Lighthouse Publishing and Best Selling Author Raymond Lumsden Agree to Contract Extension

Best selling and critically acclaimed author/screenwriter, Raymond Lumsden has agreed to a multi-book contract extension with publishing giant Lighthouse Publishing. Mr. Lumsden achieved publishing notoriety with his first release, titled "Stronger by the Day", which has sold nearly 4 million copies to date, and has received numerous awards and recognitions. Mr. Lumsden's second book, titled "Stronger than Ever", is scheduled for release in 2009, and is already receiving rave reviews from both critics and professionals within the publishing industry.

The new contract extension guarantees publication from Mr. Lumsden's next three books and keeps them under contract until 2012. The financial aspects of the contract extension are not entirely known at this time, however are believed to guarantee Mr. Lumsden nearly $3 million in signing compensation, as well as a larger share of future book profits. The contract extension also empowers Mr. Lumsden with greater editing and publishing authority.

Mr. Lumsden is expected to begin movie production on the self written screenplay for his first book of the same title, "Stronger by the Day", in Feb. of 2010. It is not yet known whether the contract extension delegates future screenplay or film rights.

Mr. Lumsden is currently busy writing his third book, which tackles the issues and obscurities of the United States Prison Labor System. Representatives for Mr. Lumsden are currently in discussions with various production companies in an attempt to negotiate a documentary film based on these issues. Among his many accolades and public achievements, Mr. Lumsden has received awards for Best Speaker/Most Inspirational. Mr. Lumsden has recently concluded the final development of his own Child Advocacy/Charity Foundation in Dallas, Texas. A foundation is scheduled to open March 1, 2010.

Bridge-Logos to Distribute Fiction Book by Wendy Alec

Bridge-Logos will distribute The Chronicles of Brothers, a seven-book series, the first book of which sold over 40,000 copies in North America alone. 

"We are pleased to introduce the first two titles in this very popular series. The second edition of Book 1 - The Fall of Lucifer is completely uncut and just as the author imagined. This is a complete and unabridged version, and it has never been released in this form to the American public before. Book 2 - Messiah: The First Judgment is also available for the first time in the United States."

These books are published by Warboys Publishing Limited. See the author, Wendy Alec, on GOD-TV, as she hosts with her husband, "Behind the Scenes With Rory & Wendy", and online 24/7. 

9 Year-Old Gets Six Figure Movie Deal

Fox Broadcasting Company will adapt a film from the self-help book of 9 year-old writer, Alex Greven. The fourth grader recently published book, "How to Talk to Girls" reaped a six-figure deal with the broadcasting company.

Greven's book was discovered after he began selling it as a handwritten pamphlet for $3 at a book fair at his school. The Colorado student later earned a publishing deal with Harper Collins, which led to the contract with Fox. Fox reportedly initially declined the book, but changed their mind after witnessing the high volume positive reception it has received.

Tips from "How to Talk to Girls" cover everything from how to dress and comb one's hair to cutting down on sugar to reduce being hyper. The book also identifies pretty girls as those who "have big earrings, fancy dresses and all the jewelry but are like cars that need a lot of oil."

Source: (WiredPRNews.com - Entertainment, News)

Simon & Schuster Audio to Publish "Panic' by Bestselling Author Michael Lewis

Simon & Schuster Audio will release (December 2008) Michael Lewis' powerful collection of reportage on the current financial crisis, and the mistakes leading up to the current economic state with "Panic!: The Story of Modern Financial Insanity." The audio features an exclusive interview with bestselling author Michael Lewis {recorded on November 18th, 2008} in which he brings up-to-date perspective to the ongoing economic collapse. Lewis selected several pieces of brilliant journalism to illuminate the most violent and costly upheavals in recent financial history: the Crash of '87, the Russian Default (and the subsequent collapse of Long Term Capital Management), the Asian Currency Crisis of 1999, the Internet Bubble, and the current Sub-Prime Mortgage Disaster. Among the selections are several pieces by Lewis himself, as well as contributions from Nobel Prize-winner Paul Krugman, James Surowiecki, and others writing in Fortune, The New Yorker, and The New York Times.

Some of the pieces take an in-depth look at factors leading up to the crash and show what people thought was happening at the time. Others analyze what actually happened. "Panic!" calls out the lessons that should have been learned along the way, but for the most part were ignored and led to the current financial crisis.

Juliet Johnson Signs with Haydenburri Lane

Juliet Johnson, author of the Mother's Day, 2008 release Somebody's Always Hungry, extends her universe as a motherhood blogger by signing today an agreement to pen a weekly blog on the website of Haydenburri Lane, a creative media company that specializes in solution-oriented entertainment focused on healthy habits and daily routines for children.

Launched in 2002 with the Bedtime Safari products, Haydenburri Lane has expanded its offering and vision to position itself as the childhood routine company. As part of that growth, in 2008 it launched the Rascals & Routines brand to establish Haydenburri Lane as "The Healthy Habits Place." Commencing with a distribution arrangement through Nordstrom stores, Haydenburri Lane's children's slippers, books and stuffed animals are a growing fixture in department stores, bookstores and gift shops throughout the world.

Juliet Johnson's blog for Haydenburri Lane is available at http://www.haydenburrilane.com/blog/index.php.

Ms. Johnson has experienced a very busy 2008. Already a popular motherhood blogger coming into the year, she began the New Year by establishing her own literary blogsite for adults (short stories, essays, reflections on life, humor). Her motherhood book Somebody's Always Hungry was released in May to glowing reviews and worldwide attention. "Cleverly disguised as a collection of anecdotes by a harried new mother who might be just like someone you know, the book is a lighthearted but gutsy meditation on time, mortality and surrender," said Imperfect Parent in its May 4th review. The book was featured in Foreword Magazine's July / August edition as one of the seven best motherhood books of the year: "...a great gift for a smart woman who suddenly finds that most of her conversations and activities revolve around providing food for ungrateful little people who make enormous messes."

Over that summer, leading home improvement maven Don Vandervort (HomeTips.com) read a copy of Johnson's book that had been given to his daughter-in-law after the birth of his grandchild and asked Ms. Johnson if she would be interested in blogging for his site. Thus, the popular blog Mom About the House was born in September. (http://hometips.com/mom-about-the-house.html)

Similarly, Haydenburri Lane founder and president Hilary Hayden Burri recognized a kindred spirit when she read the stories in Ms. Johnson's book. She believed that a Johnson blog would be an asset on her website. Called Safari Mom, it launches this week.

The book's website can be accessed at http://www.somebodysalwayshungry.com/. Ms. Johnson's two (funny and poignant) personal blogsites can be linked from there.

Juliet Johnson's plays have been produced at Mobtown Players, SoHo Repertory, The Samuel French One-Act Play Festival, and Coffeehouse Theater, among others. Her non-fiction has been published in Los Angeles Family, Mamazine, MOMbo and The Imperfect Parent, as well as in three anthologies.

An NYU grad, she grew up traipsing around the back lot of Universal Studios with her brothers while her dad made television shows. "Working on movies and T.V. made me think that dreams were possible, and that you could get paid a lot of money for standing around in your shorts." She currently lives on the outskirts of L.A. with her husband, her muses (Nathan, Emma and baby Lilly), her surfing stepson (sometimes) and Gramma Moose.

Somebody's Always Hungry is published by Nell Books, an imprint of Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing. It is distributed by Ingram Book Group and Baker & Taylor. (hard cover: ISBN #9781932279924, paperback: ISBN# 9781932279870)

Avon A to publish Michelle Obama Style Guide

In a post-election purchase, Avon Vice President and editorial Director Carrie Feron has acquired a yet-untitled MICHELLE OBAMA STYLE GUIDE, to be written by Mandi Norwood, an award-winning editor-in-chief of American and European women's magazines and successful author of numerous books. The Obama style guide will be published by Avon A/an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, in spring 2009. The timing is perfect: rumors are already flying that the First Lady will appear on Vogue's March 2009 cover.

Avon A's Michelle Obama style guide will be a four-color trade paperback, and will include design sketches, tips on how to achieve Obama's iconic style, and numerous related sidebar fashion features

Feron notes, "Not since Jackie O have we had a First Lady become a fashion icon. Michelle Obama will be one of history's most vibrant first ladies; she has a distinctive style that every American woman can aspire to...whether the consumer is a Target shopper, or someone more likely to be found on Miracle Mile."

Michelle Obama has a flair for fashion; and a keen sense on how to apply her tastes...tastefully...in a depressed economy. Michelle sported an H&M dress while campaigning in Detroit, Michigan. BlackBook magazine notes, "Given the economy’s recent downturn, it looks as though Michelle Obama’s style choices continue to be spot on." Her style runs the gamut: Narciso Rodriguez on Election Night; Chicago-based Maria Pinto for a post-election photo session at the White House; J. Crew casual on the campaign trail; emergent designer Thakoon at the DNC (note - Thakoon debuting an offshoot line at Target on Christmas Day).

Avon A is an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. HarperCollins, one of the largest English-language publishers in the world.

