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John Grisham Novel Adapted For the Stage

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

A Broadway version of John Grisham's novel, A Time to Kill, is in the works. The book was adapted for the stage by Tony Award winner Rupert Holmes. The play will premiere on May 6, 2011 at the Washington based Arena Stage and will run through June 19 before moving to Broadway. Here is a description of the play from the Arena Stage.

John Grisham's stunning first novel comes to the stage in this world premiere adaptation by Tony Award winner Rupert Holmes. After an unspeakable crime is committed against his daughter, Carl Lee Hailey takes the law into his own hands. Now on trial for murder, Carl Lee's only hope lies with two young, idealistic lawyers who are outmatched by a formidable district attorney and under attack from both sides of a racially divided city. A Time to Kill asks audiences to consider the true meaning of justice.

You can read more about the upcoming play here and here.

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Senator Scott Brown Lands Deal to Publish Memoirs

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST

HarperCollins has announced the acquisition of a currently untitled memoir by Senator Scott Brown, the United States Senator from Massachusetts. The deal was negotiated by Jonathan Burnham, Senior Vice President and Publisher, Harper, and Brown's attorney, Robert B. Barnett of Williams & Connolly. The book will be published in early, 2011. Senator Brown will submit his publishing agreement to the Senate Ethics Committee for approval, which is in accordance with Senate rules.

In his book, Senator Brown will write about his family background, his early career, and his ascent to the office of Massachusetts senator, one of the biggest political stories of 2010. Brown will also discuss the policies and issues he cares about most.

Jonathan Burnham says, "Scott Brown's remarkable rise to the US Senate is merely one part of a life spent fighting for the values he believes in. His own story is one of extraordinary courage, persistence, and hope - it is full of surprises and will make for a vitally important book that will inspire others to follow Senator Brown's footsteps. I am delighted Harper will be publishing it."

Senator Brown says, "I am humbled to have the opportunity to share my personal story in hopes to inform, encourage and inspire others."

Photo: Scott Brown's Facebook

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Hilary Duff Lands Deal for Young Adult Fiction Series

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

Hilary Duff has signed a deal with Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers to publish a young adult fiction series. The first novel in the series, Elixir, will be published in hardcover in October 2010. Simon & Schuster also secured world rights for a nonfiction title to be published in spring 2012. The nonfiction book will be about the challenges faced by children of divorce, an issue that has touched Hilary's own life.

Simon & Schuster says Hilary Duff's Elixir series "combines the overpowering allure of a dangerous love triangle with thrilling international adventure." Here is a description of the book from the Simon & Schuster press release.

Clea Raymond is a talented young photojournalist who has spent her entire life in the spotlight as the daughter of a Washington politician and a renowned surgeon. Haunted by the strange appearance of a mysterious young man in her photographs, Clea travels the globe with her best friends, Rayna and Ben, in a race against time to unravel a centuries-old mystery that could unlock the key to her soulmate's true identity and the secret of her father's disappearance--and ultimately save all their lives.

Hilary Duff says, "I've always loved the escape of a great book, especially one that features a strong, inspiring female character you feel you really understand, someone who could be you, but living a more fascinating life. I'm hoping Elixir will be that kind of book--a novel that will transport readers and open new worlds for them."

Justin Chanda negotiated the book deal for Simon & Schuster, with Rob Weisbach and Fonda Snyder of Rob Weisbach Creative Management representing Hilary Duff. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers Executive Editor Emily Meehan will edit the books.

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Precious Wins Two Academy Awards

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST

The film, Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire, won two Oscars at the 82nd Academy Awards including Best Adapted Screenplay for Geoffrey Fletcher. Actress Mo'Nique won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as an abusive mother. As the film's name clearly indicates the movie is based on novel, Push, written by Sapphire. The book and film are about Precious Jones, an illiterate sixteen-year-old, who has a father who rapes her and mother who batters her. The authorities dismiss her as just one more of Harlem's casualties. Precious, pregnant with a second child by her father, meets a determined teacher who teacher her how to write about her life and but how to make it truly her own for the first time.

You can find ongoing coverage of the Oscars, including fashion coverage, here on ShoppingBlog.com's Oscars' section.

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Lindsay Lohan Writing Her Memoirs

Fri, 5 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST

Lindsay Lohan is writing her memoirs. According to OK magazine, Lindsay wants to share her story with the world. And she has plenty to talk about. For one thing, she says going to rehab was like going on vacation. OK reports:

She told us: "Well, the second two times I went into rehab, to be honest with you, I had to go because it was a court thing. It was an obligation. I had to do it to stay out of getting any jail time. And I took responsibility for that. And it was like a vacation."

