9/20/10 Writing and Publishing Headlines

My guest blog post at the New England Job Show about age discrimination is up: http://nejs.org/2010/09/20/state-of-the-market-age-discrimination-and-harassment/




Where the Law and Literature Meet

Plagiarism plagues Chinese science: http://newhumanist.org.uk/2365/lies-damn-lies-and-chinese-science

Embargoed book lands briefly on Google Books: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/political-bookworm/2010/09/embargoed_carter_book_lands_on.html

DRM keeps library books off Kindle: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/50260537-80/kindle-books-library-libraries.html.csp

Book burning stunt costs pastor $150,000+: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1313420/Preacher-Terry-Jones-vowed-burn-Koran-9-11-hit-100k-security-bill.html

More Amazon price wars: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/128694-amazon-using-price-for-e-book-land-grab.html



Other Headlines

Is Twilight altering young minds?: http://www.livescience.com/culture/twilight-books-altering-teen-brains-100903.html

Want buzz? Appeal to librarians: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/11/1817511/a-sly-comment-on-modern-times.html

12 people who are changing publishing: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-pinter/12-game-changers-in-publi_b_718198.html

Some ways to instant rejection by an agent (for god’s sake, get the name right): http://www.andrewlownie.co.uk/2010/09/09/addressing-me

Vietnam publisher struggles to issue Western classics: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hyF5VdwSMJSUIqN0BSDU74NXCTOg

Why Kindle books aren’t up to snuff: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/the-problem-with-kindle-app-ebooks/9678

Why Stephen King deserves the Nobel Prize: http://www.journal-news.net/page/blogs.detail/display/368/Stephen-King-Deserves-a-Nobel-Prize.html

Glenn Beck books jacket quotes Jon Stewart negative comment: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/16/glenn-beck-book-stewart-time_n_720159.html

BFF, bromance, hockey mom and LMAO are new dictionary entries: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/editors/new_oxford_american_dictionary_adds_bff_bromance_hockey_mom_lmao_entries_173768.asp

iBooks more popular than Facebook (on the iPad): http://www.thebookseller.com/news/128673-ibooks-more-popular-than-facebook-and-twitter.html

9 apps for word junkies: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/18/apps-for-word-junkies_n_718527.html

7 words you probably screw up: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/14/mangled-words-american-heritage_n_715170.html

8/8/10 Writing and Publishing News

Where the Law and Literature Meet


Connecticut joins other state attorneys’ general in investigating Apple and Amazon’s most favored nation deals with publishers: http://www.ct.gov/ag/cwp/view.asp?Q=463892&A=3869

Apple’s agency model comes under more scrutiny in the UK: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/125214-apples-agency-model-scrutinised.html

Glenn Beck followers convince library that gay literature is child pornography: http://gawker.com/5604429/glenn-becks-minions-convince-new-jersey-library-a-gay-book-is-child-pornography

Paperback publisher goes all digital: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703309704575413611289773690.html

Paul Levine, on how legal thrillers fall short, legally speaking: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-levine/legal-thrillers-trial-and_b_670856.html

The art of the book thief: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/7903230/The-love-of-the-high-end-heist.html

Both houses of Congress have passed libel tourism bill to protect free speech against foreign suits: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/07/30/libel_tourism_bill/



More writing and publishing links

How many books are there in the world? Google claims to have counted: http://booksearch.blogspot.com/2010/08/books-of-world-stand-up-and-be-counted.html

8/1/10 Writing and Publishing News

My first review for The Writer’s Guide to the Courtroom: http://traveltheages.blogspot.com/2010/07/book-review-for-writers-guide-to.html  

I’ve been interviewed on Selling Books: http://www.sellingbooks.com/donna-ballman-author-interview



Where the Law and Literature Meet

Literary agent bypasses traditional publishers, cuts deal with Amazon to publish books, outcry ensues: http://news.bookweb.org/news/literary-agents-e-book-publishing-arrangement-sparks-strong-industry-reaction

Author’s Guild comments on Odyssey/Amazon deal: http://authorsguild.org/advocacy/articles/wylie-amazon-and-random-house-battle.html  and http://authorsguild.org/advocacy/articles/what-its-all-about----economics.html

JK Rowling strikes back at plagiarism allegations: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/88ec2606-9a79-11df-87fd-00144feab49a.html



More news:

11-year-old raises tons of books for needy kids in Ghana: http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_ghana19.1d11629.html?utm_source=Publishers+Weekly%27s+Children%27s+Bookshelf&utm_campaign=153b290a44-UA-15906914-1&utm_medium=email

How to be a good copy editor: http://andyrossagency.wordpress.com/2009/09/20/copy-editing-at-the-new-yorker-with-mary-norris/

7/20/10 Writing and Publishing News

Big busy week for me, even though I’m on vacation. Ha!


