Amazon.com announced that the new novella by bestselling author Stephen King, "Blockade Billy," is now available in Amazon's Kindle Store (www.amazon.com/kindlestore) for $7.99. The Kindle Store now includes over 480,000 books and the largest selection of the most popular books people want to read, including New York Times Bestsellers and New Releases. Over 1.8 million free, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books are also available to read on Kindle, including titles such as "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," "Pride and Prejudice" and "Treasure Island."
"We're excited to be able to offer our customers Stephen King's new novella in the Kindle Store, especially after seeing customer enthusiasm for King's Kindle-exclusive novella ‘UR,'" said Melissa Kirmayer, Director, Kindle Content. "'Blockade Billy,' a shorter format book with a limited physical print run, is not only a great example of the publishing freedom Kindle allows writers, but also the rich content Kindle customers can find in the Kindle Store."
"Blockade Billy" tells the story of William "Blockade Billy" Blakely. He may have been the greatest baseball player the game has ever seen, but today no one remembers his name. He was the first—and only—player to have his existence completely removed from the record books. Even his team is long forgotten, barely a footnote in the game's history. Blockade Billy has a secret darker than any pill or injection that might cause a scandal in sports today. His secret was much, much worse… and only Stephen King can reveal the truth to the world, once and for all. Publishers Weekly writes of the book: "As King's fiction goes . . . a deftly executed suicide squeeze, with sharp spikes hoisted high and aimed at the jugular on the slide home."
The Kindle edition of "Blockade Billy" features both the cover illustration by Glen Orbik and the interior artwork of Alex McVey from the limited-edition hardcover published by Cemetery Dance Publications.
Stephen King has written more than 40 books, including "Misery," "The Green Mile," "Cujo," "IT" and "Carrie." He is the winner of numerous awards, including the Bram Stoker Award, O. Henry Award, Horror Guild Award and was the 2003 recipient of the National Book Foundation's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
"Kindle is a great way for authors to make different lengths of their writing available and to reach diverse audiences with their work," said Stephen King. "I'm excited to be able to offer ‘Blockade Billy' in the Kindle Store."
Kindle is in stock and available for immediate shipment today at www.amazon.com/kindle.
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Max Books Announces Children's Author Signs 11 Book Contracts
Children's adventure and mystery author, Max Elliot Anderson, has signed contracts for 11 books to be published by two publishers.
Comfort Publishing, in Concord, North Carolina, will republish his first 7 titles after the original publisher could not withstand the economic pressures that have hurt so many small businesses.
The titles to be republished by Comfort Publishing include Newspaper Caper, Terror at Wolf Lake, North Woods Poachers, Mountain Cabin Mystery, Big Rig Rustlers, Secret of Abbott's Cave, and Legend of the White Wolf. A new book, Barney and the Runaway, will also be published.
Comfort Publishing has also contracted a first right of refusal option on another 16 titles and wants to pursue an extensive series with him. This could become a 24 book deal. "These books are already written," Anderson said, "although I'm doing a revision on each one to increase the word count."
"Over a period of 3 ½ years," Mr. Anderson added, "I wrote 35 manuscripts. Now I'm glad I did that." Each book has different characters, locations, and plots.
Mr. Anderson is also developing the Sam Cooper Adventure Series with Port Yonder Press in Shellsburg, Iowa. "It's a new step for me," Anderson said. "Writing a traditional series, in the same locations, with the same characters, requires a different set of writing skills."
Book # 1 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series is Lost Island Smugglers which will be published in July/August, 2010. This book will be followed by Captain Jack's Treasure, and River Rampage. The plan calls for more titles to be written for this series in the future.
Further details can be found on Mr. Anderson's blog, Books for Boys, at http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/
Comfort Publishing, in Concord, North Carolina, will republish his first 7 titles after the original publisher could not withstand the economic pressures that have hurt so many small businesses.
The titles to be republished by Comfort Publishing include Newspaper Caper, Terror at Wolf Lake, North Woods Poachers, Mountain Cabin Mystery, Big Rig Rustlers, Secret of Abbott's Cave, and Legend of the White Wolf. A new book, Barney and the Runaway, will also be published.
Comfort Publishing has also contracted a first right of refusal option on another 16 titles and wants to pursue an extensive series with him. This could become a 24 book deal. "These books are already written," Anderson said, "although I'm doing a revision on each one to increase the word count."
"Over a period of 3 ½ years," Mr. Anderson added, "I wrote 35 manuscripts. Now I'm glad I did that." Each book has different characters, locations, and plots.
Mr. Anderson is also developing the Sam Cooper Adventure Series with Port Yonder Press in Shellsburg, Iowa. "It's a new step for me," Anderson said. "Writing a traditional series, in the same locations, with the same characters, requires a different set of writing skills."
Book # 1 in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series is Lost Island Smugglers which will be published in July/August, 2010. This book will be followed by Captain Jack's Treasure, and River Rampage. The plan calls for more titles to be written for this series in the future.
Further details can be found on Mr. Anderson's blog, Books for Boys, at http://booksandboys.blogspot.com/
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Bestselling Author M.C. Beaton Makes Electronic Editions of Two Historical Romance Series
Amazon.com announced that two historical romance series of six titles each from the bestselling author M.C. Beaton--also known by her real name Marion Chesney--are available exclusively in the Kindle Store (www.amazon.com/kindlestore). These books are from the previously out-of-print series "Six Sisters" and "The Traveling Matchmaker." This is the first time any of the titles have been available electronically, and the 12 books will be exclusive to the Kindle Store for one year. Rosetta Books is the publisher of the electronic editions. The Kindle Store now includes over 480,000 books and the largest selection of the most popular books people want to read, including New York Times Bestsellers and New Releases. Over 1.8 million free, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books are also available to read on Kindle, including titles such as "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," "Pride and Prejudice" and "Treasure Island."
"For the first time ever, Marion Chesney's fans will be able to discover and read these previously out-of-print books and enjoy them not only on Kindle, but also on their iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry, PC, Mac and iPad," said Melissa Kirmayer, Director, Kindle Content. "With its light weight which makes it fit comfortably in one hand for hours, its e-ink display that is easy on the eyes even in bright daylight and two weeks of battery, Kindle is a great way to read an author as prolific as Marion Chesney--or M.C. Beaton as many know her."
M.C. Beaton is the most well-known pseudonym for author Marion Chesney, who is best known for her two most recent bestselling mystery series "Agatha Raisin" and "Hamish Macbeth," each of which have been published for several decades. While M.C. Beaton is the pseudonym she reserves for mystery novels, Marion Chesney has also written under the names Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, and Charlotte Ward. All names combined, the author has written over 100 books. These electronic books will be listed under the names M.C. Beaton and Marion Chesney in the Kindle Store.
"For the first time ever, Marion Chesney's fans will be able to discover and read these previously out-of-print books and enjoy them not only on Kindle, but also on their iPhone, iPod touch, BlackBerry, PC, Mac and iPad," said Melissa Kirmayer, Director, Kindle Content. "With its light weight which makes it fit comfortably in one hand for hours, its e-ink display that is easy on the eyes even in bright daylight and two weeks of battery, Kindle is a great way to read an author as prolific as Marion Chesney--or M.C. Beaton as many know her."
M.C. Beaton is the most well-known pseudonym for author Marion Chesney, who is best known for her two most recent bestselling mystery series "Agatha Raisin" and "Hamish Macbeth," each of which have been published for several decades. While M.C. Beaton is the pseudonym she reserves for mystery novels, Marion Chesney has also written under the names Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, and Charlotte Ward. All names combined, the author has written over 100 books. These electronic books will be listed under the names M.C. Beaton and Marion Chesney in the Kindle Store.
Authentic, Paternoster Imprints Transition to Biblica Publishing
Biblica, Inc. announces it is launching its refocused publishing ministry as Biblica Publishing. To clarify ministry and market purpose and refocus its publishing ministry, Biblica has folded its Authentic and Paternoster imprints into the Biblica Publishing division.
"We're thrilled to have this opportunity to refocus our publishing efforts for 21st century worldwide Christian readers," said Scott Bolinder, Biblica's President of Global Publishing. "This transition gives us a unique opportunity to reach the global Church with Bibles and biblical resources that challenge people to engage more deeply in God's Word for the purpose of transforming lives one person at a time."
Biblica Publishing will be central to the ministry of each of our areas throughout the world. Globally, we will focus our portfolio in the categories of Bible studies, spiritual formation, church leadership and ministry resources, popular reference, world mission, evangelism, biblical reconciliation, and practical theology. However, local areas will have some liberty to customize their lists based on their regional needs. Content will be published in print and electronic formats and will be available through multiple channels, including retail, churches, ministries, and consumers.
In North America, Biblica Book Publisher, Volney James remarked, "As Biblica Publishing, we will support our mission by publishing low-cost, outreach Bibles as well as books and content for the global community, missional in focus, transformational in intent, to help people fulfill their Kingdom calling. Our target audience around the world is the reader who desires to understand the Bible and how it relates to all of life." Biblica Bible Publisher Glenn Paauw added, "We are excited about the potential to engage Bible readers in fresh ways both with innovative resources and creative programs."
Later this year, Biblica Publishing will release the 2010 edition of Operation World, one of the most definitive compilations of information on world missions and global prayer. "This book really defines who Biblica is as a publisher," said Bolinder. "Like no other publication in existence, Operation World educates readers on the conditions that exist in every nation on earth, but it also encourages them to be an active, dynamic participant in praying for and reaching people globally." More than 4 million copies of Operation World have been used in multiple languages since it was originally published in the mid 1970s.
"We're thrilled to have this opportunity to refocus our publishing efforts for 21st century worldwide Christian readers," said Scott Bolinder, Biblica's President of Global Publishing. "This transition gives us a unique opportunity to reach the global Church with Bibles and biblical resources that challenge people to engage more deeply in God's Word for the purpose of transforming lives one person at a time."
Biblica Publishing will be central to the ministry of each of our areas throughout the world. Globally, we will focus our portfolio in the categories of Bible studies, spiritual formation, church leadership and ministry resources, popular reference, world mission, evangelism, biblical reconciliation, and practical theology. However, local areas will have some liberty to customize their lists based on their regional needs. Content will be published in print and electronic formats and will be available through multiple channels, including retail, churches, ministries, and consumers.
In North America, Biblica Book Publisher, Volney James remarked, "As Biblica Publishing, we will support our mission by publishing low-cost, outreach Bibles as well as books and content for the global community, missional in focus, transformational in intent, to help people fulfill their Kingdom calling. Our target audience around the world is the reader who desires to understand the Bible and how it relates to all of life." Biblica Bible Publisher Glenn Paauw added, "We are excited about the potential to engage Bible readers in fresh ways both with innovative resources and creative programs."
Later this year, Biblica Publishing will release the 2010 edition of Operation World, one of the most definitive compilations of information on world missions and global prayer. "This book really defines who Biblica is as a publisher," said Bolinder. "Like no other publication in existence, Operation World educates readers on the conditions that exist in every nation on earth, but it also encourages them to be an active, dynamic participant in praying for and reaching people globally." More than 4 million copies of Operation World have been used in multiple languages since it was originally published in the mid 1970s.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Authentic, Paternoster Imprints Transition to Biblica Publishing
Biblica, Inc. will launch its refocused publishing ministry as Biblica Publishing. To clarify ministry and market purpose and refocus its publishing ministry, Biblica has folded its Authentic and Paternoster imprints into the Biblica Publishing division.
"We're thrilled to have this opportunity to refocus our publishing efforts for 21st century worldwide Christian readers," said Scott Bolinder, Biblica's President of Global Publishing. "This transition gives us a unique opportunity to reach the global Church with Bibles and biblical resources that challenge people to engage more deeply in God's Word for the purpose of transforming lives one person at a time."
Biblica Publishing will be central to the ministry of each of our areas throughout the world. Globally, we will focus our portfolio in the categories of Bible studies, spiritual formation, church leadership and ministry resources, popular reference, world mission, evangelism, biblical reconciliation, and practical theology. However, local areas will have some liberty to customize their lists based on their regional needs. Content will be published in print and electronic formats and will be available through multiple channels, including retail, churches, ministries, and consumers.
In North America, Biblica Book Publisher, Volney James remarked, "As Biblica Publishing, we will support our mission by publishing low-cost, outreach Bibles as well as books and content for the global community, missional in focus, transformational in intent, to help people fulfill their Kingdom calling. Our target audience around the world is the reader who desires to understand the Bible and how it relates to all of life." Biblica Bible Publisher Glenn Paauw added, "We are excited about the potential to engage Bible readers in fresh ways both with innovative resources and creative programs."
Later this year, Biblica Publishing will release the 2010 edition of Operation World, one of the most definitive compilations of information on world missions and global prayer. "This book really defines who Biblica is as a publisher," said Bolinder. "Like no other publication in existence, Operation World educates readers on the conditions that exist in every nation on earth, but it also encourages them to be an active, dynamic participant in praying for and reaching people globally." More than 4 million copies of Operation World have been used in multiple languages since it was originally published in the mid 1970s.
"We're thrilled to have this opportunity to refocus our publishing efforts for 21st century worldwide Christian readers," said Scott Bolinder, Biblica's President of Global Publishing. "This transition gives us a unique opportunity to reach the global Church with Bibles and biblical resources that challenge people to engage more deeply in God's Word for the purpose of transforming lives one person at a time."
Biblica Publishing will be central to the ministry of each of our areas throughout the world. Globally, we will focus our portfolio in the categories of Bible studies, spiritual formation, church leadership and ministry resources, popular reference, world mission, evangelism, biblical reconciliation, and practical theology. However, local areas will have some liberty to customize their lists based on their regional needs. Content will be published in print and electronic formats and will be available through multiple channels, including retail, churches, ministries, and consumers.
In North America, Biblica Book Publisher, Volney James remarked, "As Biblica Publishing, we will support our mission by publishing low-cost, outreach Bibles as well as books and content for the global community, missional in focus, transformational in intent, to help people fulfill their Kingdom calling. Our target audience around the world is the reader who desires to understand the Bible and how it relates to all of life." Biblica Bible Publisher Glenn Paauw added, "We are excited about the potential to engage Bible readers in fresh ways both with innovative resources and creative programs."
Later this year, Biblica Publishing will release the 2010 edition of Operation World, one of the most definitive compilations of information on world missions and global prayer. "This book really defines who Biblica is as a publisher," said Bolinder. "Like no other publication in existence, Operation World educates readers on the conditions that exist in every nation on earth, but it also encourages them to be an active, dynamic participant in praying for and reaching people globally." More than 4 million copies of Operation World have been used in multiple languages since it was originally published in the mid 1970s.
Publishers Weekly Acquired by Former PW Publisher George Slowik, Jr. and Partners
New York City-based PWxyz, LLC announced today that it has acquired Publishers Weekly, publishersweekly.com and Publishers Weekly Show Daily from Reed Business Information-US (www.reedbusiness.com/us).
The new company will retain all of Publishers Weekly editorial, art and advertising employees and will maintain its headquarters in New York City’s publishing hub. Cevin Bryerman as publisher, and Jim Milliot and Michael Coffey as co-editors, will continue to lead the publication’s management team. According to Slowik, PWxyz will leverage Publishers Weekly brand equity and talent pool to extend the franchise to a wider electronic and international footprint.
PWxyz, LLC is a newly organized company led by President George W. Slowik, Jr. and created to acquire Publishers Weekly magazine, Publishers Weekly Show Daily, http://www.publishersweekly.com/ and all related assets.
The new company will retain all of Publishers Weekly editorial, art and advertising employees and will maintain its headquarters in New York City’s publishing hub. Cevin Bryerman as publisher, and Jim Milliot and Michael Coffey as co-editors, will continue to lead the publication’s management team. According to Slowik, PWxyz will leverage Publishers Weekly brand equity and talent pool to extend the franchise to a wider electronic and international footprint.
PWxyz, LLC is a newly organized company led by President George W. Slowik, Jr. and created to acquire Publishers Weekly magazine, Publishers Weekly Show Daily, http://www.publishersweekly.com/ and all related assets.
Shoulderhill Films Options Screenplay By Bestselling Author Andrew Klavan
ShoulderHill Films, a subsidiary of ShoulderHill Entertainment has optioned best-selling author and screenwriter Andrew Klavan's screenplay Bury The Dead. The supernatural thriller/horror film tells the story of a young couple who wanders into a strange village where they witness a bizarre ritual killing and realize they may be next in line. The film is scheduled to begin production in late 2010.