"I love meeting new people and seeing what they've been experiencing. That's what I go through in different characters. And I met some great people.

"It was a nice time to shut everyone off for a while because there was so much noise. There were some things I had done... I had put myself in situations which I probably should have thought through."

Lindsay, who has been to rehab three times, says she does still drink alcohol but that she has it under control. Recent tabloid reports would seem to contradict that optimistic view, but there's no question people will want to read Lindsay's book -- so long as 1) she hires a really good ghostwriter and 2) she includes lots of photos.

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Peter Parker Gets Fired

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST

Hard times have come to Spider-Man's alter ego, Peter Parker. Peter is about to be fired from his job.

Peter Parker, official photographer of the mayor by day and New York City crime fighter by night, is going to face new challenges, including unemployment. "He's going to struggle with unemployment and trying to save the city while he can barely afford to keep a roof over his head," said Steve Wacker, Marvel Comics senior editor.

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In the near future, Parker will have to juggle paying bills and buying "web-fluid" and other materials to fix his superhero costume in addition to keeping his dual identities under wraps.

The issue of the Amazing Spider-Man where Peter loses his job is on newsstands this week.

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Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Wed, 3 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

From Seth Grahame-Smith, the man who wrote the New York Times bestselling book Pride and Prejudice and Zombies comes a new tale of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Yes, it's kind of ridiculous, and yes, of course we'll read it. Lincoln and vampires: what's not to love? Here's the book trailer in which Honest Abe kicks some vampire butt. Take a look:

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Author Barry Hannah Dead at 67

Tue, 2 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST

The Oxford, Mississippi newspaper The Oxford Eagle, confirms the death of writer Barry Hannah, author of Geronimo Rex and High Lonesome. Hannah was 67 and the head of the MFA program in creative writing at the University of Mississippi. He authored eight novels and short stories. He died just a few days before the Oxford Conference for the Book, which will now be dedicated to him and his work. The New York Times reports:

The Lafayette County coroner told The A.P. that Mr. Hannah died Monday afternoon of "natural causes," but declined to elaborate until he had provided details to the author's wife, Susan. The coroner said the death was not under investigation.

Mr. Hannah's first novel, Geronimo Rex, the unsparing coming-of-age story of the high schooler Harry Munroe, was nominated for a National Book Award and won the William Faulkner prize after its publication in 1972. His 1996 short story collection, High Lonesome, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, and his work is to be among the subjects of the coming Oxford Conference on the Book, which begins on Thursday.

The author Richard Ford, a friend, told The A.P.: "Barry could somehow make the English sentence generous and unpredictable, yet still make wonderful sense, which for readers is thrilling. You never knew the source of the next word. But he seemed to command the short story form and the novel form and make those forms up newly for himself."

Our condolences to his friends and family.

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Anne Rice Short Story Gets Vooked

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST

The Wall Street Journal reports that an ebook company named Vook is releasing a digital version of Anne Rice's 1984 vampire short story, "The Master of Rampling Gate." Here is a trailer of Vook's version of the short story. Take a look:

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Barnes and Noble Reports Declining Profits and Margins

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST

Barnes and Noble, the U.S.' largest bookstore chain, reported a decline in its third quarter profit and projected a fourth quarter which missed analysts' estimates.

Net income dropped to $80.4 million, or $1.40 a share, in the quarter ended Jan. 30 from $81.2 million, or $1.43, a year earlier, the New York-based company said today in a statement. The fourth-quarter loss will be 85 cents to $1.15 a share, the company said. Five analysts estimated a loss of 61 cents, on average, in a Bloomberg survey.

Gross margin, the percentage of sales left after the cost of goods sold, narrowed 370 basis points to 28.3 percent in the quarter. The Barnes & Noble College bookstores bought in September accounted for 270 basis points of the drop because textbooks are less profitable, Chief Financial Officer Joseph Lombardi said on a conference call. A higher percentage of online sales, including digital books and the Nook e-reading device, also ate into margins, he said.

"The main negative was their guidance for the fourth quarter and the gross margin overhang for Barnes & Noble College as well as the Nook," said Michael Souers, an equity analyst with Standard & Poor's in New York. "There's a longer-term impact there that investors are worrying about."

The Nook was a PR disaster for the company, especially in light of Steve Jobs' determination to destroy both the Kindle and the Nook with his iPad. Because of the jobless recovery, it's going to be a tough year ahead for all booksellers.

