The WSJ reports that recently-free journalist Laura Ling is teaming with her sister, Oprah Winfrey Show correspondent Lisa Ling, for a book proposal “hat will examine the meaning of sisterhood and journalistic ideals. The issue of Laura Ling’s captivity will be discussed, but in a larger context.” They are represented by Suzanne Gluck at William Morris Endeavor.WSJ blog Separately, USA Today has more details on the Michael Jackson coffee table book deal approved the judge overseeing the pop star’s estate. High-end publisher Kraken Opus says they had been negotiating a book deal with Jackson prior to his death and Jackson’s […]
New Releases/Forthcoming
Comic Con Announcements and More for Fall
Timed for the Comic Con in San Diego, even though it’s no more of a movie show than anything else, Abrams announced the title and cover of Jeff Kinney’s next book, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS. They will print 3 million copies for the October 12 laydown. Kinney says, “It takes Greg out of the school setting for the first time. It’s been a lot of fun to write about the Heffley summer vacation.” Abrams says they have over 20 million Wimpy Kid books in print in the US. Scholastic announced the acquisition of more graphic novels in […]
Yen Press to Publish TWILIGHT Graphic Novel
Meyer-loving Entertainment Weekly has the exclusive report on this release, with no announced publication date from Hachette Book Group’s graphic novel line. “Though Korean artist Young Kim is creating the art, Meyer herself is deeply immersed in the project, reviewing every panel.” The magazine promises more sample art in their 7/17 issue.EW
5,000-Word First Serial for Nabokov's Original of Laura to Playboy
The magazine won rights to the forthcoming unfinished novella after the New Yorker passed. Literary editor Amy Grace Lord says, “I’m happy to tell you we’ve never paid this much for a book excerpt before, ever.” She adds, “There are parts of it that are much more cohesive than others. But I found it fascinating in that way.”Observer
Dan Brown's New Jacket Is Shown
In the announcement, editor Jason Kaufman says: “Dan’s new novel is largely set in Washington, D.C., though it’s a Washington few will recognize. As we would expect, he pulls back the veil– revealing an unseen world of mysticism, secret societies, and hidden locations, with a stunning twist that long predates America.” (The UK version is on the left; the US version on the right.)
Montreal Publisher Has Well-Timed Jackson Bio
Montreal’s Transit Media is releasing a Michael Jackson biography by Ian Helperin on Tuesday that was already in the works. Previously titled (at various times) Michael Jackson: Return from Exile and Michael Jackson Unmasked: Peter Pan or Pervert, they are now going with Michael Jackson: The Last Days. CanWest News Service says that Helperin has added “about 50 pages” during “a frantic rewrite.” In the wake of Jackson’s death, retailers nationwide have reported huge demand for the pop star’s albums and related material. Amazon says that 60 percent of all CD orders on Thursday were for Jackson-related albums, according to […]