Andrew Klavan is the author of many internationally bestselling novels. Twice given the Edgar Award for mystery writing, he is the author of True Crime, which Academy Award-winning director Clint Eastwood turned into a major motion picture. Klavan also wrote the novel Don't Say A Word, which became a 20th Century Fox release starring Michael Douglas and Brittany Murphy. In March 2010, Summit Entertainment, makers of Hurt Locker and the Twilight movies, optioned Klavan's Homelanders series of young adult thriller novels. Klavan's previous screenplays include One Missed Call, which stars Ed Burns and Shannyn Sossamon and A Shock to the System, starring Michael Caine. Klavan is represented by Gersh.
ShoulderHill Entertainment is currently planning to shoot the film in the UK with Steven Addair attached to direct. ShoulderHill recently opened a new office in London with Jim Hall named as Managing Director. Created in 2005 as a full service production company with a commercial client roster, ShoulderHill moved into full-time feature production last October when it hired Susann Brinkley as Head of Development.
Andrew Klavan is the author of many internationally bestselling novels. Twice given the Edgar Award for mystery writing, he is the author of True Crime, which Academy Award-winning director Clint Eastwood turned into a major motion picture. Klavan also wrote the novel Don't Say A Word, which became a 20th Century Fox release starring Michael Douglas and Brittany Murphy. In March 2010, Summit Entertainment, makers of Hurt Locker and the Twilight movies, optioned Klavan's Homelanders series of young adult thriller novels. Klavan's previous screenplays include One Missed Call, which stars Ed Burns and Shannyn Sossamon and A Shock to the System, starring Michael Caine. Klavan is represented by Gersh.
ShoulderHill Entertainment is currently planning to shoot the film in the UK with Steven Addair attached to direct. ShoulderHill recently opened a new office in London with Jim Hall named as Managing Director. Created in 2005 as a full service production company with a commercial client roster, ShoulderHill moved into full-time feature production last October when it hired Susann Brinkley as Head of Development.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Tom Clancy, #1 International Bestselling Author, to be Published by Penguin Group
Tom Clancy, #1 international bestselling author, bestselling videogame presenter and one of the preeminent and most prescient storytellers of our time, has written a modern-day techno-thriller like nothing he has ever done before called Dead or Alive. The eagerly-awaited novel will be published by G. P. Putnam's Sons in the U. S. and by Michael Joseph in the U.K. on December 7, 2010, it was announced today by David Shanks, CEO of Penguin Group (USA) and Tom Weldon, Deputy CEO of Penguin U.K. The publication of Dead or Alive will be a global publishing event, featuring, for the first time ever, many of his greatest characters, including Jack Ryan and John Clark, and brings readers inside the present-day war on terror. Berkley Books will publish the paperback edition of the title in the U.S. in 2011.
In Clancy's new novel, written in collaboration with U.S. Navy veteran Grant Blackwood, Jack Ryan, Jr. and his colleagues at the Campus, a secret U.S. counter-terrorism organization, have been waging an unofficial and highly effective campaign against the terrorists who threaten Western civilization. As Dead or Alive opens, the war on terror is far from won, but winning it doesn't appear to be a priority for President Kealty, Jack Ryan's successor in the Oval Office. The Emir, a sadistic killer who has masterminded the most vicious terrorist attacks on the West, has eluded capture by the world's armed forces and law enforcement agencies. Now the Campus is on his trail. Joined by their latest recruits, John Clark and Ding Chavez, Jack Ryan, Jr. and his cousins Dominick and Brian Caruso are ordered to catch the Emir and they will bring him in...dead or alive.
In Clancy's new novel, written in collaboration with U.S. Navy veteran Grant Blackwood, Jack Ryan, Jr. and his colleagues at the Campus, a secret U.S. counter-terrorism organization, have been waging an unofficial and highly effective campaign against the terrorists who threaten Western civilization. As Dead or Alive opens, the war on terror is far from won, but winning it doesn't appear to be a priority for President Kealty, Jack Ryan's successor in the Oval Office. The Emir, a sadistic killer who has masterminded the most vicious terrorist attacks on the West, has eluded capture by the world's armed forces and law enforcement agencies. Now the Campus is on his trail. Joined by their latest recruits, John Clark and Ding Chavez, Jack Ryan, Jr. and his cousins Dominick and Brian Caruso are ordered to catch the Emir and they will bring him in...dead or alive.
Trident Media Group Taps Vook to Publish Deepak Chopra Titles
Vook today announced a strategic publishing relationship with renowned literary agency Trident Media Group. Trident Media Group also announced today plans for its first two vooks, one by best-selling author Deepak Chopra and the other featuring interviews with acclaimed academics from the Chopra Foundation's Symposium: Sages and Scientists: The Merging of a New Future.
A vook is a mixed-media form that blends video, text, images and social streams into a single, integrated experience. Vooks can be streamed to the browser-based Vook Reader or downloaded as a unique mobile application. Trident Media Group and Vook will collaborate with Deepak Chopra to release a vook of his novel, "Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment," as well as a vook featuring world-renowned doctors, philosophers, thinkers and theologians from the Chopra Foundation's Sages and Scientists Symposium discussing groundbreaking ways that science and religion can work together to create a better world. Featured scholars include: Larry Dossey, Hans Peter Duerr, G. Patrick Flanagan, Ervin Laszlo, Rustum Roy, Marilyn Schlitz, Vladimir L. Voeikov, Fred Alan Wolf, Jim Tucker, Juliana Brooks Mortenson, and Marc Newkirk.
"I am delighted to be working with Vook and am grateful that Trident Media brought me this opportunity," said Deepak Chopra. "We are entering a new era of multimedia expression that brings information and knowledge into the human nervous system through a variety of sensory inputs. For the last 25 years, I have written about consciousness and the ramifications of understanding our spirit through the window of science. Today I believe this is possible because of new technologies, and I am thrilled that 'Buddha' will reach what I hope is a critical mass of people as a multimedia adventure story on enlightenment. At the same time, I am very happy to see the great work of 'Sages and Scientists,' which I hope will reach millions of people through this vook."
About Vook Vook is a digital publisher that mixes media including text, video, pictures, social media and links to create new experiences of the books and authors that readers love. Vook's publishing tool, MotherVook, provides publishers with the ability to quickly and cost-effectively produce high quality mixed media e-book titles. Vooks are streamed to the browser-based Vook Reader and are also available on-the-go as a unique mobile application. Vook is based in Alameda, CA with offices in New York. For more information about vooks, visit http://www.vook.com/.
A vook is a mixed-media form that blends video, text, images and social streams into a single, integrated experience. Vooks can be streamed to the browser-based Vook Reader or downloaded as a unique mobile application. Trident Media Group and Vook will collaborate with Deepak Chopra to release a vook of his novel, "Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment," as well as a vook featuring world-renowned doctors, philosophers, thinkers and theologians from the Chopra Foundation's Sages and Scientists Symposium discussing groundbreaking ways that science and religion can work together to create a better world. Featured scholars include: Larry Dossey, Hans Peter Duerr, G. Patrick Flanagan, Ervin Laszlo, Rustum Roy, Marilyn Schlitz, Vladimir L. Voeikov, Fred Alan Wolf, Jim Tucker, Juliana Brooks Mortenson, and Marc Newkirk.
"I am delighted to be working with Vook and am grateful that Trident Media brought me this opportunity," said Deepak Chopra. "We are entering a new era of multimedia expression that brings information and knowledge into the human nervous system through a variety of sensory inputs. For the last 25 years, I have written about consciousness and the ramifications of understanding our spirit through the window of science. Today I believe this is possible because of new technologies, and I am thrilled that 'Buddha' will reach what I hope is a critical mass of people as a multimedia adventure story on enlightenment. At the same time, I am very happy to see the great work of 'Sages and Scientists,' which I hope will reach millions of people through this vook."
About Vook Vook is a digital publisher that mixes media including text, video, pictures, social media and links to create new experiences of the books and authors that readers love. Vook's publishing tool, MotherVook, provides publishers with the ability to quickly and cost-effectively produce high quality mixed media e-book titles. Vooks are streamed to the browser-based Vook Reader and are also available on-the-go as a unique mobile application. Vook is based in Alameda, CA with offices in New York. For more information about vooks, visit http://www.vook.com/.
Ingram Content Group Inc. today will provide publisher content to Apple's new iBookstore
Through CoreSource, Ingram's solution for the storage, management, and distribution of digital content, publishers will be able to submit eBooks to iBookstore for availability on Apple's new iPad.
"Digital book distribution is changing the publishing industry, and Apple is positioned to be a key player with the iPad. With Ingram, Apple is working with industry experts who understand the fundamentals of book distribution and the complexities of the digital model. We're pleased to be able to offer this new channel to publishers," said Phil Ollila, Chief Content Officer, Ingram Content Group.
Ingram will help manage the relationship between publishers and Apple. This will enable a publisher's catalog to be ingested, converted into ePub, Apple's required format, and submitted to the iBookstore.
Ingram currently distributes over 500,000 digital assets to major retailers and distributors worldwide. Ingram invests in the latest digital technologies and resources so publishers can invest in the next generation of eBooks. To learn more about Ingram's Apple Referral Program and CoreSource, visit: www.ingramcontent.com/apple.
"Digital book distribution is changing the publishing industry, and Apple is positioned to be a key player with the iPad. With Ingram, Apple is working with industry experts who understand the fundamentals of book distribution and the complexities of the digital model. We're pleased to be able to offer this new channel to publishers," said Phil Ollila, Chief Content Officer, Ingram Content Group.
Ingram will help manage the relationship between publishers and Apple. This will enable a publisher's catalog to be ingested, converted into ePub, Apple's required format, and submitted to the iBookstore.
Ingram currently distributes over 500,000 digital assets to major retailers and distributors worldwide. Ingram invests in the latest digital technologies and resources so publishers can invest in the next generation of eBooks. To learn more about Ingram's Apple Referral Program and CoreSource, visit: www.ingramcontent.com/apple.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Hilary Duff Signs Multi-Book Deal With Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Hilary Duff, film and television star, recording artist, clothing designer, and philanthropist, has signed a world rights deal with Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers to publish her first-ever young adult fiction series, it was announced today. The first novel in the multiple-book series, entitled Elixir, publishes in hardcover in October 2010. Also part of the deal are world rights for a nonfiction title to be published in spring 2012 concerning the challenges faced by children of divorce--an issue that has touched Duff's own life.
Duff's Elixir combines the overpowering allure of a dangerous love triangle with thrilling international adventure. 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.
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.
Duff's Elixir combines the overpowering allure of a dangerous love triangle with thrilling international adventure. 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.
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.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Author Jennifer Swanson Signs With Mariposa Press Inc. For Distribution Throughout France
Jennifer Swanson, author of the highly acclaimed Penny and Rio series of children's books, recently signed with Mariposa Press Inc. for distribution of her titles in English language bookstores throughout France.
"Children around the world will be delighted with the ingenuity of these two dogs," stated Ms. Swanson, “as they solve mysteries and go on adventures right from their own backyard. Great for classrooms or home school, these award winning early chapter books will provide engaging entertainment while also creating exceptional learning opportunities. I am very happy to be working with Mariposa Press."
Mariposa Press Inc. will be handling distribution of Ms. Swanson's titles to English language bookstores throughout France. Mariposa will also be representing Swanson's titles at France's main book expo, the Salon du Livre.
Mariposa Press Inc. has been in business for over 29 years. Laurie Blum, President of Mariposa Press Inc., has worked as both a book packager and editor with industry leaders such as Harper Collins, Simon and Schuster, and Henry Holt. Ms. Blum has over 63 titles to her credit and has sold millions of copies of her books.
Ms. Swanson's books have won numerous industry awards. Both of her books, Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting, and Penny and Rio: The Locked Doghouse Mystery, have won a Mom's Choice Silver Awards for Juvenile Fiction -- Early Reader. The Mom's Choice Awards esteemed panel of judges includes educators, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. They have both been awarded The Dove Foundation's Family-Approved Seal.
In addition to writing books about dogs, Jennifer is committed to helping animals. She firmly believes in adopting dogs, and has taught her children the same values. In support of this goal, Jennifer donates a portion of her proceeds to a local Jacksonville pet rescue organization, G.R.E.A.T Rescue. The organization rescues and rehabilitates golden retrievers and places them in their new and forever homes. Jennifer has also recently teamed with Pawsitive Pets, a local organization that takes dogs into schools to help children learn to read.
"I am thrilled to be introducing the dynamic dog detectives, Penny and Rio, to the children of France. It is my hope that the mischievous and entertaining adventures of my two canine characters will fuel their imagination and cause them to look at their own pet's antics in a new and unique manner."
Ms. Swanson is available for interview and can be reached using the information below or by email at PennyAndRio@yahoo.com. More information is available at her website at www.PennyAndRio.com. Her books are available Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, IndiePendent Books and at her website.
Jennifer Swanson has been writing since the age of 5. A 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Jennifer pursued her other love of science and became a prep school chemistry teacher. Her Navy career took her to Norfolk, VA where she was stationed with her husband, Jon.
Her life changed forever when they adopted Penny, their first dog. Penny was a wonderful addition to their family and less than a year later, they adopted Rio, her best pal. Jennifer kept writing during the next several years as she raised three children, supported her naval officer husband and taught both part and full time.
Today Ms. Swanson continues to work on the Penny and Rio series and recently received her Masters in Education. Jennifer is employed as a middle school science instructor for John Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth.
Jennifer is an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers. She regularly attends the Florida branch of SCBWI's conferences in Orlando and Miami. She is also a member of the Florida Writer's Association.
"Children around the world will be delighted with the ingenuity of these two dogs," stated Ms. Swanson, “as they solve mysteries and go on adventures right from their own backyard. Great for classrooms or home school, these award winning early chapter books will provide engaging entertainment while also creating exceptional learning opportunities. I am very happy to be working with Mariposa Press."
Mariposa Press Inc. will be handling distribution of Ms. Swanson's titles to English language bookstores throughout France. Mariposa will also be representing Swanson's titles at France's main book expo, the Salon du Livre.
Mariposa Press Inc. has been in business for over 29 years. Laurie Blum, President of Mariposa Press Inc., has worked as both a book packager and editor with industry leaders such as Harper Collins, Simon and Schuster, and Henry Holt. Ms. Blum has over 63 titles to her credit and has sold millions of copies of her books.
Ms. Swanson's books have won numerous industry awards. Both of her books, Penny and Rio: The Mysterious Backyard Meeting, and Penny and Rio: The Locked Doghouse Mystery, have won a Mom's Choice Silver Awards for Juvenile Fiction -- Early Reader. The Mom's Choice Awards esteemed panel of judges includes educators, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. They have both been awarded The Dove Foundation's Family-Approved Seal.
In addition to writing books about dogs, Jennifer is committed to helping animals. She firmly believes in adopting dogs, and has taught her children the same values. In support of this goal, Jennifer donates a portion of her proceeds to a local Jacksonville pet rescue organization, G.R.E.A.T Rescue. The organization rescues and rehabilitates golden retrievers and places them in their new and forever homes. Jennifer has also recently teamed with Pawsitive Pets, a local organization that takes dogs into schools to help children learn to read.
"I am thrilled to be introducing the dynamic dog detectives, Penny and Rio, to the children of France. It is my hope that the mischievous and entertaining adventures of my two canine characters will fuel their imagination and cause them to look at their own pet's antics in a new and unique manner."
Ms. Swanson is available for interview and can be reached using the information below or by email at PennyAndRio@yahoo.com. More information is available at her website at www.PennyAndRio.com. Her books are available Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, IndiePendent Books and at her website.
Jennifer Swanson has been writing since the age of 5. A 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Jennifer pursued her other love of science and became a prep school chemistry teacher. Her Navy career took her to Norfolk, VA where she was stationed with her husband, Jon.
Her life changed forever when they adopted Penny, their first dog. Penny was a wonderful addition to their family and less than a year later, they adopted Rio, her best pal. Jennifer kept writing during the next several years as she raised three children, supported her naval officer husband and taught both part and full time.
Today Ms. Swanson continues to work on the Penny and Rio series and recently received her Masters in Education. Jennifer is employed as a middle school science instructor for John Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth.
Jennifer is an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers. She regularly attends the Florida branch of SCBWI's conferences in Orlando and Miami. She is also a member of the Florida Writer's Association.
Penguin Books launch the first Digi-Novel - Dark Origins by CSI creator Anthony E Zuiker
Penguin Books has announced the launch of Anthony E Zuiker's 'Dark Origins' and the 'Digi-Novel' to the world of book publishing. The new Level 26 serial killer thriller books are complemented by a comprehensive online and digital component featuring exclusive cinematic content on a dedicated and fully interactive website.