Tan Books and Publishers Acquired by Saint Benedict Press

A leading publisher of traditional Roman Catholic books has been acquired by Saint Benedict Press, LLC, a North Carolina-based publisher of Catholic Classics. Established in 1967, TAN Books and Publishers have published more than 600 books distinctive for their preservation of the traditional literature of the Roman Catholic Church. In recent years, TAN has struggled to survive financially and most recently has been operating under the protection of the United States Bankruptcy Court.

Early last week, the assets of TAN were purchased by the owners of Saint Benedict Press.

TAN Books and Publishers will remain an independent imprint within Saint Benedict Press, maintaining its brand identity and publishing direction under Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Brent Klaske, who will assume General Management duties. He will be based at TAN's Rockford, Illinois offices.

"This is an exciting new day for TAN," said Mr. Klaske. "As a 15-year Executive employee of TAN, I am thrilled that we will be able to continue our mission of sharing faithful Catholic books with people around the world. The resources and commitment that our new ownership brings to the table will ensure the future stability and growth of TAN while still maintaining our fidelity to the Catholic Church and its teachings."

Among the Classics published by TAN Books and Publishers are the Baltimore Catechism series, the Douay-Rheims Bible and dozens of biographical treatments by and about the Saints, including such favorites as St. Teresa of Avila's Conversation with Christ, St. John of the Cross's Dark Night of the Soul, The Secret of the Rosary by St. Louis de Montfort, and The Dialogue of St. Catherine of Siena.

To visit TAN Books and Publishers, please visit www.tanbooks.com.
To visit Saint Benedict Press, please visit www.saintbenedictpress.com.

Rotman/UTP Publishing Launches New Imprint and Inaugural Titles

The University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management has partnered with the University of Toronto Press to create Rotman/UTP Publishing, a new imprint devoted to publishing actionable business information of exceptional quality.

"In recent years the Rotman School has earned a global reputation for thought leadership," says Roger Martin, Dean of the Rotman School. "Our faculty's research ranks in the top 20 worldwide, and individual areas and professors rank even higher. This new partnership with UTP will allow us to further our reputation for offering the very latest in business thinking."

On October 30, Rotman/UTP Publishing will launch its inaugural title, Bruce Little's "Fixing the Future: How Canada's Usually Fractious Governments Worked Together to Rescue the Canada Pension Plan." The book explains how the CPP was overhauled from 1993 to 1998 and shows why it stands as one of Canada's most significant public policy success stories. The launch event will take place at 5:00 pm at the Rotman School, 105 St. George Street in downtown Toronto. Little has worked as a journalist and policy analyst, primarily at The Globe and Mail as an economics writer and columnist, and recently as Special Adviser to the Governor of the Bank of Canada.

"We are excited by this tremendous opportunity to publish leading business authors for our customers: businesspeople, scholars, and students across North America and internationally," says John Yates, President, Publisher and CEO of University of Toronto Press.

Next on board for Rotman/UTP Publishing is a compilation of expert views from ten Rotman faculty titled "The Finance Crisis and Rescue: What Went Wrong? Why? What Lessons Can be Learned?", which is set for release in late November, just in time for holiday gifts. A launch event for this book will take place on December 3 at 5:00 pm at the Rotman School.

The imprint's Advisory Board will oversee the publication of works that bridge research and practice.

Founded in 1901, the University of Toronto Press is Canada's oldest scholarly press and one of the largest university presses in North America, releasing over 150 new scholarly, reference, and general-interest books each year, as well as maintaining a backlist of over 1500 titles in print. For more information, visit http://www.utppublishing.com/

The Wumblers and Mackinac Island Press Announce New Publishing Partnership

The Giddy Gander Company has granted exclusive publishing rights for The Wumblers book series to Mackinac Island Press (Traverse City, Michigan).

An entire line of board, picture, activity, and sound books is scheduled to launch Holiday 2009. Both English and Spanish versions will be created.

In addition, exclusive rights for calendars, giftware, party supplies, and greeting cards have also been granted to Mackinac Island Press.

"We are excited to be publishing the Wumbler book line. The success of its top rated television show on TBN, Sorpresa! and other networks, and how they've been building the entire brand provides a tremendous publishing opportunity. The books will not only teach children great lessons that will last a lifetime, children will love them because they are fun and colorful and capture their imaginations. We are excited because Wumblers is not only a great brand, but a it has a great group of people behind them who are completely committed to the mission of sharing Wumblers and their great messages with children around the world.." --Anne Lewis, Publisher, Mackinac Island Press.

Laura J. Wellington, creator of The Wumblers brand and CEO of The Giddy Gander Company, remarks, "Partnering with Mackinac Island Press was an obvious choice. Both companies share the same strong and public commitment to making the world a better place for ALL children. In teaming the two companies together, we will now be doing this as a united front."

Tate Publishing To Ink Movie Deal

Oklahoma-based Christian publishing company Tate Publishing & Enterprises LLC announced it has reached an agreement with Critical Mass Productions to produce a feature film and several short films based upon some of its titles. Critical Mass Productions is also based in Oklahoma.

According to Ryan Tate, president of Tate Publishing, the company has been searching for manuscripts and screenplays to bring to the silver screen for more than a year.

"We couldn't be more excited," said Tate. "In addition to a feature film we will also probably turn 15 to 20 of our released books into short films." Tate said turning the books into films "will once again help Tate Publishing authors succeed and have opportunities like they can't anywhere else."

Tate Publishing new filmmaking connections provide yet another reason why aspiring authors should consider the company as the launching pad for their creative works. Prior to announcing the movie deal, Tate Publishing also jumped on the movie trailer bandwagon. The Christian publisher now makes a 30 second video trailer available for each of its titles.

Bloomsbury Publishing Launches Academic Imprint

Bloomsbury Publishing is launching into academic publishing with a new imprint: Bloomsbury Academic. The imprint will initially publish in the Humanities and Social Sciences building thematic lists on pressing global issues, with approximately fifty new titles online and in print by the end of 2009.

Bloomsbury Academic will be using a radically new model. All titles will be made available free of charge online, with free downloads, for non-commercial purposes, immediately upon publication, using Creative Commons licences. The works will also be sold as books, using latest short-run technologies or Print on Demand (POD).

Frances Pinter will be Bloomsbury Academic’s Publisher, joining Managing Director Jonathan Glasspool.

The Bloomsbury Academic platform (http://www.bloomsburyacademic.com/) will also be available to showcase and promote other publishers' titles. The initiative is not exclusively in the English language and Bloomsbury’s German partner, Berlin Verlag, will be participating actively. Neither is the programme geographically bound with Bloomsbury USA involved in North America and we are in discussion with Melbourne University Publishing to showcase the best of Australian scholarship.

Hyperion to Publish Two Non-Fiction Books by Bestselling Author, Dean Koontz

Hyperion plans to publish two nonfiction books by mega-bestselling author, Dean Koontz. The first book, A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog, is scheduled for Summer 2009 publication. In this memoir, Koontz will tell the story of their beloved golden retriever, Trixie, and the profound effect that she had on the lives of both he and his wife Gerda. It is the story of unexpectedly falling in love with a puppy in one's middle age and gaining a family member along the way. With honesty and emotion, it will detail their rich journey together up to her passing and the deep sadness they experienced. The book is a departure for Koontz, whose fiction has been published in thirty-eight languages.

Dean and his wife Gerda adopted Trixie after an injury released her from Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), a non-profit organization that trains dogs to assist people with disabilities. It was during research for one of his novels that Dean first contacted CCI, and now the Koontz family is a major supporter, with the organization's Southwest campus in Oceanside, CA. named after them.

Hyperion President and Publisher Ellen Archer announced the deal saying, "Dean Koontz is such a skilled storyteller, I'm thrilled that he's chosen Hyperion to be his publisher for his first non-fiction project. I'm sure that this book will attract his many fans, and scores of new readers, too.

Of the deal Koontz says: "Writing about our marvelous and funny Trixie, about how she changed our lives, about love and loss, and about the mystery and wonder of the human-dog bond will give me enormous pleasure, as will working with the Hyperion team, for whose unexcelled creativity and expertise in publishing nonfiction I have the highest admiration."

Hyperion executive editor Brenda Copeland negotiated the deal and will edit the book. Hyperion retains World English, first serial, and audio rights. The subject of book two is to be determined.

Website: http://www.hyperionbooks.com/

DailyLit Serializes Oxford University Press Books

DailyLit, an innovative digital publisher, announced a deal with Oxford University Press to serialize several of its popular books via email or RSS feed.

Weird and Wonderful Words by Erin McKean and What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam by John L. Esposito are examples of the range of titles originally published by Oxford University Press that are now available on DailyLit. Books are available for as little as $4.95.

DailyLit (http://www.dailylit.com/) is the leading publisher of serialized books in digital form. DailyLit currently features over 1000 classic and contemporary books available for free or for a small fee.

Millionaire Arthur Wylie Makes Unprecedented Deal for Tyree Film Rights

Arthur Wylie, the Atlanta-based investor and self-made millionaire, has acquired the film rights of New York Times best-selling author Omar Tyree's work. Wylie's company, Arthur Wylie Productions -- a division of Arthur Wylie Enterprises -- not only holds the film rights to the current novels, but to any future literary works as well.