My interview on work life balance on Women Lawyers Online is up. You can listen here: http://www.womenlawyersonline.com/2010/05/donna-ballman-interview/

I did an article for Women On Writing titled, “Using the Law in Your Story: Character, Plot and Professions.” You can read it here: http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/40-FE5-FictionWritersToolkit.html#UsingLaw

Another article I wrote on using the law in writing is up at Selling Books: http://www.sellingbooks.com/category/research



Where the Law and Literature Meet

Barnes & Noble have been in court defending a poison pill that kept a big investor from amassing too much stock: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100709/bs_nm/us_barnesandnoble_trial  and http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-12/barnes-noble-poison-pill-trial-testimony-centers-on-aletheia-fund-votes.html  

Yet another suit has been filed claiming Harry Potter was plagiarized. Give it up guys: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/43843-new-plagiarism-suit-against-harry-potter-and-scholastic.html?utm_source=Publishers+Weekly%27s+Children%27s+Bookshelf&utm_campaign=09ce3d971b-UA-15906914-1&utm_medium=email  and http://www.dailybusinessreview.com/news.html?news_id=63877

Lawsuit against Scribd claiming its copyright filtering violated copyright is dropped: http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/07/copyrightfiltering-scribd/

“The Shack” author in dispute with partners over royalties, proving that even self-publishing can be financially perilous: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-the-shack-20100713,0,6240949.story#

Janet Evanovich leaves publisher over refusal to pay giant advance: http://www.deadline.com/2010/07/st-martins-losing-biggest-fiction-author/

Tasha Tudor’s heirs battle over estate: http://www.timesargus.com/article/20100712/NEWS02/7120348/1003/NEWS02?utm_source=Publishers+Weekly%27s+Children%27s+Bookshelf&utm_campaign=09ce3d971b-UA-15906914-1&utm_medium=email

Court orders opening of Kafka safe deposit boxes: http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/after-lengthy-legal-battle-franz-kafka-and-max-brod-safety-deposit-boxes-being-opened-1.301792

Why publishers are ticked (and afraid to speak up) over Amazon bullying: http://www.thenation.com/article/37484/trouble-amazon?page=full

Figes to pay damages for fake reviews: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jul/16/orlando-figes-fake-amazon-reviews

British author arrested in Singapore for libel, contempt of court over book on death penalty: http://gawker.com/5591443/british-author-arrested-and-freed-on-bail-for-book-on-singapores-death-penalty

Serial book thief goes to jail: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/7900426/Serial-book-thief-William-Jacques-jailed-for-three-years.html



More writing and publishing links

The best and worst writing advice: http://writersdigest.com/article/the-best-and-worst-of-writing-advice/

Who do you write like? New program tells you: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/17/i-write-like-website-goes_n_650037.html

Sarah Palin invents new word, compares herself to Shakespeare: http://gawker.com/5590304/sarah-palin-invents-new-word-refudiate

Are book trailers a waste of time and money?: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/fashion/11AuthorVideos.html?_r=2&ref=style

Do we need to read more slowly?: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jul/15/slow-reading

6/30/10 Writing and Publishing News

What are first serial rights? What should writers know about taxes? How did an author’s FB page become a phenom? How are book bloggers finally earning respect in the publishing world? These headlines, plus more of the latest writing and publishing news are in this week’s Write Report.