The Level 26 site is an interactive extension of the book series, with the books and the site combining to form a 'Digi-Novel', a multi-platform experience that moves the reader from passages in the books to supporting videos and other content. Over the course of the book there are calls-to-action that direct the reader to the website to enter codes that unlock cyber-bridges.
These cinematic cyber-bridges take the experience to the next level, immersing the reader in the action and putting them inside the minds of a twisted torture-murderer and the man sent to take him down. The cyber-bridges have been developed by Anthony Zuiker and his CSI production team, and are designed to enrich the reader's experience, but are not essential to read and enjoy the story as one would traditional thriller books.
Anthony E Zuiker said: "I am extremely pleased to introduce you to my next project, 'Level 26: Dark Origins'. Level 26 takes the best features of books, film, and interactive digital technologies and rolls them all into a unique storytelling experience we're calling the world's first 'Digi-Novel'. I had a world-class cast and crew working alongside me on this project, and couldn't be more proud of the work they did, and the results we produced. I'll see you on the Dark side."
Stef Bierwerth, Editorial Director Michael Joseph said: "Dark Origins marks the great return of the classic, big serial killer thriller and at the same time takes the genre to a whole new level. Reading this novel will have the same effect on you as when you first watched Se7en or Silence of the Lambs on the big screen. It's incredibly dark, twisted and will make you face your worst nightmares. Steve Dark and Sqweegel are set to become the Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter of the 21st century and we're very proud to publish Anthony Zuiker's latest creation in the UK".
The Level 26 site is an interactive extension of the book series, with the books and the site combining to form a 'Digi-Novel', a multi-platform experience that moves the reader from passages in the books to supporting videos and other content. Over the course of the book there are calls-to-action that direct the reader to the website to enter codes that unlock cyber-bridges.
These cinematic cyber-bridges take the experience to the next level, immersing the reader in the action and putting them inside the minds of a twisted torture-murderer and the man sent to take him down. The cyber-bridges have been developed by Anthony Zuiker and his CSI production team, and are designed to enrich the reader's experience, but are not essential to read and enjoy the story as one would traditional thriller books.
Anthony E Zuiker said: "I am extremely pleased to introduce you to my next project, 'Level 26: Dark Origins'. Level 26 takes the best features of books, film, and interactive digital technologies and rolls them all into a unique storytelling experience we're calling the world's first 'Digi-Novel'. I had a world-class cast and crew working alongside me on this project, and couldn't be more proud of the work they did, and the results we produced. I'll see you on the Dark side."
Stef Bierwerth, Editorial Director Michael Joseph said: "Dark Origins marks the great return of the classic, big serial killer thriller and at the same time takes the genre to a whole new level. Reading this novel will have the same effect on you as when you first watched Se7en or Silence of the Lambs on the big screen. It's incredibly dark, twisted and will make you face your worst nightmares. Steve Dark and Sqweegel are set to become the Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter of the 21st century and we're very proud to publish Anthony Zuiker's latest creation in the UK".
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Simon & Schuster's Aladdin Imprint to Publish Tori Spelling's First Children's Book
Aladdin announced today that it will publish a children's picture book with New York Times bestselling writer Tori Spelling, entitled Presenting . . . Tallulah. This is the first children's book that Spelling has written. Spelling is the author of two New York Times bestselling books, Mommywood and the #1 bestseller sTORI Telling that combined have close to a million copies in print. She'll also have her third adult book, tentatively titled uncharted terriTORI, on sale in June of 2010.
Taking cues from her own childhood, Spelling's Presenting . . . Tallulah tells the sweet tale of a young girl who really just wants to be herself. All her life, Tallulah has heard what she's not supposed to do: Don't get dirty . . . don't talk loudly . . . don't wear jeans like all the other kids. You're not that kind of girl, everybody keeps telling her. Tallulah knows plenty about what she can't do and what she shouldn't do, about what kind of girl she isn't. But it's up to her to figure out what kind of girl she is. Spelling and illustrator Vanessa Brantley Newton (Let Freedom Sing and Drum City) bring to life the story of a spunky little girl who, with the help of some special friends, is able to discover exactly who she is.
Says Spelling, "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."
Spelling and husband Dean McDermott are currently filming the fourth season of their hit Oxygen reality series, Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood. In the series' new season, premiering in Spring 2010, Tori and Dean will offer an even closer look into their family life and at their own relationship, which will include a first ever Spelling-McDermott cross-country family road trip. Last season's finale attracted more than one million viewers.
Spelling is also an accomplished designer. Her clothing line, Little Maven, for infants and toddlers, features fun, young and versatile designs. The line is sold in department stores and specialty boutiques. Her latest jewelry designs from The Tori Spelling Collection are available exclusively on HSN.
Bethany Buck, V.P., Publisher of Aladdin and Simon Pulse, said "Tori is a proven storyteller in the adult world, and we're positive that her foray into children's books will be nothing short of a success. We're thrilled to welcome her to our program."
Aladdin's Associate Editor Emily Lawrence negotiated the deal with agents Dan Strone and Alyssa Henkin of Trident Media Group. The deal includes world rights. The book is scheduled for publication on September 21, 2010
Taking cues from her own childhood, Spelling's Presenting . . . Tallulah tells the sweet tale of a young girl who really just wants to be herself. All her life, Tallulah has heard what she's not supposed to do: Don't get dirty . . . don't talk loudly . . . don't wear jeans like all the other kids. You're not that kind of girl, everybody keeps telling her. Tallulah knows plenty about what she can't do and what she shouldn't do, about what kind of girl she isn't. But it's up to her to figure out what kind of girl she is. Spelling and illustrator Vanessa Brantley Newton (Let Freedom Sing and Drum City) bring to life the story of a spunky little girl who, with the help of some special friends, is able to discover exactly who she is.
Says Spelling, "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."
Spelling and husband Dean McDermott are currently filming the fourth season of their hit Oxygen reality series, Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood. In the series' new season, premiering in Spring 2010, Tori and Dean will offer an even closer look into their family life and at their own relationship, which will include a first ever Spelling-McDermott cross-country family road trip. Last season's finale attracted more than one million viewers.
Spelling is also an accomplished designer. Her clothing line, Little Maven, for infants and toddlers, features fun, young and versatile designs. The line is sold in department stores and specialty boutiques. Her latest jewelry designs from The Tori Spelling Collection are available exclusively on HSN.
Bethany Buck, V.P., Publisher of Aladdin and Simon Pulse, said "Tori is a proven storyteller in the adult world, and we're positive that her foray into children's books will be nothing short of a success. We're thrilled to welcome her to our program."
Aladdin's Associate Editor Emily Lawrence negotiated the deal with agents Dan Strone and Alyssa Henkin of Trident Media Group. The deal includes world rights. The book is scheduled for publication on September 21, 2010
Historical Thriller Writer Alexander Galant Signs With NY Literary Agency, Writers House
Toronto based writer Alexander Galant has signed with New York Based literary agent Michelle Rubin of The Writers House to represent his work. The Writers House is one of the largest literary agencies in the world that represents well-known and respected novelists in both fiction and non-fiction.
Since the release of the NY Times Best Seller "Dracula the Un-Dead" in October 2009, for which Alexander Galant did all the historical research on and adapted/directed into a dramatic reading for the Toronto stage, he has been working on his new manuscript currently entitled "Bloody Mary Kelly." Galant's "Bloody Mary Kelly" is parallel stories between two centuries, Jack the Ripper strikes: In the past, five women are butchered, including the unfortunate Mary Kelly whose difficult life came to the most brutal end of all. In present day, a "copy-cat" Ripper hunts down women bearing the same names. Scotland Yard is baffled to find a secret, vital clue from the original case being used today, but ex-profiler Dr. Mary Kelly cannot waver, for she must find the killer before she becomes his next victim.
As well as a writer, Galant is also an accomplished director in both theater and film. In theater he received the Adjudicator's Award for Innovation, for Incorporating Animation, Computer-Generated Effects and Film Sequences with live actors in The Wizard of Oz and received a similar Thea Award for Singin' in the Rain for which he made it rain across the stage. Other theatre directing includes: A Tribute to Judy Garland, Love Letters, I'll Be Back Before Midnight, The Odd Couple, A Christmas Carol the Musical and Twelve Angry Men. Alexander Galant also adapted and directed a staged reading of Bram Stoker's Dracula for the 100th Anniversary in 1997, paying homage to Stoker's original reading.
Since the release of the NY Times Best Seller "Dracula the Un-Dead" in October 2009, for which Alexander Galant did all the historical research on and adapted/directed into a dramatic reading for the Toronto stage, he has been working on his new manuscript currently entitled "Bloody Mary Kelly." Galant's "Bloody Mary Kelly" is parallel stories between two centuries, Jack the Ripper strikes: In the past, five women are butchered, including the unfortunate Mary Kelly whose difficult life came to the most brutal end of all. In present day, a "copy-cat" Ripper hunts down women bearing the same names. Scotland Yard is baffled to find a secret, vital clue from the original case being used today, but ex-profiler Dr. Mary Kelly cannot waver, for she must find the killer before she becomes his next victim.
As well as a writer, Galant is also an accomplished director in both theater and film. In theater he received the Adjudicator's Award for Innovation, for Incorporating Animation, Computer-Generated Effects and Film Sequences with live actors in The Wizard of Oz and received a similar Thea Award for Singin' in the Rain for which he made it rain across the stage. Other theatre directing includes: A Tribute to Judy Garland, Love Letters, I'll Be Back Before Midnight, The Odd Couple, A Christmas Carol the Musical and Twelve Angry Men. Alexander Galant also adapted and directed a staged reading of Bram Stoker's Dracula for the 100th Anniversary in 1997, paying homage to Stoker's original reading.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Canadian Author Rethinks Storytelling for the Internet Age
Vancouver author and poet Barbara Murray today announced the launch of http://www.fabricoftheearth.com/, the Web component of her multi-format fiction project, Fabric of the Earth.
Set in the year three million AD, Fabric of the Earth tells the story of archaeologists from a far-away planet who discover the now-deserted Earth. As they begin digging for artifacts, they find evidence of a compelling mystery hidden in the planet. They also unearth artistic relics that indicate the long-ago presence of a highly creative people - the human race.
The story is told through audio and text transmissions sent between the archaeologists' camps and their in-orbit spacecraft.
Readers worldwide can sign up on the website to receive the transmissions in sequence by e-mail or access the story online; view unearthed items, including photographs, poems and video; submit poems and other work for inclusion on the website and in the upcoming hard copy volumes; find Fabric of the Earth Designs, Barbara's clothing line and poetry art; and enter a writing contest that challenges readers to describe how they would save the world in 300 words or less.
The interactive, all-inclusive nature of this project celebrates cross-cultural modes of human expression. As the Vancouver Olympics begin, the underlying message of Fabric of the Earth is more relevant than ever.
Barbara Murray's troupe, The Olive Branch, will be performing selections from Fabric of the Earth on Vancouver's Granville Island on the 14th, 21st and 28th of February.
Set in the year three million AD, Fabric of the Earth tells the story of archaeologists from a far-away planet who discover the now-deserted Earth. As they begin digging for artifacts, they find evidence of a compelling mystery hidden in the planet. They also unearth artistic relics that indicate the long-ago presence of a highly creative people - the human race.
The story is told through audio and text transmissions sent between the archaeologists' camps and their in-orbit spacecraft.
Readers worldwide can sign up on the website to receive the transmissions in sequence by e-mail or access the story online; view unearthed items, including photographs, poems and video; submit poems and other work for inclusion on the website and in the upcoming hard copy volumes; find Fabric of the Earth Designs, Barbara's clothing line and poetry art; and enter a writing contest that challenges readers to describe how they would save the world in 300 words or less.
The interactive, all-inclusive nature of this project celebrates cross-cultural modes of human expression. As the Vancouver Olympics begin, the underlying message of Fabric of the Earth is more relevant than ever.
Barbara Murray's troupe, The Olive Branch, will be performing selections from Fabric of the Earth on Vancouver's Granville Island on the 14th, 21st and 28th of February.
Teleread E-Book Site Acquired by North American Publishing
North American Publishing Company (NAPCO) of Philadelphia, PA announced today that Gadgetell, a division of NAPCO, has acquired TeleRead.org, a Web Site covering global e-book news based in Alexandria, VA.
TeleRead covers daily and long-term developments for readers, writers, editors, publishers and sellers of e-books, as well as for librarians. Created in the 1990s, it is believed to be the oldest English-language Web site devoted to general e-book news and views.
The site's opinion posts helped spur the creation of the ePub standard used for e-books by Sony Readers and other products, including Apple's iBooks e-reading software for the iPad.
According to David Rothman, the founder of TeleRead, who is stepping down as editor-publisher, the time was ripe for moving the popular site to a publisher with more resources.
Philadelphia-based North American Publishing (NAPCO) publishes more than 16 leading trade magazines including Book Business, Printing Impressions, Target Marketing and Publishing Executive.
TeleRead covers daily and long-term developments for readers, writers, editors, publishers and sellers of e-books, as well as for librarians. Created in the 1990s, it is believed to be the oldest English-language Web site devoted to general e-book news and views.
The site's opinion posts helped spur the creation of the ePub standard used for e-books by Sony Readers and other products, including Apple's iBooks e-reading software for the iPad.
According to David Rothman, the founder of TeleRead, who is stepping down as editor-publisher, the time was ripe for moving the popular site to a publisher with more resources.
Philadelphia-based North American Publishing (NAPCO) publishes more than 16 leading trade magazines including Book Business, Printing Impressions, Target Marketing and Publishing Executive.
Son of the Legendary Bob Marley, Ky-Mani Pens His Personal, Controversial Memoir, 'Dear Dad'
Son of the Legendary Bob Marley, Ky-Mani Pens His Personal, Controversial Memoir, Dear Dad: "Where's The Family In Our Family, Today?" The Story the Marley Family Apparently Doesn't Want You to Know. Available now on Amazon and in book stores to coincide with Bob Marley's 65th birthday February 6, 2010.
According to Fortune magazine, the Bob Marley estate generates as much as $600 million, and by 2012, it is expected to generate in excess of $1 Billion--making Bob Marley the richest deceased celebrity. With all the wealth, the acclaim and the legacy, why would the Marley family try to censor a true life story written by of one of Bob Marley's sons--who many say is the son who best resembles his father's extraordinary talent? In fact, the Marley family is so outraged over the publishing of this memoir they lodged a campaign of intimidation over Ky-Mani Marley as the author of this book, unless the thus far forsaken and ostracized son of Bob Marley rewrites the truth and omits the sometimes harsh realities of his being excluded from the Marley family's affairs and events, and of intentionally being denied the love and attention enjoyed by the other children. They also demand that he confirm and showcase such distortions during his interviews and the highly awaited book tour.
Ky-Mani's publisher, Dr. Farrah Gray, defends the memoir and the author's right to disclose and describe the story of his life, even if it exposes situations and episodes the Marley estate prefers not to reveal. Gray's position is based on his personal commitment to the truth and is also grounded in law. Legal authorities confirm the publisher's right to pursue a claim of 'tortious interference' --a civil action that could possibly deem the Marley estate liable for damages caused by its threats to Marley's son. Injunctive relief is also being considered.
"Family politics can be a straight bitch. It can flow deep. And it can cut deep. You have to understand what I'm calling family politics. It was family politics that gave me all of the growing-up experiences I have detailed in this book," said Ky-Mani Marley.
The truth--and this book--will not be stopped. Published to coincide with Bob Marley's birthday, Dear Dad: "Where's The Family in Our Family, Today?" The Story the Marley Family Apparently Doesn't Want You to Know (Farrah Gray Publishing; February 6, 2010; ISBN-13: 978-0-9727-0999-6; $14.95; Original Trade Paperback), by world-renowned and Grammy®-nominated recording and performing artist, Ky-Mani Marley--Bob Marley's tenth child--is a compelling biographical account of a son who was locked out of his iconic father's shelter after his death, and forced to survive poverty and run-ins with the street-predators of Miami's violent ghetto. Ky-Mani grew up estranged from his siblings, and also cut out of any financial gain by Marley's widow and manager of the Marley Estate. This compelling narrative chronicles young Ky-Mani's gritty ascent from a bullet-riddled life to the world stages he now commands as a musical artist--a platform he has made on his own
Ky-Mani performs songs of redemption around the world like his famous father did, but has also lived to tell his personal redemptive story.