This unprecedented multi-million dollar deal amplifies Wylie's growing catalog of urban and mainstream action, drama, suspense and comedy films. The deal also cultivates the big screen presence of the Omar Tyree brand and longevity for the franchise. Since acquiring the film rights, Wylie has successfully brokered deals totaling over $50,000,000 to finance production for 4 of the 16 films between 2009 and 2011.

Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Arthur Wylie set up business out of his dorm room at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and was a millionaire by age 26. After establishing a successful real estate company and wealth management business that serviced notable professional athletes in the NFL, NBA and boxing, Wylie continued to be drawn to new business challenges.

Foreseeing cumbersome restrictions, regulations, and an overall downturn in the financial industry, Wylie became more drawn to intellectual property and the profits that ancillary markets provide, such as TV, film, digital, and DVD products. Wylie decided to tap the billion dollar film industry that has been acknowledged by filmmakers like Tyler Perry or Spike Lee and expand the content audiences get from traditional Hollywood producers.

"Omar Tyree's work covers intricate portrayals of urban life -- be it ambition, sex, or parenthood -- that aren't the traditional Hollywood depictions," states Wylie. "This translates into compelling, deeper stories that a movie-going audience can connect with and be moved by."

Millions of loyal readers agree and have found value in Tyree's characters. His critically-acclaimed, modern coming-of-age story, FLYY GIRL, sold over a million copies.

Wylie, who spent his early adulthood as an entertainment promotions manager, is excited by the possibilities of the Omar Tyree brand. Wylie and Tyree's partnership is a unique blend of deal-making acumen and literary artistry; the two have co-written several mainstream titles. In the end, Arthur Wylie's goal is to provide superb films that deliver box office success while giving audiences a top-quality movie going experience.

Running Press Founder Consulting for New Indie Publishing Venture

Running Press co-founder and former publisher Buz Teacher has entered into a consulting arrangement with Winans Kuenstler Publishing, LLC, a new book publishing venture headed by former Wall Street Journal columnist and author Foster Winans. Teacher, whose company was merged with Perseus Books Group in 2002, will be advising the new company on developing trade distribution for its nonfiction titles.

Winans Kuenstler provides premium editorial, production, and marketing services to self-funding authors as part of its Book-Driven Branding program. "Our authors tend to be professionals, thought leaders, motivational speakers, and others who want or need a book to help raise or expand their brand awareness, jump-start a speaking career, or establish a legacy," said Winans, author or ghostwriter of more than 40 books. "We provide a single-decision solution that covers the development of a trade-quality book from concept to distribution and marketing."

Teacher and his publishing team built Running Press into one of the largest independent trade book publishing companies in North America. He co-founded the company in 1972.

Winans is President and Chief Creative Officer of Winans Kuenstler Publishing (http://www.wkpublishing.com/). His most recent ghostwriting project is "The Man On Mao's Right," published by Random House earlier this summer. Walt Kuenstler, a veteran marketing and branding specialist, serves as Chief Executive Officer.

Bottletre Books Publishes Edgar Allan Poe's Annotated Short Stories

In the new book "Edgar Allan Poe's Annotated Short Stories" background information for Poe's short stories are provided along with annotations, foreign word translations, illustrations by Harry Clarke, and photographs of individuals Poe wrote about.

Here is a sampling of the entire short stories of Edgar Allan Poe that are included: The Black Cat, [The Bloodhounds], The Cask of Amontillado, A Descent into the Maelstrom, The Fall of the House of Usher, The Gold-Bug, The Masque of the Red Death, Morning on the Wissahiccon, MS. Found in a Bottle, Murders in the Rue Morgue, The Oblong Box, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Premature Burial, The Purloined Letter, [The Rats of Park Theatre], Some Secrets of the Magazine Prison House, Some Words with a Mummy, The Swiss Bell-Ringers, The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether, The Tell-Tale Heart, and Thou Art the Man.

The illustrations are by Harry Clarke, the renowned English illustrator. The book is available for purchase online at all major retailers.

Search inside the book: www.BottletreeBooks.com/PoeAnnotatedStories.htm and visit Andrew Barger at http://www.andrewbarger.com/ to read his exclusive interviews.

Oceanview Publishing Announces Foreign Rights Sale

Oceanview Publishing announced the sale of Korean Rights to The Castro Gene by best-selling author Todd Buchholz.

Translation rights were purchased by Korea Price Information, Inc., which will release both a hardcover and paperback edition of The Castro Gene.

The Castro Gene (ISBN-13: 978-1-933515-06-9) sweeps readers into the secretive and dangerous world of hedge funds, along with the explosive politics of Havana and Washington, D.C. Intricately plotted with unexpected twists and breathtaking turns, The Castro Gene reveals hidden secrets of the Las Vegas Rat Pack days and the most astonishing theory of the Kennedy assassination to burst forth in 40 years.

Neil Gudovitz of Waterside Productions brokered the transaction. Gudovitz commented, "There is a significant international market for high-quality thrillers, especially those featuring a character of such flamboyance, intrigue, and controversy as Fidel Castro. Korea should be just one of many markets where this book is published."

Todd Buchholz is an international bestselling author, former White House Director of Economic Policy, managing director of the Tiger hedge fund and co-producer of the Tony Award®-winning musical Jersey Boys. He is a founder of the Two Oceans Fund, which invests in Central America.

Apress acquires rights to best-selling SpiderWorks books

IT Professional book publisher Apress, Inc., has acquired the rights to best-selling titles Learn C on the Macintosh and Learn Objective-C on the Macintosh from SpiderWorks, LLC. The deal will see author and SpiderWorks CEO Dave Mark reshaping the acquired titles to become part of a fresh, new-look Mac development book series for Apress.

As well as the two SpiderWorks best-sellers, Apress has also acquired a currently-in-development title that will publish as Beginning iPhone Development: Exploring the iPhone SDK.
These books, together with other forthcoming titles, will allow developers to quickly and efficiently learn how to create both native desktop Mac applications and native iPhone applications using the latest Xcode tools and Apple SDKs.

Sourcebooks, Inc. Signs Penny C. Sansevieri

Penny C. Sansevieri, author of Red Hot Internet Publicity: An Insider's Guide to Promoting Your Book on the Internet and CEO of Author Marketing Experts, Inc. has signed a deal with Sourcebooks, Inc. for the latest edition of Red Hot Internet Publicity.

This book was one of the first on the market dedicated to innovative online marketing strategies. Author Marketing Experts, Inc., which Sansevieri founded over ten years ago, began its foray into Internet marketing during the infancy of the blogosphere and long before the Internet was "hot" for marketing. Sansevieri has taught on the subject extensively, and the first edition of her book has been called the "Bible of Internet guides."

Extensive in its information, the newer edition promises more enhancements, more insider tips on micro-blogging, Social Networking strategies, creating Web 2.0 web sites, Second Life, and even a section on Web 4.0 - which Sansevieri says is just around the corner. Red Hot Internet Publicity will also feature a foreword by Laurence J. Kirshbaum, former head of the Time Warner Book Group, named Publisher of the Year by Publisher's Weekly in 2005 and one of the most acclaimed names in publishing. "I'm delighted to be part of this book," says Kirshbaum, "The aggressive use of Internet Marketing has become the lifeblood for many successful authors and Penny is one of the great pioneers in the digital publicity world."

Red Hot Internet Publicity was sold to Sourcebooks, Inc by Rita Rosenkranz of the Rita Rosenkranz Literary Agency.

James Frey's Book A Million Little Pieces is being Adapted into a Movie

After 6 film adaptations of such classics as "The Catcher in the Rye", "Waiting for Godot", "The Brothers Karamazov," "Hamlet," "Quran" and "Oedipus Rex" (all the films are available at Amazon.com), Nigel Tomm hits TV screens with the new film adaptation of James Frey's novel "A Million Little Pieces".

As in previous film adaptations where, in each, different silent color was shown for over one hour (for example, Nigel Tomm's film adaptation of The Catcher in the Rye. lasts 75 minutes and it's 75 minutes of a silent blue screen; nothing more, nothing less), "A Million Little Pieces" lasts 70 minutes and according to movie description at Amazon.com: "This is 70 minutes and 41 seconds of pure turquoise screen. Nothing more, nothing less."

The description goes on as follows: "Nigel Tomm's film adaptation of James Frey's book "A Million Little Pieces" is the transfer of the story to the space of art. Somebody calls it absolute art. Somebody calls it abstract film. Somebody calls it fraud. To have your own opinion you must trust your eyes and experience for yourself the seductive turquoise screen. Naturally. Turquoise is the film color. Totally innocent yet completely alluring. Let your eyes judge the ultimate beauty. The new Nigel Tomm's film has been perfected for your eyes only, not just for optical sensors. The moment you see and compare it, you will discover the magic of the new "A Million Little Pieces". Freedom, smoothness, toughness: whatever angle you take, the new "A Million Little Pieces" film adaptation is close to perfection. 101% art. Fearless art."

Nigel Tomm is also known for his literary works. In his books: "Shakespeare's Sonnets Remixed" (2006), "Shakespeare's Hamlet Remixed" (2006) and "Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Remixed" (2007) he extended and developed literary remix genre. In 2008 Nigel Tomm began to publish a novel "The Blah Story" (up to now 23 volumes are published), which belongs to abstract literature genre and it is the longest published literary book in English.

