Olivier Nora launches own publishing house after Grasset ouster
Respected French publisher Olivier Nora has unveiled his new venture, Olivier Nora Éditions, four months after his exit from Grasset on April 14, 2026. With minority support from Editis, the generalist publishing house plans to publish between 30 and 50 titles each year, commencing in October 2026. The inaugural releases will feature "Mémoires provisoires" by Bernard-Henri Lévy and "Sermons sous les décombres" by Delphine Horvilleur, produced in collaboration with Plon. Editis, under the ownership of Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, will handle distribution and services. Nora's departure, orchestrated by Vincent Bolloré of Hachette, incited backlash from authors, including Virginie Despentes, who demand a "conscience clause" due to Bolloré's ultraconservative stance.
Key facts
- Olivier Nora launches Olivier Nora Éditions with minority support from Editis.
- New house will publish 30-50 titles per year, starting October 2026.
- First two books: Bernard-Henri Lévy's 'Mémoires provisoires' and Delphine Horvilleur's 'Sermons sous les décombres', co-published with Plon.
- Editis provides distribution via Interforum and other services.
- Nora was ousted from Grasset on April 14, 2026, by Vincent Bolloré.
- Authors demanded a 'conscience clause' after his departure.
- Virginie Despentes and Sorj Chalandon refused to publish new books with Grasset.
- Editis's main shareholder is Daniel Kretinsky.
Entities
Artists
- Olivier Nora
- Bernard-Henri Lévy
- Delphine Horvilleur
- Virginie Despentes
- Sorj Chalandon
Institutions
- Grasset
- Editis
- Hachette
- Plon
- Interforum
- AFP
Locations
- France