News & Views

Simon & Schuster Launches eBookstore on Company Website NEW YORK, NY/11/5/01--As part of its ongoing efforts to promote electronic publishing, Simon & Schuster announced today the grand opening of SimonSaysShop.com ( http://www.SimonSaysShop.com.com ), an eBookstore hosted at the company’s website, SimonSays.com. The store will carry bestselling and critically acclaimed titles from nearly every division of Simon & Schuster, making possible the instantaneous purchase of eBooks from the site. “Our website, SimonSays.com attracts millions of unique visitors every year,” said Jack Romanos, President and Chief Operating Officer of Simon & Schuster. “By integrating the informational and community functions we are already providing with the transactional capability of SimonSaysShop.com, we can help to increase both the visibility and accessibility of eBooks, make eBook shopping an altogether easier proposition for the consumer, and at the same time promote all our publishing formats.” “Ever since we started SimonSays.com in 1996, many of our visitors have asked us for the opportunity to buy books from the site” added Kate Tentler, Vice President and Publisher of Simon & Schuster Online. “At SimonSaysShop.com, we can now fulfill that desire with a convenient, state of the art online purchasing experience.” Beginning today, SimonSaysShop.com will offer hundreds of unique titles by such bestselling authors as Stephen E. Ambrose, V.C. Andrews, Mary Higgins Clark, Jeffery Deaver, Stephen King and David McCullough. Coming soon will be eBooks by Jimmy Carter, His Holiness the Dalai Lama , Dr. Phil McGraw, and Pope John Paul II. SimonSaysShop.com carries a wide variety of titles across all major categories, including thrillers, mysteries, romance, business, award-winning children’s literature, teen interest, history, self-help, African- American interest, and a full selection of Star Trek ® titles. To celebrate the grand opening of SimonSaysShop.com and encourage consumers to sample the pleasures of reading eBooks, all titles in the store will initially be sold at 20% off retail price. And, to take full advantage of the promotional capabilities of SimonSays.com., the store will offer, for a limited time only, free original eBooks available exclusively at SimonSaysShop.com: · The Magic of Tribbles ", an original nonfiction Star Trek eBook that has never appeared in any format, electronic or print. · Triangle by Jeffery Deaver, an Edgar Award-nominated short story by the bestselling author of The Blue Nowhere and The Empty Chair. This is the only electronic version of Triangle available, anywhere. · Cage of Love and Little Psychic, both by V.C. Andrews, vignettes based on her haunting and dramatic paintings. The store will also feature a collection of attractively priced eBooks under $5.00 such as Riding the Bullet by Stephen King, Star Trek®: S.C.E. #8: Invincible Book Two by David Mack and Keith R.A. DeCandido, Snow by Robert Jordan. Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Lost Slayer #1: Prophecies will be offered for a special limited-time promotional price of $1.00. EBooks from SimonSaysShop.com can be read by the Microsoft Reader and the Adobe Acrobat eBook Reader. Microsoft has just released a new version of their reader that will also allow SimonSaysShop.com ebooks to be read on Pocket PC 2002 devices as well as desktop and laptop PC’s. The Adobe Acrobat eBook Reader will work with PC’s and MacIntosh computers . Both software programs are free of charge and can be downloaded from links that are readily available at SimonSaysShop.com. Technology partners for SimonSaysShop.com include: Lightning Source Inc. for digital fulfillment, Digital River Inc. (Nasdaq:DRIV) for the eCommerce engine, and design and consulting from Blue Barn Interactive. Simon & Schuster, the publishing operation of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic and multi-media formats. Its divisions include the Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster New Media, Simon & Schuster Online, Simon & Schuster U.K., and Simon & Schuster Australia. For more information, visit our website at http://www.simonsays.com Atlantic Books Founder Buys Back Bookstore Chain 10/22/01—Atlantic Books, a chain of bookstores with warehouse outlets and resort-area bookstores, has been bought back by one of its founders, Mark Simon. Simon re-acquired the stores from Deb Shops, a Philadelphia-based retailer that owns more than 300 teen apparel stores. Deb plans to refocus on their core business. Simon and his father founded Atlantic Books about 25 years ago and sold it to Deb in 1995. The bookstore chain has been under Mark Simon's management since the sale. Atlantic Books ended its fiscal year Jan. 31 with total revenues of $17.6 million, an increase of 1.7 percent over the previous fiscal year. Atlantic Books includes six Atlantic Book Warehouse outlets and 11 Atlantic Books Shops. Brill’s Content Magazine Folds After Primedia Rift NEW YORK/10/15/01—Brill's Content magazine folded this month, after a long internal battle between entrepreneur/manager Steve Brill, the magazine's founder, and its partner, Primedia, Inc. The magazine's demise leaves 38 people without jobs. Primedia took back ownership of Inside and Inside.com, its online publication that cover the media, halted the print version of Inside, and recovered several other publications it had hired Brill to run. Inside will carry less original news and more articles from Primedia’s media trade magazines including Folio, Cableworld and Circulation Management. Brill has agreed to stay on through the end of the year to run the businesses. Brill was a founder of Court TV and American Lawyer magazine. Brill's Content is the second Brill-founded publication to fold. The first was Contentville, an online retailer of magazine articles and other media. “I regret, as Steve Brill does as well, that our relationship with Brill Media Ventures is not continuing., said Primedia chairman Tom Rogers, in a formal statement. Primedia is experiencing its own struggles. Stock prices fell in mid-October from $16.50 to $2. Bookscan to Collect Independent Retail Data for ABA White Plains, NY, October 29, 2001-- BookScan, a VNU Retail Entertainment Information Group (REI) company, has announced an agreement with the American Booksellers Association (ABA) to work together in collecting retail data from their independent bookseller members. The ABA has agreed to recommend BookScan to their membership of independent booksellers as the most efficient way to collect retail data. Member booksellers of the ABA will now be able to work with Bookscan to make their data widely available to publishers through BookScan's recently launched sales and marketing information system. The data will also be made available to the ABA for the BookSense Bestseller List. BookScan's growing list of data providers already includes Barnes and Noble, Inc., Barnesandnoble.com, Borders Books & Music, Ingram Book Company, Costco Wholesale, Target, Hastings Entertainment, Musicland, and various independent booksellers. BookScan's exclusive agreements with these partners offer publishers a first-of-its-kind source of aggregated POS data from the retail sales of books. "Independent booksellers are a critical part of the book retail industry," says Jim King, vice president, sales and service for BookScan and a former independent bookstore manager. "Our relationship with the ABA will provide publishers with the only source of data aggregated from both the chains and the independent booksellers for a complete picture of book sales." "The ABA is pleased to make an agreement with BookScan," says Avin Mark Domnitz, CEO of the ABA. "BookScan will offer our member booksellers an easy, seamless way to collect data for the BookSense Bestseller list. Clearly it is the most efficient option available." Through their online sales and marketing information system, BookScan provides publishers with a detailed analysis of sales information on specific titles by genre, geographic region, market, and other data configurations that can be customized for publishers' individual needs. With this data, subscriber publishers will have an instrumental tool for reducing book returns, alerting publishers to emerging marketing opportunities, and even assisting in long-range planning. By helping publishers reduce returns and improve marketing, retailers benefit with more effectively stocked shelves and closer relationships with publishers based on shared accurate information. Founded in 1900, the American Booksellers Association is a not-for-profit trade organization devoted to meeting the needs of its core members--independently owned bookstores with storefront locations--through advocacy, education, research, and information dissemination. The ABA actively supports free speech, literacy, and programs that encourage children to read. The Association--headquartered in Tarrytown, New York, and on the Web at www.bookweb.org--also hosts the annual ABA Convention in conjunction with BookExpo America each spring. Book Sense is a national marketing campaign on behalf of the independent bookstores of America. It is both a local and national effort to shine a light on the knowledge and diversity of independent bookstores, via the Book Sense Bestseller List -now running in over a dozen newspapers as well as monthly in US News and World Report and on CSPAN -- and the Book Sense 76 -- a bi-monthly selection of eclectic new books chosen by independent booksellers. BookScan is the only comprehensive book tracking service for the publishing industry, tracking retail book sales via point-of-sale data. In addition to BookScan, VNU Retail Entertainment Information Group (REI) is home to SoundScan and VideoScan, which have transformed the music and home video industries respectively by providing them with relevant and actionable point-of-sale information. VNU is a leading international media and information company that includes Nielsen Media Research, and A.C. Nielsen. Its core activities are marketing and media information, business information and directories. For an interview with Jim King of BookScan or Avin Mark Domnitz of the ABA, please contact Mark Fortier, Goldberg McDuffie Communications, at 212/446-5103 or mfortier@goldbergmcduffie.com. Haights Cross to Publish S&S's Pimsleur Programs WHITE PLAINS, NY/10/19/01—Haights Cross Communications Inc., one of the world’s fastest-growing independent educational publishing firms, announced it has entered into a multi-year agreement with Simon & Schuster, a unit of Viacom Inc., to license the world-renowned Pimsleur Language Programs. Recorded Books, a wholly owned Haights Cross Communications division, will be the exclusive publisher of the Pimsleur language offerings for the worldwide library and school markets and for international markets, and co-exclusive publisher with Simon & Schuster through downloadable media and mail order. The agreement is effective immediately. According to Peter J. Quandt, Haights Cross Communications chairman and CEO: “Recorded Books is already the world’s leader in producing and distributing high-quality, unabridged audiobooks. Adding Simon & Schuster’s Pimsleur Language series significantly expands our product offerings. We expect this licensing agreement to accelerate Recorded Books’ already strong growth and extend its dominant position in library and school markets. This approach is consistent with Haights Cross’ strategy of driving profitable growth in markets where we see strong potential and the opportunity to leverage the brand strength of our companies.” Gilles Dana, president and publisher of the Simon & Schuster New Media, said: “Recorded Books has a well-deserved reputation in the library and school markets. Simon & Schuster Audio and Recorded Books are committed to extending Pimsleur brand leadership into these important and growing market segments, as well as working together on other innovative distribution strategies.” David Berset, president of Recorded Books, said: “Recorded Books and Pimsleur are an excellent fit. There is a strong and growing interest in language training in the United States today as Americans come to recognize the importance of multilingual capabilities. As one of the most effective language learning methods on the market, we believe the Pimsleur program will be well-received by our library and school customers as they strengthen their offerings in this area.” Haights Cross Communications, founded in 1996, is one of the largest, fastest-growing and most profitable independent educational and professional publishers. The company provides books, audio products, periodicals, software and online services for the following markets: K-12 supplemental education, public and school library publishing, legal and medical publishing, audiobooks, and technical publishing and online services for IT and creative design professionals. Haights Cross Companies include: Sundance Publishing, Newbridge Educational Publishers, Triumph Learning, Educational Design, Recorded Books, Chelsea House Publishers, The Coriolis Group, and Oakstone Publishing. Haights Cross investors include Great Hill Partners and CSFB (formerly DLJ Merchant Banking Partners L.P). Simon & Schuster, the publishing operation of Viacom Inc., is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic and multimedia formats. Its divisions include the Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster New Media, Simon & Schuster Online, Simon & Schuster U.K. and Simon & Schuster Australia. ABA Cuts Membership Department 10/17/01—The American Booksellers Association (ABA) has laid off its two-person membership department, as a result of declining ABA membership—now representing only 2,800 stores. ABA’s chief operating officer Oren Teicher said the trend among not-for-profit groups is to merge membership duties into marketing. The administrative duties of those who were laid off will be distributed to other ABA staff members. The ABA has an aggressive five-year marketing plan for its members which ends this year. Book Sense, a collective marketing program for smaller booksellers,, was developed under the plan, and remains a high priority. AOL Time Warner Signs Deal With Chinese BEIJING/10/22/01—AOL Time Warner Inc. will be the first foreign broadcaster given direct access to television audiences in China, where television households number in the hundreds of millions. Communist authorities who tightly control television broadcasting and use it as a propaganda tool, have relaxed restrictions for AOL Time Warner's entry into the marketplace in exchange for access to American audiences. No financial details were disclosed. Broadcasts of AOL Time Warner's Chinese-language CETV channel is scheduled to begin next year on cable systems in Guangdong province, a prosperous region of Southeast China. CETV, based in Hong Kong, already is seen in Taiwan, Singapore and elsewhere in Asia. It will be the first time that the Chinese government has approved a foreign broadcaster. CETV. As part of the deal, China Central Television’s English-language Channel 9 will be carried by Time Warner cable systems in New York City, Los Angeles and Houston. Chinese broadcasting said they hope that showing their programming in the United States will change American attitudes about China. CCTV-9, a state-run broadcaster, is the only English language channel available. Information Today Acquires Online Magazine MEDFORD, NJ/10/18/01—Information Today Inc. has acquired Online magazine from Online Inc., enhancing ITI’s position as a leading publisher in the information industry. Online magazine, now in its 25th year, is widely recognized as a leading magazine for the electronic information community. It publishes practical articles, reviews, news and informed commentary for working information professionals, librarians and other professionals who gather, manage and use electronic information in corporate, academic and government settings. Information Today Inc. is a publisher and conference organizer in the library and information industry. While the company is widely known as the publisher of leading information industry titles such as Information Today, Searcher and Computers in Libraries, among others, this acquisition brings ITI’s offerings to new heights. Tom Hogan Sr., president of Information Today Inc., said, “Online has been our worthy competition for over two decades and we have a profound respect for its quality and comprehensiveness. It truly is the journal of record for our field. Jeff Pemberton and the many other publishing professionals at Online Inc. should be commended for their pioneering efforts over the years and for their dedication to the online community. Having Online under the same roof as Information Today, Searcher and our other publications is a dream come true for us.” Jeff Pemberton, Chairman of Online Inc., said “We closed the sale of Online to Information Today with a great sense of accomplishment and confidence that the magazine is in good hands. Changing times require new business strategies to take advantage of opportunities, but our roots are deep and electronic content and information professionals will continue to be a major part of our mission and our audience.” Marydee Ojala, the editor of Online magazine, has agreed to remain as editor and will join the ITI editorial team under Dick Kaser, V.P. of Content. Ojala will also be working as a member of the conference programming team for ITI’s numerous industry events. Koontz, Bugliosi On B&N eBook List For October NEW YORK, NY/10/18/01—Barnes & Noble.com (Nasdaq: BNBN) ( http://www.bn.com/) announced the launch of its first list of books from the recently formed electronic publishing division, Barnes & Noble Digital. In September, Barnes & Noble Digital premiered its first ePublishing venture with the release of The Book of Counted Sorrows, an original eBook by Dean Koontz, which quickly became Barnes & Noble.com’s bestselling eBook of the year. The October list includes several original works plus previously published books, some of which were major best sellers, in fiction, current affairs, business, sports, self-help and true crime. Barnes & Noble Digital will publish approximately 15 eBook titles per month across a wide range of subjects. “We’re very proud to have launched our publishing program with such a diverse and superb group of authors,” said Michael Fragnito, publisher of Barnes & Noble Digital. “The power of the Barnes & Noble reach, both in the stores and via the Internet, offers our writers the best opportunity to connect with the broadest possible readership. eBooks have the potential to be the next form of mass market distribution. We’ve listened to our customers’ concerns over the erratic and high retail prices of eBooks, and therefore will retail our books at mass market prices.” The October list includes the Mark Twain lost novella, A Murder, A Mystery, and A Marriage. This enhanced eBook was produced for Barnes & Noble Digital by LiveReads and includes many illustrations and annotations as well as a comprehensive timeline. Helter Skelter, the authoritative book on the Manson murders, by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry, is the bestselling true crime book of all time. Bugliosi’s recent bestseller, The Betrayal of America, attacks the Supreme Court’s decision on the presidential elections last year. Sherman Alexie’s highly acclaimed collection of short stories, The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, chronicles modern life on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Barnes & Noble.com is an Internet commerce company offering a comprehensive range of books and related information products, and has the largest audience reach of any brick and mortar company with an Internet presence. It stocks the largest in-stock selection of in-print book titles, supplemented by more than 20 million listings from its nationwide network of out-of-print, rare and used book dealers. GENERAL NEWS Study Shows Impact of Ads and Magazines NEW YORK/10/22/01—Magazine Publishers of America (MPA) released a new study that substantiates the tremendous impact of advertising and magazines in the marketing mix, it was announced by Ellen Oppenheim, executive vice president and chief marketing officer. The study was commissioned by the MPA from Media Marketing Assessment (MMA), a leader in the field of predictive sales modeling. A print trade advertising campaign beginning the week of Oct. 22 will share the findings of the study. This major study analyzed 186 brands over a combined seven-year period from 1994 to 2000. This unprecedented number of brands measured represents more than $9 billion in marketing spending, including $3 billion in advertising, and more than $500 million specifically allocated to the magazine medium. “We knew from previous studies that magazines have a positive impact on advertising results,” said Oppenheim. “This MMA analysis, which is so much broader in scope than any other study of its kind, demonstrates the power of magazines in enhancing the return on investment in the overall marketing mix.” Highlights of the study include: Brands that spent a higher percentage of their marketing budgets on advertising received a higher return on their overall marketing investment. Behind trade promotion, magazine advertising was more effective than any other element in the marketing mix. Among media, magazines were 40 percent more effective than TV and 60 percent more effective than radio. Increased spending in magazines increased the effectiveness of trade promotion, as well as TV advertising. The