Turning the Page: Associated Press to Discontinue Weekly Book Reviews

The Associated Press will soon close the chapter on its weekly book review program. In a memo sent to freelance reviewers, the AP confirmed the change will take effect September 1, ending a long-running tradition of regularly published critiques.

While the AP will continue to cover books as newsworthy stories, future coverage will be produced by in-house journalists rather than outside reviewers. The organization emphasized there will be no changes to staff positions.

“This was a difficult decision,” the memo stated, explaining that the move followed a comprehensive review of readership data and client usage. “Unfortunately, the audience for book reviews is relatively low and we can no longer sustain the time it takes to plan, coordinate, write and edit reviews.”

Freelance reviewers with assignments scheduled through August 31 will still see their work published, and all invoices must be submitted by September 15.

The decision reflects broader industry trends, as many media outlets are reevaluating book coverage in light of shifting audience engagement and resource priorities. While formal reviews may be ending, the AP’s pivot suggests that books will remain part of its news narrative—just in a different format.