Where the law and literature meet:

The Daily Business Review did a piece on the Writer’s Guide to the Courtroom: http://dailybusinessreview.typepad.com/insidetrack/2010/06/writers-guide-provides-courtroom-tips.html

What are first serial rights?: http://blog.writersdigest.com/qq/What+Are+First+Serial+Rights+Or+FNASR.aspx

Tax advice for writers: http://www.writersdigest.com/article/tax-advice-for-writers



More headlines:

Five lies unpublished writers tell themselves: http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/5+Lies+Unpublished+Writers+Tell+Themselves+And+The+Truths+That+Can+Get+Them+Published.aspx

Why an author’s Facebook page for his book accidentally became a phenom (or, how to fool FB members by cleverly naming your page): http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/publicity/authors_book_title_inadvertently_becomes_facebook_fan_page_phenom_166147.asp

Jeff Bezos rubs his hands together and reveals his evil plan. BWAHAHAHA. Just kidding. He’s interviewed in Fortune. He actually does have lots of plans: http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/06/29/jeff-bezos%E2%80%99s-mission-compelling-small-publishers-to-think-big/?s-mission-compelling-small-publishers-to-think-big§ion=magazines_fortune

And everyone analyzes the Jeff Bezos interview: http://techcrunch.com/2010/06/29/jeff-bezos-ipad/

Then Amazon crashes: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/43688-amazon-com-crashes.html

Analyzing Harper Lee for the upcoming anniversary of Mockingbird: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1289793/Dont-mention-mockingbird-Meet-Harper-Lee-reclusive-novelist-wrote-classic-novel-mesmerised-40-million-readers.html

And the backlash against Mockingbird: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cifamerica/2010/jun/29/to-kill-a-mockingbird-backlash?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Fbooks%2Frss+%28Books%29

Is Robert Pattinson related to Vlad the Impaler, the model for Dracula? Or is it all a bad publicity stunt?: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/7851237/Twilight-star-Robert-Pattinson-related-to-Dracula.html

Book bloggers get respect in publishing world, finally: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-book-blogger-20100627,0,4401314.story

And the world’s worst writer is: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128198534&ft=1&f=1032

6/22/10 Writing and Publishing News

How can you protect your ideas before submitting? Should you sign a one-book or multi-book deal? How did Amazon almost put an indie publisher out of business? Are the British courts trying to fix libel law? When will the Google decision issue? Does age matter in Hollywood? These and other stories are in this week’s Write Report.


Where the law and literature meet:

Amazon nearly causes indie bookstore to shut down after it cuts off online store over customer satisfaction levels: http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/2072859_amazon_cutoff_left_bookshop_out_of_pocket

Amazon to give fewer services to distributors and publishers who pay less: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/43488-new-amazon-program-spurs-complaints.html

Court gives no indication of when Google settlement decision will issue: http://news.cnet.com/8301-30684_3-20008346-265.html

Tales from the Shakespeare book thief trial: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/7844716/Librarians-heart-sank-on-seeing-damaged-Shakespeare-first-edition.html

British court raises standard for bringing libel claims in landmark ruling: http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=45595&c=1

12 most bizarre comedian lawsuits: http://comedy.com/2010/06/21/12-most-bizarre-comedian-lawsuits/

Writers Guild asks IMDB to remove ages from listings because, surprise, Hollywood discriminates based on age: http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2010/06/writers-guild-pressures-imdb-to-remove-age-info.html

Attorney answers how you can protect your ideas before submitting: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/publishing/ask_a_lawyer_how_do_i_keep_them_from_stealing_my_idea_164032.asp

Hong Kong publisher halts Tiananmen Square book over copyright concerns: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jTDwszLhsGMN1NQAicjbOwjm5qCgD9GEP7J80

Agent talks about advantages of one book vs. multi-book contracts: http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2010/06/one-book-or-two-maybe-three.html



More headlines:

Very silly things heard at bookshops: http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=57303

Ebooks: Royalties vs. respect: http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2010/06/21/ebooks-self-publishing-luminato.html

Geoffrey Hill wins Oxford Professor of Poetry slot in a landslide: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/jun/18/oxford-professor-poetry-geoffrey-hill

How gadgets are affecting your brain: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/technology/07brain.html?scp=1&sq=brain%20computer&st=cse

Here’s a poll on which craze will be the new vampires in YA lit: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/22/the-new-vampires-9-possib_n_620202.html

5/25/10 Writing and Publishing News

Which monarch is championing libel reform? Which publishers are killing endangered trees to make books? What does Facebook do to dissenters? Which writer is claiming Heroes stole the last season from their comic book? The headlines, plus more of the latest writing and publishing news are in this week’s Write Report.