Lauren Conrad of MTV's The Hills Signs Three-Book Deal with HarperCollins

HarperCollins Publishers has acquired world rights to a young adult fiction series from Lauren Conrad, star of MTV's mega-hit reality show The Hills. The series, entitled L.A. Candy, is loosely inspired by Conrad's own transformation from ordinary teen to reality TV darling, fashion designer, and "It Girl."

The three-book deal was negotiated by Adam Korn and Lisa Sharkey, Senior Editor and Senior VP, respectively, of the Creative Development team at HarperCollins, and Literary Agent Matthew Elblonk of The Creative Culture with Max Stubblefield at UTA. The first book in the series will be published in Summer 2009.

L.A. Candy tells the behind-the scenes story of a young girl who moves to L.A. and unexpectedly becomes the star of a reality television show. With her stardom comes wealth, famous friends, fabulous clothes, and romance -- as well as the darker realization that everyone wants something from her, and nothing is what it appears to be. Though L.A. Candy is a work of fiction, the characters -- their lives, their loves, and their never-ending dramas -- are perfectly drawn by Conrad, the only person who can give her readers an accurate and juicy insider look at young Hollywood.

Publisher Breaks Record with 2009 Releases

Art and crafting magazine publisher Stampington & Company becomes the highest title-producing publisher in the industry with its 2009 releases, generating a total of 31 titles that represent a broad range of art and crafting media. Included in the record-breaking list of titles are several new publications, which focus on a number of emerging trends, such as "green" crafting, art journaling, playful stuffed creatures (commonly known as "softies"), and art quilting.
Beginning with the January 2009 releases, Stampington & Company will launch eight new titles during 2009. Newly added titles include: Stuffed: A Gathering of Softies (semi-annual, launching on January 1st), Somerset Art Journaling (semi-annual, launching on January 1st), Somerset In Love (special, launching on January 1st), apronology (special, launching on February 1st), Somerset Apprentice (annual, launching on March 1st), Marie Antoinette (special, launching on April 1st), Art Quilting Studio (semi-annual, launching on June 1st), and GreenCraft Magazine (semi-annual, launching on September 1st).

Website: http://www.stampington.com/

Book on virtual teams signed by Wiley

Now that global industry generates products in every corner of the world, employees must be skilled, not only interacting with co-workers in an office down the hall, or at a neighboring facility, but often they must collaborate with team members in other states, other countries, and in ever more distant time zones.

Virtual Teams, to be published by John Wiley & Sons next year, shows how faculty in universities and leaders in industry can effectively exploit the fast-growing adoption of virtual teaming in online classrooms, in R&D labs, and on the factory floor. It is edited by the leading international online learning expert, Robert Ubell at Stevens Institute of Technology.

Just as the Internet gives millions of workers incredible ease in collaborating around the globe, online learning opens education to millions who might not be able to attend class because of demands at home or at work or because they are too far from campus. More than 3.5 million college students now take courses online, translating to nearly one in five of all university enrollments and growing at a rapid rate.

Contributors to Virtual Teams are drawn from faculty who teach online at Stevens' award-winning WebCampus and by scholars at other schools and companies. Based on best practices generated over the last decade, Virtual Teams reveals how to manage teams successfully, with chapters on how to build intimate virtual relationships and how to communicate creatively online. Other chapters cover international virtual teams, competition, mentoring, psychology, and how to handle conflict.

Wiley Announces Multiple Book Agreement With John C. Bogle

John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has signed a multiple-book deal with John C. Bogle, founder of The Vanguard Group, author, and one of the most respected and influential leaders in investing. Considered by many to be the "Father of Index Investing," Mr. Bogle has long been praised for his work by financial luminaries including Warren Buffett, Charles T. Munger, Paul Samuelson, Bill Gross, and Burton Malkiel, among many others. He's considered one of the investment industry's greatest visionaries and a champion for the individual investor. In accordance with his custom, Mr. Bogle will donate all of his book royalties to charity.

The first book is scheduled to be published in November 2008. Titled Enough., it is inspired by a 2007 Georgetown University commencement address by Mr. Bogle which examined the attributes of a life well-lived and warned about the risks presented by a financial system that is subtracting value from our society. As the credit crisis has wrought havoc through much of the economy in 2007 and into 2008, Mr. Bogle's warnings proved to be prophetic. In the book, he expands on this theme reminding us of what is or should be "enough" in money, in business, and in life. The message is compelling, yet ultimately optimistic.

The second book is titled Jack Bogle Speaks, and it is currently scheduled for publication in the fall of 2009.

Sales Gravy Press Authors Say: "It's All in the Timing!"

Sales Gravy Press, The Sales Book Publisher, has signed Craig Elias and Brandon Toropov to a publishing contract for a revolutionary new sales book, "Shift! Seven Ways to Outsell Your Competition by Leveraging Trigger Events." The book's message is simple: Timing is everything in sales -- and it's easier to control than you think.

According to the authors, salespeople have been conditioned for years to believe that there is no such thing as a "silver bullet" in selling; no single factor that can transform an individual salesperson's career. In Shift!, Elias and Toropov demonstrate that the silver bullet that makes sales success possible is identifying and capitalizing on Trigger Events to get in front of the right person at EXACTLY the right time.

According to Elias, the creator of Trigger Event Selling, "When you have the right timing, the sale almost closes itself. You have fewer challenges getting to the prospect, understanding their dissatisfaction, presenting a solution, or selling at a much higher price. Every single day, decision makers experience Trigger Events that rapidly move them into the ideal buying mode. Research shows that the average sales person is five times more likely to make a sale when they have the right timing and get to these recently motivated buyers before their competition."

"This book will forever change how sales professionals operate. In Shift! readers gain insights and resources that shatter seven of the most common myths of selling and learn how to leverage Trigger Events to get in front of highly motivated buyers before the competition does," said Jeb Blount, Sales Gravy Press Editor and founder of the popular sales portal, SalesGravy.com. "We are absolutely thrilled to have Craig and Brandon join our family of sales authors."

When Elias is not writing he runs his unique sales effectiveness firm and website ShiftSelling.com, which helps entrepreneurs, business leaders, and sales and marketing professionals leverage Trigger Events to outsell the competition. Brandon Toropov, his coauthor, is the CEO of iWordSmith.com, a leading content development company.

Shift! Seven Ways to Outsell Your Competition by Leveraging Trigger Events is the first book in a series that will explore how to leverage Trigger Events to capture and keep new customers. It will be released in April of 2009.

For more information visit:

http://www.SalesGravyPress.com
http://www.ShiftSelling.com
http://www.TriggerEventBook.com

New Imprint, "AUDIBLE IndieFirst"

AUDIBLE IndieFirst, a new imprint developed by Audible and the Center for Independent Publishing (CIP) will publish fresh, original works from independent publishers and deliver them in digital audio before the print edition is available.

Audible and the CIP issued a call for manuscripts from the top tier of independent publishers, asking them to identify their best and most promising upcoming titles for consideration in the Audible IndieFirst program. From these submissions, Audible has selected a number of upcoming titles to publish in audio. To create a listening experience on par with the tremendous quality of these writers, Audible will pair each book with a superb narrator chosen specifically to bring that book to life in a unique and compelling manner. The goal is to introduce innovative writers on the verge of popular renown to the large world of book lovers and audiobook listeners.

As part of an exclusive pre-release program, Audible will publish the digital audiobook one month prior to its print release. The audiobooks will be available at both Audible.com and iTunes.

The inaugural IndieFirst selection is Joe Meno's Demons in the Spring. The print edition of Meno's short story collection, being published by New York-based Akashic Books in September, has been called a "stellar collection" in a starred Publishers Weekly review. Audible has selected Victor Bevine to narrate. The versatile Bevine has appeared on television in shows including C.S.I. and Dark Angel, and has narrated many audiobooks including Kurt Vonnegut's Mother Night and the recent blog-turned-book Stuff White People Like.

In the coming weeks, Audible will produce and publish titles that range across genres to showcase the breadth and talent of brilliant writers otherwise unavailable in audio. Upcoming titles include the first English translation of A Child of All Nations, by Irmgard Keun, from Overlook Press; the memoir Girl Boy Girl: How I Became J.T. LeRoy, by Savannah Knoop, from Seven Stories Press; and the literary espionage novel Stray Dog Winter, by David Francis, from MacAdam Cage. Narrators for these books have yet to be announced.

Borders Publishes Tom Avitabile's 'The Eighth Day'

Borders will release "The Eighth Day," a thriller by first-time author Tom Avitabile, about a normally behind-the-scenes government official who is catapulted into the limelight while desperately trying to stop a series of bizarre and deadly terrorist attacks. "The Eighth Day" is the second novel Borders has published under its State Street Press imprint and will be sold exclusively at Borders and Waldenbooks stores and on Borders.com beginning Tuesday, Aug. 26.