According to Fortune magazine, the Bob Marley estate generates as much as $600 million, and by 2012, it is expected to generate in excess of $1 Billion--making Bob Marley the richest deceased celebrity. With all the wealth, the acclaim and the legacy, why would the Marley family try to censor a true life story written by of one of Bob Marley's sons--who many say is the son who best resembles his father's extraordinary talent? In fact, the Marley family is so outraged over the publishing of this memoir they lodged a campaign of intimidation over Ky-Mani Marley as the author of this book, unless the thus far forsaken and ostracized son of Bob Marley rewrites the truth and omits the sometimes harsh realities of his being excluded from the Marley family's affairs and events, and of intentionally being denied the love and attention enjoyed by the other children. They also demand that he confirm and showcase such distortions during his interviews and the highly awaited book tour.
Ky-Mani's publisher, Dr. Farrah Gray, defends the memoir and the author's right to disclose and describe the story of his life, even if it exposes situations and episodes the Marley estate prefers not to reveal. Gray's position is based on his personal commitment to the truth and is also grounded in law. Legal authorities confirm the publisher's right to pursue a claim of 'tortious interference' --a civil action that could possibly deem the Marley estate liable for damages caused by its threats to Marley's son. Injunctive relief is also being considered.
"Family politics can be a straight bitch. It can flow deep. And it can cut deep. You have to understand what I'm calling family politics. It was family politics that gave me all of the growing-up experiences I have detailed in this book," said Ky-Mani Marley.
The truth--and this book--will not be stopped. Published to coincide with Bob Marley's birthday, Dear Dad: "Where's The Family in Our Family, Today?" The Story the Marley Family Apparently Doesn't Want You to Know (Farrah Gray Publishing; February 6, 2010; ISBN-13: 978-0-9727-0999-6; $14.95; Original Trade Paperback), by world-renowned and Grammy®-nominated recording and performing artist, Ky-Mani Marley--Bob Marley's tenth child--is a compelling biographical account of a son who was locked out of his iconic father's shelter after his death, and forced to survive poverty and run-ins with the street-predators of Miami's violent ghetto. Ky-Mani grew up estranged from his siblings, and also cut out of any financial gain by Marley's widow and manager of the Marley Estate. This compelling narrative chronicles young Ky-Mani's gritty ascent from a bullet-riddled life to the world stages he now commands as a musical artist--a platform he has made on his own
Ky-Mani performs songs of redemption around the world like his famous father did, but has also lived to tell his personal redemptive story.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
E-Book Reader Market Will Spark $2.5 Billion in Revenue by 2013
Yankee Group forecasts that the already hot U.S. e-book reader market is about to catch fire, sparking from $1.3 billion in revenue in 2010 to $2.5 billion by 2013.
In "Yankee Group's US E-Book Reader Forecast: Kindling a Fire," analyst Dmitriy Molchanov reports that as devices such as Amazon's Kindle, Barnes & Noble's Nook, Sony's Reader, Interead's COOL-ER and enTourage's eDGe adopt more palatable price points-Yankee Group sees $150 as the sweet spot-the market will respond in kind.
"Unlike the iPod, which hooked serious music buyers in addition to a raft of casual listeners, e-book reader adoption will be limited to heavy readers only-at least until prices come down," said Molchanov. "But we see the average price of e-book readers declining by roughly 15 percent per year for the next five years, resulting in 55 percent increase in adoption rate year over year."
The Yankee Group further noted that by 2013:
-U.S. e-book reader sales will reach 19.2 million, a CAGR of 34 percent, with 6 million e-book readers sold in 2010 alone.
-The U.S. installed base of e-book readers will hit over 36 million,up from an installed base of 9 million by 2011.
-Half of all consumers who indicate interest in buying an e-book reader will have bought one already, so device makers should act quickly.
In "Yankee Group's US E-Book Reader Forecast: Kindling a Fire," analyst Dmitriy Molchanov reports that as devices such as Amazon's Kindle, Barnes & Noble's Nook, Sony's Reader, Interead's COOL-ER and enTourage's eDGe adopt more palatable price points-Yankee Group sees $150 as the sweet spot-the market will respond in kind.
"Unlike the iPod, which hooked serious music buyers in addition to a raft of casual listeners, e-book reader adoption will be limited to heavy readers only-at least until prices come down," said Molchanov. "But we see the average price of e-book readers declining by roughly 15 percent per year for the next five years, resulting in 55 percent increase in adoption rate year over year."
The Yankee Group further noted that by 2013:
-U.S. e-book reader sales will reach 19.2 million, a CAGR of 34 percent, with 6 million e-book readers sold in 2010 alone.
-The U.S. installed base of e-book readers will hit over 36 million,up from an installed base of 9 million by 2011.
-Half of all consumers who indicate interest in buying an e-book reader will have bought one already, so device makers should act quickly.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Rodale to Publish Book by Actor & Oceans Activist, Ted Danson
Rodale Books is proud to announce the acquisition of Ted Danson's forthcoming book, which will be a celebratory and cautionary look at the world's oceans.
Best known for his character Sam Malone on the era-defining Cheers and more recently for his roles in HBO's critically acclaimed new series "Bored to Death," and FX's "Damages," Danson has also been a long-time crusader on behalf of marine issues. Having grown up with an archeologist father around the Hopi and Navajo communities of Flagstaff, Arizona, Danson never expected that he'd become an advocate on behalf of the earth's oceans. It wasn't until 1987, while walking along the California coastline with his daughter and seeing a "Beach Closed" sign, that the issue really hit home. Danson was saddened to find himself having to explain that pollution was responsible for the closing of the beach. Since then, he's made it his mission to ensure that those conversations don't continue to happen.
Written with award-winning journalist Mike D'Orso, Danson's book represents a culmination of more than two decades of study, activism, and teaching and will provide a decisive, inspiring, and hopeful look at one of the most important environmental concerns of our time. Danson's access to leading scientists, fishermen, politicians and others on the forefront of this issue—along with his unique vantage point—will make for a lively, informative, and highly original look at the state of our planet's biggest and most vital natural resource. Danson is a founder of the influential non-profit American Oceans Campaign; serves on the board of Oceana (AOC merged with Oceana, the world's largest non-profit devoted to marine issues, in 2001); has testified before Congress and Senate on the subject; narrated the 2009 documentary The End of the Line (the first major feature documentary film to reveal the impact of over-fishing our oceans); and lectures regularly and widely on the topic.
Best known for his character Sam Malone on the era-defining Cheers and more recently for his roles in HBO's critically acclaimed new series "Bored to Death," and FX's "Damages," Danson has also been a long-time crusader on behalf of marine issues. Having grown up with an archeologist father around the Hopi and Navajo communities of Flagstaff, Arizona, Danson never expected that he'd become an advocate on behalf of the earth's oceans. It wasn't until 1987, while walking along the California coastline with his daughter and seeing a "Beach Closed" sign, that the issue really hit home. Danson was saddened to find himself having to explain that pollution was responsible for the closing of the beach. Since then, he's made it his mission to ensure that those conversations don't continue to happen.
Written with award-winning journalist Mike D'Orso, Danson's book represents a culmination of more than two decades of study, activism, and teaching and will provide a decisive, inspiring, and hopeful look at one of the most important environmental concerns of our time. Danson's access to leading scientists, fishermen, politicians and others on the forefront of this issue—along with his unique vantage point—will make for a lively, informative, and highly original look at the state of our planet's biggest and most vital natural resource. Danson is a founder of the influential non-profit American Oceans Campaign; serves on the board of Oceana (AOC merged with Oceana, the world's largest non-profit devoted to marine issues, in 2001); has testified before Congress and Senate on the subject; narrated the 2009 documentary The End of the Line (the first major feature documentary film to reveal the impact of over-fishing our oceans); and lectures regularly and widely on the topic.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Archie Comics Teams With Random House Publisher Services
Archie Comic Publications, Inc., a leading publisher of comic books in America, has reached an agreement with Random House Publisher Services, a division of Random House, Inc., the world's largest English-language trade-book publisher, to exclusively handle worldwide distribution of Archie graphic novels and trade paperbacks.
The agreement with Random House Publisher Services marks the first time that all Archie paperback titles will be available from one source for both domestic and international trade bookstore distribution. Distribution of the Archie paperback line through Random House will commence on September 1, 2010. The direct comic store distribution of the Archie comics, digests and graphic novels will continue through Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc.
The agreement with Random House Publisher Services marks the first time that all Archie paperback titles will be available from one source for both domestic and international trade bookstore distribution. Distribution of the Archie paperback line through Random House will commence on September 1, 2010. The direct comic store distribution of the Archie comics, digests and graphic novels will continue through Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc.
Editor & Publisher sold to Calif. publisher
Newspaper trade magazine Editor & Publisher was sold to an Irvine-based trade show company and publisher of boating and fishing magazines Thursday.
Online reporting on the Editor & Publisher Web site and blogs resumed immediately after the sale to Duncan McIntosh Co. Inc., two weeks after the Nielsen Co. shut down both the Internet and monthly print editions.
The media trade magazine, which has covered the newspaper industry for over 100 years, did not provide any details on the terms of the transaction.
A message left with Duncan McIntosh seeking comment on the sale was not immediately returned Thursday night. The company produces boat shows in California and publishes Boating World, Sea Magazine, The Log Newspaper and FishRap.
Charles "Chas" McKeown will continue as publisher of New York-based Editor & Publisher and supervise a five-person staff. Mark Fitzgerald, who had served as editor-at-large, was named editor, replacing the previous editor, Greg Mitchell.
"Such a critical information source for a newspaper industry so desperately in need of help should not go away," Duncan McIntosh told Editor & Publisher. "I've been a reader of E&P over the course of 30 years and know its incredible value to readers and advertisers."
The new owners plan to publish a February issue and continue the magazine's monthly production schedule
Online reporting on the Editor & Publisher Web site and blogs resumed immediately after the sale to Duncan McIntosh Co. Inc., two weeks after the Nielsen Co. shut down both the Internet and monthly print editions.
The media trade magazine, which has covered the newspaper industry for over 100 years, did not provide any details on the terms of the transaction.
A message left with Duncan McIntosh seeking comment on the sale was not immediately returned Thursday night. The company produces boat shows in California and publishes Boating World, Sea Magazine, The Log Newspaper and FishRap.
Charles "Chas" McKeown will continue as publisher of New York-based Editor & Publisher and supervise a five-person staff. Mark Fitzgerald, who had served as editor-at-large, was named editor, replacing the previous editor, Greg Mitchell.
"Such a critical information source for a newspaper industry so desperately in need of help should not go away," Duncan McIntosh told Editor & Publisher. "I've been a reader of E&P over the course of 30 years and know its incredible value to readers and advertisers."
The new owners plan to publish a February issue and continue the magazine's monthly production schedule
Exclusive Worldwide Publishing Agreement for Sesame Street Videogames
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has entered into a multi-year exclusive agreement with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street. Under the terms of the agreement, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has the right to create and publish interactive videogame titles worldwide based on Sesame Street, one of the most beloved and the longest running children's television program.
Sesame Workshop and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group's commitment to bringing compelling preschool content to consumers will also be furthered by the release of upcoming DVD titles in 2010. The worldwide videogame partnership is in addition to the Sesame Workshop and Warner Home Video multi-year, exclusive home entertainment distribution deal for the Sesame Street library, new content, EST and Transactional VOD for distribution in the United States and Canada.
The games will offer kids both educational and entertaining content, to get preschoolers playing, laughing and learning with their favorite Sesame Street characters. Aligned with the standards of Sesame Workshop, the games will provide engaging learning experiences developed around particular types of curriculum.
Sesame Workshop and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group's commitment to bringing compelling preschool content to consumers will also be furthered by the release of upcoming DVD titles in 2010. The worldwide videogame partnership is in addition to the Sesame Workshop and Warner Home Video multi-year, exclusive home entertainment distribution deal for the Sesame Street library, new content, EST and Transactional VOD for distribution in the United States and Canada.
The games will offer kids both educational and entertaining content, to get preschoolers playing, laughing and learning with their favorite Sesame Street characters. Aligned with the standards of Sesame Workshop, the games will provide engaging learning experiences developed around particular types of curriculum.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Lerner Publishing Group Acquires Darby Creek Publishing
Lerner Publishing Group announced today the acquisition of Darby Creek Publishing, effective January 1, 2010. Darby Creek will operate as an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group. Lerner Publishing Group purchased Darby Creek Publishing from Media Source, the parent company of Junior Library Guild and The Horn Book. The imprint will add approximately 58 titles to the Lerner Publishing Group list, bringing the total number of books in print to nearly 5000.
Established in 2002, Darby Creek, located in Columbus, Ohio, publishes K–12 fiction and nonfiction titles for the school and public library markets, as well as for the trade bookstore market. Darby Creek is the publisher of such bestselling authors as Lurlene McDaniel, David Lubar, and Joseph Bruchac and produces top-quality children’s books that appeal to all young people, especially reluctant readers.
Established in 2002, Darby Creek, located in Columbus, Ohio, publishes K–12 fiction and nonfiction titles for the school and public library markets, as well as for the trade bookstore market. Darby Creek is the publisher of such bestselling authors as Lurlene McDaniel, David Lubar, and Joseph Bruchac and produces top-quality children’s books that appeal to all young people, especially reluctant readers.
Iceberg Interactive Acquires Publishing Rights for Sail Simulator 2010
Premier PC and videogame publisher Iceberg Interactive is very announced the signing of publishing rights for various countries for Sail Simulator 2010 PC. Developed by Dutch studio Stentec Software, Sail Simulator 2010 is the most professional sailing simulator ever made and will amaze sailing and simulation enthusiasts with its stunning look, feel and realism.
Iceberg Interactive has acquired the rights for retail and digital download release in the United Kingdom & Ireland, France, Scandinavia, Benelux, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The UK will kick off with a 26th February 2010 release, with Dutch, French and German releases later in Q1 and Q2.
Iceberg Interactive has acquired the rights for retail and digital download release in the United Kingdom & Ireland, France, Scandinavia, Benelux, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The UK will kick off with a 26th February 2010 release, with Dutch, French and German releases later in Q1 and Q2.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Cold Spring Publishing Changes Name To Harborside Press
Cold Spring Publishing, LLC, announced that the principals of the company have approved a name change to Harborside Press, LLC.
In addition, Harborside Press announced that the growth the company has experienced over the past year requires a substantial expansion in personnel and a move to larger office space. As of January 1, 2010, the new offices of Harborside Press will be located at 37 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724. The phone numbers will remain the same: 631-692-0800 (p) and 631-692-0805 (f). The company's Web site is http://www.harborsidepress.com/.
In addition, Harborside Press announced that the growth the company has experienced over the past year requires a substantial expansion in personnel and a move to larger office space. As of January 1, 2010, the new offices of Harborside Press will be located at 37 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724. The phone numbers will remain the same: 631-692-0800 (p) and 631-692-0805 (f). The company's Web site is http://www.harborsidepress.com/.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Phoenix Books Acquires 'The Single Man's Guide to Cooking with Beer'
A new cook book to be published by Phoenix Books, Inc. promises to help single men find their way around the kitchen using a familiar fridge staple: beer.
Streeter McClure authors The Single Man's Guide to Cooking with Beer, a complete guide to using beer in easy recipes and pairing beer with food. With 34 original and adapted recipes for appetizers, soups, stews and main courses, the cook book aims to help single men incorporate beer into delicious dishes in the same way chefs use wine.
Inspiration for the recipes in the book came from a dish McClure's mother used to make, "One Beer Chili," that he says had a special flavor. His mother's chili was only the beginning of his inspiration. Publishing the cook book was a promise McClure made to his mother before she died of breast cancer in 2005. In her honor, he has decided to dedicate a portion of the book's proceeds to breast cancer research.
Phoenix Books plans to publish The Single Man's Guide to Cooking with Beer late spring 2010, just in time for the outdoor cooking season. As the Single Man's Guide brand grows in popularity, Phoenix Books plans to publish a series of Single Man's Guides, including The Single Man's Guide to Cooking with Wine.
Learn more about Streeter McClure and Single Man's Guide products at www.thesinglemansguide.com. Discover even more Phoenix's book and audio selections at http://www.phoenixbooksandaudio.com/.
Streeter McClure authors The Single Man's Guide to Cooking with Beer, a complete guide to using beer in easy recipes and pairing beer with food. With 34 original and adapted recipes for appetizers, soups, stews and main courses, the cook book aims to help single men incorporate beer into delicious dishes in the same way chefs use wine.