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Reader's Digest Emerges From Bankruptcy

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST

Reader's Digest Association Inc. has emerged from bankruptcy, after the successful implementation of its prepackaged plan of reorganization. The company now has 75% less debt. ABC reports:

Reader's Digest, which filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors in August, comes out of bankruptcy with $525 million in exit financing and a new board of directors that includes Fredric Reynolds, former chief financial officer of CBS Corp (CBS.N).

The company, best known for its namesake magazine, had been laboring under almost $2.3 billion in debt before filing for bankruptcy. But under its reorganization, the company was able to cancel hundreds of millions of dollars in debt and restructure other loans to save money.

Holders of Reader's Digest pre-petition senior secured debt will receive almost all of the new common stock. Private equity firm Ripplewood, which bought the company in 2007 for $1.6 billion, has no ownership stake going forward.

Over time, Reader's Digest has moved away from being known solely for its cornerstone magazine, expanding into some 78 branded websites, and selling as many as 40 million books, music and video products around the world each year. It also publishes food and lifestyle magazine Every Day with Rachael Ray.

The New York Times has an interesting article about the founding of the original magazine and mail order service, and how it changed over time.

Posted in ____

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James Patterson Pens Comic Books

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

We're not sure when author James Patterson sleeps. Well, he's about to be even busier as he tackles the world of comics.

"Comics could reach a much larger audience than they do right now," says Patterson, who often works with co-authors and whose thrillers are frequently at or near the top of USA Today's Best-Selling Books list. "With all of the quality work and talent that's out there, this industry could be so much bigger."

First up for release will be a five-part comic series based on the writer's best-selling young-adult novel Witch & Wizard. The new series, subtitled Shadowland, will be written by Dara Naraghi, with Patterson heavily involved in the story direction. (He is not involved with the artwork.) The Wizard series launch will be followed in June by a four-issue comic adaptation of Patterson's 2009 book The Murder of King Tut. Alexander Irvine will do the heavy lifting in terms of writing duties.

Patterson says he is excited at the prospect of translating King Tut -- a "non-fiction thriller" that investigates the mysterious death of the Egyptian pharaoh -- into a comic-book format. "We saw the potential there and worked with IDW to expand on it. It's going to be a very interesting series." Under the agreement, Patterson will also write original comic-book stories. "We're doing an all-new series called Beer Belly and the Fat Boy. I can't get into the details, but it's a lot of fun."

We wonder if the recent claims by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities that King Tut died of malaria will alter plans for the Tut comic? Probably not, given the fact that three esteemed experts interviewed by the Discovery Channel cast doubt on the Council's findings. In fact one of the experts pretty much says that the Egyptian Council's findings are a load of nonsense -- naturally, he says it in politer terms.

As for the comic, a murder makes for a more interesting story than death by malaria.

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Tori Spelling Writing Children's Book

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST

Tori Spelling is writing a children's book. The book called Presenting ... Tallulah will be published by Simon & Schuster's Aladdin imprint. It will be illusrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton.

Spelling, whose acting credits include TV show Beverly Hills 90210, has already written an autobiography sTORI Telling and follow-up book Mommywood about being a Hollywood mother of young children. Her third adult book, tentatively titled Uncharted terriTORI, is due to go on sale in June.

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"I love reading to my kids. It's our special time together. That and my passion for story telling inspired me to write a children's book of my own to read to them and children everywhere," said Spelling, 36, in a statement.

Tori is now filming season four of her reality television series Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood.

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Stan Lee to Write Comic Book Series About Himself

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Stan Lee has written many comic books about super heroes. Now he has going to write a series that includes himself. Reuters reports that Stan Lee's upcoming comic book series, Super Seven, is about seven aliens who are stranded on Earth. Stan Lee acts as a friend and mentor to the stranded aliens.

"Nothing is more exciting to me, as a writer, than creating a new type of story or introducing a new theme. Although I've briefly appeared in other comics, 'Super Seven' is the first time that I'll actually be a continuing character in a far-out, original superhero series," Lee said in a statement.

Lee and his then collaborator Jack Kirby appeared as themselves on the cover of a 1963 "Fantastic Four" comic book, and Lee has appeared in cameo roles in many of the movies based on the characters he helped to create for Marvel Comics.

MTV's Splashpage says Stan Lee's Super Seven will also debut as an animated tv series this fall.