As "The Eighth Day" opens, a series of bizarre and seemingly unrelated homegrown terrorist attacks are plaguing the nation -- a chemical engineer sets in motion a horrendous explosion killing hundreds of commuters and himself. Hollywood's hottest sex symbol assassinates a sitting Senator. A grandmother stages a sophisticated attack on a train causing massive damage. An airplane full of Silicon Valley's brightest is blown up while refueling. A series of random, deadly events or the unlikely start of an insidious new terror wave? Add to that the suspected tampering with a Presidential election, the use of the Navy's nuclear tipped rockets against California, the collapse of the stock market from within, and the ultimate "merging" of Hollywood and politics and you've got an incendiary mix that explodes across the pages. From the moment Science Advisor to the President William "Wild Bill" Hiccock sticks his foot in his mouth and is tasked with identifying and stopping the threat, he becomes the target of the "established" law enforcement agencies. While watching his back and watching out for the bad guys, he assembles a ragtag group of "out-of-the-box" thinkers-a famous novelist, a retired Navy Admiral, a wise-guy computer hacker sprung from federal prison, and his ex-wife, a leading behavioral psychologist-who must identify and destroy their elusive adversary who always seems to be a step ahead.

"The book's theme of a diabolical terrorist threat coupled with a compelling hero in 'Wild Bill' Hiccock, whom we expect to see more of in upcoming books from Tom Avitabile, makes 'The Eighth Day' a book that readers will find impossible to put down," said Borders Group's Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing Rob Gruen. "This story features non-stop action and is so gripping that Borders has acquired the options for the film rights. That's how much we believe in it."

Author Tom Avitabile, a senior creative director at a New York City advertising firm, is a writer, director and producer with numerous film and television credits. He has an extensive background in engineering and computers, including work on projects for the House Committee on Science and Technology, which helped lay the foundation for "The Eighth Day," his first novel. In his spare time, Avitabile is a professional musician and an amateur woodworker. He is currently at work on his next novel featuring William "Wild Bill" Hiccock.

Borders will host Avitabile for book readings and signings of "The Eighth Day" at the following store locations:

Thursday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.
Borders
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019
(212) 823-9775

Saturday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m.
Borders
290 Commons Way
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 231-0111

Thursday, Sept. 18 at 1 p.m.
Borders
100 Broadway
New York, NY 10005
(212) 964-1988

Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m.
Borders
1600 South East Road
Farmington, CT 06032
(860) 674-8110

Sales Gravy Press Signs Best-Selling Author Paul McCord

Author and internationally recognized sales trainer Paul McCord has signed with Sales Gravy Press to publish his newest book, a follow-up work to his best-selling book on referrals, "Creating a Million Dollar a Year Sales Income: Sales Success through Client Referrals" (Wiley 2006). The new book leads the reader through specific application strategies of the groundbreaking referral generation process laid out in Creating a Million Dollar a Year Sales Income.

"The initial book laid the groundwork for a disciplined, predictable, effective process for generating a large number of high quality referrals from each client," McCord said, "and now I show salespeople how to apply those principles to specific situations. The first book demonstrated why the training they received hasn't worked and walked them through a process that not only generates referrals, but generates a large number of high quality referrals. The new book goes even further and shows salespeople how to mine their database, turn cold calls into referred calls, and how to make giving referrals so easy they can generate 10, 15, 20 or more quality referrals from every one of their clients."

With almost three decades under his belt as a salesperson, manager, business owner, and consultant, McCord's experience and knowledge is both wide and deep. And like most of us, his life's journey has taken some strange turns. "I thought I was going to be an academic, teaching Philosophy in a university," he admits. "But as a doctoral student, it became clear that I didn't have the personality for the academic life. I was more attracted to the real than the theoretical. I left the program and went into sales -- and what's more real than selling? Now, almost thirty years later, I'm back where I started--teaching, combining my love of working with and training salespeople and managers with the hard lessons I've learned over the years in the sales business."

"Getting Paul on board is a huge win for Sales Gravy Press," said Publisher, Jeb Blount. "Paul's large following and proven success as an author are cornerstones in our mission to build a foundation of the brightest authors, speakers, thought leaders, and experts in the sales profession. We are just ecstatic that Paul has joined the Sales Gravy family."

The new book will be released in the spring of 2009.

Amazon.com to Acquire AbeBooks

Amazon.com, Inc. has reached an agreement to acquire AbeBooks. AbeBooks is an online marketplace for books, with over 110 million primarily used, rare and out-of-print books listed for sale by thousands of independent booksellers from around the world.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to close before the end of the fourth quarter of 2008.

AbeBooks will continue to function as a stand-alone operation based in Victoria, British Columbia. AbeBooks will maintain all of its websites, including its Canadian website with Canada-specific content, such as reviews of Canadian-authored books and interviews of Canadian writers.

Writer, Susan Wingate Signs 2nd Novel, "Bobby's Diner"

Susan Wingate's second novel, "Bobby's Diner" will be available through publisher, ebooksonthe.net. This July, Wingate signed a contract sealing the deal.

"Bobby's Diner" - a novel in the women's fiction category - is said to be released this fall 2008.

"Bobby's Diner" is a story of a woman trying to find herself in a town where nobody wants her. Georgette Carlisle, twenty-five when she saunters into the rustic town of Sunnydale, Arizona, snags husband, Bobby, away from another woman, Vanessa Carlisle. After he dies - fifteen years later when the story begins - he leaves his restaurant called Bobby's Diner to both women. But, that's not the only problem. Bobby's Diner, situated on an attractive highway corridor property, is slated as the next boutique tourist site and sits smack in way of Zach Pinzer's dreams and future with Chariot International Incorporated, a large developer headquartered in Phoenix. Even after Zach arranges to destroy their property and fatally wounds their beloved busboy and gardener, he nearly kills Roberta, Vanessa's daughter. Georgette and Vanessa hold fast to the only thing they have, each other, and they fight. Georgette's story tells a tale of life, love, death, grief, pain, loneliness, and redemption. And, she finds her true family with the most unexpected people.

When asked how she felt about the deal, Wingate replied, "I'm giddy."

You can find out more about Wingate's latest release on her blog at http://www.susanwingate.blogspot.com/.

National Geographic Books Creates New Imprint Dedicated to Fine Photography

National Geographic Books' Focal Point imprint, the Society's newest venture, will draw on National Geographic's legendary photographic archive -- encompassing 16 name collections and more than 10 million images -- as well as the work of distinguished photographers around the world. The imprint, debuting this fall, will present the finest in documentary photography past and present, and monographs will celebrate individual photographers' unique style, vision and skill.

Leah Bendavid-Val, director of photography publishing for National Geographic Books, explains, "Focal Point books are carefully chosen to showcase photography's pioneers and its modern masters and will appeal to connoisseurs, professionals, collectors, serious students of photojournalism and all lovers of photography."

A natural extension of National Geographic's photography publishing, from best-selling photography field guides to mass-market photography gift books, Focal Point sets apart titles that represent the most outstanding work of elite photographers. The imprint begins with an inherent advantage — the wealth of never-before-published material contained in National Geographic's vast historical archive and decades of work created on assignment for National Geographic's magazines.

Four inaugural Focal Point titles demonstrate the wide range and world-class quality that will distinguish this imprint. These books and those that follow will combine the timely and the timeless, illuminating both subject and context.

Stephenie Meyer Publisher Pulls Plug On New eBook's August 2nd Release

Stephenie Meyer's publisher has officially delayed the eBook release of Breaking Dawn, her much-anticipated latest novel in the Twilight series, by 24 hours. The hard copy release still goes forward August 2nd. This lag in release time has eBook readers crying foul.

In response, BooksOnBoard (www.booksonboard.com) is now offering 100% Rewards on Breaking Dawn pre-orders, for a net cost of Zero dollars. This applies to all orders placed by 11:59 pm on August 2, including those already placed.

"Even though the release date change is the publisher's decision, BooksOnBoard wants eBook readers to know how important they are," explained LiVolsi when asked about the decision to give away the Breaking Dawn eBook for free. "We want to demonstrate our support of loyal customers, and give new eBook readers a popular eBook at effectively no cost."

Many Twilight saga eBook customers are not quite as conciliatory.

"I think delaying the release date for e-books is just plain petty," writes a long-time member of the popular eBook forum MobileRead. "I'm sorry it's an advantage of the technology that you can get the content delivered to you quicker. They don't have to handicap to get an even playing field."

Other contributors to the discussion expressed concern that publishers lack respect for eBook readers.

"Why are we treated like we don't matter?" writes another MobileRead member. "We do matter and publishers need to realize this."

eBook retailers were first informed by Meyer's publisher that the eBook release may be delayed a day on August 3rd in an email sent at 5:20 pm EST on July 29th. The publisher, Hachette Book Group, cited concerns that eBooks, available globally on the internet, may reach eBook customers in certain time zones before the hard copy book is available.

"We understand the business aspects of the Meyer decision, but as a champion of eBook readers, we're not happy about this outcome and its possible implications," says Bob LiVolsi, CEO of BooksOnBoard. "EBooks represent what is probably the most rapidly growing segment of the industry, and we will be working with major publishers to facilitate future releases. Industry-wide, eBook sales have increased by over 25% in the past year alone. They offer several significant advantages to customers, publishers, and the earth, such as accessibility to the vision and mobility-impaired, convenience, low cost of production, and diminished environmental impact."

