Today’s links of interest:
- Complaint about McGraw Hill and author Jan Goldberg
We believe that allegations of plagiarism should be taken seriously. We also believe that publishers take such allegations very seriously. Further to this, we believe that each publishing house — cognizant of the serious nature of this topic — has policies and procedures in place to research and resolve these issues. Thus, we do not believe the nagging approach, which seems to indicate that an unrelated third party has a right to information about the ongoing investigation, is appropriate. McGraw Hill has been very accommodating in this matter, but they are not obligated to keep said unaffiliated third parties in the loop when it comes to legal matters. This whole thread really irritated us. - Hard Wordes in Plaine English
Scott McLemee looks at the not-so-secret lives of Puritans. - Author to return protected stones
Follow-up to a story we’ve been watching — Ian McEwan proves he’s no scofflaw! - Pirated books worth Rs.135 million seized in Delhi
File Under: Anti-piracy efforts. - Eight authors on shortlist for rich literary prize
The International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award is "…the world’s richest prize for a single work of fiction in English." - Meet The New Harper’s Website
Harper’s Magazine has digitized 157 years of content and placed it online for the world to read. Provided the world subscribes to Harper’s (under twenty bucks a year). It’s possible that the archives will be opened up to bloggers and others in the future, but right now, membership has its privileges. - Dark Themes in Books Get Students Reading
For historical perspectives on modern fiction "dumbing down" the reading curriculum, see complaints related to "Catcher in the Rye" and "Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret". Kids relate to fiction that relates to them. The so-called canon makes a lovely starting point, but, you know, this is the modern world. - How Few Books Must One Sell For A Flop?
Gawker breaks down the apparent disappointing sales of "Because She Can" (the so-called Regan roman a clef) and offers this insight: 5,300 copies sold for a heavily promoted book is only a flop if the initial print run is massive. Meaning we need to be nice until we learn that number. Okay, we don’t have to be nice. - Bloomsbury looks for new media to replace Potter
A MySpace for books — probably doesn’t require the massive infusion of cash Bloomsbury is suggesting, more like a massive infusion of creativity. We’re available! - The Creative Commons Confound: Whether releasing your book for free will help boost your sales
A study of the pros and perils. Plus! Bonus! A brief examination of the Boing Boing effect.