Photo: Stan Lee's Twitter

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Francine Pascal Writing Racy Sweet Valley High Sequel

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST

Francine Pascal, the creator of the popular Sweet Valley High series has announced that she is writing a shocking sequel that will follow the beloved Wakefield twins, Elizabeth and Jessica, into their thirties.

The new book, Sweet Valley Confidential, takes place 12 years after the high school series, when the twins and their friends are in their late 20s and early 30s. It will, according to publisher St Martin's Press, see "the real world intrude after a perfect childhood". "I've had thousand of queries from fans over the years wondering what Jessica and Elizabeth would be like as adults. Well, Sweet Valley Confidential should give them all the answers," said Pascal, who was originally inspired to write the series by the experiences of her three daughters. "And I can guarantee they will be very surprised. Actually, more like shocked."

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St Martin's Press, which will publish the novel in early 2011, gave away little about the plot but fans are already speculating about which direction Pascal will take her characters. "Most everyone hopes Elizabeth and Todd are married, but we all have an idea Liz is having an affair if that's the case," said one reader, who has written about the entire series on her blog, Shannon's Sweet Valley High blog. "We figure Jessica has probably gone to Hollywood to be a star, but some of us are kind of hoping she's failed. Because seriously, that girl has had it too easy. And of course we all want to see the return of Lila, Bruce and the other side characters. It just wouldn't be Sweet Valley without them. A few of my readers are hoping Lila and Bruce are married, but I'd rather see Lila and Jessica trolling for guys together like they always have."

Director Diablo Cody (Juno, Jennifer's Body) is currently making a film based on the original books. As for the sequel, it sounds like it's going to have a definite Valley of the Dolls vibe. But, you know, updated for modern readers.

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Independent Bookstore Closures Increasing in U.K.

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST

A dismal new report reveals that independent bookstores in the United Kingdom are closing at the rate of two per week. The Guardian reports:

With independents blaming increased competition from the internet, supermarkets, a declining British high street and the credit crunch for their troubles, figures from the Booksellers Association show that 102 independent stores closed in 2009, leaving just 1,289 left in the UK -- a decline of 27% since 1999. Last year also saw the 45-store book chain Borders fall into administration, while like-for-like sales at Waterstone's were down by 8.5% in the crucial Christmas trading period.

"The current economic climate is undeniably tough and the book retail sector is suffering across the board," said the Booksellers Association's head of membership services Meryl Halls. She called on readers to support independents, saying that those shops which "are fighting so hard to survive continue to deliver an outstanding service - knowing the books they recommend and sell, knowing their customers, focusing on things that the deep price cutters can't offer and running fantastic and value-adding events".

"These booksellers are at the centre of their communities but, as with all retailers, they need to be supported in order to survive," she said.

On the bright side, the Booksellers Association also reported that 40 new independent bookstores opened during 2009, including a foray into bookselling by literary agents Sarah Lutyens and Felicity Rubinstein. They opened a new store in Notting Hill in October.

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Katherine Heigl is Stephanie Plum

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST

It's been a very long wait for Janet Evanovich fans. But finally the Stephanie Plum movie appears to be a go. Reese Witherspoon was attached to the project for three years, but that deal never came together. Now Katherine Heigl has stepped in as the bounty hunter with an attitude in One For the Money. Variety reports:

Reese Witherspoon was previously attached to take on the role, but the project has been dormant for several years. Heigl's interest has put the project back on the fast track, with Andrea Giannetti overseeing for the studio. Col[umbia] and Lakeshore will next look to attach a director.

Lakeshore's Tom Rosenberg and Gary Lucchesi are producing "One for the Money" with Wendy Finerman ("The Devil Wears Prada"). Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith penned the screenplay, and Liz Brixius has been brought onboard to do a polish.

In addition to her continuing gig on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," Heigl has upcoming film roles in "Killers" for Lionsgate and "Life as We Know It" for Warner Bros.

Katherine Heigl? That's a surprise, but the more we think about it the more we like it. She certainly can do the attitude part and we think she can do action. So far Janet Evanovich hasn't given a detailed comment about the casting: she announced it on her website and noted that she's not involved with the casting. No other casting choices have been mentioned yet (the film doesn't even have a director) and we're waiting anxiously to to hear who the male leads will be.

Photo: Screenshot from The Ugly Truth

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Kate Gosselin Writing New Book

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST

Kate Gosselin is writing a third book. People reports:

The reality star is scheduled to release I Just Want You to Know: Letters to My Kids on Love, Faith and Family on April 13 by Zondervan Publishers. The personal book will feature prayers, excerpts from her journal and eight individual letters addressed to each one of her children.