Inspiration for the recipes in the book came from a dish McClure's mother used to make, "One Beer Chili," that he says had a special flavor. His mother's chili was only the beginning of his inspiration. Publishing the cook book was a promise McClure made to his mother before she died of breast cancer in 2005. In her honor, he has decided to dedicate a portion of the book's proceeds to breast cancer research.
Phoenix Books plans to publish The Single Man's Guide to Cooking with Beer late spring 2010, just in time for the outdoor cooking season. As the Single Man's Guide brand grows in popularity, Phoenix Books plans to publish a series of Single Man's Guides, including The Single Man's Guide to Cooking with Wine.
Learn more about Streeter McClure and Single Man's Guide products at www.thesinglemansguide.com. Discover even more Phoenix's book and audio selections at http://www.phoenixbooksandaudio.com/.
Nick Cannon to Produce Multimedia Book Series With Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
Nick Cannon, an internationally known award winning actor, comedian, musician, screenwriter, producer, and business mogul, is joining forces with Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division to produce a brand-new multimedia book series to coincide with the Cannon-directed movie, School Gyrls, which will premiere on Nickelodeon on February 21, 2010. To kick off the series, Simon Spotlight will publish a movie novelization in February 2010, and a movie tie-in scrapbook. Aladdin Books will publish six original novels based on the three members of the real life teen pop group School Gyrls who are the stars of the movie. Fiona Simpson from Aladdin acquired World rights through Fletcher & Company in association with UTA on behalf of Nick Cannon.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Doubleday Canada to publish a new book from international comedy star Russell Peters
Doubleday Canada is proud to announce that it has acquired the rights to a new book from international comedy star Russell Peters. The yet-untitled book will be published in Fall, 2010.
Born in Toronto, Russell Peters is an international comedy sensation. Over the course of his twenty-year career, he has headlined comedy festivals at home in Canada and throughout North America. In recent years, he has gained a devoted following around the world, and has performed sold out arena tours of China, South Africa, Australia, the UK, Singapore, Sweden, Norway, Lebanon, Bahrain, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and India.
Peters uses his wry and funny observations about race, class and culture to illuminate our human shortcomings with the sizzling accuracy of a well-aimed laser. His quick wit and gift for mimicking languages and accents allows Russell to create characters of all races and cultures to forge an immediate bond with his audience, regardless of their cultural background.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Self-Publishing Imprint Harlequin Horizons Furthers Opportunities for
Harlequin Enterprises Limited has launched Harlequin Horizons; a self-publishing partnership with Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI) -- the world's leading self-publisher.
Harlequin, Book Business magazine's 2009 Publishing Innovator of the Year, regards the self-publishing venture as an accessible opportunity for emerging authors to bring themselves to the attention of the reading public.
"Harlequin Horizons expands upon Harlequin's tradition of providing wonderful opportunities for fresh voices in women's fiction," said Donna Hayes, publisher and CEO of Harlequin Enterprises. "Partnering with Author Solutions, Inc., the recognized world leader in self-publishing, is an innovative and original approach to discovering new authors to add to our traditional publishing programs."
Through this strategic alliance, all sales, marketing, publishing, distribution, and book-selling services will be fulfilled by ASI, but Harlequin Horizons will exist as a division of Harlequin Enterprises Limited. Harlequin will monitor sales of books published through the self-publisher for possible pickup by its traditional imprints.
"Harlequin has been a leader in driving change in the publishing industry for many years, and we are thrilled to partner with them to launch Harlequin Horizons. This new imprint will give thousands of emerging authors the unprecedented opportunity to make their professionally published books available to the enthusiastic and growing set of women's fiction readers," said Kevin Weiss, ASI president and chief executive officer.
Harlequin Horizons is the second such partnership ASI has launched with a leading trade publisher in the last two months. The parent company of industry-leading self-publishing imprints AuthorHouse, iUniverse, Trafford Publishing, and Xlibris, ASI brought to market more than 21,000 new titles in 2008.
To learn more about the publishing packages available through Harlequin Horizons, visit http://www.harlequinhorizons.com/.
Harlequin, Book Business magazine's 2009 Publishing Innovator of the Year, regards the self-publishing venture as an accessible opportunity for emerging authors to bring themselves to the attention of the reading public.
"Harlequin Horizons expands upon Harlequin's tradition of providing wonderful opportunities for fresh voices in women's fiction," said Donna Hayes, publisher and CEO of Harlequin Enterprises. "Partnering with Author Solutions, Inc., the recognized world leader in self-publishing, is an innovative and original approach to discovering new authors to add to our traditional publishing programs."
Through this strategic alliance, all sales, marketing, publishing, distribution, and book-selling services will be fulfilled by ASI, but Harlequin Horizons will exist as a division of Harlequin Enterprises Limited. Harlequin will monitor sales of books published through the self-publisher for possible pickup by its traditional imprints.
"Harlequin has been a leader in driving change in the publishing industry for many years, and we are thrilled to partner with them to launch Harlequin Horizons. This new imprint will give thousands of emerging authors the unprecedented opportunity to make their professionally published books available to the enthusiastic and growing set of women's fiction readers," said Kevin Weiss, ASI president and chief executive officer.
Harlequin Horizons is the second such partnership ASI has launched with a leading trade publisher in the last two months. The parent company of industry-leading self-publishing imprints AuthorHouse, iUniverse, Trafford Publishing, and Xlibris, ASI brought to market more than 21,000 new titles in 2008.
To learn more about the publishing packages available through Harlequin Horizons, visit http://www.harlequinhorizons.com/.
DreamWorks Studios and Doubleday Acquire Rights to Robopocalypse
DreamWorks Studios and Doubleday have acquired, in a pre-emptive deal, the rights to Daniel H. Wilson's unpublished manuscript, "Robopocalypse," it was announced today by Mark Sourian and Holly Bario, Co-Presidents of Production at the studio, and Jason Kaufman, Executive Editor and Vice President, at Doubleday.
DreamWorks acquired the film rights from literary manager Justin Manask and is putting the project into accelerated development. Kaufman acquired world publishing rights to "Robopocalypse" from Laurie Fox at the Linda Chester Literary Agency and a tentative 2011 publication date has been set for the book.
"Robopocalypse" explores the fate of the human race following a robot uprising.
DreamWorks acquired the film rights from literary manager Justin Manask and is putting the project into accelerated development. Kaufman acquired world publishing rights to "Robopocalypse" from Laurie Fox at the Linda Chester Literary Agency and a tentative 2011 publication date has been set for the book.
"Robopocalypse" explores the fate of the human race following a robot uprising.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Innovative "Skinny" Series Shakes Up Traditional Publishing
RAND Publishing's award-winning SKINNY ON series is making waves in the publishing industry by challenging the conventional model for non-fiction books. The Skinny On books are... simply, skinny -- short, concise summations of bottom-line information presented in a visual and funny format.
"The Skinny on Success: Why Not You?" is the sixth installment from RAND this year. Their first book, "The Skinny on the Housing Crisis" was recently awarded the Gold Medal in a competition sponsored by NAREE, a group of 600 journalists, beating out power-publishers like Doubleday and Wiley.
"The Skinny on Success" features interviews with Jim Nantz, Brian Williams, and Olympic medalist Dwight Stones and endorsements from the CEO/Chairman of Pfizer and the CEO of The Huffington Post:
The Skinny On Series has already made a dent in the market; readers, reviewers, business leaders, and journalists alike are rejoicing in the time-saving, bottom-lined, "insider" format:
RAND Publishing titles are available at local or online booksellers through all major wholesalers including Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Brodart, and Follett or directly from the publisher at http://www.theskinnyon.com/.
"The Skinny on Success: Why Not You?" is the sixth installment from RAND this year. Their first book, "The Skinny on the Housing Crisis" was recently awarded the Gold Medal in a competition sponsored by NAREE, a group of 600 journalists, beating out power-publishers like Doubleday and Wiley.
"The Skinny on Success" features interviews with Jim Nantz, Brian Williams, and Olympic medalist Dwight Stones and endorsements from the CEO/Chairman of Pfizer and the CEO of The Huffington Post:
The Skinny On Series has already made a dent in the market; readers, reviewers, business leaders, and journalists alike are rejoicing in the time-saving, bottom-lined, "insider" format:
RAND Publishing titles are available at local or online booksellers through all major wholesalers including Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Brodart, and Follett or directly from the publisher at http://www.theskinnyon.com/.
Harlequin Launches Digital-Only Publishing House
Harlequin Enterprises Limited, the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, announced the launch of Carina Press(TM), a digital-only publishing house that will operate independently of their traditional publishing businesses.
Carina Press (http://www.carinapress.com/) is a digital-only publishing house whose eBooks will be sold direct to consumers through the Carina Press Web site and numerous third-party Web sites. Carina Press will publish a wide range of women's fiction -- romance, erotica, science fiction, mystery, family sagas, choose your own adventures, horror, thriller and more, including every conceivable subgenre of these categories.
"As a digital-only publisher Carina Press is a natural extension to our business; it builds on our digital strength and leadership position. We expect to discover new authors and unique voices that may not be able to find homes in traditional publishing houses," said Donna Hayes, CEO and Publisher of Harlequin Enterprises. "It definitely gives us greater flexibility in the type of editorial we can accept from authors and offer to readers. As well, we hope to reach a new group of readers with niche editorial."
Brent Lewis, Vice President Digital, is delighted to announce that Angela James is joining Carina Press as Executive Editor. A veteran of the digital publishing industry, James is a well-known advocate for digital publishing. James has enjoyed a long and varied publishing career, including senior editorial positions at digital-first publishers. "I have admired Harlequin's digital initiatives for years, and have always thought of them as leaders in the digital arena, so I'm unbelievably excited to join the Carina Press team," said James. "I believe Harlequin can bring digital publishing to the next level for both authors and readers."
Lewis added, "Angela has been a key player in growing the digital marketplace for romance. Her experience and insight is a tremendous benefit to the Carina Press team."
Carina Press is currently accepting submissions in all genres of commercial fiction. Carina Press will consider shorter stories, genre novels of 50,000 to 100,000 words and longer, and complex narratives of over 100,000 words. Carina Press will also acquire books that have been previously released in print form, but for which the author has either retained digital rights or had digital rights revert to them. All submissions should be sent to submissions@carinapress.com.
Carina Press (http://www.carinapress.com/) is a digital-only publishing house whose eBooks will be sold direct to consumers through the Carina Press Web site and numerous third-party Web sites. Carina Press will publish a wide range of women's fiction -- romance, erotica, science fiction, mystery, family sagas, choose your own adventures, horror, thriller and more, including every conceivable subgenre of these categories.
"As a digital-only publisher Carina Press is a natural extension to our business; it builds on our digital strength and leadership position. We expect to discover new authors and unique voices that may not be able to find homes in traditional publishing houses," said Donna Hayes, CEO and Publisher of Harlequin Enterprises. "It definitely gives us greater flexibility in the type of editorial we can accept from authors and offer to readers. As well, we hope to reach a new group of readers with niche editorial."
Brent Lewis, Vice President Digital, is delighted to announce that Angela James is joining Carina Press as Executive Editor. A veteran of the digital publishing industry, James is a well-known advocate for digital publishing. James has enjoyed a long and varied publishing career, including senior editorial positions at digital-first publishers. "I have admired Harlequin's digital initiatives for years, and have always thought of them as leaders in the digital arena, so I'm unbelievably excited to join the Carina Press team," said James. "I believe Harlequin can bring digital publishing to the next level for both authors and readers."
Lewis added, "Angela has been a key player in growing the digital marketplace for romance. Her experience and insight is a tremendous benefit to the Carina Press team."
Carina Press is currently accepting submissions in all genres of commercial fiction. Carina Press will consider shorter stories, genre novels of 50,000 to 100,000 words and longer, and complex narratives of over 100,000 words. Carina Press will also acquire books that have been previously released in print form, but for which the author has either retained digital rights or had digital rights revert to them. All submissions should be sent to submissions@carinapress.com.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Iceberg Interactive Acquires UK Publishing Rights for Dark Fall: Lights Out - The Director's Cut Edition
Premier videogame publisher Iceberg Interactive has signed the UK publishing rights to the re-mastered The Director's Cut version of Darkling Room's horror adventure for PC 'Dark Fall: Lights Out', the 2nd adventure in the Dark Fall saga. The agreement follows earlier agreements between the companies on Iceberg publishing the 3rd Dark Fall volume Lost Souls and the bundle Adventures in Terror. All three games are set for a November 2009 release.
Lights Out received a lot of acclaim upon its original release in 2004. Dark Fall series creator Jonathan Boakes, who also wrote the successful ghost-hunting title The Lost Crown, has been adding content to the original Lights Out adventure ever since its release, resulting in a much boosted Director's Cut edition to be re-released shortly. The new version includes many additional features such as new graphics and effects, new puzzles and an enhanced story, new spooks and thrills with more ghostly encounters, as well as new additional music and sound to bring the game world even more to life.
Erik Schreuder, CEO of Iceberg Interactive says: "'Lights Out is a great adventure, based on a real life event of people who vanished from a lighthouse about 100 years ago. We are proud to be re-releasing this eerie adventure's final cut, boosted to perform under modern Windows versions and using many upgrades to satisfy both curious newcomers as well as collectors of the Dark Fall series who want to delve deeper into the story and enjoy fresh new parts and puzzles in the game."
Lights Out received a lot of acclaim upon its original release in 2004. Dark Fall series creator Jonathan Boakes, who also wrote the successful ghost-hunting title The Lost Crown, has been adding content to the original Lights Out adventure ever since its release, resulting in a much boosted Director's Cut edition to be re-released shortly. The new version includes many additional features such as new graphics and effects, new puzzles and an enhanced story, new spooks and thrills with more ghostly encounters, as well as new additional music and sound to bring the game world even more to life.
Erik Schreuder, CEO of Iceberg Interactive says: "'Lights Out is a great adventure, based on a real life event of people who vanished from a lighthouse about 100 years ago. We are proud to be re-releasing this eerie adventure's final cut, boosted to perform under modern Windows versions and using many upgrades to satisfy both curious newcomers as well as collectors of the Dark Fall series who want to delve deeper into the story and enjoy fresh new parts and puzzles in the game."
DreamWorks Studios Acquires Rights to Young Adult Book Series "Wicked"
DreamWorks Studios has acquired the rights to the young adult book series "Wicked" it was announced today by Mark Sourian and Holly Bario, Co-Presidents of Production for the studio. Aaron and Matthew Benay have signed on to write the adaptation based on their own pitch. The Gotham Group will produce.
A New York Times bestselling series and published by Simon & Schuster, "Wicked" is a five book series written by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguié. The first two books, "Witch" and "Curse," were published in 2002, followed by "Legacy" and "Spellbound" in 2003. The fifth book, "Resurrection," was published this past summer.
Story follows the journey of a young woman who learns she is a descendent of a powerful coven of witches. Complications arise when she falls in love with a boy who turns out to be a member of a rival coven sworn to destroy her family.
"'Wicked' has all the elements for a great movie--adventure, mystery, star-crossed lovers, bitter enemies, and the supernatural," said Mark Sourian. "Aaron and Matthew came in with an intriguing take on the books and a story that we feel will really speak to all audiences."
Aaron and Matthew Benay, who are brothers, wrote the script for "1906," which Pixar, Warner Brothers, and director Brad Bird are readying for release in 2012.
Best-selling author Nancy Holder has published sixty books and more than two hundred short stories. She has received four Bram Stoker awards for fiction from the Horror Writers Association, and her books have been translated into more than two dozen languages. She has written or co-written twenty Buffy and Angel projects based on the characters from the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" film and television series.
Debbie Viguié is author of the Once upon a Time novels "Scarlet Moon" and "Midnight Pearls," as well as the Sweet Seasons novels "The Summer of Cotton Candy," "The Fall of Candy Corn," "The Winter of Candy Canes," and "The Spring of Candy Apples."
Monday, November 02, 2009
Thomas Nelson Partners with Author Solutions to Launch Self-Publishing Imprint, WestBow Press
Thomas Nelson, the world's leading Christian publisher, is partnering with the world's leading self-publishing company, Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI), to launch WestBow Press--a Christian self-publishing imprint. The alliance will allow authors to benefit from the market leadership of Thomas Nelson, while taking advantage of ASI's technology and services that make publishing easy, affordable, and available to anyone.
Long regarded as an industry innovator, Nelson's creation of WestBow Press provides new and emerging authors the opportunity to publish with the global leader in Christian publishing. Thomas Nelson will monitor WestBow Press titles for the purpose of entering into a traditional publishing contract for those that perform well.