overall effectiveness of both magazines and TV - and the individual effectiveness of each medium - were the highest when there was substantial overlap in scheduling. Upon exposure, the immediacy of the incremental sales effects of magazine and TV advertising were similar. Brands with a higher percent of magazines in the media mix experienced a substantially higher return on their overall investment. Magazine Publishers of America (MPA) is the industry association for consumer magazines. Established in 1919, the MPA represents more than 240 domestic publishing companies with approximately 1,400 titles, more than 80 international companies and more than 100 associate service providers. Staffed by magazine industry specialists, the MPA is headquartered in New York City, with an office of government affairs in Washington, DC. Conference Draws Crowd of Magazine Execs NEW YORK/10/11/01—More than 500 prominent magazine industry executives attended the 2001 American Magazine Conference (AMC), the annual conference of Magazine Publishers of America (MPA) and American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME), which took place at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers Oct. 21-23. The conference, titled “Future Intense: Brainstorming for the Next Media Upswing,” featured several prominent publishing industry leaders and business luminaries, including Kenneth I. Chenault, American Express; Jerry Levin, AOL Time Warner; Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia; Jack Welch, formerly of General Electric Company; and Oprah Winfrey, Harpo Inc. Additionally, Gov. George E. Pataki was keynote speaker at a luncheon on Oct. 23. “We’re thrilled that we could assemble such an incredible lineup of talent, considering that we moved the entire event from Phoenix to New York three short weeks ago,” Nina Link, President and CEO, MPA, said before the event. “We’re also happy that we can support New York in its time of rebuilding.” Magazine Publishers of America (MPA) is the industry association for the consumer magazine business. Established in 1919, the MPA represents more than 240 domestic publishing companies with approximately 1,400 titles, more than 80 international companies and more than 100 associate service providers. Staffed by magazine industry specialists, the MPA is headquartered in New York City, with an office of government affairs in Washington, D.C. American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) is a non-profit professional organization for editors of consumer magazines, as well as editors of online magazines, which are edited, published and sold in the U.S. Established in 1963, ASME currently has about 900 members nationwide. Among other things, ASME provides an opportunity for magazine editors to network with their peers. ASME works to preserve editorial independence and speaks out on public policy issues, particularly those pertaining to the First Amendment. Penton Plans Pocket PC Conference DARIEN, CT/10/22/01—Penton Media (NYSE: PME, http://www.penton.com/) announced the launch of Pocket PC New York, a conference and exhibition to run alongside its second annual Internet World Wireless East event. To be held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center Feb. 20-22, 2002, the event will address the ascendant Pocket PC platform and the devices and applications that will redefine mobile computing in the enterprise market. Together with Internet World Wireless, the events will offer business executives, developers and IT professionals the opportunity to gain exposure to a very robust and wide reaching platform for mobile computing. To provide this community with comprehensive Pocket PC resources, Penton Technology Media’s Windows 2000 Magazine Network will be also be launching a series of media products, including an e-mail newsletter, a channel on its portal site, and custom publishing projects. “The explosive growth of this innovative mobile platform over the last 12 months clearly indicates that Pocket PC New York is both a natural and synergistic addition to Internet World Wireless East,” said Dean Russo, Group Show Director for Internet World Wireless and Pocket PC New York. “The established audience of 12,000 is comprised of enterprise IT decision-makers, wireless service providers, and wireless developers who will eagerly embrace the extraordinary potential this emerging technology offers.” With the October release of Microsoft’s next generation Pocket PC 2002 mobile operating system, many industry observers believe that Microsoft is poised to revolutionize mobile computing, much the way it revolutionized the PC years ago with the release of its Windows operating system. The new OS offers the type of functionality businesses have come to expect from mobile devices; ones that consumers can use in an environments familiar to their practices; network capabilities never seen before in a mobile device; and integration with PC applications that are seamless. “Pocket PC 2002 is the epitome of where mobile computing is going, and is clearly the superior enterprise-class operating system for mobile devices.” Russo continued. “Pocket PC New York is perfectly timed to provide businesses and developers with the latest information, tools, and strategies required to harness the power and functionality of this next-generation of mobile computing.” In addition to an exhibition, Pocket PC New York will feature a comprehensive conference program designed to deliver insight, strategies, solutions, vendor support, and development knowledge for the Pocket PC platform. The conference will explore issues relating to hardware (devices and peripherals), software development, content delivery, wireless access, networking, security, collaboration, consumer applications, enterprise solutions, and Pocket PC integration in Internet and network strategies. The first of Penton Technology Media’s content products in support of the Pocket PC community is scheduled for Nov. 1 with the launch of Mobile & Wireless UPDATE, Pocket PC Edition, a biweekly email newsletter that will focus on enterprise-wide use of the Pocket PC from the systems administrator and end-user perspective. In January 2002, Penton’s Windows 2000 Magazine Network will also launch a new channel on its portal site, and will include dedicated coverage of Pocket PCs and feature rich enterprise-focused mobile-and-wireless content from other PTM publications such as Windows 2000 Magazine, SQL Server Magazine, and Mobile & Wireless UPDATE. Slated for distribution at Pocket PC New York is the first of four quarterly custom publishing projects that drill down into the enterprise capabilities and use of Pocket PC. The inaugural effort, the Pocket PC Interactive Product Guide (IPG), will highlight software and hardware products for the Pocket PC. For additional information: http://www.pocketpcny.com/ . Penton Media (NYSE: PME) is a leading, global business-to-business media company that produces market-focused magazines, trade shows and conferences, and Web sites. Penton’s integrated media portfolio serves the following industries: Internet/broadband; information technology; electronics; natural products; food/retail; manufacturing; design/engineering; supply chain; aviation; government/compliance; mechanical systems/construction; and leisure/hospitality. Atlanta Newspapers to Combine ATLANTA/10/17/01—The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution will publish as a combined newspaper seven days a week beginning Nov. 5 and will phase out afternoon delivery. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution becomes the title as it is now on Saturday, Sunday and holidays, according to Publisher Roger Kintzel. The most noticeable change in the new Atlanta Journal-Constitution will be its expanded editorial opinion pages. Cynthia Tucker, editor of the Constitution’s opinion pages, will head a reconstituted editorial board. Jim Wooten, editor of The Journal’s editorial pages, will join her as associate editor. Both will continue to be featured columnists. “The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will have one of the most dynamic editorial sections in America. A key element will be a commitment to making space available for opposing views on a same or next-day basis. Our goal is to get you to think, not tell you what to think,” said Kintzel. The Monday through Friday editorial pages will contain three pages of editorials, local opinion essays, reader letters, nationally syndicated columnists and Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist, Mike Luckovich. The change was driven by two main developments: Circulation in the afternoon has declined steadily over the past 10 years as lifestyle changes; heavy commuter traffic, evening and cable TV news and other factors have changed newspaper-reading preferences. The Journal has been published as an updated version of the morning paper, but with some separate features. Those features will now be combined into the morning only seven-day title, The Atlanta Journal- Constitution. The Internet has come of age and more and more people are turning to ajc.com for frequent news updates and information. The newspaper website, ajc.com, has recorded strong growth in users, particularly those who read the print edition and follow news on the website. The site had 19.5 million page views in September and averages more than 74,000 unique visitors each day. With its partner Access Atlanta, it is the No. 1 local news web site in the U.S. This change will enable the company to dedicate more resources for further expansion of ajc.com. The transition to morning-only delivery will require several months to complete as most employees shift to the expanded morning distribution operation. The news staffs of The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution were combined in 1982 and those positions will not be affected. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is the largest metro newspaper in the Southeast with an average circulation of 418,944 Monday through Saturday and 640,292 on Sunday. On an average weekday, 1.1 million metro-Atlanta adults read the combined newspapers and on an average Sunday more than 1.8 million read it, according to the most recent Gallup study. Atlanta is the last major city in America with an evening and a morning newspaper under the same ownership. Both papers have enjoyed a distinguished history, having won nine Pulitzer Prizes between them. The Atlanta Constitution began publishing in 1868 when W.A. Hemphill and James H. Anderson bought the newspaper Public Opinion and renamed it The Atlanta Constitution. E.F. Hoge, a Fulton County lawyer and former legislator, founded The Atlanta Journal in 1883. The pages of both papers have presented some of America’s finest journalists, writers and essayists. Former Ohio Governor James M. Cox purchased The Atlanta Journal in 1939, and The Atlanta Constitution in 1950. Cox Newspapers Inc. publishes 18 daily newspapers and 30 non-daily newspapers and shoppers. Other operations include interests in Val-Pak Direct Marketing Systems Inc. (the nation’s leader in cooperative direct mail advertising); Trader Publishing Co. (producers of a national network of auto, truck, boating, employment and real estate advertising magazines); Cox Custom Media (publishers of customized newsletters); PAGAS (direct mail advertisers); SP Newsprint (with newsprint mills in Dublin, Ga., and Newberg, Oregon); and Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion magazine. Cox Newspapers is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, one of the nation’s leading media companies and operator of automobile auctions. Other major operating subsidiaries include Cox Broadcasting Inc., (TV, spot sales, television production, research and Cox Radio Inc. (NYSE: CXR)); Cox Communications Inc. ((NYSE: COX) cable distribution, programming, telephone and high-speed Internet access services); Manheim Auctions Inc., which operates auto auctions in North America, Europe and Australia; and Cox Interactive Media Inc., which operates a network of Internet city sites across the country. Cox Enterprises also owns an equity stake in a range of Internet businesses, including AutoTrader.com, the leading Internet destination and marketplace in the United States for buyers and sellers of used cars. Mitchell Estate Vows to Continue ‘Wind’ Fight 10/11/01—The Mitchell estate will continue to battle Houghton in the courts. Despite recently receiving an unfavorable ruling from the circuit court, Mitchell lawyer Martin Garbus says his client is prepared to go to trial and possibly even the Supreme Court to prove that Alice Randall infringed on their copyright. Last June, a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted a lower courts injunction against publication of The Wind Done Gone, a parody of the Civil War classic Gone With the Wind. Houghton Mifflin, the publisher that filed the appeal on behalf of black author Alice Randall of Nashville, TN, released the book. Portraying life at a plantation named Tata, the novel is narrated by the daughter of a black slave woman and the white plantation owner, the half-sister of a character who mirrors Scarlett OHara. U.S. District Judge Charles Pannell issued the injunction against The Wind Done Gone last May after ruling it violated the copyright of Margaret Mitchell's classic novel. The injunction was sought by lawyers representing the Mitchell estate. Wendy Strothman, executive vice president of Houghton Mifflin, said the publisher planned an initial run of 25,000 copies. Expedia Travels to Cease Publication 10/12/2001— Ziff Davis Media Inc. has announced it will cease publishing Expedia Travels, effective with the November issue, after only one year. Expedia Travels focused on the convergence of consumer travel with the Internet. The magazine's demise, according to Ziff Davis chairman and CEO Bob Callahan, was the result of a confluence of marketplace factors including the tough economy and the impact of the Sept. 11 disasters on the travel market. “I thank my staff for all of their hard work on a product that under normal circumstances would be the right travel magazine for the times,” said editor-in-chief Gary Walther. “I know this was a difficult decision for the company to make.” Sony to Use Gemstar Technology In Japan PASADENA, CA/10/22/01—Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc. (Nasdaq:GMST) announced that Sony Corp. will incorporate the company’s Interactive Program Guide technology into all of its current and next generations of Personal Digital Recorders in the Japanese market. The company’s IPG technology, named “G-Guide(R) Gold” in Japan, will have advertising capabilities much like that contained in the company’s GUIDE Plus+(R) Gold and TV Guide Interactive(SM) products in the United States. The current generation of Sony hard disk drive recorder in Japan, named “Clip-On,” which utilizes Sony’s technology, will be the first HDD product in the Japanese market that features the company’s G-Guide Gold IPG. The next generation of Sony HDD recorders, which will utilize in part TiVo’s technology, pursuant to a recently announced license agreement between Sony and TiVo, will contain the company’s G-Guide Gold instead of TiVo’s IPG. Advertising and other services on the company’s G-Guide Gold in Japan will be marketed by a joint venture between Gemstar-TV Guide and Dentsu Inc., the largest advertising and media company in Japan with $15 billion in consolidated sales. Gemstar-TV Guide International Inc, is a leading global technology and media company focused on consumer entertainment. The company has three major business sectors: the Technology and Licensing Sector, which is responsible for developing, licensing and protecting the company’s intellectual property and technology; the company’s technology includes the VCR Plus+(R) system, interactive program guide (“IPG”) products and services marketed under the GUIDE Plus+(R) and TV Guide Interactive(SM) brands and the electronic book; the Interactive Platform Sector, which derives recurring income from advertising, interactive services, content sales and e-commerce on the company’s proprietary platforms, including IPG, tvguide.com, eBook, and skymall.com; and the Media and Services Sector, which operates the TV Guide(R) magazines, TV Guide Channel(SM), TVG Network(SM), and other television media properties, provides programming and data services, sells merchandise through the SkyMall(R) catalog and operates a media sales group that services all of the company’s media properties. The IPG products are integrated into various devices, including televisions, VCRs and set-top boxes (cable, satellite, telco, Internet) and can display a multi-day television program guide on the television screen from which the consumer can view, select, tune to or record programs. The Gemstar eBook is a reading device that can store tens of thousand of pages and permits a user to purchase and receive instant delivery of any book, magazine or newspaper over a standard telephone line. The company’s media properties reach more than 100 million U.S. homes, and its products and services are available in over 60 countries worldwide. The company’s services, technology and intellectual property are licensed to major technology, media and communication companies in the consumer electronics, Internet, personal computer, satellite, cable television and telco industries. Licensees and customers include Adelphia, AOL Time Warner, AT&T, Cablevision, Charter, Comcast, Cox, Matsushita, Microsoft, Mitsubishi, Motorola, Philips, Shaw, Sony, Thomson Multimedia, Zenith and others. The company has more than 180 issued U.S. patents in the general area of audio-visual technologies with over 4,400 claims, more than 190 issued foreign patents. The company continues to actively pursue a worldwide intellectual property program and currently has roughly 300 U.S. and 800 foreign patent applications pending. iUniverse Secures $18 Million In Funding CAMPBELL, CA/10/15/01—iUniverse, a leading provider of publishing technology solutions, has secured an additional $18 million in venture capital funding from Warburg Pincus. iUniverse plans to use the proceeds from this strategic financing round to expand its footprint in the market and increase capacity to meet the growing demand from individual authors, companies and publishers. “This additional round of financing from Warburg Pincus validates our momentum in exploiting a broad range of publishing market opportunities,” said iUniverse CEO Richard Tam. “Our course remains the same. We’re streamlining the publishing process for companies and publishers by automating the way documents and book titles are produced and setting a new standard in publishing technology by giving individual authors an equal opportunity to share their stories with any size audience” “Our decision to expand our investment in iUniverse is based on their current success and the long-term potential we see in the company’s business model and technology,” said Stewart Gross, Senior Managing Director of Warburg Pincus. “iUniverse is uniquely positioned to drive the next evolution in publishing. They’re leading the market in publishing technologies and electronic delivery of content for individual authors and have quickly moved to deliver solutions that bring efficiencies and new publishing possibilities to expanded customer segments.” As the leader in publishing technology solutions, iUniverse has produced more self-published titles than any other provider - over 750,000 books printed and sold. The company also continues to make significant strides to empower companies, boasting innovative programs with industry leaders. Earlier this year, the company announced two custom publishing programs, one with Microsoft Press and the other with Hungry Minds, Inc. The application of iUniverse’s advanced custom book programs allow Microsoft and Hungry Minds customers to browse, compile and purchase books compiled from individual chapters of selected Microsoft, Frommer’s, Cliff’s Notes and Dummies Guide titles. In addition, iUniverse recently announced a partnership with Weekly Reader, the leading educational publisher. Using iUniverse technology, Weekly Reader will allow students and teachers in elementary and secondary schools to create and publish their own high-quality paperback books. iUniverse’s technology helps publishers package and deliver their titles in print-on-demand, eBook and custom book formats, expanding revenue opportunities while reducing costs. It also helps businesses produce and deliver corporate documents and manuals in those formats, reducing inventory costs and decreasing time to market. Once an author or originator has a completed document, iUniverse’s publishing system manages the entire publishing process, from creating and proofing the materials to final distribution and royalty tracking. The company’s XML-based publishing system along with it’s Format Neutral Repository (FNR) creates a single version of a file that can be used in many ways without additional human intervention, effectively automating the way documents and books are produced and delivered. The technology is comprised of several integrated modules that allow customers to capture, manage and deliver content for either hardcopy printed books and book length documents or eBook delivery. The printing is made possible by the company’s Integrated Print Network (IPN), which provides digital printing, binding, manufacturing and fulfillment for customers. The result is an end-to-end publishing solution that makes publishing books and documents as simple and