"Each day the thought crosses my mind that when they get older, my kids are going to look back and think about how they were raised," Gosselin says in a statement. "I know they will have a lot of questions about things that may not make sense because they were raised so unconventionally. I don't want them to grow up and wonder; I want them to know without a shadow of a doubt how much I love them and how much every sacrifice made was worth it for them."

Kate's last two books, Multiple Blessings and Eight Little Faces, were New York Times bestsellers.

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Lauren Conrad Talks Sweet Little Lies

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

Lauren Conrad is out on a book tour for her latest book, Sweet Little Lies. The book is a sequel to her The New York Times bestseller, LA Candy. Lauren says her new book gets a little deeper into Hollywood.

"I think that if fans take anything away from the book, [they should realize] there's a back side to every story," she told MTV News while on her book tour. "And when you're reading tabloids and seeing these people's lives exposed, it does affect them and it is hard to go through as a young girl."

Conrad, who left "The Hills" last year, revealed that when it comes to dealing with the pressures of fame she and Jane both realize "you live and learn," adding, "I think we deal with it the same."

Lauren's Sweet Little Lies book tour runs through February 18th. You can find the schedule on her website, laurenconrad.com.

Photo: Lauren Conrad

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J.D. Salinger's Widow Thanks Town for Guarding Their Privacy For Many Years

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST

J.D. Salinger's widow, Colleen Salinger, wrote a letter the Cornish Valley News thanking the community for helping guard her husband's privacy over the years. The entire town worked to ensure the privacy of its most famous resident. Storekeepers would even give tourists incorrect directions to his house.

"Cornish is a truly remarkable place. This beautiful spot afforded my husband a place of awayness from the world. The people of this town protected him and his right to his privacy for many years. I hope, and believe, they will do the same for me," Colleen Salinger, also known locally as Colleen O'Neill, wrote in an e-mail yesterday to the Valley News.

For more than five decades, the author's neighbors and friends hid his whereabouts from what Cornish resident Peter Burling called "the annual parade of English majors." It was, "one of the most enjoyable municipal conspiracies ever, how to keep everyone guessing where Jerry Salinger lived," said Burling, who for 44 years has lived several doors from Salinger's Lang Road home.

"You very quickly got kind of wrapped up in the joke of it all. They were all so desperate to see if they could talk to the great man," he said. Few of them -- from away -- actually did. A favorite pastime at Cornish General Store, in Cornish Flat, was sending people searching for Salinger out into the weeds.

"I never told where he lived," Mike Ackerman, a 42-year-old Cornish native who's run the store for two years, said yesterday. The directions given to Salinger-seekers varied, he said. "It really depended on the attitude of the person coming in how much fun we would have with that person," said Ackerman, who met Salinger when he was working for UPS and delivered packages to the author's house.

How hilarious is that? The entire town conspired to keep the press English majors away. The townspeople quoted in the article said Salinger was quite a nice neighbor. The UPS delivery man said he would pass the time of day when he delivered his packages. That certainly doesn't jibe with some of the unflattering reports about the reclusive author.

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12,000 Ricky Gervais Flanimal Books Stolen

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST

A shipment of 12,000 Flanimals Pop-Up children's books written by comedian Ricky Gervais has was stolen on the way to Candlewick Press' Indiana warehouse. The books are worth $240,000, so the police are treating as as grand theft and are investigating.

After being printed overseas, the books were shipped by boat to the west coast, then transferred to a train and later a truck; the driver discovered the books were missing after a stop in the Midwest.

Flanimals Pop-Up, illustrated by Rob Steen, will be released on March 9. According to the publisher, the theft will have no impact on the book's availability on that date. Flanimals Pop-Up is the first Flanimals title from Candlewick; Putnam has published two Flanimals picture books: Flanimals (2005) and More Flanimals (2006).

Gervais issued a statement about the theft, saying: "This is obviously a misguided Flanimal Rights Group or an organized gang of eight-year-olds. Just like the books, the thieves will fold under questioning." If the police have any suspects, they aren't saying so.

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Book Wars: Amazon Caves Into MacMillan Pricing Demands

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST

The Book Wars began over Christmas when Wal-Mart and Amazon.com got into a pricing war over the sale of hardcover bestsellers. But that was nothing compared to what's coming. With the launch of Apple's iPad and Steve Jobs' announcement that he's going to sell ebooks for around $15.00 a book (Amazon.com sells them for around $9.99 or less), the Books Wars just went into a very hot phase.