Where the law and literature meet:

Children’s publishers using paper from endangered rainforests: http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20100524/FREE/100529924#

Tibet cracks down on writers: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kate-saunders/new-wave-of-dissent-in-ti_b_577594.html?ir=Books

Author of book criticizing Facebook has FB account shut down: http://gawker.com/5542792/facebooks-history-of-squelching-dissent

Queen takes up cause of libel reform (the monarch, not the band): http://www.thebookseller.com/news/119146-libel-reform-back-on-the-agenda-after-queens-speech.html

In Israel, publishers won’t be able to own bookstores: http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/ministers-tackling-law-to-keep-publishers-from-also-owning-bookstore-chains-1.292046

Lawsuit says last season of Heroes was stolen. Not sure I’d admit to originating that one: http://techland.com/2010/05/19/lawsuit-alleges-thatheroes-final-year-was-a-rip-off/

Amazon under pressure to axe terrorist books: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5igSSbZn3vm5v00kVgm84ONDeGLeA



More headlines:

Litopia’s fantastic Muse e-zine for writers is out! I’m in it, along with loads of big name writers including one of my faves, Charlaine Harris. Download free here: http://www.litopia.com/muse/muse-issue-one-beginnings

Why the Konrath effect probably won’t help you: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-pinter/the-konrath-effect-will-n_b_579455.html?ref=fb&src=sp

Midlist author tries hybrid self-publishing: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/industry-deals/article/43258-midlist-author-tries-hybrid-self-publishing.html

The truth about sexual harassment can only be told in novel form: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-reinbach/sex-harassment-and-the-tr_b_577859.html

Author rejected by every major publishing house signs half million dollar deal: http://www.metro.co.uk/news/826446-rejected-author-gets-250k-deal-for-her-next-creation

Writer Stephen Perry missing: http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2010/05/thundercats-writer-stephen-perry-missing-after-grisly-discovery/

Children’s writer recovering from cocaine addition: http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20100517/munsch-addictions-100517/20100517/?hub=CalgaryHome

Neil Gaiman getting dissed for accepting speakers’ fee (and why the heck shouldn’t he?): http://www.huffingtonpost.com/will-weaver/neil-gaiman-dust-up-raise_b_585730.html  

How to tell who’s running for President in 2012? Look at the bestseller list: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-guttman/presidential-possibilitie_b_581846.html?ir=Books

Authors look at alternative routes to getting published: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/05/24/DDTJ1DIJ95.DTL

Agents comment on the alternative routes to publication, how agents will change to deal with the industry changes: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/43276-agents-weigh-the-growth-of-alternate-publishing-options.html

The books of Lost: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/books/blog/2010/05/meaning_of_sawyers_favorite_bo.html

Why paranormal is still hot: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/new-titles/adult-announcements/article/43272-p-is-for-paranormal-still.html

Study says books in the home keep kids in school longer: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/7750167/Books-in-the-home-boost-childrens-education.html




Here’s an article I wrote about what to do if you’re presented with a severance agreement: http://nejs.org/2010/05/21/career-tips-severance-agreements/

5/18/10 Writing and Publishing News

Which literary agent got busted for stealing from his clients? Which author is dealing directly with Amazon for traditional book publishing? Which book got halted after a libel threat letter went out to everyone connected with it? Is the agency model iPad uses for e-books going to run into antitrust problems in the UK? These and other stories are in this edition of The Write Report.

Where the law and literature meet:

Literary agent on trial for stealing from his authors: http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/court/Literary-agent-trial/article-2145139-detail/article.html

How the agency model may fall afoul of UK’s anti-competition laws: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/118550-legal-issues-raise-question-over-ipad-agency-model-in-uk.html and http://mhpbooks.com/mobylives/?p=15167

Canadian publisher postpones mining book after libel threat letter goes to everyone connected with the book: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/118600-canadian-publisher-postpones-book-on-legal-threat.html

Konrath signs directly with Amazon for traditional book, bypasses agents and mainstream publishers: http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2010/05/shaken-by-ja-konrath-press-release.html


More headlines:

Another piece on applying science to literature: http://www.thecommonreview.org/feature-articles/gottschalls-problem.html

On Ralph Ellison, writer’s block, letting go of the manuscript and finding an ending: http://chronicle.com/article/Ralph-Ellisons-Never-Ending/65399/

