10/9/10 Writing and Publishing News

Where the Law and Literature Meet


Lawsuits that kill books http://shar.es/0lkPW

Some newspapers decline to print Non Sequitur comic strip with punch line ‘Where’s Muhammad?’” http://tinyurl.com/22w2nnt

Can The 'Gist' Of A Book Be Defamatory, Even If Nothing Is Proven False? http://bt.io/G6x4  Um, no.

http://tinyurl.com/29skaqz  ACLU Lawsuit Charges That Jail Policy Banning Books and Magazines Is Unconstitutional

Uproar Over Muslim Center Echoes Protest Against Church in 1785 - http://nyti.ms/9DHAZR



More Writing News

Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children - Publishers are scaling back on picture books http://ow.ly/19lLiE

Ten of the best vendettas in literature http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/oct/02/ten-best-vendettas-literature-mullan?CMP=twt_gu

Literary agents are open to self-published writers (if you've sold 5000 copies in the past year) http://tinyurl.com/2cmu2aj .

Knopf Buys 4 Great Pages For $2.5 Million http://www.deadline.com/2010/09/knopf-buys-4-great-pages-for-2-5-million/  Easy peasy. As long as you win the Booker Prize, that is.

Xerox Expands Sales, Service Model for Espresso Book Machine http://news.xerox.com/pr/xerox/xerox-expands-book-publishing-with-Espresso-Book-Machine.aspx Will this help bookstores or put them out of business?

How businesses can help writers. http://www.thevoicebw.com/?p=5007

Podcast: Last night at the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize http://tinyurl.com/2ejbobw

'The Hunger Games': How reality TV explains the YA sensation - http://tinyurl.com/2bq59xs

"Twilight" book's hand model seeks glory - http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/vampy_fame_slips_her_grasp_RmLOmyGKnlmGI3xtsvcRrI

Plagiarism or your perfect mate? Happy couples copy each other. http://tinyurl.com/2wawjjv

Harris Poll Finds Mysteries, Thrillers Edge Out Romance Novels. http://bit.ly/a6aViO

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

9/13/10 Writing and Publishing Headlines

Where the Law and Literature Meet


Lawyers demand author remove details of prime minister’s affairs from novel (it’s fiction, guys!): http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/7996634/Lawyers-step-in-over-Kay-Burleys-account-of-prime-ministers-affairs.html

Pentagon’s attempt to buy out all copies of counterterrorism book to destroy it turns it into a bestseller: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/keith-thomson/counterterrorism-memoir-ebay_b_714999.html  and http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/09/AR2010090907747.html 

6-year-old’s book deal is a hoax: http://publishingperspectives.com/2010/09/a-book-deal-that-was-too-good-to-be-true/

Iranian woman faces deportation, stoning for distributing banned book: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/sep/13/iran-deportation-woman-stoning-mp



Other Headlines

Teen lit festival cancelled after post-censorship author boycott: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/sep/07/authors-boycott-cancels-teen-lit-fest?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Just in case you thought you were too old to write your debut novel: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/randy-susan-meyers/41-over-40-novelists-debuting_b_706576.html#s135678

Is Google Book Search so full of errors that it’s useless for research?: http://www.salon.com/books/laura_miller/2010/09/09/google_books/index.html?

Behind the scenes with the Espresso Book Machine: http://www.bookbusinessmag.com/article/coo-tom-allen-on-demand-books-espresso-book-machine/2

How to handle (and not to handle) a holy book: http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-09-08/story/handling-holy-books-such-quran-or-bible-touchy-subject

Protester thwarts Quran burning by stealing the book: http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2010-09-12/protester-steals-quran-thwarts-burning?cmon-this-is-a-totally-awesome-story!

Atheist smokes Bible and Quran pages on YouTube. Nobody protests: http://www.news.com.au/national/lawyer-alex-stewart-smokes-pages-from-the-koran-and-bible-and-says-we-should-get-over-book-burning/story-e6frfkvr-1225919970728

Will publishers start picking their midlist from the ranks of the successful self-published?: http://blogs.forbes.com/booked/2010/09/08/if-self-published-authors-owned-the-midlist/?

Why bestsellers are choosing to self-publish: http://gizmodo.com/5629812/5-reasons-why-best+selling-authors-are-going-direct

Do present-tense novels suck?: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/7994914/Philip-Pullman-and-Philip-Hensher-criticise-Booker-Prize-for-including-present-tense-novels.html

This is your brain on Google: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/7999081/Google-damages-users-brains-author-claims.html

WSJ starts book review section: http://gawker.com/5633760/wall-street-journal-starting-a-book-review-section

8/22/10 Writing and Publishing News

Where the Law and Literature Meet
16 authors sue vanity publisher for deceptive practices: http://www.indystar.com/article/20100818/BUSINESS/8180323/1003/BUSINESS/Suit-by-16-authors-claims-deception-by-book-publisher

Libel tourism bill signed into law: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jeNqZbaTbimE1aUCRkkqHq1kl2xQ

Is ignorance of the copyright violation a defense? We’ll find out soon: http://www.betanews.com/article/Innocent-Infringer-copyright-defense-for-downloaders-goes-to-US-Supreme-Court/1282317133

