken half an hour to make his hair lie flat #bigschool #firstday
150
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
Kayko Driedger Hesslein @crtcltheology.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Iiiinteresting. Bloomsbury publishing wants to push for licensing agreements with generative AI companies to use published works for training AI. They are offering their authors opt-IN, as well as 20% of their current royalties. (I still wouldn’t be able to buy a copy of my own book.) #academicsky
Kayko Driedger Hesslein,
Recent years have seen the exponential growth of emerging technologies, most notably in the area of artificial intelligence, including the development of generative Al technologies.
These emerging generative Al technologies, which rely for their development on access to high-quality data, have given rise to significant content licensing opportunities. As a publisher of prestigious original works in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, we are being approached by companies involved in the development and provision of generative Al technologies wishing to license our content.
After careful consideration, our conclusion is that there are compelling reasons to engage with such Al-related licensing opportunities (Licensing Opportunities) for the reasons we explain below.
As a valued partner, we wish to offer you the chance to opt-in to these Licensing Opportunities.
How to Opt-In
This communication will be followed within the next two weeks by a formal opt-in addendum
your existing author agreement (Opt-In Addendum), which will allow for your electronic signature. The email will come from Bloomsbury via RightSignature. Please check your junk folder to ensure you do not miss this. Should you wish for your work to be considered for inclusion in these Licensing Opportunities, please sign the Opt-In Addendum as soon as possible, and no later than 30 days after receipt. We will also follow up with you to ensure you have received our communication,
response is important in ensuring your work is considered tor inciusion in Licensing
Given the complexity and scale of our backlist, we are working our way through it in stages to identify works that are appropriate for such Licensing Opportunities, and your timely response is important in ensuring your work is considered for inclusion in Licensing Opportunities as and when they arise. If you have published more than one work with us, you may receive more than one Opt-In Addendum.
Why Licensing Matters
A strong and vibrant licensing ecosystem strengthens the opportunities and mitigates some of the risks of generative Al technologies by upholding copyright, fostering innovation, supporting the accuracy and integrity of academic research and providing additional income for rights holders.
Alongside our intention that rights holders should help shape and benefit from this nascent licensing environment, we are working closely with publishing industry associations in advocating that governments should uphold existing copyright protections. A viable licensing ecosystem not only helps to counteract the unauthorised use of copyright-protected works in generative Al technologies but supports the case that the current copyright regime does not need to change.
We also believe that licensing in this area is essential to the ethical development of the world's future knowledge ecology. To the extent future audiences are reliant on generative Al technologies for education, research and information discovery, it is important for society that the content which such technologies reference and learn from is diverse, accurate, and of high-quality.
Our engagement in this space also affords us the opportunity to ensure that appropriate safeguards are implemented in respect of the use of our and our authors' content. We take seriously our responsibility to serve the interests of our authors and the academic and research communities as a whole in line with our mission and values, and the following principles will inform our approach to any Licensing Opportunities, dependi…
that the content which such technologies reference and learn from is diverse, accurate, and of high-quality.
Our engagement in this space also affords us the opportunity to ensure that appropriate safeguards are implemented in respect of the use of our and our authors' content. We take seriously our responsibility to serve the interests of our authors and the academic and research communities as a whole in line with our mission and values, and the following principles will inform our approach to any Licensing Opportunities, depending on the specific
1. Fair remuneration to rights holders;
2. Securing licensed content and restricting text reproduction in outputs to specified amounts (e.g. number of characters or words);
3. Controlling the creation and distribution of new (derivative) works that would compete with the original work:
4. Respecting moral rights (attribution) as applicable under relevant laws.
Payment
For each work included in a licensing arrangement, you will receive a royalty payment of 20% of net receipts attributable to that work. This payment will be made in accordance with Bloomsbury's usual royalty accounting process and, if you are a co-author, in line with your contractual share under the relevant author agreement relating to the work.
Further Information
Please do visit Further Information for Authors which also sets out who to contact if you have questions. We will be updating these pages on an ongoing basis.
We thank you in advance for your consideration and timely response.
Bloomsbury ASP Licensing Team
162
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
The Bookseller @thebookseller.com · 07/08/2025
Bloomsbury is “exploring” licensing some of its books to tech companies to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) and is offering authors the opportunity to opt in 👇
ebx.sh
Bloomsbury 'exploring' AI licensing deals with opt-ins for authors
Bloomsbury is “exploring” licensing some of its books to tech companies to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) and is offering authors the opportunity to opt in.
174
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Latest from me for @thebookseller.com >> Bloomsbury 'exploring' AI licensing deals with opt-ins for authors
thebookseller.com
Bloomsbury 'exploring' AI licensing deals with opt-ins for authors
Bloomsbury is “exploring” licensing some of its books to tech companies to train generative artificial intelligence (AI) and is offering authors the opportunity to opt in.
161
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
Not a surprising turn of events but still very sad for the Unbound/ Neem Tree authors and the remaining unpaid Unbound creditors. Report by Melina Spanoudi for @thebookseller.com www.thebookseller.com/news/unbound...
thebookseller.com
Unbound successor Boundless 'goes into administration' after months of financial uncertainty
Boundless – the publishing company formed after its predecessor Unbound went into administration in March this year – along with its imprint Neem Tree Press have entered administration and ceased trad...