Facebook creates community pages for bestselling authors, publishing houses: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/random_house/facebook_creates_community_pages_for_stephen_king_kathryn_stockett_random_house_and_many_others_161594.asp

Cory Doctorow drops Facebook over privacy issues, but his community page is still up: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/authors/cory_doctorow_drops_facebook_account_his_community_page_remains_161606.asp

Amazon to separate out free books from others in bestseller lists: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/content-and-e-books/article/43152-amazon-to-drop-free-books-from-kindle-bestseller-list.html

20 Tips for Writers: http://www.scribd.com/doc/31244122/20-Tips-for-Writers-by-Douglas-Clegg

How the iPad is a friend to Penguin: http://goodereader.com/blog/electronic-readers/apples-ipad-is-penguins-friend-amazon-enemy/

Konrath gives the details on how he makes money e-publishing, including names, recommendations: http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2010/05/top-ebook-questions.html







Nothing to do with writing, but I couldn’t resist a story about how Florida police deal with 911 calls claiming voodoo curses: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/delray-beach/fl-voodoo-police-20100515,0,5298065.story

5/12/10 Writing and Publishing News

Which book just got banned in New Jersey? Which gardening book author is accused of plagiarism? What are TV execs scared of more than bad ratings? And why did a mom turn into a library book thief? These and other stories are right here in The Write Report.


Where the law and literature meet:

Book banning in NJ led by Glenn Beck: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/10/gay-anthology-revolutionary-voices-censored

Plagiarized gardening book: http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/books/3667586/Gardening-book-plagiarism-claim?

TV execs ban Islam as a topic due to threats, bomb scare, proving that threats let the bad guys win: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/05/07/islam-taboo-topic-tv-wake-south-park-threats-times-square-bomb-scare/ Lawyer argues for the Google book settlement: http://broadbandbreakfast.com/2010/05/google-book-search-settlement-agreement-is-fair-argue-author-and-publisher-groups/

Why Australians can’t get most Kindle books: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/opinion/ways-around-e-book-blockade-copyright-issues/story-e6frgb0o-1225864694693

Objections to the Google settlement summarized in “only” 55 pages: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/copyright/article/43105-revised-summary-of-google-settlement-objections-issued.html

Mom turns book thief, refuses to return Gossip Girl to library: http://www.woai.com/news/local/story/Mom-refuses-to-return-racy-teen-books-to-library/JnEsNEFkKEC1s7dG5_Mwfg.cspx

Publishers still in limbo after CPSIA hearing: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/43054-latest-cpsia-hearing-leaves-publishers-empty.html?utm_source=Publishers+Weekly%27s+Children%27s+Bookshelf&utm_campaign=82e1447fdb-UA-15906914-1&utm_medium=email

Where will Kagan be on 1st Amendment issues?: http://www.tv.com/concerns-about-kagans-first-amendment-position/webnews/79026.html

More headlines:

Is English becoming the global language?: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/may/09/globish-english-language-robert-mccrum

Which e-reader is best? http://www.abcactionnews.com/content/taking_action_for_you/story/Comparing-e-book-readers/Jbg5o0c25UysHKgGoBRaSw.cspx

Wanna be a bestseller? Offer the book for free: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2010/05/top-10-kindle-ebooks-all-free.html

5/5/10 Writing and Publishing News

Where the law and literature meet:

Grand jury subpoenas author for book sources: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-times-reporter-cia,0,322365.story

Appeals court tells trial judge to take a second look at the Salinger sequel/spoof, still thinks Salinger estate likely to win: http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100430-717011.html

Amazon cuts Penguin hardback prices in tiff over e-books: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703572504575214492194024292.html

Apple faces antitrust inquiry over apps: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/117724-apple-to-face-antitrust-inquiry-over-app-development.html

Hate-filled venomous speech is still protected speech: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/ondeadline/post/2010/05/federal-judge-orders-9-members-of-christian-militia-freed-from-custody/1

Authors, songwriters unite to address gap in copyright law: http://www.authorsguild.org/advocacy/articles/songwriters-and-authors-unite-to-protect.html

Now that Google scanned all those books for free, it plans to sell them: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703866704575224232417931818.html


More headlines:

Ve know vhat you’re highlighting: http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/chapter-and-verse/2010/0503/Is-it-creepy-that-Amazon-is-tracking-most-highlighted-Kindle-passages?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+feeds%2Fbooks+%28Christian+Science+Monitor++Books%29

Can erotica save the publishing industry?: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36835812/ns/health-sexual_health/

Authors against SATs: http://alangibbons.net/?p=936

A peek at China’s largest literary agency: http://www.forbes.com/global/2010/0510/companies-literary-agencies-lily-chen-book-drive-in-china.html?

