This weeks Literary Ledger 12 to 19 August 2025

Welcome to your weekly roundup of all things books! We’re keeping it short and sweet, just five stories to keep you in the loop without overwhelming you. Think of this as your quick fix for staying connected to the book world.

I) Keir Starmer urged to safeguard artists’ rights from AI as Trump visit looms

Leading British artists and creative organisations, including Pan Macmillan, have called on Keir Starmer to defend creators’ rights and safeguard their work ahead of a UK–US tech deal, timed with Donald Trump’s highly publicised visit. While the visit has drawn attention for other reasons (Trump’s controversial past among them) the focus here is on what such a deal could mean for creatives, particularly within publishing.

Among the signatories is Elton John, a leading voice in the fight for creative freedom. In their letter, the artists argue that Labour has failed to defend their basic rights by blocking efforts to require artificial intelligence firms to disclose which copyrighted materials have been used to train their systems.

Senior figures from the US tech sector are joining the president on his state visit, during which a UK–US tech pact, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, is expected to be announced. Pan Macmillan’s CEO, Joanna Prior, has also signed the letter urging Keir Starmer to protect creatives’ rights over their own work.

The letter was signed by a 70-strong group of organisations, industry experts, and creatives. 

A UK government spokesperson said that concerns over copyright in the creative industries were being taken “seriously,” with a report on the potential impact of changes expected by the end of March next year. Until then, we’re left waiting, but it’s a worrying development. The truth is, creatives can rarely trust the government to have their best interests at heart; too often, they’re undermined or overlooked. I’m sure Keir and Trump enjoy a good book (bold of me to assume Trump can read), a film, a song, a play, or piece of art for their plush homes, but so long as it doesn’t affect them, the rest of us are left to deal with the consequences.

II) Trump Targets Media and Authors in High-Stakes Lawsuit

Trump has certainly kept himself in the spotlight this week, but what's new. He filed a lawsuit in Florida accusing the New York Times and four of its reporters, Susanne Craig, Russ Buettner, Peter Baker, and Michael S. Schmidt, of disparagement. Penguin Random House wasn’t spared either; the publisher was dragged into the case for releasing Buettner and Craig’s book, Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success. Trump, of course, had already threatened to sue PRH over the very same book just last year.

Pair this with the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show and the countless other lawsuits Trump has threatened, or tried to follow through on, to impose crushing legal costs and deter anyone from criticising him. It feels like we’re edging further, and perhaps already, into censorship. It’s reassuring to see publishers with integrity, like PRH, willing to stand up for what’s right, support their authors, and speak out against the proverbial big baby that is Trump. It will be interesting to see what unfolds next in America.

III) Hobbit Day!

It’s International Hobbit Day on 22nd September! That’s right, Bilbo and Frodo Baggins’ birthdays. Maybe it’s the perfect excuse for a LOTR movie marathon… though Monday makes that tricky if you have work. One movie will do, though. Or, if you’ve never read The Hobbit, now’s your chance, it’s the shortest of the lot at only 300 pages! Already know all the lore? Maybe a re-read is in order. Anyway, happy Hobbit Day to all the nerds out there, treat yourselves to a second breakfast while you’re at it!

And in honour of the day, please watch one of the funniest celebrity interviews I’ve seen, with the beloved Elijah Wood. Absolute class: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfhMILe8C84 

IV) Curtis Brown Enters a New Chapter

Elizabeth Harding has acquired the literary agency from co-owners Timothy and Ginger Knowlton. Timothy Knowlton, CEO of Curtis Brown, is expected to step down soon, with Elizabeth Harding, a children’s book agent and VP at the agency, set to take over. Timothy will remain as chairman emeritus to assist with the transition. Ginger Knowlton, Executive Vice President, will continue at Curtis Brown, representing her list of children’s writers and illustrators.

Timothy Knowlton said: “Elizabeth's vision and expertise make her the ideal choice, and I know Curtis Brown will thrive with her at the helm. Curtis Brown is fortunate to have her.”

V) Sally Rooney says she cannot enter UK in case of arrest

The author has recently gained attention for her vocal support and aid to Palestine amid the ongoing conflict and genocide. Her actions have not been taken lightly by the British government, particularly because she has been donating money to a group that has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation in July, following an incident in which activists broke into an RAF base, causing £7 million in damage to two jets. As a result of her support for Palestine Action, she was unable to collect the Sky Arts Award for Literature in the UK for her novel Intermezzo, amid concerns that she might face arrest.