commonplace as most standard office productivity tools. Warburg Pincus has been a leading global private equity investor since 1971, operating from 10 offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. The firm has accumulated more than 30 years of experience and built an outstanding track record as a strategic financial partner to operating executives engaged in building durable and successful businesses around the world. Warburg Pincus, which has invested approximately $12 billion in 450 companies in 29 countries, invests at all stages of a company’s life cycle, from founding start-ups and providing growth capital to leading restructurings, recapitalizations and buy-outs. The firm maintains a distinctively long-term and active investment style and has deep domain expertise in key industry sectors including information technology, financial services, business services, media, communications, healthcare and life sciences, energy and natural resources and real estate. iUniverse is a publishing technology solutions provider that puts the power of publishing into the hands of individuals and companies and brings innovation and new efficiencies in book production to publishers. The company’s unique technology eliminates the traditional barriers to publishing and allows both individuals and companies to publish and distribute professional quality books and documents - on demand, in print or electronic format. The company has a wide range of customer and partner relationships with industry leaders including Adobe, Barnes & Noble, Hungry Minds (formerly IDG Books), Microsoft, the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) and Mystery Writers of America. The company has printed and sold a record 750,000 books from an author base over 8,500 strong. iUniverse maintains operations in Campbell, Calif.; Lincoln, Neb.; New York City; and Shanghai, China. The company is headquartered in Campbell, Calif. BOOKSELLING HarperCollins Plans Special Editions of Silverstein Books NEW YORK/10/18/01--This fall, HarperCollins Children’s Books honors the 20th anniversary of Shel Silverstein’s A Light in the Attic (HarperCollins Children’s Books; October 2001; $22.95) and The Missing Piece Meets The Big O (HarperCollins Children’s Books; October 2001; $15.95) with special editions of both titles. As an added bonus, A Light in the Attic features a separate CD of 11 poems performed by the beloved poet. “The CD is a wonderful addition to the 20th anniversary package because it features Shel performing his own poetry. It’s a shining example of his unique talent as a musician, singer, songwriter and poet,” said Susan Katz, HarperCollins Children’s Books President and Publisher. “These anniversary editions are terrific ways to introduce new generations to his work and to introduce new elements of his work to many of his current fans.” With more than 4.5 million copies in print, A Light in the Attic is one of Silverstein’s best-selling titles and was the first children’s book to break onto the Adult New York Times Best Sellers list, where it remained for a record-breaking 182 weeks. It was also named a 1981 American Library Association Notable Children’s Book and a 1981 School Library Journal Best Book. The Missing Piece Meets the Big O, a follow-up to Silverstein’s The Missing Piece, was selected as a 1982 Children’s Choice by the International Reading Association and the Children’s Book Council. The anniversary editions of A Light in the Attic and The Missing Piece Meets the Big O hit bookstores Oct. 1, five days after what would have been Silverstein’s 71st birthday. Shel Silverstein, renowned creator of songs, cartoons and plays, was best known for his children’s books, including The Giving Tree, Falling Up, Where the Sidewalk Ends, The Missing Piece and A Giraffe and a Half. His books have sold more than 20 million copies and have been translated into more than 30 languages. B&N Plans Superstore In El Cerrito NEW YORK/10/18/01--Barnes & Noble Inc., the nation’s largest bookseller, announced it has signed a lease agreement to open a new superstore in El Cerrito, Calif. The 25,000-square-foot store, expected to open in May 2002, will be located at 6050 El Cerrito Plaza. “We are excited by the prospect of becoming a vital part of this dynamic community,” said Alan Kahn, chief operating officer of Barnes & Noble Inc. “Customers at the new El Cerrito Barnes & Noble will have access to millions of books in every imaginable subject, and a comprehensive range of CD, video and DVD titles. As a community institution, a significant percentage of the store’s books will reflect the local lifestyles and interests of El Cerrito customers.” The El Cerrito Barnes & Noble Customer Service Counter enables customers to order books at the store and have the order completed through Barnes & Noble.com for delivery to their home, office or to a friend. “Readers’ Advantage,” Barnes & Noble’s new membership loyalty program, will offer additional discounts and benefits at the new El Cerrito Barnes & Noble. For a $25 annual fee, members will receive an additional 10 percent discount at the store and an additional 5 percent discount at Barnes & Noble.com. Program benefits also include invitations to members-only events. The El Cerrito Barnes & Noble will carry an extensive selection of children’s books in an area designed especially for kids. The store’s music department will offer more than 25,000 CD, video and DVD titles. Its Red Dot electronic music catalog, a touch-sensitive customer kiosk, features information on the actual location of CDs in the store. Listening stations will be available for customers to preview selected recordings. The store will also feature a Barnes & Noble Cafe, serving in a classic bistro setting Starbucks coffee, cappuccino, espresso; the full-leaf teas of The Republic of Tea; cold drinks; and a variety of reasonably priced gourmet sandwiches and desserts. The El Cerrito Barnes & Noble bookstore will develop an ongoing calendar of events, including poetry readings, book discussion groups, author signings, and children’s story-telling hours, often featuring special guests. These events are designed to respond to the specific interests of the El Cerrito community. Barnes & Noble Inc. (NYSE: BKS) operates 569 Barnes & Noble and 331 B. Dalton bookstores, and GameStop (formerly Babbage’s) is the nation’s largest operator of video game and entertainment software stores with 990 stores. Barnes & Noble stores stock an authoritative selection of book titles and provide access to more than one million titles. They offer books from more than 50,000 publisher imprints with an emphasis on small, independent publishers and university presses. Barnes & Noble is one of the world’s largest booksellers on the World Wide Web and the premiere bookseller on America Online’s (Keyword: bn) proprietary network. Barnes & Noble.com has the largest standing inventory of any online bookseller. Barnes & Noble also publishes books under its own imprint for exclusive sale through its retail stores and Web site. FILM/TV NEWS NOVA, NYT Produce Show on Bioterrorism BOSTON/10/22/01—With America reeling under germ attacks, NOVA partners with reporters from The New York Times to probe the dark past and horrifying prospects of this new form of war, on Bioterror, airing Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings). This in-depth documentary features a first time ever look into the remains of the Anti-Plague Institute and the Scientific Research Agricultural Institute in Kazakhstan – a part of the former Soviet Union – and interviews with the scientists whose job it was to create the perfect weapon. Bioterror is reported by T he New York Times team behind the bestseller Germs: Judith Miller, a specialist in Middle Eastern terrorism; Stephen Engelberg, an investigations editor and intelligence reporter; and Bill Broad, a Pulitzer prize-winning science journalist. Their book was published coincidentally on the day of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks, and since then they have been at the forefront of the unfolding bioterror story. Miller herself was even part of the story when she received a letter at her Times office purporting to contain powdered anthrax. Together, Miller, Engelberg and Broad educate viewers on the secret biological revolution that was pioneered by the United States, honed to ghastly perfection by the Soviet Union and then enthusiastically adopted by Iraq and terrorist cells around the world. “NOVA and The New York Times have been working for the past two years on this special investigation of the potential for germ warfare,” says Paula Apsell, executive producer, NOVA. “However, when recent events made it appear that the potential was becoming actual and science fiction was becoming fact, we decided to air the program right away.” The very latest on germ warfare is discussed with virtually every major authority on bioterrorism, including veterans of the following: the U.S. germ weapons program at Fort Dietrick, Md.; the sophisticated Soviet program that perfected anthrax, smallpox and other pathogens as doomsday weapons; the U.N. effort to track down Iraq and Saddam Hussein’s biological weapons in the wake of the Gulf War; and today’s unfolding battle against germ attack. Experts include: U.S. Congressman Christopher Shays; bio-warriors Bill Patrick, Richard Spetzel, Riley Housewright and defecting Soviets Ken Ailbek and Sergei Popov; former U.S. government officials Jack McGeorge and Richard Danzig; National War College professor Robert Kadlec; and Sandia Laboratory scientist Al Zelicoff. Broad even visits venerable germ weaponeer Bill Patrick at home, where he gives a sobering hands-on demonstration of the ease with which an expert like himself can spread biological agents. Besides Miller’s chilling tour of the Anti-Plague Institute and the Scientific Research Agricultural Institute in Kazakhstan, where the decrepit storehouses for dangerous pathogens left over from the Soviet biological warfare era are still stored in their original 1970s freezers, Bioterror also features an inspection of the Nevada test site where the U.S. Defense Department recently demonstrated that a germ factory can be created with off-the-shelf equipment available from medical suppliers. The United States got started in germ warfare in 1942. Although germs were never used during World War II, the effort was maintained and expanded greatly over the next three decades, eventually turning 28 agents into weapons – including those that cause anthrax, tularemia, Q-fever and Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis. In 1969 President Richard Nixon unilaterally ended the U.S. program and proposed an international treaty banning biological weapons. The Soviet Union signed the treaty, but almost immediately began expanding its existing program into a secret nationwide complex of giant factories, scores of labs and up to sixty thousand employees pushing the dark science to new heights of lethality. By the time the Soviet empire collapsed in the late 1980s, nations such as Iraq were getting into the act, convinced that germs were a cheap weapon of mass destruction, potentially as lethal as nuclear bombs. Inevitably, terrorists also sought the power of biological weapons. “This is a perfect weapon” for someone like Osama bin Laden, says Miller. “It’s cheap. It’s portable. It’s certainly easier to make than a nuclear weapon and less detectable. It has no return address, so we could never definitively prove that he and his group had done this to us.” The NOVA documentary Bioterror will be available on video, Jan. 30, 2002, for $19.95. To order, contact WGBH Boston Video at 1-800-949-8670. The program was written and produced by Rocky Collins, and directed by Kirk Wolfinger. The production is based on the book Germs: Biological Weapons and America’s Secret War by Judith Miller, Stephen Engelberg and William Broad. Now in its twenty-ninth season, NOVA is produced for PBS by the WGBH Science Unit. The director of the WGBH Science Unit and executive producer of NOVA is Paula S. Apsell. AWARDS Naipaul Wins Nobel Prize for Literature 10/12/01—V.S. Naipaul, the British-Trinidadian writer whose works span fiction and travel, won the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for Literature on October 11. Naipaul, 69, was born in Trinidad to parents of Indian descent. The Nobel Peace Prize, worth $943,000 this year, was first awarded in 1901 to French author Sully Prudhomme. Best known for his fiction, A House for Mr. Biswas and The Mimic Men, Naipaul also is a well-known travel writer, who has covered the Islamic world ( Beyond Belief: Islamic Excursions Among the Converted Peoples and Among the Believers: An Islamic Journey), India ( An Area of Darkness), and the American South (A Turn in the South) Naipaul’s work is critical of Islamic fundamentalism, which he compares to colonialism for its disinterest in previous cultures. Peter Carey Wins Second Booker Award 10/17/01—Britain’s Booker Prize was awarded this year to Peter Carey for his novel True History of the Kelly Gang (Knopf). He will receive a cash prize of GBP 21,000 ($30,000). Carey previously won the award in 1988 for his Victorian love story Oscar and Lucinda (Vintage). In a separate event, Ian McEwan won the first People’s Booker Prize for his novel Atonement (due in March from Doubleday). The prize is voted on by the reading publish, and administered by the BBC.Other finalists were: Oxygen by Andrew Miller; Number 9 Dream by David Mitchell (due in January from Random); The Dark Room by Rachel Seiffert (Pantheon); Hotel World by Ali Smith (due in January from Anchor). The Booker may no longer be awarded, since Iceland, a supermarket chain, bought Booker, a food services company, last year. An Iceland spokesperson said the company no longer wishes to contribute the 300,000 pounds required to sponsor the award, because it sees “no commercial link” between its supermarkets and books. Iceland is seeking another sponsor for the prize. PEOPLE Chester Agency Downsizes NEW YORK, NY/10/29/01—Linda Chester & Associates, a well-respected New York literary agency of long standing, will close its Rockefeller Center offices, and let go its staff. Reportedly, Ms. Chester will continue to represent present clients, but will not seek new ones at this time. It was the Linda Chester agency that discovered writer Jimmy Gleacher on the Authorlink.com site, and subsequently sold his mainstream novel, Roll Again, to Scribner, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. FINANCIALS Washington Post Reports Drop In 3 rd- Quarter Income WASHINGTON/10/19/01—The Washington Post Co. (NYSE:WPO) reported net income of $1.6 million ($0.14 per share) for its third quarter ended Sept. 30, down from net income of $33.5 million ($3.51 per share) in the third quarter of last year. Revenue for the third quarter of 2001 was $595.5 million, down 1 percent from $602.5 million in 2000. The revenue decline is mostly due to a decrease in advertising revenue of $61.6 million, or 19 percent, at the company’s advertising-based businesses, where an already-soft advertising environment worsened for several weeks following the events of Sept. 11. This revenue decrease was offset by a significant spike in Newsweek’s newsstand sales in September, higher revenues at the cable division, an increase in revenue at Kaplan’s test preparation and Score! businesses and increased revenue generated by Kaplan’s Quest Education unit (acquired in August 2000). Operating income for the quarter decreased 44 percent to $47 million, from $84.6 million in 2000. The decrease in operating income is due primarily to the decline in advertising revenue and increased depreciation and amortization expense. These factors were offset in part by higher operating profits at Newsweek, increased operating income from Quest Education and from Kaplan’s test preparation and professional training businesses, reduced operating losses in Kaplan’s new business development activities and an increased pension credit. In addition to the factors accounting for the decline in the company’s third quarter operating income, the company’s pre-tax income for the third quarter also includes write-downs of approximately $26 million to adjust several of the company’s investments to their estimated fair value. Excluding these non-operating investment write-downs, net income for the third quarter totaled $15.1 million, or $1.56 per share. For the first nine months, net income totaled $215.1 million ($22.53 per share), compared with net income of $98.8 million ($10.33 per share) for the same period of 2000. Excluding certain one-time non-operating transactions from the first nine months, principally net gains from the sale and exchange of certain cable systems and write-downs of investments, net income for the first nine months totaled $43.9 million, or $4.51 per share. Revenue for the first nine months was $1.78 million, up 3 percent over revenue of $1.7 million for the same period in 2000. Operating income declined 41 percent to $146.8 million, from $249.9 million in 2000. The decrease in the company’s nine month earnings is primarily attributable to the decline in advertising revenues, increased depreciation and amortization expenses and higher stock-based compensation expense accruals at the education division. These factors were offset in part by increased operating income contributed by Quest Education, higher profits from Kaplan’s test preparation and professional training businesses, reduced operating losses at Kaplan’s new business development activities and an increased pension credit. The company’s operating income for the third quarter and first nine months includes $19.7 million and $60.3 million of pension credits, respectively, compared to $15 million and $45 million for the same periods of 2000. Divisional Results: Newspaper Publishing Newspaper publishing division revenue totaled $199.9 million for the third quarter, a decrease of 12 percent from revenue of $227.6 million in the third quarter of 2000; division revenue decreased 7 percent to $631 million for the first nine months. Division operating income for the third quarter declined 67 percent to $11.6 million, from $35 million in the third quarter of 2000; operating income decreased 44 percent to $61 million for the first nine months. The decrease in operating income for the third quarter and first nine months is due to the decline in print advertising, offset in part by higher online advertising revenues and cost control initiatives employed throughout the division. Print advertising revenue at The Washington Post newspaper decreased 20 percent to $132.9 million, from $165.1 million in the third quarter of 2000 and declined 13 percent to $427.5 million for the first nine months of 2001. Volume declines of 48 percent and 40 percent in classified recruitment advertising for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001 caused classified recruitment advertising revenue declines of 45 percent and 36 percent, respectively. The economic environment surrounding most of the other advertising categories at The Post (i.e., retail, general, preprints) was also sluggish for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2001, compared to the prior year. In these categories, rate increases only partially offset volume declines ranging from 7 to 33 percent in the third quarter. The soft advertising climate worsened for several weeks late in the third quarter as the company experienced further reductions in advertising revenue and volumes following the events of Sept. 11. For the first nine months, Post daily and Sunday circulation both declined 1 percent compared to the same period of the prior year. For the nine months ended Sept. 30, average daily circulation at The Post totaled 758,000 and average Sunday circulation totaled 1.06 million. Revenues generated by the company’s online publishing activities, primarily washingtonpost.com, increased 7 percent to $7.7 million for the third quarter of 2001, compared to the same period in the prior year; online revenues increased 19 percent to $23.1 million for the first nine months. Television Broadcasting Revenue for the television broadcasting division declined 23 percent for the third quarter of 2001 to $68.2 million; revenue decreased 12 percent to $226 million for the first nine months. Excluding approximately $16 million in political and Olympics advertising in 2000, the decline in third quarter revenues was 6 percent, due largely to several days of commercial-free coverage following the events of Sept. 11. A general softness in advertising (particularly national advertising) also adversely impacted comparisons for both the third quarter and first nine months. Operating income for the third quarter totaled $22.3 million, a 47 percent decrease from the third quarter of 2000; operating income for the first nine months declined 24 percent to $88.7 million. Magazine Publishing Revenue for the magazine publishing division totaled $101.5 million for the third quarter of 2001, a 6 percent increase from $95.9 million in 2000; division revenue decreased 6 percent to $277.6 million for the first nine months. Operating income totaled $9.4 million for the third quarter, a 106 percent increase from the same period in the prior year; operating income totaled $15.5 million for the first nine months, a decrease of 45 percent. The increase in operating income for the third quarter is primarily attributable to a significant increase in newsstand circulation revenues on regular and special editions related to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks offset by a 21 percent decrease in advertising revenue at Newsweek due to fewer advertising pages at both the domestic and international editions. Softness in domestic and international advertising pages at Newsweek, offset in part by increased newsstand sales, a higher pension credit and reduced operating expenses, accounted for most of the 45 percent decline in the operating results for the first nine months. Cable Television Cable division revenue of $98.7 million for the third quarter of 2001 represents a 9 percent increase over 2000 third quarter revenue; for the first nine months, revenue increased 7 percent to $284.3 million. Cable division cash flow (operating income excluding depreciation and amortization expense) totaled $35.2 million for the third quarter compared with $35.3 million for the third quarter of 2000; cash flow decreased 5 percent to $99.3 for the first nine months of 2001. The decline in cable division cash flow is mostly due to higher programming expense, costs associated with the launch of digital services and comparatively lower cash flow margin subscribers acquired in the cable system exchanges completed in the first quarter. Cable division operating income declined 50 percent and 55 percent for the third quarter and nine month periods of 2001, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2000. The decline in operating income is due mostly to higher depreciation and amortization expense, which increased by $7.8 million and $20.5 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2001, respectively. The increase in depreciation expense is due to capital spending, which is enabling the cable division to offer digital cable services to its subscribers. The cable division began its rollout plan for these services in the third quarter of 2000. At Sept. 30, the cable division had approximately 172,000 digital cable subscribers, representing a 23 percent penetration of the subscriber base in the markets where digital services are offered. Digital services are currently offered in markets serving 90 percent of the cable division’s subscriber base. The rollout plan for the new digital cable services includes an offer for the cable division’s customers to obtain these services free for one year. Accordingly, management expects the benefits from these new services to show beginning in 2002 and thereafter. At Sept. 30, the cable division had 753,000 basic subscribers, compared to 735,700 at the end of September 2000. The increase in basic subscribers is largely due to a net gain in subscribers arising from cable system exchange and sale transactions completed in the first quarter. Education Excluding Quest Education (acquired in August 2000), education division revenue increased 16 percent to $90.3 million in the third quarter of 2001; the operating loss for the quarter improved from $7.7 million to $1.1 million. On the same basis of presentation, the division’s nine-month revenue for 2001 grew 18 percent to $258.9 million and operating losses were reduced from $33.6 million to $26.6 million. Gannett Board OKs 23-Cent Dividend ARLINGTON, VA/10/23/01--A quarterly dividend of 23 cents per share was approved by the board of directors of Gannett Co. Inc. (NYSE:GCI), meeting in a regular session. The dividend is payable on Jan. 2, 2002 to shareholders of record on Dec. 14. Gannett Co. Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is an international news and information company that publishes 97 daily newspapers in the USA, including USA TODAY, the nation’s largest-selling daily newspaper. The company also owns in excess of 300 non-daily publications in the USA and USA WEEKEND, a weekly newspaper magazine. In the United Kingdom, Gannett subsidiary Newsquest plc publishes nearly 300 titles, including 15 daily newspapers. Gannett also operates 22 television stations in the United States and is an Internet leader with sites sponsored by most of its TV stations and newspapers including USATODAY.com, one of the most popular news sites on the web. Journal Register Reports Results For 3 rd Quarter TRENTON, NJ/10/19/01—Journal Register Co. (NYSE: JRC) reported net income for the third quarter ended Sept. 30 of $8.9 million, with earnings per diluted share of $0.21. Net income for the quarter ended Sept. 24, 2000 included a substantial gain on the sale of newspaper properties. Pro forma earnings per diluted share, excluding such gain and the reversal of certain tax accruals recorded in the third quarter of each year, were $0.17 for the third quarter of 2001 as compared to $0.23 for the third quarter of 2000. On the same basis and for the nine months ended Sept. 30 and Sept. 24, 2000, earnings per diluted share were $0.58 and $0.70, respectively. For comparison purposes, the company’s results are presented, where indicated, on a pro forma basis, which exclude the results of the company’s dispositions from both the current and prior year results. The company’s dispositions include the Suburban Journals, St. Louis, Mo., sold Aug. 10, 2000; The Telegraph, Alton, Ill., sold Oct. 24, 2000; and The Times-Reporter, New Philadelphia, Ohio, and The Independent, Massillon, Ohio, sold Jan. 31. Total revenues for the quarter ended Sept. 30 were $97.6 million as compared to pro forma total revenues of $98.9 million for the quarter ended Sept. 24, 2000, down 1.3 percent. Advertising revenues for third quarter were $70.9 million, a decrease of $1.1 million, or 1.6 percent, as compared to pro forma advertising revenues in the prior year quarter. Excluding the results of the company’s 2001 acquisitions, advertising revenues for the third quarter of 2001 were down 8.4 percent as compared to pro forma advertising revenues in the prior year quarter. Commenting on the company’s performance for the quarter, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Robert M. Jelenic said, “The events of Sept. 11 have reinforced the importance of our newspapers in the communities they serve. However, these events increased the declines in an already difficult advertising environment. “Despite the difficult advertising environment, we continue to generate substantial free cash flow which, excluding capital expenditures related to the construction of our new Philadelphia production plant, was $15.4 million and $46.8 million, respectively, for the third quarter and the nine months ended Sept. 30. “For the fourth quarter, we expect to benefit from our recent acquisitions and year-over-year declines in newsprint prices and interest rates. As a result of these favorable items and an assumed improvement in year-over-year advertising trends, we expect to report fourth quarter earnings within the current range of analysts’ estimates, which is $0.23 to $0.26 per diluted share.” During the quarter, the company successfully completed two acquisitions. In September, the company completed its acquisition of The Reporter, a 19,000-circulation daily newspaper based in Lansdale, Pa., which is a perfect strategic complement to the company’s Greater Philadelphia Cluster and significantly enhances the company’s position in Montgomery County. In August, Journal Register company acquired two non-daily publications from Roe Jan Independent Publishing Inc. in Hillsdale, N.Y. These publications are an excellent fit with the company’s Daily Freeman in Kingston and its Millbrook-based weekly group, Taconic Press; both of which are part of the company’s cluster in the Mid-Hudson Region of New York. In the first half of this year, Journal Register Co. completed two acquisitions that complement its Greater Philadelphia Cluster. These acquisitions include Montgomery Newspapers, acquired in June and Chesapeake Publishing Corp.’s 13 non-daily publications in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, in January. Retail revenues for the quarter ended Sept. 30, excluding the acquisitions, were down 8.3 percent as compared to pro forma retail revenues in the prior year quarter. On the same basis, classified revenues for the quarter were down 11.1 percent as compared to pro forma classified revenues in the prior year quarter. Classified automotive revenues, also on the same basis, showed a decrease of 4 percent as compared to the prior year quarter, while classified employment revenues, again on the same basis, were down 22.3 percent as compared to the third quarter of 2000. These declines were partially offset by continued strength in classified real estate revenues, which were up 10.1 percent as compared to classified real estate revenues in the prior year quarter, also on a same-store basis. National revenues, on the same basis, increased 18.7 percent in the third quarter as compared to the prior year quarter. The company’s best advertising revenue performances in the third quarter were reported by The Phoenix in Phoenixville, Pa., up 13.4 percent; Imprint Newspapers in Bristol, Conn., up 7.4 percent; Minuteman Newspapers in Westport, Conn., up 7.3 percent; and Hometown Newspapers, based in West Warwick, R.I., which includes the Kent County Daily Times, up 3.8 percent. Online revenues for the quarter ended Sept. 30 were approximately $977,000, an increase of 10.5 percent over pro forma online revenues in the prior year period. The company continues to generate substantial EBITDA from its online operations, which was approximately $719,000 for the third quarter. Journal Register Co. Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jean B. Clifton said, “As the advertising environment softened in the third quarter of last year, we placed increased emphasis on cost controls and have continued to aggressively manage expenses. Reflecting our intense focus on cost controls, our same-store, non-newsprint cash expenses were down almost one percent for the third quarter as compared to the prior year quarter. A 4 percent decrease in full time equivalent employees between Sept. 24, 2000 and Sept. 30 was the principal contributor to this decline.” The company’s EBITDA for the quarter and nine months ended Sept. 30 was $26.2 million and $85.3 million, respectively. The company’s net debt at Sept. 30 was approximately $535 million. Capital expenditures for the quarter were approximately $9.6 million including $7.4 million related to the construction of our new Philadelphia plant. Year-to-date capital expenditures were approximately $20.1 million including $15.1 million related to the new Philadelphia plant. Projected capital for the year is currently estimated to be approximately $35 million, which includes approximately $23 million for the Philadelphia plant and approximately $12 million for maintenance capital expenditures. This is down $3 million from the company’s original 2001 estimate for maintenance capital expenditures. Tangible net income on a pro forma basis for the third quarter was $10.2 million, or $0.24 per diluted share, as compared to $13.5 million, or $0.30 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2000. The company’s provision for income taxes for the current quarter and year-to-date period ended Sept. 30 has been reduced by approximately $1.8 million since previously reported income tax accruals have been determined to no longer be required. Excluding taxes related to the asset sales and this reversal, the company’s effective tax rate would have been approximately 39.5 percent for the year-to-date period ended Sept. 30. Common shares outstanding at the end of the third quarter of 2001 totaled 41.5 million. Since July 1 and through Oct. 18, the company has repurchased 327,600 shares of its common stock. Journal Register Co. is a leading U.S. newspaper publishing company that owns 23 daily newspapers, including the New Haven Register, Connecticut’s second largest daily and Sunday newspaper and 198 non-daily publications. Journal Register Co. currently operates 133 individual Web sites featuring the company’s daily newspapers and non-daily publications, which can be accessed at http://www.journalregister.com/. All of the company’s operations are strategically clustered in six geographic areas: Connecticut, Greater Philadelphia, Greater Cleveland, Central New England and the Capital-Saratoga and Mid-Hudson regions of New York. The company currently has equity investments in AdOne, LLC, a premier Internet-based classified advertising service and PowerAdz.com, LLC, a leading Internet infrastructure provider for the newspaper industry. 3 rd Quarter Sales Up At Primedia NEW YORK/10/25/01--Primedia Inc. (NYSE: PRM) announced that sales from continuing businesses were $407.5 million in the third quarter, up 7 percent from $381.8 million in the same period last year. EBITDA from continuing businesses was $34.5 million, in line with recently revised guidance. Traditional media sales from continuing businesses of $386.7 million were up 4 percent from $373.2 million in third quarter 2000, led by strong performance in Consumer Guides, continued growth in the Consumer Enthusiast magazines and the inclusion of revenues from EMAP USA for the month of September. This was partially offset by reduced brand advertising affecting the Primedia Business Magazines & Media Group, Consumer Broad Reach magazines and Channel One. New media sales from continuing businesses of $20.8 million in third quarter were up from $8.6 million a year ago, an increase of 142 percent. The increase was due to a combination of organic growth and the inclusion of About. Consolidated EBITDA declined in third quarter primarily because of weakness in the Primedia Business Magazines & Media Group, Consumer Broad Reach magazines and the inclusion of About. Tom Rogers, Chairman and CEO of Primedia, stated, “Primedia is the number one targeted media company. Our core traditional business currently generates more than $300 million of EBITDA annually, our new media businesses will be cash breakeven soon and we continue to see growth across revenue streams representing two-thirds of our revenues, despite the severe advertising recession. We have sufficient financial resources and we see no issues in our ability to continue to meet all of our obligations and remain in compliance with our credit agreements. We have multiple interested buyers for various properties, are moving ahead with the asset sale process and will announce transactions over the next few months. The asset sales will provide even more liquidity.” Highlights: Consumer endemic advertising revenues were up 5 percent in third quarter (excluding EMAP USA), once again proving its resilience in a weak economic climate. Consumer circulation revenues (both subscription and newsstand) were up a strong 7 percent (excluding EMAP USA), bucking industry trends. Primedia closed on the acquisition of EMAP USA on Aug. 24 and has been aggressively integrating those properties in its Consumer Magazine and Media Group, becoming a powerhouse in the automotive, teen and outdoor enthusiast categories. The EMAP USA properties continue to perform above our expectations. To counteract the effects of the advertising recession, the company has completely reengineered About and the Primedia Business Magazines and Media Group. In addition, costs have been slashed at all operations, including corporate and strict controls on all expenses have been imposed. Primedia traditional and new media products that cannot be turned profitable in the next few months will be shut down or sold to immediately eliminate the cash drain. Primedia expects to continue to meet its obligations and remain in compliance with debt covenants. Tom Rogers continued, “Our diversified revenue mix is a real strength. As in the past, consumer endemic advertising revenues continue to grow even in this weak environment and were up 5 percent in the third quarter. While brand advertising is down, we are moving swiftly and aggressively to combat this weakness by bringing new media to cash breakeven, shutting down or selling operations that cannot be made profitable in the near term and imposing broad cost reductions. We expect the combination of these actions and the contribution from EMAP USA will substantially strengthen our financial position in the fourth quarter and the year 2002.” Compared to last year’s quarter, Consumer Guides revenue continues to grow at double digit rates. The revenue growth in Consumer Enthusiast more than offset the decline in Broad Reach magazines. Both Broad Reach and Channel One revenues declined as a result of weak demand for brand advertising. Consumer New Media revenues were up due to the strong performance of apartmentguide.com and the inclusion of About for the third quarter. The decline in Consumer EBITDA was substantially due to reduced brand advertising at Broad Reach magazines, Channel One and the inclusion of About. Primedia’s consumer enthusiast magazines were up in the third quarter, led by the automotive performance and truck groups. About’s popularity continues to grow, with approximately 30 million unique users each month and is the No. 5 most visited content property on the Internet, according to Media Metrix. Sprinks (classified online advertising auction system) monthly revenues have tripled since the beginning of the year. Compared to last year’s quarter, Traditional B2B revenues were down in the third quarter primarily due to continuing softness in B2B advertising and trade shows. Revenues from the agribusiness magazine group are growing, including strong gains by Soybean Digest and Beef. Advertising from the communications, transportation and entertainment industries remain the weakest. The decline in B2B EBITDA was essentially due to weakness in the B2B magazine group. The company has taken strong cost reduction actions to counter the effects of the advertising recession. Collectively, these actions are expected to reduce Primedia’s expenses by $50-55 million annually in 2002 and the company’s cost cutting initiatives will continue. As stated, Primedia traditional and new media businesses that cannot be turned profitable in the very near term through cost takeout are being shut down or sold to eliminate further cash drain. On a cash basis, new media cash revenues are expected to exceed cash expenses in 2002 and will be very close to that point in fourth quarter. Among other actions are the previously reported reengineering of the Primedia Business Magazines and Media Group resulting in a 20 percent reduction in positions. Recently, About has reduced employee count by nearly 60 percent and lowered its cost structure by 70 percent. Headcount has been reduced in all other operations, including corporate, by approximately 8 percent. Additionally, all salaries and hiring are frozen and discretionary expenses including travel are being reduced by 50 percent. These productivity measures will benefit fourth quarter and beyond. Upside From EMAP USA EMAP USA continues to perform above expectations even in this difficult environment. The EMAP USA properties are being fully integrated into the Primedia Consumer Magazines and Media Group, with 12 percent of positions eliminated and several offices closed. These cost actions, coupled with clear synergies in distribution, production, cross selling and leveraging advertiser bases, are expected to result in EBITDA in excess of $62 million in 2002, with $50-55 million of that incremental in 2002. Primedia continues to believe that it will have sufficient financial resources to meet its cash needs and sees no issues in its ability to continue to service its debt and other fixed obligations. The fourth quarter is seasonally strong for Primedia. While the soft advertising market will cause fourth quarter results to be below last year, it is expected to be much stronger than third quarter 2001. Cost actions already taken will show benefits in the fourth quarter. Fourth quarter is expected to be working capital positive. At the end of September the company had approximately $100 million of available and undrawn bank credit and expects to have in excess of that by year end. The company’s fixed obligations for 2002 are estimated to include approximately $145 million of interest on its outstanding debt and $53 million of preferred dividends. Capital expenditures are estimated to be approximately $50 million. Working capital is expected to be neutral. Therefore, total cash requirements for the full year 2002 are estimated at approximately $250 million. The company believes that its operations will generate in excess of the $250 million needed in 2002, before factoring in any growth. Using the lower end of analysts’ estimated performance as a starting point, eliminating EBITDA from expected divestitures and non-cash ads for equity and adding the expected savings from cost actions and the incremental EBITDA from EMAP USA, Primedia expects to generate in excess of the $250 million cash necessary to meet its requirements in 2002. That is before factoring in expected continued growth in consumer endemic advertising and other growing revenue streams, which would more than offset any further revenue weakness in B2B or consumer brand advertising, if such weakness ensued. For the 12 months ended Sept. 30, the leverage and interest coverage ratios, as defined in Primedia’s credit agreements, are expected to be essentially the same as those recorded for the period ended June 30, and within the permitted limits. The company believes it will remain in compliance with all covenants. In addition, as a result of our debt refinancing earlier this year, we have no material required principal repayments until June 2004. Non-Core Businesses The company continues to wind down unprofitable properties by selling, shutting down or eliminating them through integration. Losses from those non-core businesses in third quarter were $6.9 