Oxford poetry professor race heats up. This is about as exciting as it gets in Oxford: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/apr/29/michael-horovitz-oxford-poetry-professor

4/7/10 Writing and Publishing News

Where the law and literature meet:

Simon Singh wins appeal, fair comment allowed in UK libel defense: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/apr/01/science-writer-wins-libel-appeal

Setbacks for libel reform in UK: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/apr/05/libel-reform-simon-singh  and http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j6vW9EJ_STbmk9ABKbVd1nBRTg8AD9EP74P00

Stan Lee wins suit over copyright of his characters: http://www.torontosun.com/entertainment/books/2010/04/05/13472321-wenn-story.html

Indie filmmakers launch automatic threat letter campaign over copyright infringement: http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Copyright-LawsuitOMatic-Hits-US-Shores-107645?nocomment=1

Amazon caves, lets more publishers in on agency model: http://www.tuaw.com/2010/04/01/amazon-caves-to-book-publishers/ and http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4bd7770c-3dd1-11df-bdbb-00144feabdc0.html

Freedom of expression versus authoritarian governments: http://www.hoover.org/publications/policyreview/89175117.html

On the upsides and downsides of the agency model: http://blog.kobobooks.com/2010/03/29/countdown-to-agency-and-party-like-its-9-99/

Amazon puts disclaimer on books released under agency model: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/amazon/amazon_includes_disclaimer_on_ebooks_priced_by_agency_model_157266.asp

Egyptian publisher arrested, books confiscated: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/03/AR2010040301999.html

Italian journalist prints fake interviews with Grisham, Roth: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/31/roth-grisham-fake-interview-obama

As predicted, authors figure out they no longer need publishers: http://www.magellanmediapartners.com/index.php/mmcp/article/do_i_need_the_middle/

Award-winning author Wideman turns to self-publishing: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/mar/29/entertainment/la-et-john-edgar-wideman29-2010mar29

And yet another author, Konrath, breaks down the math on why authors should self-publish in e-format: http://jakonrath.blogspot.com/2010/03/march-kindle-sales-top-4200-and-5850.html

Plagiarist caught, forced to resign from post: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8602674.stm

What happens to judicial elections when corporations can contribute?: http://www.tnr.com/article/politics/judging-dollars

Apparently failing to recognize the irony, Jewish group seeks banning of pro-Palestinian novel: http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/455037-Jewish_Group_Boycotts_Canadian_Kids_Book.php

Amazon won’t sell Penguin e-books anymore: http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/455009-First_Agency_Model_Casualty_Amazon_Not_Selling_New_Penguin_e_Books.php

FBI says threat letters to governors are protected by 1st Amendment: http://www.ktva.com/ci_14811126?source=most_viewed

Egyptian composer to sue Saudi author for defamation over novel: http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article38844.ece

More headlines:

Why we read fiction – the scientific explanation: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/01/books/01lit.html?pagewanted=all

iPad users won’t use it for reading: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2362066,00.asp

Stephen King’s latest to be released by an independent publisher: http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/stephen-king-to-publish-surprise-limitededition-baseball-novella-1931289.html

HP script found in pub after crew celebrates there. Whose head will roll?: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/harry-potter/7548916/Harry-Potter-And-The-Deathly-Hallows-script-found-in-pub.html

Writer gets book deal after leaving manuscript on Richard and Judy’s doorstep. Richard and Judy’s house collapses under weight of unsolicited manuscripts. OK, the last part was a prediction: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1262793/Struggling-author-bags-book-deal-leaving-copy-Richard-Judys-doorstep.html

Author speaks out against Germany’s fixed-price laws, then apologizes: http://publishingperspectives.com/?p=13790

Entire Whedonverse streaming in Netflix!: http://io9.com/5507337/the-entire-whedonverse-is-streaming-on-netflix-shiny

