Time to go ugh for book lovers everywhere. The LA Times has laid off all of its freelance reviewers and columnists. Reason: big freelance budget cuts at the paper. Publishers Weekly says it means all books-related stories will now be done in-house. And oh, in case you wondered, there are four staffers who remain in the once-vaunted book review section.
Context: The freelancers were actually jettisoned July 21, and we’re just now learning about it. It’s part of a much larger new round of bloodletting at the LAT. Kevin Roderick at LA Observed says lots of reports coming in about well-known bylines who have or are in the process of getting their walking papers today.
Noted: Among the early known casualties: NBA writer Mark Heisler.
