The New York Times is overhauling it’s best sellers list starting February 5. On the chopping block is the sublists of hardcover graphic books, paperback graphic books, and Manga. The news was confirmed by Publishers Weekly after the news appeared via tweets. The statement from the Times is as follows:
“Beginning February 5, the New York Times will eliminate a number of print but mostly online-only bestseller lists.
Continuing:
“the discontinued lists did not reach or resonate with many readers. This change allows us to expand our coverage of these books in ways that we think will better serve readers and attract new audiences to the genres.”
Pamela Paul, editor of the New York Times Book Review, was ultimately responsible for the policy shift. On her Twitter she explained:
Quick note to fellow comics/graphic novel fans: The Times is not cutting back on coverage of these genres/formats but rather…. 1/2
— Pamela Paul (@PamelaPaulNYT) January 26, 2017
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…expanding on coverage in ways that reach more readers than the lists did. To wit: new graphic reviews by comic artists, more reviews 2/3
— Pamela Paul (@PamelaPaulNYT) January 26, 2017
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…and more news and features about then genre and it’s creators. We are big fans, and want to recognize growing readership. Stay tuned. 3/3
— Pamela Paul (@PamelaPaulNYT) January 26, 2017
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Obviously, this change is not making many creators too happy. Stay tuned, kids…