BooksOnBoard has invested heavily in promotions planned around Breaking Dawn's original August 2nd release date. The company has announced it will continue with its Twilight Rewards Quest, where the popular Cybook e-ink Reader is the grand prize. The Quest consists of a series of clues embedded in BooksOnBoard's website, RSS Feed, and the "Countdown to Breaking Dawn" Podcasts sponsored by the company.

Meyer's novels have a large online fan base. Fans of the Twilight series congregate online, creating scores of Twilight fan sites such as Twilight Lexicon (www.twilightlexicon.com), Twilight Moms (www.twilightmoms.com), and bellaandedward.com (www.bellaandedward.com). Meyer's eBooks have consistently remained on BooksOnBoard's bestseller lists for months at a time.

"In the 5 days that we have had Breaking Dawn available for pre-order, it has climbed to the top of the bestseller lists," adds LiVolsi. "We have tremendous respect for Meyer's success and her audience, and want to help ensure she values her customers who read eBooks."

The Grand Prize in BooksOnBoard's Twilights Rewards Quest, which will continue as planned, is a Cybook eBook reader with a BooksOnBoard price of $379. Other prizes include hardcover first editions of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh novel in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, and varying amounts of Rewards Dollars applicable to any eBook or downloadable Audio Book at BooksOnBoard.

Thom Beers Fast Tracks Graphic Novel into First Feature

Thom Beers, best known for his television success with prime time mega hits "Ice Road Truckers", "The Deadliest Catch" and "Monster Garage" has sped into the fast lane by announcing active development of his first feature based on his soon to be released graphic novel "Chopper Zombie." Created by Beers, the "Chopper Zombie" movie is anticipated to go into production early spring 2009, and will be produced by Beers and Original Productions' President Philip Segal.

The graphic novel "Chopper Zombie" (http://www.chopperzombie.com/) will be released at Comic-Con International next week (July 24-27, San Diego Convention Center, SDCC) by Devil's Due Publishing and was penned by Beers and Todd Livingston ("The Black Forest") with cover artist Scott Keating. According to the publisher, advance sales from major booksellers such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com have been brisk. Limited edition copies will be available at Comic-Con with "Chopper Zombie" landing in stores on July 30, 2008.

"Chopper Zombie" follows the fate of a Taz, a brilliant motorcycle builder who becomes the victim of his own success when he refuses to sell his formula for a new super-fuel to a dangerous corporation. When a team of thugs drowns him in his own toxic creation, he rises from the dead with a score to settle.

Weinstein Books to Publish Larry King's Autobiography

Weinstein Books has acquired Larry King's definitive autobiography, WHAT AM I DOING HERE?, it was announced today by Harvey Weinstein, Co-Chairman of The Weinstein Company and Judy Hottensen, Weinstein Books Publisher.

"I am delighted to be working with Bob and Harvey, who have distinguished themselves by making award-winning films and publishing quality books. Their books are some of the most talked-about and well-produced titles in the business, and I am thrilled to be one of their authors. My life story could not be in better hands," King said.

"This book will be absolutely devoured by Larry King's millions of fans," said Weinstein. "He is a true media icon -- one who's personal and professional journey to date is filled with delightfully evocative anecdotes and behind-the-scenes observations on some of our most important world figures. We are thrilled to have this definitive autobiography to add to our important roster of books."

From his humble roots in Depression-era Brooklyn where he was known as "Zeke The Greek The Mouthpiece" because he never stopped talking, to the heights of celebrity and host of CNN's Larry King Live, (which after 21 years is the longest running television show ever in the same time slot) WHAT AM I DOING HERE? is the never before told life story of one of our most beloved news and entertainment icons.

In addition to discussing personal details such as his early radio days, the painful loss of his father at age nine, his seven marriages to six different women, and discovering at age 65 that he had a fully grown son he never knew about, King will also speak candidly about his time spent with major political and cultural figures of the 20th and 21st century, many of them his close friends. Specifically, WHAT AM I DOING HERE? will reveal King's uncensored feelings towards George W. Bush and George Bush, Sr., Bill Clinton, Ronald Regan, Jimmy Carter and Richard Nixon. He promises to disclose who he voted for in each election and why, and what political figures have impressed and disappointed him, going so far as to share his pick for America's worst president. Larry will be assisted in the writing of his autobiography by Cal Fussman (After Jackie, Double or Nothing).

Hottensen acquired world publishing rights from David Vigliano at Vigliano Associates, in association with Michael Viner, President of Phoenix Books. WHAT AM I DOING HERE? will be published to coincide with Father's Day in 2009.

Grand Central Publishing Signs Book Deal With Mitch Joel

Business Plus, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing (Hachette Book Group USA), will publish Six Pixels of Separation by Mitch Joel, President of the award-winning Digital Marketing agency, Twist Image.

Six Pixels of Separation will teach entrepreneurs and individuals how to have a global audience and consumer base in a world where we're all connected (almost all of them free). The book will focus on how technology is empowering individuals to build personal brands that will rival the biggest of corporate brands, and how all business owners can now leverage the global community to connect, share and grow. The book is named after Joel's very successful Blog and Podcast by the same name.

The book deal includes world rights and was awarded on exclusive submission to Rick Wolff at Grand Central Publishing by James Levine of Levine Greenberg Literary Agency.

ETC Press, a new academic publishing inprint

Lulu.com, the premier marketplace for digital content on the Internet, is partnering with the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to showcase new creative endeavors launched through the ETC Press, a new academic publishing imprint. With Lulu.com, ETC Press has flexibility in publishing without the limitations encountered by traditional publishing.

ETC Press is an innovative experiment into the future of publication, and as such, authors and contributors who publish through ETC Press will retain ownership of their intellectual property. All ETC Press publications will be released under a Creative Commons license, and will also have associated websites to encourage and enable a community of collaborative authorship and discussion. ETC Press also has an agreement with the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) to place ETC Press publications in the ACM Digital Library.

"ETC doesn't just want to make a book. They want to open a dialog," says Rob Katz, Senior Vice President of Sales and Communications. "And with the options Lulu offers, like print-on-demand technology, texts available in print and download format, and multi-platform accessibility, ETC can accomplish just that."

ETC will be able to take advantage of Lulu's global marketing resources and network of international printers to foster discussions that span the world. "We believe this is the future of publication," says Drew Davidson, Director of the ETC in Pittsburgh and Editor of ETC Press. "Partnering with Lulu.com enables ETC Press to publish across multiple media and publish multiple additions, exploring what constitutes reading and writing."

Lulu and ETC Press are having a beta launch with two books -- stories in between: narratives and mediums @ play and Beyond Fun: Serious Games and Media -- and there are several other projects in development as well. For more information, visit: http://etc.cmu.edu/etcpress/

Harper’s Magazine Editor Ann Barr Joins IntrepidSloane.com

IntrepidSloane.com has appointed Ann Barr as Editor Emeritus and Writer for its lifestyle website. The former Harper's & Queen Deputy Editor's first article, entitled Polo's Ghost Lawns, is part of the website's celebration of the Polo Season.

Her arrival also marks the revival of "Barometer", a fortnightly round up of society, fashion, arts, politics and events. Originally created by Barr for the pages of Harpers and Queen Magazine, the updated version will be lead by her with contributions from experts and enthusiasts. It was this editorial approach of "many contributors" that lead to huge success of "The Sloane Ranger Handbook" which Barr was behind.

Canadian Suspense Author Cheryl Kaye Tardif Signs with New York Literary Agency

Since she was 14, Vancouver-born author Cheryl Kaye Tardif has dreamed about breaking into the US book market. Her goal was simple: get a New York agent and get published by a major publishing house. The journey, however, was not so simple. Nevertheless she has finally succeeded with the first half of her dream. She now has a New York literary agent.

A resident of Edmonton, Alberta, Cheryl Kaye Tardif independently published 3 novels: Whale Song in 2003, Divine Intervention in 2004, and The River in 2005, but distribution was severely limited by her small Canadian publisher.

In 2006, she was elated to find Kunati Books, a bigger, bolder, new Canadian publisher that accepts unagented queries. In 2007, Cheryl's debut novel Whale Song was re-published to critical acclaim as a special revised edition dedicated to her brother Jason Kaye, who was murdered in Edmonton in 2006. A percent of her royalties goes to 3 Edmonton nonprofits, including Hope Mission.

In October 2007, she resumed a focused agent search. She tried dozens of US agents and a few Canadian agents, of which there are approximately 30, according to The Writers' Union of Canada. Then she heard about a US writer who helped authors write successful query letters. Cheryl spent a day via email with this writer, then sent out her query letter.

"The response was absolutely overwhelming," Cheryl says. "I never expected such a short query to work the way it did. I actually had a choice in agents, and I chose the one who was enthusiastic about my work and my career and who came highly recommended by an author friend."

Cheryl signed with Scovil Chichak Galen Literary Agency, a literary agency based in New York. Her new agent Jack Scovil said he was "impressed" by her work, her book reviews and enthusiastic fans, and her promotional efforts. "I'm delighted we'll be working together on CHILDREN OF THE FOG," he says of Cheryl's latest unpublished novel. In fact, he'll be representing all of her novel-length works.