Through this strategic partnership, ASI will manage WestBow Press on behalf of Thomas Nelson, and be responsible for selling and delivering a rich array of publishing, marketing, and book-selling services, unique to WestBow Press. Kevin Weiss, ASI president and chief executive officer, believes the WestBow Press partnership will serve as a blueprint for other similar alliances.
ASI, the parent company of industry-leading self-publishing imprints AuthorHouse, iUniverse, Trafford Publishing, and Xlibris, brought to market more than 21,000 new titles in 2008. Since 1997, ASI imprints have published more than 120,000 titles by 85,000 authors worldwide.
To learn more about the publishing packages available through WestBow Press, visit http://www.westbowpress.com/.
Long regarded as an industry innovator, Nelson's creation of WestBow Press provides new and emerging authors the opportunity to publish with the global leader in Christian publishing. Thomas Nelson will monitor WestBow Press titles for the purpose of entering into a traditional publishing contract for those that perform well.
Through this strategic partnership, ASI will manage WestBow Press on behalf of Thomas Nelson, and be responsible for selling and delivering a rich array of publishing, marketing, and book-selling services, unique to WestBow Press. Kevin Weiss, ASI president and chief executive officer, believes the WestBow Press partnership will serve as a blueprint for other similar alliances.
ASI, the parent company of industry-leading self-publishing imprints AuthorHouse, iUniverse, Trafford Publishing, and Xlibris, brought to market more than 21,000 new titles in 2008. Since 1997, ASI imprints have published more than 120,000 titles by 85,000 authors worldwide.
To learn more about the publishing packages available through WestBow Press, visit http://www.westbowpress.com/.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Leading strategy game publisher signs multi-title digital distribution deal with Matrix Games
Matrix Games ( www.matrixgames.com ) and cdv Software Entertainment USA ( www.cdvusa.com ) have signed a publishing agreement to bring multiple acclaimed cdv Software Entertainment titles to the Matrix Games community. The deal marks the fruition of cooperation between the two publishing companies and stands as a tremendous opportunity for both companies to offer high-quality strategy games to fans of the genre.
David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said, "We're thrilled to be working with cdv and very pleased to be adding their titles to our catalog. It's been a pleasure working their great staff and we feel that this deal will bring more enjoyable, top-tier products to gamers around the world."
"Given our success in publishing strategy titles and Matrix Games' excellence in serving the strategy and wargaming communities, it's only natural for our companies to work together on making these great games available to a wider audience," added Tom Gross, CEO of cdv Software Entertainment USA. "We're thrilled to be working together and this deal is a great thing for both companies and consumers."
For more information about cdv Software Entertainment USA and their products, please visit - www.cdvusa.com
David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games, said, "We're thrilled to be working with cdv and very pleased to be adding their titles to our catalog. It's been a pleasure working their great staff and we feel that this deal will bring more enjoyable, top-tier products to gamers around the world."
"Given our success in publishing strategy titles and Matrix Games' excellence in serving the strategy and wargaming communities, it's only natural for our companies to work together on making these great games available to a wider audience," added Tom Gross, CEO of cdv Software Entertainment USA. "We're thrilled to be working together and this deal is a great thing for both companies and consumers."
For more information about cdv Software Entertainment USA and their products, please visit - www.cdvusa.com
Monday, October 19, 2009
Benjamin Launches New E-Book Business Imprint
William A. Benjamin, founder of science publisher W. A. Benjamin, Inc. announced today the formation of TBG Publishing, LLC (TBG). The new e-book imprint will specialize initially in venture investment analysis and development books, directories, and databases for entrepreneurs and venture investors that are delivered from their website, http://www.venturecritical.com/.
Citing the increased interest and demand for venture industry information and instruction being delivered electronically to the investor's desktop, Benjamin explained that his new firm will capitalize on its founder's 40 years of venture development experience including nine startups, most of which were acquired by larger companies including McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and Thomson.
Benjamin said, "The new online paradigm in content aggregation and delivery is now being focused into - and delivered by - more formal, organized channels, which was the missing ingredient. We have designed a new online publishing model to fit this low-cost marketing opportunity, and intend to pursue aggressively one or two vertical markets where constant updating and resource referencing is crucial to the user." He added that "The mission of the new TBG imprint is to provide, via the internet, business model development data and expert instruction to entrepreneurs and investors that will improve the dismal rate of success for venture startups, which is now less than 40 percent."
TBG's first title, "SUCCESSFUL STARTUPS: An Essential Guide to Business Venture Analysis and Development," will be released October 1 and is considered a gateway publication and introduction to the more specialized series of e-books to follow. Benjamin indicated that his firm is in negotiations with several online distributors to deliver this first title over the internet and via an electronic reader. Print copies are also being stocked by Amazon, Google and the established chain of retail and wholesale distributors.
Citing the increased interest and demand for venture industry information and instruction being delivered electronically to the investor's desktop, Benjamin explained that his new firm will capitalize on its founder's 40 years of venture development experience including nine startups, most of which were acquired by larger companies including McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and Thomson.
Benjamin said, "The new online paradigm in content aggregation and delivery is now being focused into - and delivered by - more formal, organized channels, which was the missing ingredient. We have designed a new online publishing model to fit this low-cost marketing opportunity, and intend to pursue aggressively one or two vertical markets where constant updating and resource referencing is crucial to the user." He added that "The mission of the new TBG imprint is to provide, via the internet, business model development data and expert instruction to entrepreneurs and investors that will improve the dismal rate of success for venture startups, which is now less than 40 percent."
TBG's first title, "SUCCESSFUL STARTUPS: An Essential Guide to Business Venture Analysis and Development," will be released October 1 and is considered a gateway publication and introduction to the more specialized series of e-books to follow. Benjamin indicated that his firm is in negotiations with several online distributors to deliver this first title over the internet and via an electronic reader. Print copies are also being stocked by Amazon, Google and the established chain of retail and wholesale distributors.
HarperCollins To Publish Dinosaur King Books
HarperCollins announced a licensing deal with 4Kids International for international publishing rights in the hugely popular children's animation series, Dinosaur King.
Targeted at boys aged 6+, Dinosaur King is transmitted daily on Disney XD and GMTV where it regularly reaches over 150,000 viewers. The series focuses on mysterious dinosaur cards which are scattered all over the world. Whoever finds and controls these cards can bring dinosaurs back to life and use them in battle. Max, the 12 year old son of a world famous palaeontologist, and his friends are in a race against time to collect these cards and battle the evil Alpha Gang who are also after the cards. The brand already has an established licensing portfolio that includes toys, trading cards, posters, apparel and video games.
The HarperCollins publishing programme will launch in April 2010 and will include story, activity, sticker activity, annuals and 3D formats. Territories covered in the deal include English language rights in the UK, Eire, ANZ and South Africa.
Commenting on the deal, HarperCollins Category Manager, Richard Haines said "We are hugely excited about the acquisition of Dinosaur King. The ever popular subject of dinosaurs combined with a clever mix of fact, fiction and aspirational characters lends itself perfectly to a publishing programme with huge consumer appeal."
Targeted at boys aged 6+, Dinosaur King is transmitted daily on Disney XD and GMTV where it regularly reaches over 150,000 viewers. The series focuses on mysterious dinosaur cards which are scattered all over the world. Whoever finds and controls these cards can bring dinosaurs back to life and use them in battle. Max, the 12 year old son of a world famous palaeontologist, and his friends are in a race against time to collect these cards and battle the evil Alpha Gang who are also after the cards. The brand already has an established licensing portfolio that includes toys, trading cards, posters, apparel and video games.
The HarperCollins publishing programme will launch in April 2010 and will include story, activity, sticker activity, annuals and 3D formats. Territories covered in the deal include English language rights in the UK, Eire, ANZ and South Africa.
Commenting on the deal, HarperCollins Category Manager, Richard Haines said "We are hugely excited about the acquisition of Dinosaur King. The ever popular subject of dinosaurs combined with a clever mix of fact, fiction and aspirational characters lends itself perfectly to a publishing programme with huge consumer appeal."
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Peace Arch Entertainment, Producer Barnet Bain Acquire Screen Rights to Children's Book
Peace Arch Entertainment Group Inc. has teamed with Emmy nominated producer Barnet Bain (What Dreams May Come, Homeless to Harvard) to acquire screen rights to Eckhart Tolle and Robert S. Friedman's children's book, Milton's Secret: An Adventure of Discovery through Then, When, and the Power of Now.
Tolle, a Canadian spiritual teacher and the best-selling author of The Power of Now and A New Earth, which have sold more than 11 million copies, wrote Milton's Secret with Friedman as his first work of fiction.
The story, being adapted as a live-action family film, centers on a boy who discovers that his obsession with pre-teen fears, shaky parental relationships, confidence issues and mistreatment by his schoolmates are preventing him from finding true happiness through living in the Now. Donald Martin (Dim Sum Funeral, The Christmas Choir) is writing the screenplay.
Bain, who most recently directed The Lost & Found Family, acquired by Sony for release this fall, says, "We get to tell this inspiring story and, at the same time, help as many people as we can-kids and parents-to stop stressing and start living."
"We're delighted to be able to bring to life this extraordinary first fiction work from Eckhart and Robert," Peace Arch Entertainment CEO John Flock says. "In this age of anxiety, its lessons will ring as true to movie-goers as they have to the countless fans of Eckhart's best-selling books."
Milton's Secret was co-authored by Friedman, president of Hampton Roads Publishing Company, and co-published by Hampton Roads and Namaste Publishing in Vancouver.
Peace Arch Entertainment and Barnet Bain Films will produce, with Tolle, Friedman and Constance Kellough serving as executive producers.
Tolle, a Canadian spiritual teacher and the best-selling author of The Power of Now and A New Earth, which have sold more than 11 million copies, wrote Milton's Secret with Friedman as his first work of fiction.
The story, being adapted as a live-action family film, centers on a boy who discovers that his obsession with pre-teen fears, shaky parental relationships, confidence issues and mistreatment by his schoolmates are preventing him from finding true happiness through living in the Now. Donald Martin (Dim Sum Funeral, The Christmas Choir) is writing the screenplay.
Bain, who most recently directed The Lost & Found Family, acquired by Sony for release this fall, says, "We get to tell this inspiring story and, at the same time, help as many people as we can-kids and parents-to stop stressing and start living."
"We're delighted to be able to bring to life this extraordinary first fiction work from Eckhart and Robert," Peace Arch Entertainment CEO John Flock says. "In this age of anxiety, its lessons will ring as true to movie-goers as they have to the countless fans of Eckhart's best-selling books."
Milton's Secret was co-authored by Friedman, president of Hampton Roads Publishing Company, and co-published by Hampton Roads and Namaste Publishing in Vancouver.
Peace Arch Entertainment and Barnet Bain Films will produce, with Tolle, Friedman and Constance Kellough serving as executive producers.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Byker Books Moves Into Full Length Crime Fiction With Danny King
Byker Books are pleased to announce that they have signed the latest novel from the hugely popular Danny King. 'More Burglar Diaries' Follows on from the critically acclaimed 'The Burglar Diaries' and is based on the BBC comedy series Thieves Like Us. Narrator Bex takes us on another tour of Tatley's rooftops and drainpipes, and through lock-ups, cock-ups and jobs as he recounts More Burglar Diaries. Featuring a full novelisation of all six episodes of the show, plus an all new and final adventure for literature's least favourite burglars.
With a release date in November '09 'More Burglar Diaries' is sure to be on everyone's Christmas wish list.
Also, Danny is well known for his witty take on life and the good copy he always gives so if you wish to interview or do a feature on him then he'd be happy to oblige. Please contact Ed at Byker Books for further details.
With a release date in November '09 'More Burglar Diaries' is sure to be on everyone's Christmas wish list.
Also, Danny is well known for his witty take on life and the good copy he always gives so if you wish to interview or do a feature on him then he'd be happy to oblige. Please contact Ed at Byker Books for further details.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story Behind the Song
Musicians love to say that every song tells a story, but they are usually tight-lipped about the story behind the song. Was it really scribbled on a napkin? What love interest was the real inspiration? If we knew the real story behind our favorite songs, would we ever listen to them the same way again?
Chicken Soup for the Soul(R) has partnered with veteran Hollywood publicist, talent manager, and celebrity booker Jo-Ann Geffen for the first all-celebrity book from the top-selling brand. Geffen peels back the curtain on 101 songs, songwriters, and artists with the upcoming release of Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story Behind the Song (Chicken Soup for the Soul, LLC, November 10, 2009, 978-1-935096-40-5, $14.95). Jo-Ann Geffen is credited as editor along with Chicken Soup for the Soul co-founders Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. The foreword is by Lamont Dozier, who is credited as an architect of the Motown sound.
The book reflects on many of our favorite songs that trace our lives through all genres of music. Some of those who tell their very personal stories include hitmakers Richie Sambora, Christina Aguilera, Melissa Etheridge, John Legend, the Backstreet Boys' Howie Dorough, Kanye West, Jewel and classic rock performer/songwriters like Chicago's Robert Lamm, Foreigner's Mick Jones, and Daryl Hall and John Oates; and alternative rockers Aaron Lewis of Staind and Corey Taylor of Slipknot. Readers will learn the story behind pop classics by Barry Manilow, Hal David, Diane Warren, and Paul Anka, rockers Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains and Joan Jett, as well as from R&B songmasters including Nathan Morris on the Boyz II Men/Mariah Carey hit "One Sweet Day," Walter Orange of the Commodores, Smokey Robinson, and Earth Wind and Fire's Philip Bailey and country singer/songwriters Tracy Lawrence, Ray Stevens, and Pam Tillis.
Some bring laughter, others bring tears, but all are insightful and great reading for music fans, aficionados or people who just like a good story. Each of the tales is accompanied by a photo and the lyrics for the song that is discussed.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, publishes all the latest titles in the famous Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, which are distributed through Simon and Schuster, Inc. Since 1993, books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series have sold more than 112 million copies, with titles translated into more than 40 languages. Website: http://www.chickensoup.com/
Chicken Soup for the Soul(R) has partnered with veteran Hollywood publicist, talent manager, and celebrity booker Jo-Ann Geffen for the first all-celebrity book from the top-selling brand. Geffen peels back the curtain on 101 songs, songwriters, and artists with the upcoming release of Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Story Behind the Song (Chicken Soup for the Soul, LLC, November 10, 2009, 978-1-935096-40-5, $14.95). Jo-Ann Geffen is credited as editor along with Chicken Soup for the Soul co-founders Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. The foreword is by Lamont Dozier, who is credited as an architect of the Motown sound.
The book reflects on many of our favorite songs that trace our lives through all genres of music. Some of those who tell their very personal stories include hitmakers Richie Sambora, Christina Aguilera, Melissa Etheridge, John Legend, the Backstreet Boys' Howie Dorough, Kanye West, Jewel and classic rock performer/songwriters like Chicago's Robert Lamm, Foreigner's Mick Jones, and Daryl Hall and John Oates; and alternative rockers Aaron Lewis of Staind and Corey Taylor of Slipknot. Readers will learn the story behind pop classics by Barry Manilow, Hal David, Diane Warren, and Paul Anka, rockers Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains and Joan Jett, as well as from R&B songmasters including Nathan Morris on the Boyz II Men/Mariah Carey hit "One Sweet Day," Walter Orange of the Commodores, Smokey Robinson, and Earth Wind and Fire's Philip Bailey and country singer/songwriters Tracy Lawrence, Ray Stevens, and Pam Tillis.
Some bring laughter, others bring tears, but all are insightful and great reading for music fans, aficionados or people who just like a good story. Each of the tales is accompanied by a photo and the lyrics for the song that is discussed.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, publishes all the latest titles in the famous Chicken Soup for the Soul book series, which are distributed through Simon and Schuster, Inc. Since 1993, books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series have sold more than 112 million copies, with titles translated into more than 40 languages. Website: http://www.chickensoup.com/
Creative Byline and Bowker Team Up to Support Publisher Decision-Making
Creative Byline, Inc., has partnered with Bowker, to provide book-buyer demographic information for editors and writer members of its site.
"Partnering with Bowker for PubTrack data lets us give our editor clients direct and immediate access to industry trends and buyer demographics within the context of a manuscript they're reviewing," says Brad MacLean, CEO of Creative Byline, Inc (http://www.creativebyline.com/). "This kind of information 'mash-up' can provide unexpected insights, and it demonstrates the value for a publisher to have a pre-acquisition digital strategy."
