On May 24 author Stephen Mitchell filed suit in a Los Angeles court US District Court against author Wayne Dyer and publisher Hay House, alleging copyright infringement, claiming that Dyer “has copied verbatim a significant portion” of Mitchell’s translation of the Tao Te Ching in two different books (Living the Wisdom of the Tao and Change Your Thoughts–Change Your Life) as well as various spin-off products. Later the suit alleges that the infringing books “copy verbatim at least 200 lines” from Mitchell’s book.HR blog item
Authors Guild and Wiley Dispute Continues, Focused on 24 Contracts
The Authors Guild and Wiley have continued their public battle over contract amendment terms for what Wiley says are 24 Bloomberg Press authors who originally had list price royalty contracts. (According to Wiley, another 93 Bloomberg authors already had contracts that pay royalties on net.) On Friday Wiley reiterated their belief that their proposals are favorable to authors (“Wiley is well known for excellent relationships with our authors. Given the inaccurate information that has been recently disseminated, we will contact the affected authors again to be sure they are not in any way confused.’) Today’s Authors Guild posting reiterates their […]
Awards, People, Etc.
Last week Wells Tower won the New York Public Library’s Young Lions fiction award for his debut story collection EVERYTHING RAVAGED, EVERYTHING BURNED.NYPL In the UK, EDItEUR has hired Graham Bell as chief data architect. He was most recently head of publishing systems at Harper UK. In the UK, Tindal Street will move their sales and distribution to Atlantic Books. The Bookseller reports that Scott Pack will take the new role of directorof digital product development at Harper UK, reporting to David Roth-Ey, while continuing to serve as publisher for what’s left of The Friday Project. And Chicken House founder […]
Lunch Weekly for Monday, June 14
Deal Reports Just e-mail to deals@PublishersMarketplace if you aren’t using the online form linked below. Report a deal using the online form The Key As usual, the handy key to our Lunch deal categories. While all reports are always welcome, those that include a category will generally receive a higher listing when it comes time to put them all together. “nice deal” $1 – $49,000 “very nice deal” $50,000 – $99,000 “good deal” $100,000 – $250,000 “significant deal” $251,000 – $499,000 “major deal” $500,000 and up FICTION Debut Emily Croy Barker’s THE THINKING WOMAN’S GUIDE TO REAL MAGIC, about […]
Davidar "Was Asked to Leave the Company," Apparently In Wake of Sexual Harassment Charge
Penguin Canada revealed Friday that David Davidar “was asked to leave the company last month,” as opposed to the original story that he chose to resign. Former rights and contract director Lisa Rundle filed a lawsuit on Thursday that alleges sexual harassment against Davidar and wrongful dismissal by Penguin Canada, seeking $100,000 from Davidar and over $400,000 from the company (CA). Rundle asserts in Ontario court documents that Davidar “sexually harassed her repeatedly over the past three years, culminating in outright assault at the Frankfurt Book Fair last fall,” the Globe and Mail writes, “and that she was fired after […]
Wiley's Response to Authors Guild
Posted yesterday, after the Authors Guild “alert” to authors, Wiley says that contrary to the Guild’s conclusion: “We believe former Bloomberg authors will be paid higher royalties in most instances. The limited number of contract amendments the AG apparently chose to select are not therefore representative; nor are their ‘calculations’ accurate. In any event, Wiley stands by its offer to discuss their individual contracts with all affected authors. We are happy to address any questions and concerns they may have about their individual contracts. Wiley is committed to the Bloomberg authors and is confident we will provide the best possible […]