Cheryl's motto is: "Dare to Dream...and Dream BIG! And if that doesn't work, Dream BIGGER!" If her positive outlook and persistence is any indicator, then this Canadian author should see the culmination of all her dreams. Booklist already calls her "a name to reckon with south of the border."

While waiting for Cheryl's paranormal suspense Children of the Fog, please check out her published novels--Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention--available at select bookstores and Amazon.com, Chapters.ca and more.

Read Cheryl's blog post about her new agent.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif's website: http://www.cherylktardif.com/
Cheryl's main blog: http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com/

Every Baby Company Inks Book Deal with Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.

Every Baby Company and Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. have signed a five-year joint venture deal for the publication of high-end baby/toddler cloth, board, and bath books, based on the award-winning brand, eebee's adventures (http://www.eebee.com/).

Winner of 15 national parenting awards including the Parent's Choice and the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, eebee's adventures is the hottest growing multi-platform infant/toddler brand.

Beginning with the popular DVD and On-Demand series, eebee's adventures has expanded to include a new line of “must have” plush toys, and now, an innovative book series. eebee's adventures will debut five books, $14.95 each, beginning this July, available at stores nationwide, including Barnes & Noble and Barnes & Noble.com (http://www.bn.com/).

The joint announcement was made today by Stephen Gass, Co-founder and President, Every Baby Company, and President Marcus Leaver, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc.

Robert Hough's The Stowaway Optioned for Film

Canadian author Robert Hough's The Stowaway, a modern day tale of mutiny on the high seas which was hailed by The Boston Globe as "masterful" and described by the National Post as "a rare and powerful example of human decency triumphing over amoral self interest," has been optioned for film by First Generation Films, a production company based in Los Angeles and Toronto. Currently, First Generation is completing The Whistleblower, a drama about the Eastern European sex trafficking industry, for HBO Films. Other projects include White and Rice, Amreeka, and the Emmy-winning Miracle Mile.

The Stowaway tells the true-life story of the Maersk Dubai, a container ship in which three Romanian stowaways are found, and then put overboard by the ship's officers. When the crew find a fourth stowaway, they attempt to hide him, and keep him alive until they can somehow get help. Says producer Christina Piovesan, "I'm compelled to tell this story because it has international scope, deep social relevance and it explores riveting moral questions that speak to the very heart of what it means to be human. It will make for dramatic, captivating cinema."

The film deal was arranged by Debbie Wood of Westwood Creative Artists. Hough's literary agent is Jackie Kaiser. The Stowaway, which was a Boston Globe Top Ten Book of 2004 and a 2006 IMPAC Dublin Literary Award Finalist, is published in Canada by Random House Canada and in the US by Arcade. Robert Hough is also the author of The Final Confession of Mabel Stark, film rights to which are held by the Oscar winning UK filmmaker Sam Mendes, and The Culprits. The Culprits, his latest book, published by Random House Canada, was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best Book and nominated for The Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize.

Hyperion to Publish Two Adult Novels

Hyperion plans to publish the first adult novels by Cecily Von Ziegesar, New York Times bestselling author of the Gossip Girl series. The first in the two book deal, CUM LAUDE, will be published in 2009.

Set on a small college campus in fictional Home, Maine, CUM LAUDE follows a cast of characters who meet at freshman year orientation and cause big drama for one sheltered town. With shifting alliances, unrequited crushes, and a tragic murder, this is the year that will change their lives forever. As one student observes, "It's funny how you come to college and just sort of fall in with people." CUM LAUDE is Von Ziegesar's first departure from young adult writing.

Of the deal Von Ziegesar says: "I've mined my high school years for all they're worth, and now I'm moving on to college. I'm excited to be working with Hyperion."

Von Ziegesar is a five-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Gossip Girl series and the spin-off It Girl series, which has sold more than 6,000,000 copies in the U.S. alone. The television adaptation of the series is a runaway hit.

The announcement was made by Hyperion President and Publisher, Ellen Archer.

Archer negotiated the deal with Suzanne Gluck at the William Morris Agency. Executive editor Leslie Wells will edit the book. Hyperion retains North American, first serial, book club, audio, and e-book rights.

Failed Book Leads to Big Film for Internet User

In December, David Elliott began work on a humorous book that revolved around his quest for internet fame. By April, he had all but given up on this endeavor--few people got the idea, and even fewer had any interest in making a stranger famous.

But then, in the middle of May, he received a phone call from a man who called himself Hector Stopp, a self made millionaire who was shown one of David's self-deprecating videos on YouTube. Intrigued, he sat down and spent the best part of two hours watching the rest of David's videos.

The result? Hector offered David a six million dollar budget to bring his film Zombie Sharks with Snakes for Legs (a bizarre spoof of sci-fi monster films) to life.

What David learned from his failed book about internet fame is that countless people want to make it as stars, but don't know where to begin. That's what caused him to have an idea: cast the entire film over the internet, ignoring established actors in favor of undiscovered, raw talent.

Zombie Shark with Snakes for Legs is auditioning from now to November the 5th, anyone interested in earning a spot in the film should visit http://www.internetcelebritydavidelliott.info/. This is a Crusty Films production.

Walter Dean Myers and Christopher Myers Signed to Multi-Book Contract

Egmont USA announced that Walter Dean Myers, winner of two Newbery Honors and five Coretta Scott King Awards, will have two books on their Fall 2009 launch list. First is an historical novel. The second will be a picture book illustrated by Christopher Myers. This is the fourth picture book collaboration between this father-son team whose books include the Caldecott Honor Book, Harlem, blues journey and Jazz.

This also marks Walter Dean Myers's twentieth anniversary working with Regina Griffin, recently named Egmont's Executive Editor. Griffin edited many of Myers's books, including Somewhere in the Darkness (Scholastic), which received a Newbery Honor; and Jazz (Holiday House), which received a Coretta Scott King Honor.

Egmont USA http://www.egmont-us.com/ will publish young adult and middle grade fiction and picture books. Sales and distribution is through Random House. Egmont USA is part of the Egmont Group with over 100 companies worldwide.

Columbia Pictures to Adapt Goosebumps into Feature Film

Columbia Pictures has acquiredfrom Scholastic Media the right to adapt Scholastic's bestselling Goosebumps(TM) book series into a theatrical feature. The film will be produced by Deborah Forte and Neal H. Moritz.

Goosebumps is one of the most popular series of books for children ever-- in fact, only the Harry Potter novels have surpassed Goosebumps in total sales.Goosebumps has been published in over 32 languages and sold more than 300 million copies worldwide. The series was successfully adapted byScholastic Entertainment for television for the Fox Kids Network, where it was rated #1 for four seasons, and aired in over 100 countries. Episodes of thelive action television series returned to the small screen in 2007 on Cartoon Network and instantly became a sensation. New Goosebumps HorrorLand bookswritten by R.L. Stine hit the stores last month and, this fall, Scholastic Interactive unveils a highly anticipated Goosebumps videogame.

The Goosebumps book series returned to the top of the sales charts againlast month with the release of the first two books in Goosebumps HorrorLand, a new twelve book series by R.L. Stine, featuring favorite characters from the original series such as Slappy the Dummy, the Haunted Mask, and the Mummy. It is the first Goosebumps serialized adventure in which each book is part of the same plot. Fans can also get exclusive Goosebumps HorrorLand content at http://www.enterhorrorland.com/; and additional Goosebumps chills at theofficial Goosebumps website, http://www.scholastic.com/goosebumps, which continues to garner 1.5 million page views each month.

The studio will begin developing the first Goosebumps movie immediately.Andrea Giannetti will oversee the project on behalf of the studio workingclosely with Original Films and Scholastic.

SAGE Acquires CQ Press

CQ Press, the book-publishing unit of Washington-based Congressional Quarterly Inc. (CQ), has been sold to SAGE, the leading independent academic publisher.

CQ Press serves the library, college and professional markets with a diverse array of print and online products. It publishes about 100 new titles each year, with a growing and authoritative list of textbooks and reference titles focusing on political science, mass communication and related disciplines.

SAGE plans to keep CQ Press intact as a separate division based in Washington, D.C., bearing the CQ Press imprint, and retaining all CQ Press employees under the senior management team that will remain in place, including Publisher John A. Jenkins, who will also carry the title of President of CQ Press.

BREAKOUT THRILLERS, a New Recommendation Program with the International Thriller Writers

Audible, Inc. has launched BREAKOUT THRILLERS, a new monthly co-marketing program with the International Thriller Writers (ITW), the world's leading organization of thriller writers. BREAKOUT THRILLERS is designed to introduce the best thrillers in audio as recommended by a rotating roster of best-selling writers.

The BREAKOUT THRILLERS program kicks off with three selections for May 2008:

JANET EVANOVICH, author of the beloved Stephanie Plum series, recommends Dead Ex by Harley Jane Kozak

TESS GERRITSEN, author of The Bone Garden and other best-selling medical thrillers, recommends Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger

STEVE BERRY, author of The Venetian Betrayal and other best-selling thrillers, recommends The Reincarnationist by M.J. Rose

BREAKOUT THRILLERS is the latest effort in Audible's ongoing association with ITW. The previous project, the original serialized novel The Chopin Manuscript, has been nominated for two 2008 Audie Awards, including Audiobook of the Year, by the Audio Publishers Association. Each month’s recommendation and more about BREAKOUT THRILLERS selections can be found at www.audible.com/thriller.