million, declining from $9.1 million in second quarter. The decline is due to businesses in this category winding down, despite some entities from the EMAP USA acquisition added to the non-core category. Primedia expects the losses from businesses currently in the non-core category will continue to decline in fourth quarter and will be essentially eliminated in first quarter 2002. Depreciation expense of $16.0 million in third quarter was higher than prior year but flat to second quarter. Amortization was $124.9 million in third quarter, up from last year primarily due to the writeoff of goodwill associated with the Youth Entertainment Group and Southern California New Homes along with the inclusion of goodwill amortization from the About acquisition. Non-cash Compensation and Non-Recurring Charges of $46 million in third quarter primarily relate to commitments made for the About acquisition. The Provision for Severance, Closures and Integration Costs of $17.8 million in third quarter is primarily due to cost actions taken at Primedia Business Magazines and Media Group and About. The $57.7 million Provision for Impairment of Investments in third quarter was due to a writedown of certain of Primedia’s investments that were largely made on a non-cash basis. Interest expense of $39.5 million in third quarter rose as a result of additional debt incurred to partially finance the EMAP USA acquisition. Outlook Since the advertising decline immediately following Sept. 11, the company has not seen any significant additional deterioration but the market continues to be uncertain. When management sees reasonable clarity in the outlook for the fourth quarter and full year 2002, it will share that information with the public. Primedia is the new tradition in media. With 2000 sales of $1.7 billion from a unique combination of traditional and new media properties, it is the leading targeted content and integrated marketing solutions company in both the consumer and business-to-business sectors. The Company is the No. 1 special interest magazine publisher in the U.S., with more than 280 titles such as Seventeen, Teen, Automobile, Motor Trend, New York, Fly Fisherman, American Baby, Telephony and American Demographics; the No.1 producer and distributor of specialty video with 18 satellite and digital video product lines, including Channel One Network; and the No. 1 news and information group on the Internet, led by About.com. Primedia’s stock symbol is: NYSE: PRM McGraw-Hill Financial Results Available NEW YORK/10/17/01—The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) announces its third quarter results on Oct. 24 before the start of NYSE trading. Senior management reviewed the results during a conference call at for 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, BusinessWeek and McGraw-Hill Education. The corporation has more than 300 offices in 33 countries. Sales in 2000 were $4.3 billion. BOOK/MOVIE DEALS Lynne Cheney Writing Patriotic Book for Kids 10/11/01—Simon & Schuster will publish a children's book by Lynne Cheney, social critic and wife of Vice President Dick Cheney, in spring 2002. The book is titled America: A Patriotic Primer. Pproceeds from her undisclosed advance will be donated to American Red Cross and S&S’s net profits will aid the Sept. 11 United Way Fund. Washington attorney Robert Barnett handled the deal pro bono. The book, aimed at elementary school children, will be edited by Brenda Bowen. It will teache history, and will encourage parents to read with their children. Artist Robin Preiss Glasser will illustrate the ABC book, using a patriotic or American history theme. Cheney began working on the book before the tragic events of Sept. 11. Ms. Cheney said in a press release that it is "now more important than ever that our children and grandchildren know the foundations of America’s freedom and understand why we hold this nation dear.” Cheney is the author of several non-fiction books, including Telling the Truth: Why Our Culture and Country Stopped Making Sense, and Kings of the Hill: How Nine Powerful Men Changed the Course of American History, written with her husband. She has also published three novels. “We are not doctors or firefighters or counselors; the one thing we can do is to make books,” Kristina Peterson, president of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, said in a release. “America is our effort to contribute to the children of this country.” Novel By ‘N Synch Band Celebrity Canceled NEW YORK/10/24/01—Justin Timberlake, the most popular member of the five-member boy band, has cancelled his seven-figure contract with Ballantine Books to publish his first novel, Inside Drive: A Novel of Basketball, Life and Love. Justin's busy schedule with the band, 'N Sync, does not allow time for him to do a national publicity tour, a spokesperson for Ballantine said. The book was due for release this fall. Timberlake’s publicist in Los Angeles, Lisa Kasteler, hinted that the decision to cancel the book had to do with more than just publicity. “He had too much going on to be able to give it the kind of time that he wanted to,” she said. Timberlake hadn’t finished the book, Kasteler said, and won’t seek another publisher. Bob Dylan To Write Autobiography NEW YORK/10/24/01—Bob Dylan is writing a multi-volume autobiography, titled “Chronicles,” to be published by Simon & Schuster. The first installment is scheduled for release next year. Simon & Schuster spokesman Adam Rothberg said the book covers the life and career of the 60-year-old singer and songwriter. Authorlink News, Success Stories, And Recognition Authorlink Sales at a Glance A Comprehensive Listing of Sold Titles Major Publishers Browse Authorlink For Manuscripts Statistical Update DALLAS, TX/ 08/01//01--Literary agents and editors regularly surf Authorlink in search of good writers. Among major houses making requests and/or visiting the site, are: Random House, Knopf, St. Martin's Press, Simon & Schuster, Penguin/Putham and many other smaller publishers. More than 700 writers are currently listed with us. Since tracking began, 1561 requests have been processed for requested manuscripts. Of the deals we've been able to track, 321 Authorlink writers have been offered contracts with agents, and 72 works have been sold, either directly or indirectly through Authorlink. Additional sales are pending. On average, about 55-65% of the listed writers have received requests by editors and agents, some receiving multiple requests. Of those who have received interest, about 20- 30% are signed with agents and 15- 20% have directly sold their works to publishers during this time, not including pending sales. The site, which matches literary agents and editors with writers, has received praise from editors at Penguin UK, Avon, Berkley, Random House, Time-Warner, Bantam Doubleday Dell and other major publishers. See "What People Are Saying About Authorlink" Joyce Lackey Sells Book to Gardenia Press 72nd Authorlink Writer to Land Publisher A publisher contact made several years ago has finally paid of for Authorlink writer Joyce Lackey. The author who received a request for her novel as a result of her Authorlink listing for, The Ghosts of Buffalo Creek, has at last sold the work to Gardenia Press, a small publisher who plans to release the work in July 2002. News Archives Bemis Becomes 71st Authorlink Writer To Sell Manuscript June1, 2001--Michael E. Bemis of Kennebunk, Maine, became the 71st author to sell his work as a direct result of listing his work on Authorlink.com. His book, Safe & Sound, a nonfiction work about how to buy a safe, private, and quiet home, will be published by Hanrow Press of Rancho Santa Fe, California. The small press, founded in 1982, has specialized in law and safety engineering books until now. The publication date for Safe & Sound has not yet been determined. Michael’s work had been listed with Authorlink for about a year when Hanrow requested a look at the full manuscript. Authorlink interviewed the author about his success: AUTHORLINK: When did you begin your writing career, and what prompted you to do so? Is there a special story behind your decision to become an author? BEMIS: I started writing in earnest while serving as Sheriff of York County, Maine. When I left law enforcement full-time I was able to devote more time to my writing. AUTHORLINK: Who was the greatest influence on your decision to write, and in what ways did they encourage you? BEMIS: My mother who is a published author. AUTHORLINK: How important has your agent been in guiding your career? BEMIS: I briefly had an agent but due to personal hardship they were forced to close. I presently do not have an agent. AUTHORLINK: How did Authorlink help? BEMIS: Authorlink’s excellent service and support has consistently exceeded my expectations. Without Authorlink, Safe & Sound would not be poised for publication. AUTHORLINK: Do you have any advice or insights for newcomers trying to break into publishing? BEMIS: It sounds monotonous, but they should just keep trying. AUTHORLINK: Do you perceive New York publishing to be a closed society or an open one? BEMIS: I think it's open to good writing and content that's timely and unique. AUTHORLINK: What are publishers looking for today? BEMIS: What will sell and authors with a passion to sell it. AUTHORLINK: How did you learn your craft? Through reading? Conferences? A university? Mentoring? A combination of these, or other means? BEMIS: Nothing formal, just a lot of research, reading and writing. Jan Letoha Becomes 70 th Authorlink Writer To Land Publisher April 15, 2001--Jan Letoha this month became the 70 th Authorlink writer to sign a publishing contract as a result of her listing on Authorlink.com. Her first book, Bury The Past , will be published by Port Town Publishing in August, 2002. Port Town Publishing (PTP) is a small publishing house located in Superior, Wisconsin. The company was founded in 1999 by Jean Hackensmith, a struggling romance author who got tired of getting rejection letters from the New York publishers. PTP publishes about 4-5 novels per year, including original romance, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and horror. Bury The Past was listed on Authorlink for 22 months. During that time, Jan also signed with an agent through Authorlink, but the agent closed her agency due to illness. Jan has also listed her second book, Fire On The Moon, with Authorlink. It’s another spooky, romantic suspense story. How did Jan feel when she heard that her book would be published? “Like a genie popped out of a bottle and granted me three wishes! It’s the best feeling in the world!” Jan began writing about ten years ago. “I read a time travel/historical romance and thought, ‘If this author can get away with such a fantastic story, maybe my ideas aren’t so crazy after all.’ So I started writing Bury The Past. Writing fiction was a lot harder than I thought it’d be, though. Getting the hang of writing dialogue was really tough. Before listing her work with Authorlink, Jan had tried the traditional methods of marketing -- sending out query letters and sample chapters. “I had another agent a few years back,” Jan said. “A word of advice -- if an agent asks for money up front, look out! Maybe I’m just jinxed when it comes to agents. Anyway, I'm convinced that Bury The Past would be sitting in a shoe box on my closet shelf if I hadn't discovered Authorlink.” When Jan is working on a book, she’s a person obsessed -- or possessed. She'll write 10 - 12 hours a day, especially during the summer. In the real world, Jan teaches Psychology and U.S. History at a South Georgia high school. What advice would she give to writers who want to be published? “Research the requirements for different types of novels. It seems that publishers want to see key elements in a book that will appeal to their specific type of market. Read a book on editing manuscripts so you can delete what publishers don't want to see. List your book on Authorlink -- it’s the only thing that worked for me! Then develop a huge store of patience and persistence and don’t think you’re home free once you sign a contract. That’s when the real work starts!” Authorlink Writer Joy Jasper Sells Work To St. Martin's Press 67th Authorlink Sale 2/26/01--Joy Waldron Jasper this month became the 67th Authorlink writer to sell a manuscript as a direct result of contacts made through Authorlink. Jasper found her New York agent-- Sam Fleishman of Literary Artists Representatives -- via Authorlink, and he subsequently sold one of her works to St. Martin's Press. The new book, "The USS Arizona: The Ship, the Men, the Attack!," will be in bookstores November 1, 2001, in time for Veteran's Day (November 11) and the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day (December 7, 2001) "After meeting my agent through Authorlink, we signed a contract in December 2000 to represent my novel. Then we signed a second contract in January to represent my nonfiction book," Jasper explained. "As is often the case, the nonfiction sold first. St. Martin's Press bought it in February 2001, and has moved at an impressive speed to release it in less than a year, so as to offer it to readers at the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day -- a mere nine months later, which is stunning in the world of publishing! Kudos to my wonderful editor, Mac Talley at St. Martin's Press, and to my amazing agent, Sam Fleishman." Joy became an Authorlink writer in October, 2000. The fictional work that originally attracted her agent is titled "Betrayal at Pearl Harbor." While that novel hasn't yet sold (as of press time), the nonfiction book on Pearl Harbor was rapidly sold through the agent who connected with Jasper through Authorlink. The USS Arizona book is the story of life aboard the USS Arizona in peacetime, and the survival stories of 10 men who lived through the attack. As a journalist and a diver, Joy first visited the USS Arizona underwater in 1983, covering the story of the photo documentation and scientific illustration of the gallant battleship, the greatest casualty of the Pearl Harbor attack. She was so enthralled with the story, she searched out survivors and began interviewing them, crisscrossing the country for several years to hear their stories. Hearing their emotional tales, she was fascinated by the tremendous bond and affection they felt for their ship, and she felt it was a story that needed to be told. "I'm a writer who prefers to write every day, in the morning when I'm fresh, and for a period of three to four hours," Jasper said of her working habits. " If I'm on a splendid roll, I might write for longer, but I like to achieve 10 pages a day that I'll keep. It never hurts to stop in the middle -- of an idea, a sentence, a chapter. I like returning the next day to something unfinished so that I'm inspired to jump in again. I don't think there's any one way to write, but I think it's important to find your own best period of the day and the length of time that makes sense for you. Writing books is my top priority, and I write full time." For the record, Joy's children are grown, and she lives in New England with her husband and a garden full of perennials "I've completed my second novel in a series of underwater thrillers (the first -- working title, Betrayal at Pearl Harbor, which is listed on Authorlink -- is under review at several major houses at this time)," Joy said. I'm currently working on another nonfiction book on the Lewis and Clark expedition, and another historical biography is in the outline stage. "I want to thank Authorlink for providing me a forum for my work, she added. "I was encouraged by having been selected for the Authorlink web site, and once I had a page there (http://www.authorlink.com/001051th.html), I had confidence to approach agents. I sent a number of Authorlink-listed agents an email, condensing my query to three paragraphs and asking them to look for more information on my page. I got positive responses from eight out of ten queries I sent. Of those eight, I was extremely fortunate to find a superb agent to represent me, and who got a sale within a month at a major press. "Thanks to all at Authorlink. And I want to say to my fellow writers: '"Keep writing, and don't lose heart! If it happened to me, it can happen to you.'" Authorlink Writer Chopra Finds Publisher for Work 68th Authorlink Sale 4/1/01--Dr. Prem Chopra, author of the new age nonfiction book, "If I Had Known," has sold his work to Hanrow Press in Rancho Santa Fe, California. The small press, founded in 1982, has specialized in law and safety engineering books until now. Chopra's book is their first venture into trade books. Dr. Chopra has been listed with Authorlink since October 2000. He signed a contract with Hanrow Press early this year. He became the 68th author to sell his work through Authorlink in the last 36 months. Jan Wallace Becomes 69thAuthorlink Writer To Sign With Publisher 69th Authorlink Sale 4/1/01--Jan Wallace became the 69th writer to sign a publishing contract through Authorlink in the past 36 months in late March. Ms. Wallace, a first-time author, signed a deal with PortTown Publishing for her book, Where Roses Grow Wild. The publisher is a small Wisconsin house that releases about four books per year. Ms. Wallace had two manuscripts listed on Authorlink between 1999 and 2000. In January 2000, Authorlink received a request from WMG Promotions, a literary agency, requesting the manuscript. She signed a contract with WMG the very next month, and shortly thereafter WMG sold the work to PortTown. Port Town senior editor Jean Hackensmith wrote to Agents Cary and Sherry Wolf that she found the manuscript to be "funny, romantic and tragic." She said she had tears streaming down her face in the end. Jan Wallace credits the editor with giving each writer a lot of attention to make sure the manuscript is everything it should be for the reader. "It's an unbelievable feeling knowing someone reads your manuscript and it really has an effect on them positive effect at that, that you make them feel for the characters themselves, because that's what it's all about-believing in the story." "Authorlink has made it possible for writers to link up with the correct agents and publishers, and gives agents a chance to review works by various writers," Jan explained. I started along time ago writing, as child I would write stories and put on plays in the basement of my parents' home. I've always told stories, then one day said, lets see if anyone would like to publish any of the stories. Friends have read them and said they were good, but, hey, these are friends after all. Jan once worked for The University of Georgia Extension Service in the Fort Valley, Georgia office. Today she is a fulltime writer. "I start a manuscript and work each day 6 to 8 hours," she said. "It usually takes 3 months to finish a draft, then another three months to get the bugs out. I edit, fix mistakes and read it over and over, proofing each page until it is correct. "I can see why books cost what they do and why some people just give up, it is not an easy job to do it over and over, no ones manuscript is correct the first go around, you realize when you re-read it the feeling might not be there so you have to correct it put heart where there was none." Jan is married to her childhood sweetheart, and they have four children. Twenty-six years ago they bought an old historic house with 17 rooms in Marshallville, Georgia, restored it and live there today with their family and many dogs, cats, doves, ducks, chickens and rabbits. "My advise to other writers is: don't quit dreaming about what you believe in, you have to believe in yourself, before anyone else will, and then you go from there, keep writing don't give up. "Write from your heart, and let it be about something you know. If you venture into another area you don't know the reader will know it too, and you've lost. So stay with what you feel and understand most about life. "It'll work for you. "I am especially thankful for my agents," Jan said. "They have worked late into the mornings trying to find a suitable publisher. They work with writers because they love the written word." Two Authorlink Press Writers Earn Top Recognition Dallas and Atlanta/2/15/01-- Jerry Lee Davis, author of Twin City (AUTHORLINK PRESS), and Ginnie Bivona, author of Ida Mae Tutweiler and the Traveling Tea Party (AUTHORLINK PRESS), have recently earned top recognition in two different markets. Jerry Lee Davis of Atlanta has been nominated for the First Novel Award in the 37th annual Georgia Author of the Year Awards, sponsored by the Georgia Writers' Association. Ginnie Bivona's Ida Mae Tutweiler recently climbed to number one on the Dallas Morning News Bestseller List for paperback fiction. Ginnie lives in Dallas. The Georgia Awards ceremony, hosted by Mercer University Press, will be held at a dinner March 17 at Mercer University in Macon,Georgia. Among a number of recent review of Ginnie Bivona's book was an article by Don Johnson on Read-a-Bargain.com.Johnson called Bivona's Ida Mae "A wonderful,character-driven story that produces open memories we thought we'd forgotten. . . . I expected a typical 'woman's' book but found a story of human beings for human beings. Man or woman your time won't be wasted on this one." 66th Authorlink Writer Signs Publishing Contract Charlene Tess has become the 66th author to find a publisher as a direct result of Authorlink. Port Town Publishing, a small Wisconsin publisher, will release Ms. Tess's THE VAN WINKLE BRIDE as a trade paperback romance in June 2001. The book, originally listed on