Kelly Gallagher, Bowker vice president of Publisher Services, explains, "Typically, editors are tasked with finding books in a specific genre (like romance). Now, for the first time, with the partnership between Creative Byline and PubTrack Consumer, editors can view profiles of the consumers who are actually buying these books. Rather than publishing a book for a genre, the combination of these services allows editors to publish a book for the consumer and increase its chances of success."
Bowker's PubTrack Consumer service is the publishing industry's exclusive resource for understanding consumer book buying behavior. Moving beyond basic book-sales data, PubTrack™ Consumer shows who today's book buyer is, what they buy, where they buy books, and what motivates their purchase. Actionable reports provide the entire publishing team the information needed to create, market and sell in today's dynamic publishing environment.
Creative Byline's introduction of this service for editors coincides with its offer of new capabilities for writer members. In addition to genre-specific buyer data through Bowker's PubTrack, writer members can choose from three levels of review and feedback, submit to as many editors as are interested, develop a complete online portfolio showcasing their work, and save money on writing-related purchases through the WriteGoods program.
"As the place where editors can connect with content creators," MacLean says, "we'll continue to add capabilities for both audiences on the Creative Byline platform."
Creative Byline's online service leaves the paper-based submission process behind. Publishers subscribe to connect their editors with content creators, without needing to invest in proprietary technology. Editors set their own acceptance criteria, review manuscripts electronically, and can search for qualified writers for their own projects, as well. All manuscripts are screened by Creative Byline first readers to assure they are ready for editor review. Over a dozen publishers and imprints currently participate, including Dutton's Children's Books, Globe Pequot Press, St. Martin's Press, and, most recently Chicago Review Press.
"Partnering with Bowker for PubTrack data lets us give our editor clients direct and immediate access to industry trends and buyer demographics within the context of a manuscript they're reviewing," says Brad MacLean, CEO of Creative Byline, Inc (http://www.creativebyline.com/). "This kind of information 'mash-up' can provide unexpected insights, and it demonstrates the value for a publisher to have a pre-acquisition digital strategy."
Kelly Gallagher, Bowker vice president of Publisher Services, explains, "Typically, editors are tasked with finding books in a specific genre (like romance). Now, for the first time, with the partnership between Creative Byline and PubTrack Consumer, editors can view profiles of the consumers who are actually buying these books. Rather than publishing a book for a genre, the combination of these services allows editors to publish a book for the consumer and increase its chances of success."
Bowker's PubTrack Consumer service is the publishing industry's exclusive resource for understanding consumer book buying behavior. Moving beyond basic book-sales data, PubTrack™ Consumer shows who today's book buyer is, what they buy, where they buy books, and what motivates their purchase. Actionable reports provide the entire publishing team the information needed to create, market and sell in today's dynamic publishing environment.
Creative Byline's introduction of this service for editors coincides with its offer of new capabilities for writer members. In addition to genre-specific buyer data through Bowker's PubTrack, writer members can choose from three levels of review and feedback, submit to as many editors as are interested, develop a complete online portfolio showcasing their work, and save money on writing-related purchases through the WriteGoods program.
"As the place where editors can connect with content creators," MacLean says, "we'll continue to add capabilities for both audiences on the Creative Byline platform."
Creative Byline's online service leaves the paper-based submission process behind. Publishers subscribe to connect their editors with content creators, without needing to invest in proprietary technology. Editors set their own acceptance criteria, review manuscripts electronically, and can search for qualified writers for their own projects, as well. All manuscripts are screened by Creative Byline first readers to assure they are ready for editor review. Over a dozen publishers and imprints currently participate, including Dutton's Children's Books, Globe Pequot Press, St. Martin's Press, and, most recently Chicago Review Press.
Capstone Press Publishes New Nonfiction Graphic Novel Series With Social Studies Focus
Capstone Publishers imprint Capstone Press, publisher of accessible, innovative children's nonfiction for beginning, struggling, and reluctant preK-8 readers, announces the release of Graphic Expeditions, a new graphic novel format series for elementary students with a social studies focus. Graphic Expeditions launches this fall with six titles and introduces readers to archaeologist Dr. Isabel "Izzy" Soto.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Ingram Publisher Services Signs VeloPress, the Leader in Endurance Sports Publishing
Ingram Publisher Services Inc. (IPS), the full-service book distribution company of Ingram Content Group Inc., today announced an agreement to assume trade distribution for VeloPress, publisher of multiple best-selling endurance sports titles, including the The Time-Crunched Cyclist by Chris Carmichael, the personal cycling coach to Lance Armstrong."Endurance sports is the fastest-growing category in outdoor sports and recreation, and VeloPress has seen steady sales increases for the past five years," said Ted Costantino, Publisher for VeloPress. "Our new agreement with IPS for trade sales and fulfillment is going to boost our visibility and market presence even more, and we are thrilled to be joining the many successful publishers already working with IPS."
The Time-Crunched Cyclist, which sold over 3000 copies in its first month of publication, is a new addition to the VeloPress frontlist, which includes the best-selling titles The Triathlete's Training Bible, by Joe Friel (over 200,000 copies sold), and Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance, by Lennard Zinn (over 120,000 copies sold), both of which have enjoyed record sales in their new editions this year.
"VeloPress is a tremendous publisher and a great addition to Ingram Publisher Services. They truly understand their customer and their category and execute the publishing program at a very high level," said Mark Ouimet, General Manager of Ingram Publisher Services. "VeloPress is also a customer of Lightning Source Inc., our print on demand, sister company. We're proud that VeloPress has selected the Ingram Content Group companies and the services we provide."
VeloPress will continue to manage direct sales to specialty retailers and distributors within the endurance sports industry.
VeloPress, founded in 1987, is headquartered in the sports mecca of Boulder, Colorado, and lists 75 titles on endurance sports, fitness, and training, covering topics in cycling, triathlon, running, strength training, yoga, diet and nutrition. In addition, VeloPress has produced a number of titles on the histories of famous athletes and other sports figures.
"VeloPress is a tremendous publisher and a great addition to Ingram Publisher Services. They truly understand their customer and their category and execute the publishing program at a very high level," said Mark Ouimet, General Manager of Ingram Publisher Services. "VeloPress is also a customer of Lightning Source Inc., our print on demand, sister company. We're proud that VeloPress has selected the Ingram Content Group companies and the services we provide."
VeloPress will continue to manage direct sales to specialty retailers and distributors within the endurance sports industry.
VeloPress, founded in 1987, is headquartered in the sports mecca of Boulder, Colorado, and lists 75 titles on endurance sports, fitness, and training, covering topics in cycling, triathlon, running, strength training, yoga, diet and nutrition. In addition, VeloPress has produced a number of titles on the histories of famous athletes and other sports figures.
New Book of Flash Fiction Targets Time-Challenged Readers
Maureen Sherbondy's short-story collection, The Slow Vanishing, targets the time-challenged reader. Sherbondy, a Raleigh, North Carolina poet with two published poetry collections, has written a short-story collection that includes flash fiction and traditional-length stories.Flash fiction usually contains fewer than one thousand words, is image-driven and often surreal in nature. Sherbondy says of this form, "Flash fiction is also referred to as 'sudden fiction' and 'micro fiction'. Though short, these stories often linger in the same way that a poem does." She adds, "This is the perfect creative outlet for busy writers, and the ideal reprieve for busy fiction lovers."
Sherbondy is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. Her stories have appeared in Stone Canoe, the North Carolina Literary Review, Southeast Review, and the Sierra Nevada College Review. She is a previous winner of the Piccolo Spoleto Fiction Open, as well as a finalist in Southeast Review's Best Short-Short Story Contest. Included in The Slow Vanishing is "The Final Simcha," a 2007 runner-up in the prestigious William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Contest.
North Carolina novelist Joanna Catherine Scott describes Sherbondy's debut short story collection: "Off-beat stories with unexpected endings. Life's ordinary problems intruded on by the bizarre. The Slow Vanishing has a mesmerizing, magical effect."
Karen Quinn, bestselling author of The Ivy Chronicles, says of The Slow Vanishing, "The writing is very evocative and interesting to read. I enjoyed each piece tremendously."
The Slow Vanishing is now available through Main Street Rag Publishing Company (Charlotte, NC), ISBN 13: 978-1-59948-186-9. The book is $13.95 and can be ordered directly from the publisher at http://www.mainstreetrag.com/ and also at select independent booksellers.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Penguin Announces The Publication Of Nick Hornby's Latest Novel
Penguin has announced the publication of Juliet, Naked, the long awaited novel from Nick Hornby, which sees him return to the music world and will be released by Viking in hardback.
Juliet, Naked, Nick's latest novel for adults after a four year wait since A Long Way Down, is about the nature of creativity and obsession, and how two lonely people can gradually find each other.
Juliet, Naked tells the story of Annie and Duncan, a mid-thirties couple whose shared interest in musician Tucker Crowe brings them together before ultimately splitting them apart.
Tony Lacey, Nick's editor at Penguin, said: "Fans of Hornby's High Fidelity will doubtless be delighted to learn that his next novel takes him back into the music world, though nowhere near the north London of Fever Pitch. His protagonist is a reclusive 80s rock star who is forced out of isolation when the release of a stripped-down version of his most famous album brings him into contact with some of his most passionate fans. Set in America and Lincolnshire, the novel tells the story of two lonely people finding each other across decades and continents."
Nick Hornby was born in 1957. He is the author of five previous novels, High Fidelity, About a Boy, How To Be Good, A Long Way Down (shortlisted for the Whitbread Award) and Slam; three works of non-fiction, Fever Pitch (winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award), 31 Songs (shortlisted for the National Books Critics Circle Award) and The Complete Polysyllabic Spree; and a Pocket Penguin book of short stories, Otherwise Pandemonium. He recently wrote the screenplay for the film An Education, which won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival and is due for release in the UK in October 2009. Nick Hornby lives and works in Highbury, north London.
Penguin will publish Juliet, Naked in September 2009, adding to the complete list of Nick Hornby books already available on the Penguin website, as well as the blog which Nick updates.
Juliet, Naked, Nick's latest novel for adults after a four year wait since A Long Way Down, is about the nature of creativity and obsession, and how two lonely people can gradually find each other.
Juliet, Naked tells the story of Annie and Duncan, a mid-thirties couple whose shared interest in musician Tucker Crowe brings them together before ultimately splitting them apart.
Tony Lacey, Nick's editor at Penguin, said: "Fans of Hornby's High Fidelity will doubtless be delighted to learn that his next novel takes him back into the music world, though nowhere near the north London of Fever Pitch. His protagonist is a reclusive 80s rock star who is forced out of isolation when the release of a stripped-down version of his most famous album brings him into contact with some of his most passionate fans. Set in America and Lincolnshire, the novel tells the story of two lonely people finding each other across decades and continents."
Nick Hornby was born in 1957. He is the author of five previous novels, High Fidelity, About a Boy, How To Be Good, A Long Way Down (shortlisted for the Whitbread Award) and Slam; three works of non-fiction, Fever Pitch (winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award), 31 Songs (shortlisted for the National Books Critics Circle Award) and The Complete Polysyllabic Spree; and a Pocket Penguin book of short stories, Otherwise Pandemonium. He recently wrote the screenplay for the film An Education, which won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival and is due for release in the UK in October 2009. Nick Hornby lives and works in Highbury, north London.
Penguin will publish Juliet, Naked in September 2009, adding to the complete list of Nick Hornby books already available on the Penguin website, as well as the blog which Nick updates.
Penguin Announce Publication Of Vladimir Nabokov's Final Novel
Penguin has announced the publication of "The Original of Laura," the final book by novelist Vladimir Nabokov, a novel which has been the source of much anxiety and contention for Nabokov's fans and his family.
The Original of Laura which exists on 138 index cards, was complete in Nabokov's mind, though he died before he could translate his vision onto paper. He asked for the manuscript to be destroyed, so his wife Vera, and later his son Dmitri, faced an agonising choice whether to publish the book or not. After three decades in a Swiss vault, "The Original of Laura", an extraordinarily beautiful novel, unprecedented in structure and style, will be published for the first time.
In Dmitri's introduction to his father's last novel, he recalls that it was only chance that saved an earlier book, "Lolita", from the incinerator. He has been guided by the precedent of that other book's survival in choosing to see "The Original of Laura" published.
Dmitri Nabokov, the son of Vladimir said: "When the task passed to me, I did a great deal of thinking. I have said and written more than once that, to me, my parents, in a sense, had never died, but lived on, looking over my shoulder in a kind of virtual limbo, available to offer a thought or counsel in order to assist me with a vital decision, were it a crucial mot juste or some more mundane concern. I decided at this juncture, that, in putative retrospect, Nabokov would not have wanted me to allow a new "Juanita Dark" - for that was an early working title of "Lolita", destined for cremation - to burn like a latter-day Jeanne d'Arc."
Penguin is celebrating all Vladimir Nabokov's writing in three tranches with beautiful new jackets for the entire backlist.
Penguin will publish "The Original of Laura", as well as Nabokov's other titles about childhood and young love in November 2009, with the author's experimental novels and nonfiction, including a collection of unpublished poems to follow in spring 2010. Nabokov's satirical works and a previously unpublished collection of letters to his wife will be published in autumn 2010.
The Original of Laura which exists on 138 index cards, was complete in Nabokov's mind, though he died before he could translate his vision onto paper. He asked for the manuscript to be destroyed, so his wife Vera, and later his son Dmitri, faced an agonising choice whether to publish the book or not. After three decades in a Swiss vault, "The Original of Laura", an extraordinarily beautiful novel, unprecedented in structure and style, will be published for the first time.
In Dmitri's introduction to his father's last novel, he recalls that it was only chance that saved an earlier book, "Lolita", from the incinerator. He has been guided by the precedent of that other book's survival in choosing to see "The Original of Laura" published.
Dmitri Nabokov, the son of Vladimir said: "When the task passed to me, I did a great deal of thinking. I have said and written more than once that, to me, my parents, in a sense, had never died, but lived on, looking over my shoulder in a kind of virtual limbo, available to offer a thought or counsel in order to assist me with a vital decision, were it a crucial mot juste or some more mundane concern. I decided at this juncture, that, in putative retrospect, Nabokov would not have wanted me to allow a new "Juanita Dark" - for that was an early working title of "Lolita", destined for cremation - to burn like a latter-day Jeanne d'Arc."
Penguin is celebrating all Vladimir Nabokov's writing in three tranches with beautiful new jackets for the entire backlist.
Penguin will publish "The Original of Laura", as well as Nabokov's other titles about childhood and young love in November 2009, with the author's experimental novels and nonfiction, including a collection of unpublished poems to follow in spring 2010. Nabokov's satirical works and a previously unpublished collection of letters to his wife will be published in autumn 2010.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Penguin to launch a site for 'And Another Thing,' the sixth Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy book
Penguin is to launch a new website with Block Interactive to support and promote the publication of 'And Another Thing', the sixth book in the Hitchhiker's guide to the Galaxy 'double trilogy.'
Block Interactive has beaten leading digital agencies to secure a contract with Penguin to create a pan-galactic, pan-publisher website at http://www.6of3.com, which will promote the Autumn publication of 'And Another Thing' by international number-one bestselling author Eoin Colfer.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy has been heard on radio, seen on TV and enjoyed on the big screen, there was even a musical version. Now fans can look forward to the sixth instalment of the science fiction comedy series by visiting the website.
The new site will support and promote the 'And Another Thing's' publication and marketing campaign, providing news, reviews, features and competitions as well as details on both global and local events. Most importantly, it will bring together the voices of legions of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fans using inclusive social networking and innovative Twitter-based features, as well as a Flash game and a range of archive material stolen from the The Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy vaults (found mouldering in a cellar, using a torch because the lights had gone, in a locked filing cabinet, in a disused lavatory, with a sign on the door saying 'beware of the leopard').
Penguin will launch the site early September 2009 to coincide with the October 2009 release of 'And Another Thing.'
Block Interactive has beaten leading digital agencies to secure a contract with Penguin to create a pan-galactic, pan-publisher website at http://www.6of3.com, which will promote the Autumn publication of 'And Another Thing' by international number-one bestselling author Eoin Colfer.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy has been heard on radio, seen on TV and enjoyed on the big screen, there was even a musical version. Now fans can look forward to the sixth instalment of the science fiction comedy series by visiting the website.
The new site will support and promote the 'And Another Thing's' publication and marketing campaign, providing news, reviews, features and competitions as well as details on both global and local events. Most importantly, it will bring together the voices of legions of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fans using inclusive social networking and innovative Twitter-based features, as well as a Flash game and a range of archive material stolen from the The Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy vaults (found mouldering in a cellar, using a torch because the lights had gone, in a locked filing cabinet, in a disused lavatory, with a sign on the door saying 'beware of the leopard').