This particular battle started when MacMillan asked Amazon.com to raise the price of all its ebooks for the Kindle from $9.99 to $15.00. Amazon.com refused and removed the buy button from all MacMillan titles. The New York Times reports:

Motoko Rich, my colleague, spoke with a person who had a direct conversation with a person at Macmillan familiar with the conversations with Amazon. Macmillan offered Amazon the opportunity to buy Kindle editions on the same "agency" model as it will sell e-books to Apple for the iPad. Under this model, the publisher sets the consumer book price and takes 70 percent of each sale, leaving 30 percent to the retailer. Macmillan said Amazon could continue to buy e-books under its current wholesale model, paying the publisher 50 percent of the hardcover list price while pricing the e-book at any level Amazon chooses, but that Macmillan would delay those e-book editions by seven months after hardcover release. Amazon's removal of Macmillan titles on Friday appears to be a direct reaction to that.

Later, Amazon.com announced that it was knuckling under to MacMillan, but that it was very unhappy about the forced price increase to its customers. Here's Amazon.com's statement:

Dear Customers:

Macmillan, one of the "big six" publishers, has clearly communicated to us that, regardless of our viewpoint, they are committed to switching to an agency model and charging $12.99 to $14.99 for e-book versions of bestsellers and most hardcover releases.

We have expressed our strong disagreement and the seriousness of our disagreement by temporarily ceasing the sale of all Macmillan titles. We want you to know that ultimately, however, we will have to capitulate and accept Macmillan's terms because Macmillan has a monopoly over their own titles, and we will want to offer them to you even at prices we believe are needlessly high for e-books. Amazon customers will at that point decide for themselves whether they believe it's reasonable to pay $14.99 for a bestselling e-book. We don't believe that all of the major publishers will take the same route as Macmillan. And we know for sure that many independent presses and self-published authors will see this as an opportunity to provide attractively priced e-books as an alternative.

Kindle is a business for Amazon, and it is also a mission. We never expected it to be easy!

Thank you for being a customer.

This is just one battle in what is going to be a long war over the price of ebooks.

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Borders Lays Off 164 Employees

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST

Publisher's Weekly reports that Borders has laid off another 164 people in its distribution centers and its corporate headquarters.

In the newest round of cuts, 124 corporate jobs were eliminated at Borders' Ann Arbor headquarters and other offices with 40 coming at its warehouses and distribution centers. The downsizing is a response to poor holiday sales and the closing of 183 outlets in the Walden specialty group. A majority of the corporate cuts came in the company's finance and information technology divisions. The company said in an e-mail to employees that it is evaluating the staffing needs of its stores and changes could come in a few weeks. Employee blogs are filled with speculation that store cuts are imminent.

PW says that the company is also planning more cuts to the workforce at its stores. Last year the company laid off 700 store employees.

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Catcher in the Rye Author J.D. Salinger Dead at 91

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST

J.D. Salinger has died at the age of 91. The reclusive author of The Catcher in the Rye was a controversial figure in his later years, refusing all interviews and claiming that he hasn't written a book since 1965. He died at his home, according to his literary agent. CNN reports:

The author died Wednesday of natural causes at his home in New Hampshire, according to a family statement that his literary agent, Phyllis Westberg, provided Thursday. "Despite having broken his hip in May, his health had been excellent until a rather sudden decline after the new year," the statement said. "He was not in any pain before or at the time of his death."

Salinger has long been known for his reclusiveness, and "in keeping with his life long, uncompromising desire to protect and defend his privacy there will be no service," the statement said. "The family asks that people's respect for him, his work, and his privacy be extended to them, individually and collectively, during this time." Though he wrote more than 30 short stories and a handful of novellas -- many published in The New Yorker and collected in works such as "Nine Stories" and "Seymour: An Introduction" -- Salinger's fame rests on "Catcher," his only novel.

The book is narrated by a teenage boy, Holden Caulfield, who is expelled from a private school, Pencey Prep, in Pennsylvania, and spends the next three days wandering around New York. Caulfield is mistrustful of authority, railing against corrupt adults and "phonies," and plans to decamp for the west.

There are more than 60 million copies of his works in print.