Authorlink as THE VAN WINKLE CONNECTION, is Ms. Tess's first published work. "The senior romance editor of Port Town Publishing saw my posting on the Authorlink website and thought my novel sounded intriguing and suitable for her list for 2001," Charlene explained. "She contacted Authorlink Editor Doris Booth, who contacted me. Doris Booth forwarded an e- mail to me from Port Town Publishing. I sent the publisher a copy of my manuscript by snail mail. The editor read it and said she could not put it down. She offered me a contract by e-mail and then sent me a written contract by snail mail." Charlene listed her novel on Authorlink on April 10, 2000, and sold it on November 25. "My husband and I met Doris Booth at a SouthWest Writers Conference and decided to advertise our editing business on Authorlink. Two of my novels had won first place at Southwest Writers Conference Contests, and I had been trying to get them published by the old-fashioned way: query, partial, full manuscript, SASE, wait, wait, wait method. Authorlink sounded like an attractive, modern way to market my novels. And it worked! I am delighted with the results," Charlene said. "I have been writing as long as I can remember and have published essays, feature articles, short stories, and a nonfiction book, but this will be my first published novel. "Presently, I am working on a rewrite of a romance novel that my sister and I co-wrote, and I am about one-third of the way through a mainstream novel entitled The Greatest Gift. It is the story of the unshakable bond between a mother and daughter in spite of tragic circumstances that shatter their lives." Charlene says her best advice when it comes to becoming published is "to be like the old Timex watch slogan: 'Take a licking, but keep on ticking.' In other words, keep trying. And don't forget to try new ideas if the old ones aren't working for you." Authorlink's Goldring Wins Series Contract With Berkley Publishing Kat Goldring, among new writers listed on Authorlink, has signed a three-book contract with Berkley Publishing Group for her cozy mystery series, Crow's Feet and Lemon Drops, to be released in September 2001. Kim Waltemyer is the Berkley editor who made the acquisition, and Carol McCleary of Wilshire Literary Agency, made the sale for four figures. McCleary had represented the series 5 1/2 years before the first book sold. "I already had an agent when Authorlink was kind enough to list me in some of their first presentations," said Kat. "Ours was a mutual endeavor as Authorlink was just starting up and I had just finished a revision with the first novel under the wings of the DFW Writers' Workshop. Just as an aside, that DFW Writers' Workshop stands for that and never has meant "Dallas Ft. Worth" as some like to say. In fact one of the founding members with whom I was lucky enough to work with and helped name the group told me it really meant, Damn Fine Writers. "I believe the fact that AUTHORLINK listed me was one of the reasons my agent did not give up on presenting my work to top notch publishers. I have a few magazine articles and short stories published but my best and most extensive showcase was writing and illustrating with my original drawings a newspaper column for a year titled 'THE MEDICINE PATH.' "AUTHORLINK has been wonderful. My agent and I have always been grateful for the professional format available on the site for presenting my work. We came very close to making a sale through the site with China, and may yet sell the foreign rights with help through AUTHORLINK. Kat Goldring works full time as a high school foreign language department head and Spanish teacher. She spends an hour to hour and a half per day in editing and rewriting the novels and outlines for the first three in the WILLI GALLAGHER MYSTERY SERIES. During holidays and summer time (8 weeks) that time increases to 3-4 hours a day. This doesn't include the hours for research, marketing, the time to work with other writers on shared projects, and commitments to two writing groups. "Not only do I work the 40-hour drill and the writing tight-wire," Kat explains, "but I also sing and play the guitar in two groups: SISTERS OF THE WIND includes a fellow writer, Shirley McKee. We two do mostly classic/golden country western and cowboy/girl programs for local clubs, groups, schools, city gatherings and such. The HIGH MILEAGE country western band, some seven members strong, includes three law officers, performs for trail drives and city functions. How does it feel to have a published contract? "I go back and forth between elation of having a fantastic adventure and panic attacks," says Kat. "I am so thankful for all the wonderful folks, including AUTHORLINK, who have crossed my path at the right time, and have helped me make a lifelong dream come true. WAKAN TANKA (Great Spirit), of course, I thank for all lessons learned and all paths. This is one of those paths strewn with bluebonnets, soft moss and warm cuddly critters. The panic part has to do with getting to those book signings. I'm directional dyslexic and panic when traveling to new places. So . . . maybe that's the next adventure and lesson!" Kat Goldring currently is working on the next two novels in the WILLI GALLAGHER SERIES: SNOW SNAKE and SWEET CHARIOT. She also have a second series, the DELTA PAIGE SERIES, and has finished the first book in that series, COOPER STREET GIRLS. Authorlink asked the author: How helpful was DFW Writers' Workshop? "I would not have cleared out the flaws in my manuscript. The members helped me to develop a selling novel. I would not have met my agent, Carol McCleary, if DFW Writers' Workshop had not had her as a guest. I would not have had the opportunity to meet my editor, KIM WALTEMYER with BERKLEY PUBLISHING. I interviewed with her during her visit with DFWWW. Although I've served as an officer and hosted many dinners as well as parties at my own country home for the members, editors and agents, I still owe DFWWW a great deal." Former LA Times Reporter To Contribute Kids' Book Column to Authorlink Laguna Beach, CA/12/15/00--Barbara J. Odanaka, former LA Times sports reporter and columnist, will join Authorlink on January 1 2001 as a regular columnist. Her articles will provide writers with in-depth insights on writing and publishing children's books, and will include interviews with children's editors at major publishing houses. Among upcoming topics for her column will be: January 1: Rejection 101 February 1: A Crime to Rhyme? March 1: Every Story Tells A Picture April 1: Successful School Visits May 1: Beautiful Noise--Why "Quiet" Picture Books No Longer Make the Grade June 1: Five to Watch: A look at Upcoming Children's Authors From time to time, she will provide special reports on major children's book conferences. Ms. Odanaka left her career at the Times to write books for children. She is an active member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. Barb earned a BA in English from the University of Southern California. She lives with her husband and son in a California beach town, and is a founding member of the Skateboarding Moms Society. She can be reached at bodanaka@aol.com Authorlink Writer Lands First Book Deal With Scribner NEW YORK,NY/10/1/00--Jimmy Gleacher, who has been listed as an Authorlink writer since October, 1999, has sold his first novel to prestigious Scribner, an imprint of Rawson Associates and part of Simon & Schuster. Meredith Phelan of Linda Chester and Associates in New York found Jimmy's novel, "Roll Again," on one of her frequent searches of Authorlink, signed him on, and subsequently sold the work for five figures. The mainstream fictional work, to be released in 2002, is the 64th title to be sold either as a direct or indirect result of Authorlink. Agent Wray Signs Fifteen Authorlink Writers 9/00--Pamela Wray, owner of the new and growing Pamela Wray Literary Agency, has agreed to represent 15 writers found over the last several months as a direct result of Authorlink. Among the works now represented by Wray are several thrillers and young adult works. Ms Wray, an aggressive agent, already has sent works by the newest Authorlink ensigns out to key publishers. In another case, Ms. Wray signed a children's author who, while not officially listed on Authorlink, connected with Wray through the service. The work is a moral folk tale, similar to Uncle Remus. "I was so excited about this book that he expressed it to me over night, and I have already spoken with numerous publishers, special merchandising and TV producers, " said Wray. "I am going to put this book up for auction because there is so much interest." "The Authorlink website is the ultimate place for any editor, literary agent or publisher, and I am so thankful the staff's hard work and diligence," Ms. Wray said in a note to Authorlink. Ms. Wray is among a number of agents who regularly surf the Authorlink site in search of good manuscripts. Clemente Becomes 61st Authorlink Writer To Sell To Manuscript New York House Pays Handsome Advance New York, NY/5/26/00 --Authorlink writer Gary Clemente became the 61 st author to sell his work to a key New York publisher. Lebhar-Friedman, New York has slated a 2002 publication date for " Confessions of a G-Man: Inside the FBI, originally listed on Authorlink as The Marking of a Hoover. Clemente will be paid a $5,000 advance plus royalties for the work, half up front and half on delivery of the finished manuscript. Sale of the book is the direct result of Clemente's listing on Authorlink. "Confessions" will be an inside look at the FBI through the eyes of Clemente's father, who was a career agent for 26 years. The book will deal with anecdotal stories and inside information about the Bureau, the war on Communism in the Fifties, the mob, and J. Edgar Hoover among other things. How did he find Authorlink? A writer friend told him about it and spoke highly of the service. Authorlink seemed to be up front about everything and didn't present itself as a scheme to make money off of writers," Gary said. "Doris Booth answered all of my questions promptly and professionally while the book was made available for review. I was pleased with how some of the particulars of the book was presented and listed on-line." How long were you listed on Authorlink before the sale Gary's book was listed on Authorlink for about five months before Lebhar-Friedman Editor Frank Scatoni (formerly with Simon & Schuster) spotted the title and requested a proposal. This was all done through e-mail. Gary, 48, has been writing full time and semi-professionally since he got out of college. He's written in a number of different mediums along the way. He has several other projects in the working stage, including a collection of short stories; a humor book based on the newspaper column he writes weekly; and a suspense book in the same vein as Michael Creiton. How does it feel to be a published author? "My first and only published book was a children's piece that came out in 1995, called 'Cosmo Gets An Ear,' about a little boy who gets his first hearing aid. Being published in book form is a wonderful feeling. It's an achievement I'm the most proud of in my writing career. And does he have any advice for new writers? "Take it from somebody who has written all of his adult life and even some before as a kid -- it's got to be in your blood, because getting published is not the easiest thing to do. You write because you have to -- it's who you are and nobody's going to make you stop. One thing that can be valuable is to learn how to distill and recognize exactly what it is on a gut level that attracts people to certain stories and why. There are usually one or two elements working that can make a successful story or book. Examine a well-made movie or book and practice how to recognize the "concept" that made it work. Other than that, as Winston Churchill said, 'Never, never, never give up.'" Pamela Wray Literary Agency Signs Four Authorlink Writers 5/00--Pamela Wray Literary Agency based in Alabama, has signed four Authorlink writers for representation. They are Steven Rudd, Midnight Run; Jan Letoha, Bury the Past; J.E. Deegan, In Dark Covenant; Norman Davis, Stonecypher's Gold. Authorlink Author Carolee Joy Takes Rising Star Award 6/15/00--Carolee Joy, author of Wild Angel (Authorlink Press) won second place in the prestigious short contemporary category of the Rising Star 2000 Awards, a division of the Romance Writers of America. The winners, including the Grand Prize winner, were offered free registration at the RWA national conference or equivalent cash. Winners were presented at the Sooner Area Romance Authors in Tulsa, Oklahoma May 20. Fifth Authorlink Contest Winner Earns Publishing Contract Los Angeles, CA/ 5/15/00 --Ekaterine Nikas (Katy) Terlinden, the 1998 Best of Show and mystery winner of the Authorlink New Author Awards Competition, has landed a publishing contract with Avid Press ( www.avidpress.com Her winning novel, Divided Child, will be released by Avid in Winter 2000 under her pen name, Ekaterine Nikas. It is the fifth time in two years an Authorlink contest winner has won a substantial publishing contract. "Authorlink.com offered a wonderful contest that gave me an important boost to my career, got me access to editors and agents, and provided a very impressive reference for query letters," said Terlinden. Katy had been writing for about ten years before she heard about Authorlink on one of her writer lists. She advises new writers to "be persistent, be part of a network, enter contests (they are a great way to get agents and editors to look at your work), and keep your mind open to the possibilities offered by small presses and e-book publishers, especially if your book does not fit easily into the New York mold." Katy also says, "utilize the Internet to the fullest. I probably would not have made my sale without it. I think Authorlink is a great resource for writers and an excellent example of how new writers can use the Internet to break through the barriers to publication. Authorlink Writer's New Book Released By Marlowe, New York NEW YORK, NY/5/1/00--Beyond Anger: A Guide for Men, by Thomas J. Harbin, Ph.D, has just been released by New York Publisher Marlowe & Company's Avalon imprint. Author Tom Harbin directly attributes the sale of his book to his listing on Authorlink. Forensic Psychologist Harbin sold his nonfiction manuscript, originally titled STANCE OF ANGER, to established publisher, John Muir Publications as the result of a direct inquiry by the publisher in May, 1998. Muir was bought by Marlowe Books, a division of Avalon last year. In his new book, Dr. Harbin helps men understand their anger by explaining what the specific symptoms of chronic anger are and by showing angry men how their actions negatively affect family, friends and co-workers. Tom is one of nearly 60 Authorlink writers to sign a contract with a publisher since sales tracking began in early 1997. Tom had been listed on the site for eight or nine months before receiving the request. Generously sharing the sales figures with other Authorlink writers, Tom said he was paid a $1,000 advance upon signing a contract, another $1500 upon delivery of the revised manuscript, and the final $1000 was paid when the book was released. Tom began writing the manuscript about seven years ago, for use with angry men in his clinical practice. "The book sort of grew over the next couple of years and I guess I have been actively trying to sell it for about three years," he said. "At first, I naively sent it to editors who had done similar work. Then, I engaged a New York agent who had promoted books for a friend of mine. Honestly, I was about to put the manuscript away and forget about it or start the self-publishing journey. Then I became aware of Authorlink while absently surfing the net for agents." While not officially working on any new titles, he has started writing some short stories about the goings on in his rural North Carolina county, and he's been keeping copious notes for a possible book about his role as a forensic psychologist. When asked what he would advise first-time writers, he said I would not presume to offer anyone advice. I think that lucked out so far. And how important was Authorlink to his begin published? My book would still be sitting on a dusty disk somewhere, without Authorlink, he concluded. In little more than three years, nearly 300 writers have reported signing with agents as a direct result of Authorlink, and more than 1500 requests from editors and agents have been processed. The author lives and practices in North Carolina. Authorlink Correspondent Joins LA Times Authorlink writer, Michelle Lovato, has been hired by the Los Angeles Times to cover special sections issues. Regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious news organizations, the Los Angeles Times has a full circulation of 1.4 million copies per Sunday issue. Lovato’s work will premier March 13. With more than two years experience as an Authorlink California publishing correspondent, Lovato has covered several events, and can be found by searching archives. Lovato is the owner/publisher of The Silver Lakes Gazzette, a weekly newspaper, and a columnist and reporter for The Inland Empire Business Journal, a Southern California regional business magazine. Accompanying Lovato in her new post will be her husband, Vince, a 20- year veteran of journalism. Among Vince’s credits are previous LA Times bylines, the sales of two short stories to Stephen Speilberg, two nominations for California Newspaper Publisher’s Association awards and was the recipient of a fellowship to Rice University in Houston Texas. Lovato has 10 years experience as a political and business reporter and specializes in feature stories. She writes a newspaper column entitled, Thank You, Lord and has won several awards for her short fiction. Both Lovatos are pursuing careers in the publishing industry. Ms.Lovato will continue contributing articles to Authorlink. Authorlink Author Carolee Joy Ranks As RWA Finalist DALLAS/FORT WORTH, TX/ 3/13/000--WILD ANGEL (Authorlink Press, April 2000) by Carolee Joy has been named a finalist in the Golden Quill contest sponsored by the Desert Rose Chapter of Romance Writers of America. Other finalists include multi-published authors such as Vicki Lewis Thompson, one of Harlequin TemptationsTemptation’s biggest sellers. In addition to WILD ANGEL, SECRET LEGACY, another novel by Ms. Joy, is also a finalist in the Golden Quill competition for Best Romantic Suspense and Best First Book. New Author Ranks #12 On Amazon ATLANTA,GA/3/10/00--A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO DAY TRADING ONLINE (Adams Media) by first-time author, has risen to #12 on Amazon.com’s top 100. The book, agented by Deidre Knight of the Knight Agency (listed on Authorlink), was released only a week ago, and began its quick rise after the author appeared on CNBC Today. American Self Publishers' Group Honors Mitchell SAN FRANCISCO, CA/ 3/1/00--Ed Mitchell, whose manuscript had been listed with Authorlink before he decided to self publish, has been awarded the National Publishers Freedom Award for Best new Fiction. The honor will be bestowed by the year-old American Self Publishers Association (ASPA) for Mitchell's novel, GOLD RUSH 2000. Resource Library. The ASPA award will be given in a formal ceremony May 13 in San Francisco. In addition, the work was accepted by the National Steinbeck Center Resource Library. Mitchell attributes part of his success to Authorlink for having seen "the quality in my book, and having had the courage to publicly declare that assessment." Authorlink, while not a self publisher, helps writers market their work through promotion to editors and agents, and through listings of their work on its award-winning site, authorlink.com Third Authorlink Contest Winner Signs Contract With Major Publisher Dallas, TX/1/1/00--Three winners of the Authorlink New Author Awards competition have landed major publishing contracts within the past 18 months. The latest Authorlink contestant to become published is Cynthia G. Alwyn (pen name), who placed among the top three in the 1999 Authorlink awards competition. Carol Berg of Ft. Collins, CO, the 1999 Authorlink first-place, science fiction/fantasy winner for Song of the Beast, won a three-book contract with Roc (an imprint of Penguin Putnam). And June London, 1998 Authorlink mainstream winner signed a six-figure contract with Harper Collins for her novel, Bingo Queens and a second work-in-progress, tentatively titled Stray Bullets. Ms. Alwyn won the 1999 competition for a book titled, Tail of the Serpent, but it was her newest work, Best Served Cold, that convinced New York Agent Anne Hawkins of John Hawkins & Associates, to become her agent. Hawkins subsequently sold the work to St. Martins Press for an undisclosed amount. The title will be released in the Winter of 2001. "I have been surprised how fast things can happen," said Cynthia. "I met Anne Hawkins, who is now my agent, at a conference in 1998. We kept in contact, and when I visited with her at the 1999 Authorlink Awards presentation in Georgia, we finalized our business partnership with my new book BEST SERVED COLD. A short time later, St. Martin’s bought the project. I’m thrilled and stunned at the same time. It didn’t feel real to me until I started getting mail from them." BEST SERVED COLD features protagonist Brenna Scott and her search dog, Feather, a black Bouvier Des Flandres. Together, they search for lost or missing people. In this book, Brenna and Feather race the clock to locate a child before the kidnapper makes good his threat