Alex Malarkey, the quadriplegic boy whose story comprised the 2010 bestseller The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven, which was later determined to be a fabrication concocted by his father, has sued Tyndale House for defamation, appropriation of his likeness, and exploitation of a person with a disability, all stemming from the core complaint that the book, was allegedly “based on lies.” According to the 32-page complaint filed in DuPage County, Illinois circuit court (and obtained by Courthouse News) Tyndale House “has made millions of dollars off Alex’s identity and an alleged autobiographical story of his life” but in spite […]
Authors
Briefs: Prince’s Memoir, Comey’s Launch, and More
Forthcoming In a podcast with Variety, Esther Newberg at ICM confirmed that Prince‘s memoir, sold to Chris Jackson at One World shortly before the performer’s death in 2016, will indeed be published. She suggests the title will be ready soon, “hopefully at next Christmas” (meaning 2019, apparently). The publisher tells us that a publication date has not been confirmed yet. Written by Dan Piepenbring (starting with the 50 pages of manuscript that Prince had written before his death), Newberg calls it “a wonderful testament to a great songwriter and performer.” (Update: the book is staying with Spiegel & Grau rather […]
People, Etc.
Jaime Levine will join Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on April 30 as senior editor focusing on acquiring psychological suspense, thrillers, and mysteries. Theresa Collier has been promoted to senior manager, publicity and marketing at Artisan Books. At Sourcebooks, Jillian Rahn has been promoted to associate art director. The Guggenheim Fellows were named for 2018, including fiction writers Rachel Cusk, Andrew Sean Greer, Lauren Groff, Jennifer Haigh, Min Jin Lee, China Miéville, and Deb Olin Unferth; nonfiction writers Nicholson Baker, Teju Cole, Robert Finch, Roxane Gay, Jane Kamensky, John Jeremiah Sullivan, and Lily Tuck; and nine poets. Acquisitions Independent Publishers Group has acquired academic book distributor […]
Clinton Book Tour Details Announced
Dates and locations have been announced for Bill Clinton and James Patterson’s book tour for The President is Missing. The first event will take place at Book Con on Sunday, June 3, where Clinton and Patterson will have a book signing and discuss the novel on a main stage panel. Eighteen appearances are listed so far, with Clinton and Patterson appearing together at 12 and Clinton appearing alone at six. (The website bills the tour as “A Conversation With Bill Clinton” and features only his headshot.) Bookstore events include June 5 at Barnes & Noble in NYC (at 555 Fifth Avenue); June […]
People, Etc.
Marie-Claire Wastiaux will retire as secretary general and chief financial officer of Hachette Livre on July 1. She will be succeeded by Fabrice Bakhouche, who has been promoted to deputy secretary general and deputy chief financial officer. Hachette Livre ceo Arnaud Nourry said in the announcement: “Marie-Claire Wastiaux’s exactness, skill and enthusiasm have contributed to the growth of our company since 2003. I have hugely appreciated her expertise, work output and dedication and will miss her sorely.” Diana Calice will retire as IPG’s managing director, Spanish distribution program after more than 10 years. Spanish sales manager Kelsey Wayne will succeed […]
People, Etc.
Tina Jordan has left her position as vice president of AAP after 12 years, to “temporarily explore her lifelong passion of becoming a professional surfer.” BookEnds Literary has launched a children’s division, BookEnds, Jr. Miles Franklin Award-winning crime writer (and Gold Dagger honoree) Peter Temple, 71, died on Thursday of cancer. Forthcoming Candlewick will publish two-time Newbery Medal winner Kate DiCamillo‘s eighth middle-grade novel, LOUISIANA’S WAY, returning to the world of Raymie Nightingale, globally on October 2, 2018. Awards The Booker International Prize announced its 13-book longlist, with the shortlist to be announced on April 12 and the winner to […]