Twilight saga sort of sequel: http://www.cinematical.com/2010/03/30/twilight-saga-expands-new-book-possible-spin-off-movie/

Amazon loses e-book pricing war: http://www.pcworld.com/article/193118/amazon_loses_ebook_pricing_war.html

PW sold to former publisher: http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20100405/FREE/100409949

No first amendment right to boink a co-worker: http://lawyersusaonline.com/benchmarks/2010/04/07/lookin-for-love-in-all-the-wrong-places/

3/30/10 Writing and Publishing News

Where the law and literature meet:

The battle lines are drawn - Ingram won’t distribute books for publishers using agency model: http://www.quillandquire.com/blog/index.php/2010/03/25/ingram-draws-line-in-sand-over-agency-model/

Run into Prince Charles while jogging? Best not blog about the experience. New proposed law imposes gag order on anything about the royals: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7069750.ece

Lawyer sues when HBO promotes his movie then plays porn movie with same name instead: http://www.abajournal.com/weekly/article/lawyer_sues_after_film_contained_more_thighs_than_anticipated

Amazon reported in Scotland for bullying: http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment/Bookshops-hit-back-at-Amazon.6186211.jp

Trouble for Google in France: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/115133-french-publisher-gallimard-to-sue-google.html

Simon Singh, champion of libel reform, freedom to sport really hideous haircuts: http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/law/article7078008.ece

Blame libel tourism on Arnold, and more on the history of libel tourism, libel reform: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jwKRQVu4JPYuCjr3U1CcZPfE0NxgD9EKG0901
More headlines:

Book tourus interruptus: http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/chapter-and-verse/2010/0330/Like-Sarah-Palin-Karl-Rove-faces-book-tour-disruption?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+feeds%2Fbooks+%28Christian+Science+Monitor++Books%29

Don’t give up your day job and other realties in the current publishing market: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/7523153/Apoca-lit-Now.html

Stephen King doesn’t need no stinkin’ iPad: http://publishingperspectives.com/?p=13636

Five lessons Apple can learn from Amazon: http://government.zdnet.com/?p=8271

Romance heroes are as sexy as socks: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1262162/Heroes-The-new-men-modern-romantic-fiction-sexy-socks.html

Has Gerald Posner set world plagiarism record?: http://gawker.com/5505620/gerald-posner-may-set-world-plagiarism-record

Margaret Atwood is a Twitter addict: http://gawker.com/5505244/the-real-margaret-atwood-is-a-twitter-addict

As a sign of the apocalypse, Glenn Beck is signed to write a novel. But will it make him cry?: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/celebrities/glenn_beck_unveils_his_upcoming_novel_156793.asp

Stephenie Meyer to release new book, free e-version: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/authors/stephenie_meyer_to_release_first_new_book_in_almost_two_years_156730.asp

3/24/10 Writing and Publishing News

Where the law and literature meet:

German court claims jurisdiction over libel case because article can be viewed in Germany: http://www.rcfp.org/newsitems/index.php?i=11326

Screenwriters lose plagiarism suit over God of War video game: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/99222-Sony-Fends-Off-Copyright-Lawsuit-Against-God-Of-War

Mohammad cartoon faces the dread British courts over libel: http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/62909

Philip Pullman threatened, needs security over new book: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/7493602/Philip-Pullman-threatened-by-religious-zealots-over-new-Jesus-Christ-book.html

Authors Guild warns writers to read letters from Random, HC carefully before agreeing to lock in e-book royalty rates: http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/453656-Authors_Guild_Warns_Again_on_e_Book_Royalties.php

Barrister wins big bucks after being accused of helping a friend get away with murder: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/barrister-pockets-630000-for-libel-20100322-qrda.html

The Takedown (notice) Hall of Shame: http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/takedown_putdown

The great new business model, Harper Studio, goes down in flames: http://gawker.com/5495612/harpercollins-rethinking-bloggy-book-label

Reasons to refuse to allow Google BookScan to publish your thesis online: http://gawker.com/5494979/does-michael-lewis-snatch-his-ideas-from-college-kids

Finally, Britain may reform its libel laws: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/114902-pa-welcomes-mojs-libel-reforms.html  and http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/mar/24/libel-tourism-reform-jack-straw

Random says it may pass on iPad bookselling: http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/4d11b5fc-36b9-11df-b810-00144feabdc0.html  