to take the little girl’s life. "I wasn’t sure the book would sell, but Anne believed in it and in me. Since I’d worked with a canine search and rescue team for nine years, I do have first-hand knowledge of how dogs and handlers work. Although the story is fiction, I believe my experience in this area helped sell the book," said Cynthia. Due to the commitment of her day job, Cynthia’s writing time is limited. "I usually write Thursday through Sunday and a solid eight hours a day while on vacation. I frequently work out plot points and tidbits about characters driving to and from work. Most days, I’ll sit in my car during lunch break (it’s the only quiet place at work) and make notes. Although I’ve started writing the next Brenna Scott book, it doesn’t yet have a title." The 2000 Authorlink New Author Awards Competition is now accepting entries for this year’s contest through March, 2000. Awards again will be presented at the annual Harriette Austin Writers Conference, University of Georgia, in July, 2000. Top prize is $500. For details see: http://www.authorlink.com/contest_00.html Three More Authorlink Writers Sign Publishing Deals 8/15/99--Three more writers have won publishing contracts as a direct result of their listings with Authorlink. All three are clients of Elisabet McHugh, McHugh Literary Agency, who discovered them on Authorlink several months ago. This brings to a total of 49 the number of books that have been sold through Authorlink during the past 2 1/2 years. Chris Spicer has accepted an offer form McFarland & Co. for Frankly, My Dear. . .:The Life of Clark Gable. Publication will be in 1001, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Gable's birth. Neva Hacker, author of Missing Candy, and Charles Crone, author of The Palestinian Solution, have sold their work as e-books to Fictionworks, through Ms. McHugh. E.A. Blair Becomes 43 rd Author To Find Publisher Via Authorlink 7/1/99--Scrivenery Press will publish Authorlink writer E. A. Blair's A Journey to the Interior, in November, 1999, making Blair the 43 rd author to find a publisher via Authorlink since sales tracking began in 1997. Thirty-one writers have been published as a result of Authorlink, with houses such as Berkley, Tor, John Wiley & Sons, Carol Publishing Group and others. Twelve more titles will be released in August, 1999 by Authorlink's own imprint--Authorlink Press, bringing the total of successfully published authors to forty-three. "I had tried sending material to about 50 agents, and though many were favorably impressed, all rejected the work, probably because their slice of an author's first book might not have seemed profitable enough," said E.A. Blair, who holds a Masters Degree in Fine Arts has been writing since 1951. His day job for the past 30 years has been in publications for the aerospace industry. Some time back, he wrote and published a professional book, but turned to serious fiction only about ten years ago. E.A. had been trying to sell his work through agents for five years, when he discovered Authorlink in May, 1998. He had been listed on the site for ten months when Scrivenery Press Publisher Ed Williams spotted his work on the web site. Scrdivenery, whose titles are distributed by Ingram Book Group, is actively building both its fiction and non-fiction lines. Asked how it feels to be a published author, Blair said, "Vindicated. The related adjectives will come later." Blair's contract did not include an advance, but does pay standard royalties. "My impression of Scrivenery is that they are professional, intelligent and use advanced publishing technologies--as witnessed by the use of Authorlink and Ingram Book. "Finding Authorlink was like a door to opportunity suddenly opening," said Blair. He advises the unpublished writer to "Write patiently, critically." He has a second title underway. Authorlink Writer's Novel Released By Berkley Publishing NEW YORK,NY/6/10/99-- LOST RIVER, a novel by Authorlink writer, Pax Riddle, is now on bookstore shelves. Pax made the deal with Berkley Publishing Group (division of Penguin/Putnam) as part of the connections he made through Authorlink. The book is available via: http://www.lostriver.org/, barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com Authorlink Named Among Best Education Resources On The Web 6/10/99--Authorlink has been selected as a featured site in StudyWeb ( http://www.studyweb.com/) as one of the best educational resources on the web. StudyWeb is one of the Internet's premier sites for educational resources for students and teachers. Since 1996 professional reviewers have scoured the Internet to select only the finest sites to be included in StudyWeb's reviews. Each site in StudyWeb includes a detailed review describing it's merits. Authorlink Teams With Lightning To Offer On-Demand Book Imprint DALLAS, TX /5/1/99--Authorlink, the award-winning news/information and marketing site for the publishing industry, will launch its own book imprint, Authorlink Press, this summer. The move results in part from a new publishing partnership between Authorlink and Lightning Print, Inc, the print on demand subsidiary of Ingram Book, worlds largest book distributor. Authorlink Press will carry the fine tradition of New York-style publishing into the digital age, said Authorlink President Doris Booth. We will serve as a market proving ground for the titles that truly deserve to be published and read--titles that eventually may find their way to larger houses, after we establish a solid track for them, said Ms. Booth. Lower-cost digital and on-demand printing now enable Authorlink Press to publish books once considered economically too risky. The company will aggressively market the titles, establish sales records and then seek to turn them over to larger publishers. The imprint will use the latest technology to publish digitally-downloadable books and trade paperbacks, printed on demand. Titles will be distributed through multiple on and off-line sales channels, including Ingram, which serves major booksellers such as Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.com. Authorlink has also established an alliance with Peanut Press, to help supply electronic books for 2 million Palm Pilot and IBM WorkPad owners. Authorlink marketing ties also include alliances with the book review site, Bookbrowse.com (280, 000 page views annually), larger publishing houses, and other distribution and marketing resources. Authorlink Press emphasizes aggressive, targeted marketing and distribution for every title it buys-a vital element often missing from tight production and promotional budgets at traditional publishers. The company's own loyal audience of 170,000 book lovers provides one the ready audiences of book buyers. Not only do our readers support fellow writers by buying and reading their work. They provide vital marketing feedback. At Authorlink the end consumer will tell us which books they like and why--not marketing reps, nor retail booksellers with special agendas, but the readers themselves, said Ms. Booth. Admittedly, digital publishing furrows new ground for Authorlink Our imprint is a test of its own-measuring whether consumers will buy truly good titles through Internet sites, hand-held devices and on-demand, with books printed at the time of their order (one- off). Ms. Booth explained. In 1999 Authorlink Press initially will release 12 fiction and non-fiction titles, both in digital and trade paperback (on demand), with 12 to 24 titles to follow next year. They will be promoted to targeted, vertical markets, and to horizontal mass audiences via the Internet and traditional channels. The imprints digital books will be available on the Authorlink.com site and through Peanut Press ( http://www.peanutepress.com/) late this summer. Most titles-and all of the initial 12--will also be available in the Ingram title base and may be ordered through all Ingram ordering systems, accessible to Barnes & Noble, Barnesandnoble.com, Amazon.com and, other major booksellers and libraries. Both first-time and seasoned authors will be included in the list. Categories include suspense/thrillers, mainstream commercial fiction, science fiction/fantasy, romance, and narrative and commercial nonfiction. No anthologies or short stores are considered, and length ranges from 70,000-80,000 words. The new house is not a subsidy or vanity publisher, and will pay standard publishing industry royalties. Unsolicited manuscripts are NOT accepted at this time and will be automatically recycled. Prospective authors should, instead, consider submitting their work for possible listing in the site's Author Showcase section. Authorlink will continue to showcase listings of ready-to-publish manuscripts, and to market them worldwide to editors and agents, as it successfully has done for thee years. Authorlink has been rated among the top 25% of most useful sites on the web by Microsoft's One Click Away E- zine. Authorlink Named Among Writer's Digest Top 101 Sites For Writers Writers Digest magazine has selected Authorlink as one of The 101 Best Web Sites for Writers. The 101 were culled from the Digest staffs lists of favorites, as well as from nominations made by about 1,500 visitors to writersdigest.com. The 101 Best is the cover story of the May 1999 issue of Writers Digest. The list is also published in its entirety on the Writer's Digest website, at http://www.writersdigest.com/101sites. The list of recommended websites is just one of several recent additions to writersdigest.com. Authorlink holds other distinguished industry awards, and including its ranking by Microsoft's One Click Away E- zine among the top 25% of most useful sites on the web. Four Authorlink Writers Sign With WriterBeck Agency In Two Weeks 5/1/99--Four Authorlink writers will have signed with a single literary agent within the past two-weeks. Beck Roberts, owner of the Writerbeck Agency, has contracted Mackey Murdock and Andrea Giacomuzzi--both listed with Authorlink and found through the site. Two more writers were polishing their manuscripts, but were expected to sign with Ms.Roberts within days. Beck Roberts represents 70% fiction and 30% nonfiction, and handles most categories except for erotica and cartoons. She has 30 years of experience as a published writer in both fiction and nonfiction and 20 years in related marketing fields. Ms. Roberts has been an agent for a little more than a year, and has already signed seven writers, including the new Authorlink people. Her agency is based in South Carolina, where she moved with her husband and two children to have a simpler lifestyle than in Atlanta. "Being a relatively new agent, I am more eager than some to work with the authors and their manuscripts, sending them out with strong cover letters to publishers. I am tireless in my efforts and truly get excited about seeing good works in print," she said. The agency has no sales at present but, as Ms. Roberts said, "Good things take time and I am confident in the authors' work and my ability to promote it successfully." Editor's Note, 5/11/99: This agent has retired due to a severe illness and will not be accepting other clients. Update: Authorlink Writer Sells WOLF'S TALE To TOR Books Agent Describes Publishing Recipe By Sam Hughes The Dickens Group Literary Agency 3/99--David Holland and his upcoming first novel MURCHESTON: THE WOLFS TALE (TOR Books) is a lesson to all who serve as functionaries in today's literary marketplace. Success may well depend on an old recipe: a good writer, a persistent agent who is willing to nurture true talent, and an editor who takes his or her job to heart and who will fight for a book. In the case of David Holland, whose work has appeared on Authorlink the factors that traditionally made the publishing industry great came together after seven years of productive author/agent interaction. The heroes of this story are Hollland, one of the finest writers our agency has seen, agent Bob Solinger, who recognized brilliant writing and spent seven years pounding on doors to sell Hollands work, and Karla Zounek, the TOR editor who fell under the spell of Hollands writing and worked one-on-one with him to produce a fine literary horror story with a distinctive Victorian setting and tone. For agents and editors struggling against adverse forces in the current marketplace, it is important to recognize the Holland phenomenon. Services such as Authorlink -- a sterling example of what Internet marketing can and should be are invaluable to everyone, especially to new writers. And the ultimate lesson for writers, agents and editors alike: eventually, good writing sells. Writer's Seven Year Effort Pays Off, Authorlink Plays Part Louisville, KY/1/1/99--David Holland, a writer featured on the Authorlink site, since August, 1997, has sold his novel, THE WOLF'S TALE, with The Dickens Group as his agency. David has tried for seven years to become published, and at last found an agency that believed in his work and found the right publisher. More details of his success will be published here soon. Psychologist Tom Harbin Becomes 25th Authorlink Writer To Sell Work 2/15/99--Forensic Psychologist Tom Harbin has sold his nonfiction manuscript, STANCE OF ANGER: RECOGNIZING AND CHANGING THE PATTERNS OF MENS ANGER, to established publisher, John Muir Publications. Tom is the 25th Authorlink writer to sign a contract with a publisher Since sales tracking began in early 1997. The title will be released in the spring of 2000, according to acquisitions editor Cassandra Conyers, who requested the manuscript directly from Authorlink in May, 1998. Tom had been listed on the site for eight or nine months before receiving the request. Generously sharing the sales figures with other Authorlink writers, Tom said he was paid a $1,000 advance upon signing a contract, another $1500 upon delivery of the revised manuscript, and the final $1000 will be paid when the book is released. Authorlink assumes a royalty arrangement is also included in the contract. Tom began writing STANCE about seven years ago, for use with angry men in his clinical practice. The book sort of grew over the next couple of years and I guess I have been actively trying to sell it for about three years. At first, I naively sent it to editors who had done similar work. Then, I engaged a New York agent who had promoted books for a friend of mine. Honestly, I was about to put the manuscript away and forget about it or start the self-publishing journey. Then I became aware of Authorlink while absently surfing the net for agents. Tom said having his first work published feels daunting. Muir wants him to increase the book length by about 67% during revision, and he's not a full-time author. He hopes he can get it done on time, especially since there are substantial penalties for being late. While not officially working on any new titles, he has started writing some short stories about the goings on in his rural North Carolina county, and he's been keeping copious notes for a possible book about his role as a forensic psychologist. When asked what he would advise first-time writers, he said I would not presume to offer anyone advice. I think that lucked out so far. And how important was Authorlink to his begin published? My book would still be sitting on a dusty disk somewhere, without Authorlink, he concluded. John Muir Publications, established in 1969, will release 68 titles in 1999, and 75 in 2000. Main interests are in travel and alternative health. In little more than two years, 215- plus writers have reported signing with agents as a direct result of Authorlink, and more than 960 requests from editors and agents have been processed. Writer Cindy Appel Lands Columnist Job As Result Of Authorlink 2/15/99--Cindy Appel, recently named Cyber Columnist of the Quarter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, attributes her job as a Star Telegram Online Columnist directly to Authorlink and the 1998 Authorlink Electrify Your Writing seminar. I found out how to become a cyber-columnist from the talk given at the Authorlink workshop last May by Star Telegram Online Marketing Director Bonnie Bradshaw. I became a weekly columnist by July of last year, said Cindy. Her column, titled, Every Day IS Mothers Day can be found at www.star-telegram.com/homes/cappel/columns/momsday.htm. Cindy takes a semi-humorous look at the world through the eyes of being a full-time mom and struggling writer. She has even developed a loyal following of sorts, too, and takes suggestions from readers on future column topics. I just thought that others who read Authorlink might like to know how helpful it can be to their writing careers, said Cindy. Agent McHugh Signs 12 Authorlink Writers, Sells To Key Publishers 12/1/98--Twelve Authorlink writers have signed contracts within the past couple of years with Literary Agent Elisabet Mchugh, all as a direct result of the Authorlink service. And McHugh has sold many of their works to major publishers. One of these clients, Roland Jansen, whose first book Profits From Natural Resources was just published by John Wiley, is now working on a second investment book. Linda Swink, Eric Winkler, David Whale and Sam Sackett also sold their books through Ms. McHugh. In recent months, this agent has added a number of other Authorlink writers, including: Steven Levi, David Dial, S.Alan Hepps, Terry Milton, Jim Norton, Rebecca Spalten, and Lewis Tracy. A thirteenth writer is about to be signed with her. "Authorlink is providing a great service for agents and editors," says Ms. McHugh, who works exclusively through the Internet and has clients in eight countries. "I'm impressed not only by the quality of the manuscripts that you have listed, but also the prompt service rendered by your staff when I request a manuscript. And I check out the new listings on your website on a regular basis." Authorlink Writer Sells Nonfiction Title To Lone Wolf Enterprises 12/1/98--Dale C. Maley, author of Road Map to Retirement: How to Quickly and Easily Develop a Financial Plan for Retirement, has sold his work to Roger Wolf’s Lone Wolf Enterprises, Ltd. ( http://www.lonewolfent.net/) as a direct result of Authorlink The book will be released both in hardcover and online in the first quarter of 1999. Lone Wolf has more than 60 titles in print. Maley will receive 15% of gross for printed book and 15% of gross for electronic book sales. Maley discovered Authorlink when he picked up a paper flier at the Harriet Austin Writer's Conference in Athens, Georgia last July, then followed up by visiting the site at http://www.authorlink.com/arch4_files/authorlink.htm. (Note: The second annual Authorlink New Author Awards Banquet will be held as part of the 1999 Harriet Austin Writer’s Conference in Athens, July 23-25, 1999). Dale, who has been writing for about two years, said it took him only 15 months to find a publisher through Authorlink He first found an agent through Authorlink who tried, but failed to sell the title to a large publisher. How does it feel to have his first work published? “Very exciting, it has been a long, arduous, and perilous journey from writing those first few words of the manuscript until getting it published, “ said Dale. He advises new writers to “Make sure your book is either the best among all the competition or among the first few books published in a new subject area. Be diligent, patient, and believe in your yourself and your work. Authorlink Helps Writer Secure International Agent 12/1/98--J.D. Wetterling, author of SON OF THUNDER, has sold his first work to domestic publisher, Rivilo Books, Felix C. Lowe, publisher. The title was schedule for release in November, 1998. While J.D. located a publisher on his own, it was Authorlink that helped him find his agent. The Stefanidis Agency based in Geneva, Switzerland, discovered J.D.s listing on the Authorlink site and requested a review of the manuscript. The writer agreed to let Stefanidis handle the foreign rights. Wetterling , who has been writing for nine years, had tried to locate an editor and agent for the last eight years. He found Authorlink while surfing the net. He found the publisher networking through friends. How does it feel to have his first work published? “Wonderful!” he exclaimed. Wetterling, whose day job is as a Stockbroker with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, has two more novels in progress. He hopes to write all day, every day, for the rest of his days. Books and the Internet helped him more than anything else to improve his craft. He advised new writers to “never give up.” Authorlink Writers Now Able To Track Their Own Page Hits 12/1/98-- Authorlink writers are now able to track the number of hits to their individual pages each month. We're now adding individual counters to every page, so writers can determine the level of interest in their listed manuscripts. The counter, which resets at the first of each month, does not show who visited the page, but it gives the writer an idea of how interested editors, agents and general readers are in his or her topic and title. The counter is now being added to every new writer's page. Writers with existing listings can request an ID and password for the service by emailing: dbooth@authorlink.com JLA Agency Signs Four Authorlink Writers In 60 Days, Praises Site 11/15/98--Jay Lace, owner of JLA Literary, reports that he has signed contracts to represent four Authorlink writers during the past 60 days. They include: Michael Sedge, Author of the novel, The Oracle, and a nonfiction work, Fettuccini or the Frustrated Soul; Margaret Brennecke, author of the novel, Seeking Refuge; Miles Twaddell, author of the novel, Victory