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Harvard Business Review Press Inks Deal With Kindle

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:25:00 EST

The Harvard Business Review Press has teamed up with Amazon.com to make chapters from its books available on the Kindle. The publishers will start by offering chapters from ten of its books. The chapters offered will be sold under the name Harvard Business Review Short Cuts. Publisher's Weekly reports:

"We've chosen to make HBR Short Cuts available in the Kindle Store so that our readers can easily stay up to date on the latest business books we publish, as well as reference their previous favorites," said Joshua D. Macht, group publisher, Harvard Business Review Group. "Kindle makes the possibility of purchasing, downloading and reading a select and relevant chapter en route to a business meeting or while on a business trip a reality." HBP has priced the chapters at $3.95 and Amazon is selling them for $3.16.

The chapters will be exclusive to the Kindle Store for three months. The first round of topics will include strategy, leadership, innovation and management.

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Ursula Le Guin to File Objection to Google Book Settlement

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST

Bestselling fantasy author Ursula Le Guin will submit an objection to the Google Book Settlement, along with 365 other writers. Ms. Le Guin is vehemently opposed to the settlement and has been an outspoken critic of the agreement which she says takes away authors' rights.

Le Guin's petition asks Judge Denny Chin to exempt the United States from the revised legal settlement reached between Google and US authors and publishers over the Internet giant's vast digital book-scanning project. Chin is scheduled to hold a hearing on the revised agreement on February 18.

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In her petition, which is available on her website, ursulakleguin.com, Le Guin said the settlement was negotiated by the Authors Guild "without consultation with any other group of authors or American authors as a whole." "The Guild cannot and does not speak for all American writers," she said. "Its settlement cannot be seen as reflecting the will or interest of any group but the Guild." She said the National Writers Union, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America were among those opposed to the settlement.

"We ask that the United States also be exempted from the settlement," she said. "We ask that the principle of copyright, which is directly threatened by the settlement, be honored and upheld in the United States." "We urge our government and our courts to allow no corporation to circumvent copyright law or dictate the terms of that control," Le Guin said.

Several countries have already opted out of the settlement. Allowing the U.S. to be exempted from the settlement will scuttle the settlement once and for all.

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Concerns Grow Over Borders Financial Stability

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST

Publisher's Weekly reports that concerns are growing over the financial stability of Borders Books. Financial news service Debtwire reports that a group of small publishers are frustrated with Borders' slow payments, and are considering legal action.

In response, a Borders spokesperson said, "Borders Group has continued to pay its vendors and is not aware of any material disputes related to its December 2009 payments." Interviews with a number of publishers, both large and small, by PW found Borders to be current with its payments, though one small publisher stopped doing business with the chain at the end of 2008 because of its fragile financial condition. And while one of the large publishers interviewed by PW said Borders was current "on our terms," he nonetheless said the poor holiday performance and the continuing financial struggles of the chain were "very worrying."

The recession has been just brutal on bookstores. The holiday season was a real disappointment for most book retailers, which is leading to questions of financial stability. In any event, Borders is denying there is a problem paying vendors.

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HarperCollins to Sell Enhanced Ebooks for New Apple Tablet

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST

The Wall Street Journal reports that HarperCollins has been in talks with Apple to provide enhanced ebook content for the hotly anticipated Apple tablet computer. Apple won't comment, but HarperCollins says that the ebooks will retail for more than the $9.99 that many ebooks retail for on Amazon.com's Kindle. The enhanced books will feature author interviews and other content.

Brian Murray, the chief executive of HarperCollins, said in December that e-books enhanced with video, author interviews and social-networking applications could command higher retail prices for publishers than current e-books. Many of the country's largest publishing houses are worried about the sale of new bestsellers for only $9.99 in the e-book format. New releases of enhanced e-books could sell for $14.99 to $19.99, a person familiar with the situation said. HarperCollins is a unit of News Corp., which also owns The Wall Street Journal.

The HarperCollins negotiations with Apple represent a direct challenge to Amazon, which dominates the fast-growing e-book market but which could face significant competition from an Apple tablet.

HarperCollins is one of several major publishing houses that are holding back e-book versions of some new hardcover best sellers. The HarperCollins account of the 2008 presidential election, "Game Change," by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin, was released in hardcover Jan. 11 but the e-book edition doesn't go on sale until Feb. 23. Enhanced e-books likely would be available for sale simultaneously with the hardcovers.

The Kindle doesn't have color or video capability, and the Apple tablet is widely seen as a major Kindle competitor. It's not clear where the books will be sold, but it makes sense that they would be sold at the iTunes store. The tablet, which Apple still hasn't even officially confirmed the existence of, will debut January 27.