$18.9 million verdict reinstated against employee who stole company manuals, gave to competitor: http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202446702735&Reinstated__Million_Copyright_Verdict_Marks_Latest_Twist_in_LongRunning_Case


More headlines:

Which Nobel laureate had to proofread in the forest due to spy fears?: http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1542573.php/Spy-fears-drove-Nobel-laureate-to-proofread-in-forest

Nicholas Sparks, bastion of modesty: http://www.powells.com/blog/?p=16818?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=facebook_fans&utm_content=Book%20News%20March18

The decline of the bestseller: http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/453748-The_View_from_the_Top.php

Americans’ reading habits. We like to be scared, then reassured: http://gawker.com/5500661/americans-afraid-of-freemasons-canada-alex-rodriguez

Book not available on the Kindle is savaged by one star reviews by Kindle owners: http://gawker.com/5500086/online-mob-savages-michael-lewis-book

Gerald Posner admits to large number of plagiarism violations. One of the authors he stole from is in the audience. Video goodness: http://gawker.com/5497305/gerald-posner-im-a-thieving-cocksucker

Why the agency model will be good for Amazon: http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2010/03/23/to-beat-apple-amazon-needs-to-let-publishers-win.aspx

Jeff Kinney on multimedia and the future of children’s book publishing: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/19/AR2010031901574.html

3/19/10 Writing and Publishing News

Where the law and literature meet:
More Oscar bounce for lawyers. Hurt Locker makers sued: http://news-briefs.ew.com/2010/03/03/hurt-locker-law-suit/

Lindsay Lohan sues Etrade over use of the name Lindsay in ads: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35780790/ns/business-media_biz/  Girl, you’re no Madonna.

Amazon makes more threats to remove buy buttons – don’t even think about an agency model if you’re not one of the big five publishers: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/18/technology/internet/18amazon.html?partner=rss&emc=rss  and http://mhpbooks.com/mobylives/?p=13605

More missing buy buttons at Amazon: http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/452669-Amazon_com_Removes_Buy_Buttons_from_Diamond_s_Publishers.php

But don’t hate Amazon just because they occasionally screw up: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/comicbookland/marvel_comics_writer_criticizes_trumpedup_outrage_over_amazon_graphic_novel_glitch_154884.asp 
Colorado calls for boycott of Amazon after associates program dropped: http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/452559-Group_Calls_for_Amazon_Boycott.php

French three strikes law actually increased piracy: http://www.teleread.org/2010/03/14/french-piracy-increases-after-three-strikes-law/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+teleread%2FKHnj+%28TeleRead%3A+Bring+the+E-Books+Home%29

Kapow! Kirby estate sues Marvel over rights to superheroes: http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/GulfCoastAvengers/news/?a=15889

Unethical agent ruins e-contracts for everyone: http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2010/03/we-interrupt-this-q.html

Gerald Posner admits plagiarism: http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/03/17/posner-plagiarism-babylon.html  

More headlines:
Nothing to do with writing, but still. Florida vampire announces candidacy for President: http://www.wtsp.com/news/mostpop/story.aspx?storyid=127365&provider=top

High e-book cost didn’t damage Baldacci’s book sales, despite complaints: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iftfvIiV7uRYWgrbu8NHH8lDt4rAD9EF93LO0

Weird talents of well-known writers (and other celebs): http://www.cracked.com/article_18441_7-celebrities-who-had-badass-careers-you-didnt-know-about.html

Have you been quoted in a book and don’t know it? I have. Vanity Google book searching: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/trends/vanity_google_booking_154889.asp

Harlequin offers books on Nintendo DS in Japan: http://www.teleread.org/2010/03/13/harlequin-offers-books-on-nintendo-ds-in-japan/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+teleread%2FKHnj+%28TeleRead%3A+Bring+the+E-Books+Home%29

If your iPad battery dies, you’ll need a new iPad: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/7447353/Apple-will-issue-replacement-iPad-when-battery-runs-out.html

Scholars think lost Shakespeare play may be the real thing: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8569101.stm

Book about Gordon Brown shelved when author missed deadline: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/mar/13/gordon-brown-publisher-shelves-book

Grisham’s kid courtroom drama has initial million copy print run: http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/453472-Cover_and_Print_Run_Revealed_for_Grisham_s_First_Kids_Book.php