Macmillan Ends Embargo
John Sargent, CEO of Macmillan, sent a memo on March 17, 2020 announcing an end to the company’s embargo on licensing new ebooks to libraries, seemingly in response to the COVID-19 epidemic. He wrote a memo to librarians, authors, illustrators, and agents, saying
There are times in life when differences should be put aside. Effective on Friday (or whenever thereafter our wholesalers can effect the change), Macmillan will return to the library e-book pricing model that was in effect on October 31st, 2019. In addition, we will be lowering some e-book prices on a short term basis to help expand libraries collections in these difficult times. Stay safe.
The embargo delayed library access to ebooks for two months after publication. The shift covers all titles (including Tor books) and is effective immediately.
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