Penguin will launch the site early September 2009 to coincide with the October 2009 release of 'And Another Thing.'
Harvard University Press to Sell Nearly 1,000 Digital Books on Scribd
Scribd, the world's largest social publishing company, today announced that it has signed a deal with Harvard University Press (HUP) to sell nearly 1,000 digital books through the Scribd Store, a recently launched e-commerce marketplace for written works. HUP joins other university presses such as New York University Press and MIT Press that are already offering free previews of books and reports to Scribd's readership of millions. The Harvard announcement comes a month after the company announced a similar deal with publishing powerhouse Simon & Schuster.
"Scribd's goal is to collect all the world's written information -- whether for free or for purchase -- in one place and then make those works available to as many people as possible," said Trip Adler, CEO and co-founder of Scribd and a Harvard alum. "Harvard University Press has brought to light some of the world's most thought-provoking ideas in the form of printed books. We are thrilled to bring this amazing content to a much larger potential community of information seekers."
Examples of the variety of books and reports currently available through university presses and schools on Scribd include:
-- The Boy Who Would be a Helicopter (HUP)
-- The Civic Potential of Video Games (MIT Press)
-- Hooking Up: The Campus as a Sexual Arena (NYU Press)
-- McGill University Daily News Magazine (McGill University)
-- Bethel Regional Jr. High School paper (Bethel Jr. High)
"Our goal is to get our books in front of as many people as possible; Scribd helps us reach readers who prefer to read online and on digital devices," said Daniel Lee, director of digital content at Harvard University Press.
The majority of content available on Scribd includes original works -- such as short stories, research reports and recipes -- contributed by its community. Professional publishers offering free and for-purchase books and other written works include Simon & Schuster, O'Reilly, Berrett-Koehler, Lonely Planet, and The World Bank. Books offered by HUP are available immediately on Scribd and can be found through searches in the Scribd Store or by keyword, title, author or other identifyers. A sampling of HUP books can be found for a limited time at www.scribd.com/store.
"Scribd's goal is to collect all the world's written information -- whether for free or for purchase -- in one place and then make those works available to as many people as possible," said Trip Adler, CEO and co-founder of Scribd and a Harvard alum. "Harvard University Press has brought to light some of the world's most thought-provoking ideas in the form of printed books. We are thrilled to bring this amazing content to a much larger potential community of information seekers."
Examples of the variety of books and reports currently available through university presses and schools on Scribd include:
-- The Boy Who Would be a Helicopter (HUP)
-- The Civic Potential of Video Games (MIT Press)
-- Hooking Up: The Campus as a Sexual Arena (NYU Press)
-- McGill University Daily News Magazine (McGill University)
-- Bethel Regional Jr. High School paper (Bethel Jr. High)
"Our goal is to get our books in front of as many people as possible; Scribd helps us reach readers who prefer to read online and on digital devices," said Daniel Lee, director of digital content at Harvard University Press.
The majority of content available on Scribd includes original works -- such as short stories, research reports and recipes -- contributed by its community. Professional publishers offering free and for-purchase books and other written works include Simon & Schuster, O'Reilly, Berrett-Koehler, Lonely Planet, and The World Bank. Books offered by HUP are available immediately on Scribd and can be found through searches in the Scribd Store or by keyword, title, author or other identifyers. A sampling of HUP books can be found for a limited time at www.scribd.com/store.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Harlequin Launches Harlequin TEEN
Harlequin Enterprises has launched Harlequin TEEN, a new fiction imprint for young adults. The timely launch comes during a period when young adult fiction is one of the rare sectors to buck the recent slump experienced by most publishers and book retailers. Romance fiction, a genre in which Harlequin is a notable market leader, is another sector that has thrived despite the recession. Many booksellers, such as Borders and Barnes & Noble, have created teen sections in their stores to capitalize on the trend.
Harlequin TEEN launches with titles by three New York Times bestselling authors in 2009. Rachel Vincent's My Soul to Take (August) stars a teenager who discovers that she is a banshee. Intertwined by Gena Showalter (September) features a teen who learns that he has four souls living inside him. The protagonist of P.C. Cast's Elphame's Choice (October) is a young half human, half centaur who sets out to make her own way in the world. Cast is the author of the popular young adult House of Night vampire series with her daughter Kristin. Rachel Vincent has also penned My Soul to Lose, an eBook prequel to her launch title. It is available for free download at www.SoulScreamers.com.
"These books feature teen protagonists, which is not something Harlequin has traditionally done," says Harlequin TEEN senior editor, Natashya Wilson. "Most readers have come to us as young girls and had to 'read up' to the editorial. However, Harlequin TEEN stories are specifically written for teenage readers. Harlequin publishes a wide range of books for women, and Harlequin TEEN ensures that teens and young women also get the opportunity to share in great entertainment and a rewarding reading experience."
Harlequin TEEN will have a full publishing program in place by 2010 and expects to publish 12 to 14 titles in that calendar year. Many of the novels will feature paranormal, fantasy and science fiction elements. The target demographic is girls ages 13 to 18. "Younger women are a natural extension of our core readership," says Margaret Marbury, Harlequin's director of single titles, "and we want to offer them tales -- not necessarily romances -- that appeal to them."
Harlequin has some experience in the young adult marketplace. The publisher successfully launched the Kimani TRU line in 2007, targeting African-American teens.
Harlequin TEEN's Web site, www.harlequinTEEN.com, allows readers to find out more about titles by reading excerpts, posting their own reviews, watching book trailers -- or in the case of Rachel Vincent, downloading the free eBook prequel, My Soul to Lose.
Harlequin TEEN launches with titles by three New York Times bestselling authors in 2009. Rachel Vincent's My Soul to Take (August) stars a teenager who discovers that she is a banshee. Intertwined by Gena Showalter (September) features a teen who learns that he has four souls living inside him. The protagonist of P.C. Cast's Elphame's Choice (October) is a young half human, half centaur who sets out to make her own way in the world. Cast is the author of the popular young adult House of Night vampire series with her daughter Kristin. Rachel Vincent has also penned My Soul to Lose, an eBook prequel to her launch title. It is available for free download at www.SoulScreamers.com.
"These books feature teen protagonists, which is not something Harlequin has traditionally done," says Harlequin TEEN senior editor, Natashya Wilson. "Most readers have come to us as young girls and had to 'read up' to the editorial. However, Harlequin TEEN stories are specifically written for teenage readers. Harlequin publishes a wide range of books for women, and Harlequin TEEN ensures that teens and young women also get the opportunity to share in great entertainment and a rewarding reading experience."
Harlequin TEEN will have a full publishing program in place by 2010 and expects to publish 12 to 14 titles in that calendar year. Many of the novels will feature paranormal, fantasy and science fiction elements. The target demographic is girls ages 13 to 18. "Younger women are a natural extension of our core readership," says Margaret Marbury, Harlequin's director of single titles, "and we want to offer them tales -- not necessarily romances -- that appeal to them."
Harlequin has some experience in the young adult marketplace. The publisher successfully launched the Kimani TRU line in 2007, targeting African-American teens.
Harlequin TEEN's Web site, www.harlequinTEEN.com, allows readers to find out more about titles by reading excerpts, posting their own reviews, watching book trailers -- or in the case of Rachel Vincent, downloading the free eBook prequel, My Soul to Lose.
Friday, July 31, 2009
New Book Consortium to Fill Gaps in Publishing Biz for Literary Authors
Backword Books, a new publishing enterprise out of Los Angeles, fills a huge gap in the publishing business, according to founder and literary author Henry Baum (North of Sunset). "With the changing landscape of the publishing industry," says Baum, "and the countless new avenues for authors to directly reach readers, there has never been a time like this. There's a perfect storm brewing."
The perfect storm is that publishers are less willing to take chances with literary fiction while, says Baum, "Emerging media make it easier for quality writers to reach readers. Backword Books is a new approach to the book business."
Named to give focus on old-fashioned values in quality writing, Backword Books brings together the best literary writers that Baum and a small group discovered. The seven writers use new digital printing technology to publish titles under their own imprints.
After Baum and four other authors landed in Entertainment Weekly in 2006 for their well-regarded print-on-demand (POD) books, he saw the gap in what traditional publishers were doing and what could be done. He created a new forum, the website Self-Publishing Review, devoted to the emerging potential as well as to the pitfalls of self-publishing.
Backword's authors bring together their quality books to help each other in marketing because they know multiple people pushing multiple, related products together is more effective than one person pushing one product alone. They make clear they're not a publishing company, but a consortium of like-minded authors who have important books that have been getting exceptional reviews.
"The writers in Backword put a lot of care into their work," says Kristen Tsetsi, author of the novel Homefront. "We've all hired editors, book designers, and have acted truly as publishers. The reviews bear us out."
Website: www.backwordbooks.com
The perfect storm is that publishers are less willing to take chances with literary fiction while, says Baum, "Emerging media make it easier for quality writers to reach readers. Backword Books is a new approach to the book business."
Named to give focus on old-fashioned values in quality writing, Backword Books brings together the best literary writers that Baum and a small group discovered. The seven writers use new digital printing technology to publish titles under their own imprints.
After Baum and four other authors landed in Entertainment Weekly in 2006 for their well-regarded print-on-demand (POD) books, he saw the gap in what traditional publishers were doing and what could be done. He created a new forum, the website Self-Publishing Review, devoted to the emerging potential as well as to the pitfalls of self-publishing.
Backword's authors bring together their quality books to help each other in marketing because they know multiple people pushing multiple, related products together is more effective than one person pushing one product alone. They make clear they're not a publishing company, but a consortium of like-minded authors who have important books that have been getting exceptional reviews.
"The writers in Backword put a lot of care into their work," says Kristen Tsetsi, author of the novel Homefront. "We've all hired editors, book designers, and have acted truly as publishers. The reviews bear us out."
Website: www.backwordbooks.com
Monday, July 13, 2009
Author Makes Mark by Inking Book Deal in Spite of Hurricane Katrina
On August 27th, 2005, two days ahead of Hurricane Katrina, Daphne Marie Doucette and her family fled New Orleans, Louisiana in her Toyota Sequoia en route to Alabama. Underestimating the threat of Katrina, Doucette packed very little and as a result left behind floppy discs of her three finished manuscripts, which represented nearly four years of work at her personal computer. By the next night, Doucette was in Atlanta, Georgia, finally realizing the gravity of her miscalculation as predictions regarding Katrina grew more grave with each CNN broadcast.
One day later, August 29th, even the darkest of predictions were not enough to prepare anyone for what would become reality. Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the Gulf Coast, destroying lives, leveling homes, and leaving thousands of survivors with the same story: "We lost everything." Despite her gratitude regarding her family's safety, Doucette could not refrain from counting what she had lost, and it was then that she remembered the manuscripts she had left behind.
For two long months, Doucette believed that her work was gone forever. The thought of recreating it was too daunting and she tried to come to grips with the fact that her dream of being a published author had become impossible in the wake of Katrina. However, in October of 2005, Doucette's younger sister recovered the floppy discs containing her sister's three finished manuscripts. Thankfully, Doucette had long since developed the habit of placing her most treasured possessions in the uppermost drawer of her furniture chest. Although the chest had been pushed over by the water of Lake Pontchartrain that had infiltrated the house, it had fallen forward against a bed in such a way that the contents in the top drawer were totally salvageable.
Having the discs back in her hands again, Doucette recommitted herself to seeing her work recognized and published. The fact that the discs had survived the elements refueled her passion and she immediately went to work revising Dirty Butter, the manuscript she believed was destined to be her debut book release. "Dirty Butter has been six years in the making for me. God willing, it will do well. No matter what becomes of the book, my message is to remember that there's always a rainbow after every storm," says Doucette.
After a few false starts, Dirty Butter is ironically set to be released on the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by Waterway Books. Doucette and Waterway executive, Akbar Cojoe, consider the launch date to be indicative of the fact that she has come full circle… and on this 29th day of August 2009, she has reason to celebrate. "We've waited for the perfect book for a really long time," says Cojoe, CEO of Waterway Book Publishers, LLC. "Waterway is a great company and our people really understand our writers' vision. We're looking forward to a long-lasting relationship with Daphne and many books to come."
Website: http://www.daphnemariedoucette.com/
One day later, August 29th, even the darkest of predictions were not enough to prepare anyone for what would become reality. Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the Gulf Coast, destroying lives, leveling homes, and leaving thousands of survivors with the same story: "We lost everything." Despite her gratitude regarding her family's safety, Doucette could not refrain from counting what she had lost, and it was then that she remembered the manuscripts she had left behind.
For two long months, Doucette believed that her work was gone forever. The thought of recreating it was too daunting and she tried to come to grips with the fact that her dream of being a published author had become impossible in the wake of Katrina. However, in October of 2005, Doucette's younger sister recovered the floppy discs containing her sister's three finished manuscripts. Thankfully, Doucette had long since developed the habit of placing her most treasured possessions in the uppermost drawer of her furniture chest. Although the chest had been pushed over by the water of Lake Pontchartrain that had infiltrated the house, it had fallen forward against a bed in such a way that the contents in the top drawer were totally salvageable.
Having the discs back in her hands again, Doucette recommitted herself to seeing her work recognized and published. The fact that the discs had survived the elements refueled her passion and she immediately went to work revising Dirty Butter, the manuscript she believed was destined to be her debut book release. "Dirty Butter has been six years in the making for me. God willing, it will do well. No matter what becomes of the book, my message is to remember that there's always a rainbow after every storm," says Doucette.
After a few false starts, Dirty Butter is ironically set to be released on the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina by Waterway Books. Doucette and Waterway executive, Akbar Cojoe, consider the launch date to be indicative of the fact that she has come full circle… and on this 29th day of August 2009, she has reason to celebrate. "We've waited for the perfect book for a really long time," says Cojoe, CEO of Waterway Book Publishers, LLC. "Waterway is a great company and our people really understand our writers' vision. We're looking forward to a long-lasting relationship with Daphne and many books to come."
Website: http://www.daphnemariedoucette.com/
Monday, July 06, 2009
Textnovel.com Prize Winner Signs Three Book Deal With St. Martin's Press
Textnovel.com, LLC announced that Saoirse Redgrave, 1st prize winner of the 2008 Textnovel Writing Contest (http://www.textnovel.com/), has accepted a three book publishing deal with St. Martin's Press. The initial novel in the series is scheduled for release in the Fall of 2010 and will be her prize winning story. "13 to Life: A Werewolf's Tale," which she wrote on Textnovel.com in serial form over the course of only five weeks with interactive reader input.
Michael Homler, editor at St. Martin's Press, commented "I first read Saoirse's story after hearing that she won the Textnovel writing contest. I could immediately tell she had created a great young adult novel. She has developed characters with unique and compelling voices and an exciting plot and concept. We were very pleased we were the winning bidder for Saoirse's three-book series and I look forward to working with her to make it successful."
Stan Soper, literary agent and founder of Textnovel, commented, "We were very pleased that St. Martin's Press, a top national publisher, was able to see the potential in Saoirse's work. Textnovel.com was designed to help authors take their writing to the next level and to help publishers validate the market potential of new fiction. This contract further validates our model and should give new authors confidence that participating in our unique writing format and contests are a viable path to success and publication."
After winning the 2008 writing contest, Ms. Redgrave chose Stan Soper, literary agent and founder of Textnovel.com, as her exclusive agent to represent her story to potential publishers. More information about Ms. Redgrave and her novel can be found on her site at http://13tolife.us/.
Michael Homler, editor at St. Martin's Press, commented "I first read Saoirse's story after hearing that she won the Textnovel writing contest. I could immediately tell she had created a great young adult novel. She has developed characters with unique and compelling voices and an exciting plot and concept. We were very pleased we were the winning bidder for Saoirse's three-book series and I look forward to working with her to make it successful."
Stan Soper, literary agent and founder of Textnovel, commented, "We were very pleased that St. Martin's Press, a top national publisher, was able to see the potential in Saoirse's work. Textnovel.com was designed to help authors take their writing to the next level and to help publishers validate the market potential of new fiction. This contract further validates our model and should give new authors confidence that participating in our unique writing format and contests are a viable path to success and publication."
After winning the 2008 writing contest, Ms. Redgrave chose Stan Soper, literary agent and founder of Textnovel.com, as her exclusive agent to represent her story to potential publishers. More information about Ms. Redgrave and her novel can be found on her site at http://13tolife.us/.
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