041
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
Agui!🌻 @aguichart.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Never enough
6154751244
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
Julie Irwin @jdirwinbooks.bsky.social · 16/07/2025
Wouldn't like to be in their choux
691151181
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
"The wind in your hair, the hand on your arse." www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Right, the underpants are off! It’s time I, Gregg Wallace, had my say | Marina Hyde
I am almost literally medically incapable of staying in my trousers. So who’s really to blame here – me or the BBC?
010
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
chloehadj.bsky.social @chloehadj.bsky.social · 06/07/2025
I spent months on this investigation and gathered docs from the UK courts, Land Registry and a French local authority, to show that Raynor and Moth Winn's story is not as they claim. @tortoisemedia.bsky.social @observeruk.bsky.social observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
observer.co.uk
The real Salt Path: how the couple behind a bestseller le...
Penniless and homeless, the Winns found fame and fortune with the story of their 630-mile walk to salvation. We can reveal it was far from the truth
1772072547
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Big news week for those of you keeping an eye on AI and publishing - www.thebookseller.com/news/meta-an...
thebookseller.com
Meta and Anthropic's use of books to train AI is 'fair use', US court rules
The first two judgements in court cases over the use of books to train artificial intelligence (AI) have been made in the US this week with wins for tech giants Meta and Anthropic – but the potential ...
100
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
Nice to see The New York Times pick up on my 8th Note story
nytimes.com
TikTok’s Owner Wanted to Publish Books. Not Anymore.
132
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Fulfilling her duties as a writing cat
030
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
James McConnachie @jamesmcconnachie.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
"It’s as if [the publisher] expected the books to magically perform without any work on their part."
041
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
sdebar.bsky.social @sdebar.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
This is interesting 👀 There's definitely more to this which I'm sure will unravel just like the Unbound/Boundless mess Put authors before profit - simple. www.thebookseller.com/news/tiktok-...
thebookseller.com
TikTok publisher 8th Note Press looks set to close as authors 'negotiate rights return'
A publishing business developed by the parent company of TikTok to cash in on the success of #BookTok appears to be closing just four months after it launched a print side to its e-books business – al...
011
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
A piece by me in today's @thebookseller.com | I really feel for all these authors! www.thebookseller.com/news/tiktok-...
thebookseller.com
TikTok publisher 8th Note Press looks set to close as authors 'negotiate rights return'
A publishing business developed by the parent company of TikTok to cash in on the success of #BookTok appears to be closing just four months after it launched a print side to its e-books business – al...
292
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Very excited to discover Zofia Nowak’s Book of Superior Detecting in Waterstones on Gower Street a week before it’s due to be published @piotrcieplak.bsky.social
031
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
Kit de Waal @kitdewaal.com · 14/06/2025
Penguin Michael Joseph Undiscovered Writers' Prize now open for horror writers from underrepresented backgrounds. The winner will receive a publishing contract with a £10,000 advance, and representation by an agent Link here www.penguin.co.uk/about/publis... Please share :)
02226
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
The Bookseller @thebookseller.com · 12/06/2025
Today (Thursday, 12th June) is publication day for Harriet Evans’ novel The Treasures. Except, before it even hits bookshelves and nightstands, the novel might well have already been scraped by Meta to train its artificial intelligence 👇 #BookSky
thebookseller.com
Author Harriet Evans' despair as novel appears on pirated database three months before publication
164
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
This is by me in today's @thebookseller.com If any other authors have experienced pre-publication piracy do get in touch on matildabattersby@gmail.com www.thebookseller.com/news/like-a-...
thebookseller.com
Author Harriet Evans' despair as novel appears on pirated database three months before publication
Harriet Evans’ novel The Treasures (Viking) novel might well have already been scraped by Meta to train its AI before it even hits bookshelves and nightstands
120
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
Are there any 8th Note Press authors on here who can get in touch with me for a story I'm following up? Thanks matildabattersby@gmail.com
022
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
Sacha Coward @sachacoward.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
What's going on with Queer As Folklore? *Deep intake of breath* part 1
4029760
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
Joel Morris @gralefrit.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
Oh, to hell with it. Who wants my Unbound incompetence story! Yay!
16670223
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
Laura Kate Dale - LauraKBuzz @laurakbuzz.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
So, I think it's time I begin, in detailed specifics, talking about the mess that is Unbound / Boundless as a book publisher, in essence stealing most of a years royalties from me and many other authors, as a result of poor financial decisions, and legal BS. Please read and share this thread.
9853362631
Reposted by Matilda Battersby
Zena Barrie @zenabarrie.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
I wrote a book! It's very odd and it's never going to be in whsmith or waterstones but you can buy it here.
132
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
Enjoyed @amydelaforce.bsky.social's op-ed on fantasy boyfriends in today's @thebookseller.com www.thebookseller.com/comment/roma...
thebookseller.com
Romantasy book boyfriends know what women want
In the age of red-pill podcasters and emotional illiteracy, book boyfriends are raising the bar – and they’re not even real.
141
Matilda Battersby @matildabattersby.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
My new friend Barbara the cat (he’s a boy)
030