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Borders Throwing Away Books From Closed Waldenbooks

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST

Employees of Borders reveal that the company is going to throw away thousands of books instead of donating them to libraries or shelters. The books will be trashed when more Waldenbooks stores are closed.

Last month, corporate parent Borders announced they will soon be closing 200 Waldenbooks book stores in communities nationwide. Current Waldenbooks employees have come forward to alert the public that the company plans to dispose of many unsold books in the cheapest, easiest, least responsible way possible - by trashing them.

"This is going to be happening in all the Waldenbooks stores at the end of their liquidation sales to anything left on the shelves," said Heather L., a Waldenbooks employee. "And it gives us all stomach aches to think about."

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Former Waldenbooks employees say they have previously witnessed and participated in the destruction of unsold books. "I used to work at a Waldenbooks and we would trash books, tons of books, like every two weeks," said Brooke Bennett, a former employee from Little Rock, AR. "It just killed me." Known in the bookselling industry as "dumpstering," this method of book disposal is standard practice not only at Borders-owned stores, but at many other chain book stores and mass retailers.

This is just appalling. There are so many organizations that would be happy to take the books, and many of them would pick them up.

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Robert B. Parker Dead at 77

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST

Robert B. Parker, the bestselling author of the Spenser detective novels has died suddenly at his home of a heart attack. He was 77 years old and was found at his desk, working on a new book. The New York Times reports:

Robert B. Parker, the best-selling mystery writer who created Spenser, a tough, glib, Boston private detective who was the hero of nearly 40 novels, died on Monday at home in Cambridge, Mass. He was 77.

The cause was a heart attack, said his agent of 37 years, Helen Brann. She said Mr. Parker had been thought to be in splendid health, and that he died at his desk, working on a book. He wrote every single day, she said.

We send our condolences to his family and friends during this sad time.

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Avon Buys Top Authors' Contracts From Dorchester

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:40:00 EST

Dorchester has sold the frontlist and backlist of a number of its top authors to Avon. Dearauthor quotes an Avon statment about the purchase:

HarperCollins has acquired several frontlist and backlist titles from Dorchester publishing and has also extended its distribution partnership. Authors include titles from Victoria Alexander, Nina Bangs, Christine Feehan, Sandra Hill, Marjorie M. Liu, Katie MacAlister, Lynsay Sands and CL Wilson. We are currently scheduling the Avon release of these books, and will sell, market and publish all acquired titles by these authors on a go-forward basis. We look forward to working with these talented authors to futher grow their brand recognition.

Marjorie Liu blogged about the surprise sale of her contract:

I am now writing for Avon, who will publish the entire Dirk & Steele series--the nine titles that have already been released, and two new books that are upcoming. I admit: I am very excited by this. When I first confirmed the news on Twitter, I think some folks were understandably confused by what it all means, and whether it's a good thing or not...but from my point of view, it's great. This is a new adventure and a fantastic opportunity, and I'm looking forward, very much, to writing my next two books with Avon.

Dirk & Steele has moved to a good home, and as an author who cares deeply about her books, that's a gift.

There have been rumors about Dorchester having financial troubles for some time and the closing of the Shomi line was not a good sign. We are glad that these authors (all of whom we read regularly) are landing at Avon. Does this mean we can read Marjorie's books on our Kindle soon? We certainly hope so.

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Random House Children's Screen Entertainment to Raise $100 Million

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:25:00 EST

Nikki Finke reports that Random House Children's Books is moving forward to obtain funding for its new media venture, Random House Children's Screen Entertainment (RHCSE), which will produce movies and other projects based on Random House Children's Books.

This March, UK-based Kommixx Entertainment, the film and television production company backed by Swiss venture fund EAM Private Capital, intends to go out into the market for RHCSE in March. It may yet approach an existing film and television financier such as Aramid Capital to help it raise the money. The $100M will be used to develop cartoons and live-action films and television series based on RHCB properties, as well as video games and toys. The deal includes authors like Jacqueline Wilson, whose Tracy Beaker character is already a hit for the BBC, The Golden Compass author Philip Pullman; and Terry Pratchett, whose Discworld novels are enormously popular with UK readers. Children's illustrators on Random House's books include Quentin Blake, Shirley Hughes and John Burningham.

Random House Children's Screen Entertainment is a full-service production house. It is now looking to raise $100 million in funding to move forward with its programming plans. So long as the capital markets like the idea, it shouldn't be a problem. Why wait around to see if a studio will film one of your books when you can just raise the money and do it yourself?

Posted in Movies

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