BBC wants to keep driver from revealing his secret identity in a book. Legal stuff ensues: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/7953303/BBC-lawyers-fight-to-keep-Top-Gears-The-Stig-secret.html

If you’re a Macmillan author, don’t sign that e-rights amendment without getting advice from your agent or lawyer: http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2010/08/publishers-behaving-badly-again.html



More writing and publishing links

Wanna be a bestseller? Announce the proceeds are going to charity: http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/aug/17/tony-blair-book-preorder-sales

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

Who are the 10 best paid authors? Pretty much who you’d think: http://www.forbes.com/2010/08/19/patterson-meyer-king-business-media-highest-paid-authors.html

Writers get revenge: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704554104575435531552525078.html?mod=WSJ_LifeStyle_LeadStoryNA

Seth Godin to go completely digital, abandon traditional publishing: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/authors/new_york_times_bestseller_seth_godin_to_no_longer_publish_books_traditionally_171395.asp

Authors oppose censorship of Blair signing: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/126323-free-speech-campaigners-back-waterstones-over-blair.html

Ellen Hopkins uninvited due to censorship: http://www.stltoday.com/entertainment/books-and-literature/book-blog/article_65e5a834-ab19-11df-8f0b-00127992bc8b.html

Was a well-known children’s author a baby murderer?: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/20/mummified-babies-peter-pan_n_689052.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

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

6/16/10 Writing and Publishing News

Why shouldn’t Bloomberg/Wiley authors sign the modifications the publisher is proposing? Which major sports bio went on sale despite threats and bookstores refusing to shelve? Which publisher is accused of sexual harassment? These headlines, plus more of the latest writing and publishing news are in this week’s Write Report.


Thanks so much to the Florida Writer's Association, which just named The Writer's Guide to the Courtroom as a finalist in the 2010 Royal Palm Literary Awards.

Where the law and literature meet:

The Authors Guild warns Wiley/Bloomberg authors not to sign that harmless looking modification they just got from their publisher: http://authorsguild.org/advocacy/articles/wileys-deceptive-letter-to-bloomberg-press.html  and http://authorsguild.org/advocacy/articles/wiley.html  and http://authorsguild.org/advocacy/articles/one-in-five-bloomberg-authors-received.html  and http://authorsguild.org/advocacy/articles/wiley-rejects-authors-guild.html  and Wiley’s response http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/PressRelease/pressReleaseId-76717.html

Will piracy increase revenues?: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/120264-piracy-may-not-affect-revenues-says-new-report.html

Rooney’s Gold goes on sale despite legal threats, WH Smith backs out: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/120169-rooneys-gold-goes-on-sale-despite-legal-warnings.html

Florida passes law assuring student free speech rights: http://www.splc.org/newsflash.asp?id=2103&year=

Freelance writers get settlement in internet publication case: http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/issues/story.aspx?aid=1000374111

Do you only need to file a copyright application to enforce your rights, or does it need to be issued? Depends on where you live: http://www.jdsupra.com/post/documentViewer.aspx?fid=a45e2c87-5796-4177-a032-ef88e2a876de  

Did Glenn Beck crib the plot of his new novel from a 2005 self-published novel? Here’s the comparison: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-kelly/glenn-becks-new-novel-abo_b_613861.html

London book thief steals $80,000 worth of books from library. I guess he had a big backpack: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/7829895/Book-thief-had-shopping-list-of-treasures.html

New details in Penguin sexual harassment case: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/120768-new-details-emerge-in-penguin-sexual-harassment-case.html

Publishers accuse Amazon of extortion: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/120788-us-publishers-hit-out-over-amazon-extortion.html

Children’s vetting scheme that impacted author school visits has been canned for now: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/120771-childrens-vetting-scheme-disbanded.html

Dyer accused of plagiarism: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/120777-dyer-accused-of-plagiarism.html

Twilight folks sue over jacket: http://www.imdb.com/news/ni2891178/

Gaiman sues over Spawn: http://www.dailyfinance.com/article/biff-pow-comic-artists-clash-over/1113566/



More headlines:

Glenn Beck endorses Nazi book. Nobody is surprised: http://www.salon.com/news/glenn_beck/index.html?story=/opinion/conason/2010/06/07/dilling

Best articles on writing from the first half of 2010: http://blog.writersdigest.com/norules/2010/06/08/BestArticlesWritersShouldHaveRead1stHalfOf2010.aspx

Five million books downloaded to iPad: http://industry.bnet.com/media/10008527/even-with-fuzzy-math-ipad-wins-another-e-book-hand-against-kindle/

Children’s authors strike back! Colfer to pen adult novel: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/43472-colfer-pens-first-adult-novel---.html

The 5 greatest books with psychotic fan bases: http://www.cracked.com/article_18568_the-5-greatest-books-with-psychotic-fan-bases.html?notwilight

New interactive guide to Ringworld: http://io9.com/5561479/interactive-guide-to-larry-nivens-ringworld-is-the-next-best-thing-to-going-there

The origins of the vampire story: http://chronicle.com/article/All-the-Dead-Are-Vampires/65829

Why are the Brits so rude? (the author obviously has never been to Miami, the world capitol of rudeness): http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/naughty-by-nature-why-has-britain-become-so-rude-1995950.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