Los Angeles Producer Acquires Film Rights for Adventure Novel

Producer Tony Eldridge has acquired the film right to The Samson Effect, the first in a series of action adventure novels by.......Tony Eldridge. No, that's not a typo just an amazing coincidence and fortuitous turn of events.

"I started getting emails congratulating me on my soon to be published first novel, interesting only because I hadn't written one," said Los Angeles based film producer Tony Eldridge. By doing some research, he discovered there was a Texas based writer also named Tony Eldridge. The premise of his upcoming book and some pre-publication reviews (one by best-selling author Clive Cussler) sounded interesting so the producer contact the author and requested a copy.

He was amazed by how good the story was. "I couldn't put it down, read it cover to cover in one evening and the next morning made a deal for the film rights. Finding great material is what it's all about. It's like panning for gold, you just never know when you're going to get lucky or where that nugget is going to come from."

How close did these two Tony Eldridges come to passing each other as two ships in the night? Author Tony Eldridge said, "When the time came to put my name on the book, I had it narrowed to three: Tony Eldridge, Robert Eldridge {Robert is his first name}, or the pen name of Benjamin Rytin."

Had the author chosen to go with Benjamin Rytin or Robert Eldridge instead of Tony Eldridge, it is unlikely that the producer Tony Eldridge would have ever come across The Samson Effect.

This isn't the first time that producer Eldridge has hit the Mother Load. He is currently producing the feature films, The Equalizer, with Mace Neufled, Harvey Weinstein and Michael Sloan, Patient Number One with Zucker Productions for HBO Pictures as well as The War Magician, Just Desserts and Old Dicks for his Lonetree Entertainment shingle.

Tony Eldridge, author, grew up in Westfield, IN and now lives in Forney, TX. The Samson Effect is currently available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or at any bookstore.

Black Rose Writing Acquires Catalina Cristescu Geornoiu's Everchanging Seasons

Black Rose Writing has acquired the publishing rights to Catalina Cristescu Geornoiu's Everchanging Seasons. This poetry book is inspired by some of the tragic events in her life, sharing an intimate reflection on some of history's greatest stories and heroes.

Catalina Cristescu Geornoiu's Everchanging Seasons features a collection of poetry that touch the soul in four different seasons, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring.

So no matter the mood or temperature outside, her poetry has a special place in the readers' hearts.

She was born March 4, 1976, in Romania. In 1992, at the age of 16, Catalina traveled 10,000 miles to the United States to complete her studies. In 1998, she lost her father to cancer and was forced to return to Romania.

She traveled to the United States once again, in 2002, this time to dedicate herself and her work to those that lost loved ones in the World Trade Center attacks. She currently lives in Chicago, IL, with her mother and sister.

Website: http://www.blackrosewriting.com/

HarperCollins and Walden Media Launch Walden Pond Press

HarperCollins Children's Books and Walden Media, the film studio behind The Chronicles of Narnia and Bridge to Terabithia, will jointly establish a new children's book imprint called Walden Pond Press.

Under the multi-year agreement, Walden Pond Press will acquire and publish books for young readers; pair book properties with filmmakers and actors; and collaborate on the development and production of motion pictures based on select book titles. The joint venture follows a longstanding promotional partnership between Walden Media and HarperCollins supporting literacy, featuring books such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, Bridge to Terabithia and Charlotte's Web that have been published by HarperCollins and adapted for the big screen by Walden.

The first Walden Pond title will be The Will of Will Wolfkin, by Steven Knight, the Academy Award(R) nominated screenwriter of Dirty Pretty Things who also wrote the screenplays for Eastern Promises and Amazing Grace. In addition, Walden Media has hired Knight to be principal screenwriter of Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the third installment of the Chronicles of Narnia series produced by Walden Media in association with the Walt Disney Company. The Will of Will Wolfkin, a sweeping epic fantasy set under a glacier in Iceland, is scheduled to be published by Walden Pond Press in Fall 2009.

Walden Pond Press is Walden Media's first dedicated publishing imprint. The deal was negotiated by Susan Katz of HarperCollins and Chip Flaherty, Executive Vice President of Publishing at Walden Media. The imprint will be led editorially at HarperCollins by Brenda Bowen, Vice President and Publisher, the Bowen Press, and at Walden Media by Deborah Kovacs, Senior Vice President of Publishing. The new entity will have offices at HarperCollins headquarters in New York and at Walden Media offices in Boston and be supported by its own dedicated editorial and marketing staff.

Simon & Schuster Signs Deal with Sean Covey

Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, has signed a deal to publish The 7 Habits of Happy Kids, the first picture book from Sean Covey in September 2008. Covey is the author of the multimillion copy best-selling The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, and The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make: A Guide for Teens. The book will include illustrations by artist Stacy Curtis. The deal, which is for world rights, including audio, was negotiated by Rubin Pfeffer, Senior Vice-President and Publisher of Simon & Schuster Children's Trade Publishing, and Shannon Miser-Marven of Dupree/Miller & Associates.

The book's publication in September will also coincide with the launch of FranklinCovey's comprehensive solution for elementary schools, The Leader in Me(TM): Developing Leaders One Child at a Time Through Great Schools. The program will integrate timeless leadership principles into elementary school curriculum and cultures, providing students with practical character and life skills relevant for today's 21st century challenges. The process has proven to build children's self confidence and interpersonal skills, elevate student achievement, and reduce school-wide discipline problems. The Leader in Me program will include age-appropriate materials such as a Student Activity Guide, Annotated Teacher's Edition, Classroom Poster Set, and Interactive Online Activities based on The 7 Habits of Happy Kids cast of characters.

Doubleday Canada To Publish The Long-Awaited New Book From Hockey Icon Don Cherry

Doubleday Canada has acquired the long-awaited new book from hockey icon Don Cherry. DON CHERRY'S HOCKEY STORIES AND STUFF, written with veteran sports journalist Al Strachan, will arrive in bookstores across Canada in late October, 2008.

This is the book that Canadian hockey fans have been waiting for," says Maya Mavjee, Publisher of Doubleday Canada. "Everybody here is thrilled to be working with Don Cherry on this book."

"Like any good Canadian, I've spent more Saturday nights with Don Cherry than I can count," says Martha Kanya-Forstner, editorial director of Doubleday Canada. "All the stories he has to tell are entertaining, and many of them are unexpected. Don's excitement at the prospect of sharing them with readers is infectious."

Don Cherry was named the National Hockey League's Coach of the Year in 1976 with a winning percentage of over .600, and was also a recipient of Coach of the Year honours in the American Hockey League. His comments on Hockey Night in Canada's "Coach's Corner" routinely make headlines as they entertain, educate, and sometimes enrage hockey fans throughout North America.

Hyperion Announces Plans to Publish KASEY TO THE RESCUE

Hyperion President, Ellen Archer, and Executive Editor, Brenda Copeland, have pre-empted North American rights to KASEY TO THE RESCUE: How a Capuchin Monkey Saved a Family in Despair by Ellen Rogers.

A single mother of five in her mid-fifties, Ellen Rogers has endured her fair share of tragedy having lost both her first husband and stepdaughter to cancer. But, nothing could have prepared Rogers for the June 2005 car accident that left her son, Ned Sullivan -- now 25 years old -- a quadriplegic with brain injury. When she heard about Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled, a non-profit group in Boston, MA, she immediately contacted them about receiving a monkey to help Ned cope with his disabilities. Enter Kasey -- the adorable, mischievous, fun-loving capuchin monkey who helped Ned see the world in a new way. This is a story about revival of the spirit and the courage to go on in the face of even the bleakest circumstances; about the near-miraculous healing effects of an animal's love; and a fascinating look into the highly developed minds of these affectionate, playful, very human-like creatures.

Hyperion President Ellen Archer announced the deal saying: "This remarkable story of a mother's love for her son and the irresistible monkey who transforms their lives will leave readers laughing through their tears. It is one of those rare books that celebrates what it means to be a family in both the best and the worst of times."

Archer and Copeland negotiated the deal with Susan Golomb of The Susan Golomb Literary Agency. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Helping Hands: Monkeys for the Disabled, http://www.monkeyhelpers.org/

Paramount Pictures Buys Screen Rights to New York Times Bestsellers

Paramount Pictures has purchased the screen rights to the current New York Times non-fiction bestsellers Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction by David Sheff and Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines by Nic Sheff, for development and feature film production by Plan B.

The critically lauded Beautiful Boy, published by Houghton Mifflin Co., chronicles the teenage Nic Sheff's descent into methamphetamine abuse from the point of view of his father, journalist David Sheff, as he struggles to help his son overcome addiction. In Tweak, Nic Sheff himself details a harrowing summer during which he lapsed back into drugs and how he eventually recovered. Beautiful Boy and Tweak immediately became non-fiction bestsellers. Beautiful Boy is currently #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list. The books were hailed for the unique approach of a father and son tackling the same experience from two different perspectives, and they are recognized as definitive books about a problem that is epidemic in American society.

Beautiful Boy is being sold in Starbucks stores around the country as part of the Starbucks Select book series. The film will be produced in association with Starbucks.