Day, and Charles Carron, author of the non-fiction work, The Suing Game. JLA, a new agency actively looking to build a small roster of clients, found all four writers listed on Authorlink "We are looking for original works with commercial appeal," said Mr. Lace. "We have discovered that using Authorlink helps us separate the chaff from the wheat, and saves us hundreds of hours that would otherwise be wasted on unsuitable manuscripts." The agency adheres to the AAR's guidelines, although it is not yet a registered member. Wiley Releases Authorlink Writer's First Book in November 11/1/98--Roland Jansen, who found an agent and publisher through Authorlink, has received the first copy of his new book, Profits in Natural Resources, from publisher John Wiley & Sons. The new release shipped to major bookstore chains in early November. "It all started with Authorlink, " Jansen said in a message to Authorlink this week. "The Internet works." Agent Signs Three Authorlink Writers Within Months AUSTIN, TX/10/98--Brian G. Clark, Esq., owner of BGC Literary Management, has signed contracts to represent three Authorlink writers within less than two months. BGC is an aggressive and highly professional new agency headquartered in Austin, TX. Clark said he has signed Eric Scherer, author of THE OLYMPUS PROJECT; Ekaterine (Katy) Terlinden, who wrote THE DIVIDED CHILD, and Pete Murphy, author of SALAMANDERS. Ms. Terlinden was Best of Show (suspense/mystery/thriller) winner in the first annual Authorlink New Author Awards competition. (See the second annual Authorlink competition guidelines at http://www.authorlink.com/contest_99.html). "The advent of literary agents came as publishing houses cut editorial staff, allowing agents to step in as the front line arbiters of taste and commercial viability," said Clark. "Authorlink has become the new additional front line for the busy agent, a source for trusted pre-screened material to pursue at their convenience." Authorlink Finalists Sign Publishing Contract with Neighborhood Press 8/29/98--Marian Gibbons and Karin Welss, finalists in both the Romance and SF/Fantasy/Horror categories in the 1998 Authorlink New Author Awards Competition, have signed a publishing contract with Neighborhood Press for their historical romance novel, SWEETER THAN WINE. SWEETER THAN WINE is scheduled to be released in May, 1999, under the pseudonym of Michaela August. In this novel WWI widow Alice Roye must fight to save her Sonoma winery from the threat of Prohibition. She falls in love with her new vintner, a European refugee, not knowing that he served as an enemy soldier during the war. "We believe that entering our work in contests such as the one sponsored by Authorlink really opened some doors for us, " said Karin Welss. "SWEETER THAN WINE is definitely a local history novel, highlighting a little-known aspect of Prohibition," explains Welss when asked about how she and Gibbons chose the subject for their novel . "A lot of hard-working American winemakers and grape-growers lost their livelihoods when beer and wine were outlawed along with hard liquor, and California's wine industry languished for the next fifty years." Gibbons adds, "It was a very emotional time, so soon after World War I and the deadly influenza epidemic. Although the concept of Prohibition was well-intentioned, its effect was devastating even before gangsters and bathtub gin became the popular symbols of its failure. Grape-growers didn't know, right up to harvest in 1919, whether or not they could legally pick the best crop they'd ever seen. I found the research fascinating." How did they make the sale? After finishing the manuscript, Gibbons and Welss spent a year sending out query letters and partials. They also entered several writing contests, including the Authorlink contest. "The romance writing community is incredibly supportive of new writers," Welss says, and Gibbons agrees: "We got a lot of help and encouragement from the published authors who judged two of the contests." A major obstacle to overcome in selling SWEETER THAN WINE was its WWI-era setting. "It's always difficult for new authors to break in," remarks Gibbons, "and even more difficult when editors are convinced that no one wants to read historicals set in the early 20th century." Their finalist status helped generate leads for possible publishers, as did their membership on several writing-related Internet listservs. Welss remembers: "Someone on RWALINK (the Romance Writers of America members-only listserv) mentioned that Neighborhood Press was a fairly new publishing house open to romance submissions, and they spoke very highly of the Senior Editor, Rhea Griffiths. We queried Rhea via email, got a favorable response, and the rest is history." Marian Gibbons and Karin Welss are working on separate solo projects at the moment, although they have several more co-authored novels in the planning stages, including a sequel to SWEETER THAN WINE. Gibbons is currently writing a sequel to In a Mirror, Darkly, set amid the turmoil of Berkeley in the 60's. Welss has another historical romance in progress, a tale of love and blackmail set in Restoration England. About Neighborhood Press: Rhea Griffiths founded Neighborhood Press in 1995 with nothing but a desktop computer, an America Online account and the belief that "if she built it, they would come..." Now a rapidly growing small press, Neighborhood Press plans to publish twelve novels in 1999 as well as six issues of The Lovers Knot, a new magazine aimed at readers and writers of romance. Additional information about Marian Gibbons and Karin Welss, writing together as Michaela August, is available at the HREF"http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Square/3524/"Michaela August Web Page. Another Writer Wins Publishing Contract Via Authorlink EquiLibrium Press Signs Mitchell NEW YORK, NY & CULVER CITY, CA/ 8/98--Joyce Slayton Mitchell, author of more than 32 nonfiction books published by major houses such as Bantam, Dell, Simon & Schuster, and others, has sold another nonfiction work as a direct result of Authorlink Ms. Mitchell's newest manuscript, Pregnant in New Zealand: Mother and Daughter Letters from Afar, will be published in May, 1999 by EquiLibrium Press, Inc. of Culver City, California. EquiLibrium Press Publisher Susan Goland requested the manuscript several months ago after seeing Mitchell's listing on Authorlink This will be EquiLibrium's first title as a new publisher, specializing in all aspects of health and wellness for women. Pregnant in New Zealand is the story of a courageous and adventuresome young woman who finds an exotic life in the Pacific. This collection of New Zealand-to-Vermont letters is written in the first hours of pregnancy, leads to a dramatic 45-hour labor, and reveals the tensions of midwifery, and differences in generations, race and hemisphere. Ms. Mitchell, who lives in New York, has successfully listed several works with Authorlink since late 1997. The newest book had been listed on the site for about 45 days or less, when Publisher Goland spotted it. The entire process, from listing to sale, took place within about three months. Authorlink Winner Signs Six-Figure Deal at Harper Collins 7/98--June London, mainstream winner of the 1998 Authorlink New Author Awards Competition, has signed a six-figure contract with Harper Collins for her novel, Bingo Queens and a second work-in-progress, tentatively titled Stray Bullets. The first title will be released in April, 1999, and the second manuscript will be completed in August, 1999. Both will be released under Harper Collins’ Cliff Street imprint. Ms. London, whose real name is June Park, lives with her husband in a small Oklahoma town, similar to the setting for Bingo Queens, her first novel. She met her agent, Robert Tabian of Robert Tabian Literary Agency , four years ago at an Oklahoma writers' conference. He showed considerable interest in her story at the time, though only a few chapters had been completed. June sent an earlier novel out to 20 agents, all of whom rejected her. In 1988, early in her career, she took lessons from well-known writing coach, Jack Bickam at the University of Oklahoma in 1988. “He was my mentor, one on one,” June said. She began winning various contests and published a few shorts stories. She also began teaching creative writing at local colleges. “The more I taught, the more I learned,” June told Authorlink. When she finished Bingo Queens in February last year, she suddenly remembered the meeting with Tabian. A few weeks earlier, she had entered the Authorlink contest. On April 13, 1998 Authorlink notified her that she had won first place in the mainstream nonfiction category. About two weeks later, Tabian notified her that Harper Collins wanted to buy the work. “While we weren’t responsible for making the direct connection with HarperCollins, “said Authorlink Editor Doris Booth. “we sure know how to spot the winners.” Tabian is a former editor at Putnam and was with International Creative Management before opening his own agency. Among Tabin’s clients is 1993 Pulitzer Prize Winner Robert Olan Butler. How does it feel to have her first two novels sold? “I don’t know,” says June. I suppose reality has yet to sink in.” Asked when she first became interested in writing, Ms. Park, a native of London, England, said that as a child during World War II, she read books while sequestered in bomb shelters to calm her fears and remove her from reality. For the past ten years she has devoted herself exclusively to her writing career. Authorlink Author Tim McGuire Tops Ingram’s Hot List DALLAS/FT. WORTH, TX/ 6/30/98--Tim McGuire’s newly-released Western, Danger Ridge (DORCHESTER/LEISURE BOOKS) has been listed by Ingram Book Company among the top ten most requested western fiction titles in the mass market/paperback category for several consecutive weeks in June. The excellent showing was posted even before the title was scheduled to reach bookstores by the end of that month. Tim McGuire is among writers whose ready-to-publish and newly-released works are listed on Authorlink Danger Ridge is his first novel. Another western, titled, “Nobility,” , is due for release by LEISURE next year. Ingram is the world’s largest trade book distributor. Authorlink Writer Pax Riddle Sells Book To Berkley 6/20/98--Authorlink writer, Pax Riddle, has sold his first novel “Lost River” to Berkley Publishing Group for the mid four figures. Pax joined the Authorlink site in early 1997. Some months later he signed with a top New York agent, whom he found through the Authorlink private agency directory. Berkley Editor Kim Waltemeyer bought the manuscript in June, 1998. Lost River is the story of a young Modoc woman married to a white man, who struggles to balance her Indian heritage and her family in the face of looming war between her people and the US Army. The book will be released in Summer, 1999. Pax Riddle writes full time, and lives with his wife and teenage daughter in Connecticut. He is working on a second novel, The Education of Ruby Loonfoot, and recently sold a nonfiction article to Wild West magazine. Pax advises new writers to join a good work-oriented critique group, and consider their comments closely, while maintaining your style and integrity. “If you wish to sell your work, versus merely write it for artistic, self satisfaction, find out about the marketplace. See where you can find a niche,” he says. New Author Finds Agent On Internet, Sells Six-figure Deal 7/98--First-time novelist William Kowalski of Erie PA. has sold his manuscript, Eddie’s Bastard, to Harper Collins. After receiving offers from several houses, agent Anne Hawkins of John Hawkins & Associates Inc., New York accepted a two book deal totalling in the mid six figures. Marjorie Braman, Senior Vice President for Harper Collins Adult Trade Books made the successful offer. Irv Schwartz of The Renaissance Agency, Los Angeles, CA, will handle film and television rights. Kowalski first contacted Hawkins with an unsolicited E-mail query. He found her E-mail address via a search of AOL user profiles for literary agents. In the fictional autobiography, William Kowalski explores the importance of family and the place of the individual in the continuum of history and time. Living alone in a decaying mansion, Grandpa Mann is the last surviving member of a once-great family. Or so he believes until the day he stumbles drunkenly out the back door and discovers a baby in a picnic basket. A note taped to the handle identifies the occupant as “EDDIE’S BASTARD,” the child of his only son recently killed in Viet Nam. What follows is the bittersweet story of the old man raising his grandson as the last, proud scion of the Mann family and steeping him in all of its rich and bizarre heritage. Kowalski braids the story of the boy’s journey to young manhood together with family anecdotes and homespun philosophical excerpts from great-great grandfather Mann’s Civil War diary. The result is a story mixing warm humor with nostalgia and the inevitable sadness common to most American family histories. Michigan Writer Sells First Book Via Authorlink 7/98--David Whale has found an agent and sold his book, HOW SCHOOLS REALLY WORK: AN ACTION GUIDE FOR PARENTS, through Authorlink Before having his work accepted for a listing on Authorlink he had written an agent himself, only to be turned down. "It seemed like to me there should be a better way to reach potential editors and agents. Authorlink turned out to be the answer," David said. He found Authorlink through a search engine while surfing the web. "I liked the way it was laid out and the content," he said. " I figured it was worth a try, and the results and support were outstanding all the way." Whale said his agent has been great to work with. "We do all of our communicating via email. She is based in Idaho and I am in Michigan. We've never met face to face but I feel I know her and we have a very good relationship." David waited a number of months before his agent connected with him through Authrolink! But persistence paid off. About nine months after his listing on Authorlink Agent Elisabet McHugh had made a sale for David. That's less than half the time it usually takes to sell a manuscript. The hardcover book will be released in September, 1998 by Avisson. While David has published some scholarly papers and continues to do research and writing on the same topic as his book, this is his first full-length published work. Sam Sackett's 'Career Karate' Finds Publisher 6/98--Sam Sackett expected it would take a long time to find an agent, even with the help of Authorlink His listing first appeared on the site in April, 97, and about six or even months later he signed with agent, Elisabet McHugh, after receiving requests from three different representatives, and subsequently a publishing house. "Placing the book with a publisher took longer than I thought, "said Sackett. "I think any author feels his work is so good that it will sell immediately, and I am no exception. Reality was, as it usually is, disillusioning." That process took about four more months. "Was I skeptical of Authorlink at first? Sure. Anybody who has lived long in this economy has run across enough scams to make him skeptical of anything that sounds like a good deal. It's a by-product of the free enterprise system that crooks are free to function until they're caught. "I found Authorlink very professional and timely. I was particularly impressed with their efforts to make sure that the agents they list operate ethically, " Sam said. " I even passed along a couple of names of agents who approached me about whom I was leery, and Authorlink acted appropriately." How did Sam Sackett begin his writing career? "Miss Grassle, my kindergarten teacher, assigned all of us to write a book in imitation of the little reader which was our text. I became hooked on writing and have been writing ever since." Right now Sam has obligations that prevent him from the kind of sustained writing effort that he would like to make, so he's working along at translations of a couple of Flemish novels because he can do them a page at a time in between other chores. When he can free up his time more fully, he plans to finish a book on how to get a job, TWELVE STEPS TO FINDING THE PERFECT CAREER, which his present agent is also interested in representing. Another agent whom he found through the Authorlink listings, has three of Sam's novels: ADOLF HITLER IN OZ, AN AMERICAN PRODIGAL, and SWEET BETSY FROM PIKE. Sam's book, CAREER KARATE: WINNING STRATEGIES FOR MANAGERS, will be released by The Graduate Group sometime this spring. "I think Authorlink is a great opportunity for writers. Before I discovered Authorlink, I had used the lists of agents in the Literary Market Place, only to be told by them -- at least by those of them that answered at all -- that they were not accepting work from new writers. The agents listed by Authorlink are all agents actively seeking new talent. For that reason Authorlink saves writers an enormous amount of time and effort in bringing them together with people who actually are interested in considering their work. So I am really very thankful to Authorlink and will be happy to sing its praises wherever and whenever I have the occasion." Eric Winkler Sells First Work Within Five Months 6/98--Eric Winkler signed with a literary agent and sold his first manuscript, Partnership Marketing, to Greenwood Publishing, all within only five months. How did he do that? Through Authorlink "At first, I made the mistake that first-time authors make of trying to pitch my manuscript directly to publishing houses. While searching the Internet for publishers, I ran across Authorlink" Eric explained. "Rather than try and learn the book publishing industry overnight, I thought I'd "borrow some experience" from Authorlink and I couldn't be more pleased with the results." Authorlink asked Eric if he were skeptical of the service at first, and why? "I have to admit I was skeptical at first. There are so many mine fields on the Internet that I worry about paying for any service offered on the 'net. I was impressed by the list of authors on the site and by the current publishing industry news. It seemed like a gamble worth taking and I'm very pleased with the connections Authorlink made for me." Eric had searched for several months and had a number of dead-end conversations with publishers. He made the mistake of thinking he didn't need an agent. "Looking back, it was a little like thinking I could do my own dental work with a few lessons," he commented. Eric said he was surprised how fast Authorlink produced results for him. It took less than a month for him to sign with agent, Elisabet McHugh through Authorlink He agreed to partner with her in October. By December, 97 he had received his first serious offer from a publisher. Then, in February, 98, only five months after Authorlink connected him with an agent, he sold his first book. Asked if he had any advice for other first-time authors, Eric advised: "Don't be afraid to admit what you don't know. Do you need Authorlink? Yes. You can't possibly expect to learn the publishing industry overnight, so let Authorlink lend you their contacts and their expertise. "I don't know about other writers, but I asked myself over and over whether or not I needed an agent. I did. My agent helped me focus my work and helped crystallize the vision for my project. Unless you are fortunate enough to be a publisher writing about the publishing industry, you need an agent to help you navigate this complicated business." Eric Winkler said he had "nothing but praise" for Authorlink "This service sets realistic expectations and then exceeds them. I consider myself fortunate to have found Authorlink and even more fortunate that my agent found me through Authorlink This is a service I'd recommend to any first time author." Roland Jansen Finds Publisher In Six Months 5/98--Roland Jansen has just sold his first book to John Wiley & Sons as a direct result of having secured agent Elisabet McHugh through Authorlink Unnatural Profits from Natural Resources: How to Make Big Profits, Globally, From Oil, Gas, Grains and Metals will be released by John Wiley & Sons in August, 1998. Dutch-born Jansen, director of fund management for the oldest bank in Liechtenstein, wrote the book in German in September 1996 and originally titled it, The Coming Squeeze in Natural Resources. A friend who review it told him his German was "hopeless" and suggested he write it in English. He did. In January, 1997 he began surfing the Internet to find information on publishers and came across Authorlink "I thought Authorlink was a great idea for an aspiring writer living in a remote area and with no contacts in the publishing world. My book was accepted for listing on the service and after only two months, in March, 1997, Authorlink Editor Doris Booth informed me that literary agent Elisabet McHugh was interested in reading the full manuscript. After receiving valuable background information from Doris about the agent, I signed with Ms. McHugh on April 3." In the following six months, Ms. McHugh encouraged Jansen to refocus the book and he completed the new version in August, 1997. Only a month later John Wiley & Sons made the offer to publish the book. His advice to new writers: "Listen to the feedback you get from publishers who don't want to buy. Your work must be unique and you must be able to tell a publisher why it is so special. Finally, don't let anyone take away your dream of being published."

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Archives November 1-15, 2001