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Barnes & Noble looks to sell publishing arm, keeps the other to hold a Nook Tablet

In a sign of ever shifting priorities in the ole book business, Nook's papa is reportedly looking to sell its publishing unit, Sterling Publishing. According to the Wall Street Journal, B&N acquired Sterling in 2003, ramping up its publishing efforts after more than 30 years in the business. News of a possible sale follows last month's Q2 earnings report that saw a $6.6 million net loss for the bookseller. That same quarter, the company's Nook business took an 85 percent leap forward, landing it a $220 million value. Barnes & Noble has yet to comment.