From the desk of ... the Extreme Agent, Kelly Mortimer

Hope y'all had a great week while I was away. Since there was no newsletter last week, this is a double issue, and still F-R-E-E. Let's get rollin...

I'm pulling out what few strands of hair I have left. Last week I went to the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Minneapolis. Many great things happened, but I gotta tell ya, what a group of people I met. Unbelievable. If I signed writers on character alone and had the space, I'd sign every one of them. Problem is, I have ONE spot. ONE. Grrr. What a dilemma. I have a few clients who haven't given me anything new to sell, but I can't fill their spots with hungry writers just yet. Gotta warn ya clients, the writers I met want it, and want it bad. I'm tempted to give 'em a shot, so you better man-up. I want go-to guys and gals.

I met so many great people, and I can't possibly include them all, but I wanted to mention a few in no particular order. Attendees, if you don't see your name, don't despair. I can't wait to see your work...

As close to Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm as a gal can get (in a non-condescending way), is Sarah Fowler. Her smile never dips, and neither does her willingness to learn. A ray of sunshine on a bleak day, truly. Her husband is great as well. He's sightless, but doesn't let that stop him. The dude even roared at my "blind" joke. No, I wasn't bein' mean-I was treatin' him like I'd treat anyone else, and from his genuine laugh, I believe he appreciated it. What obvious devotion they showed each other. Sarah, I wish I'd had more time to spend with you two.

I've never met a real man who embodied Richard Gere's character in An Officer and a Gentleman, such as James Howard. A strong love for God, this former Navy man was the epitome of a deep-thinking, sensitive husband and father with manners and grace, and an inner strength in difficult times. Plus, he bought me an Orange Julius, so he scores extra points. Thanks, Jim!

If ever I've "just met" someone whom I'm sure will become a lifelong friend (other than Gayle Link from last year), it's biologist Carol Schaffner. Her caring spirit overflowed with sincerity. She thinks of others before herself, and had my back at a critical time, even though we were only minor acquaintances. I look forward to growing our friendship, gal!

Lieutenant Glenn Rambo, a 20-year law enforcement veteran, spends his life in service protecting others. I so respect that. A big guy with the heart of a lion, AND he complimented me on my shoes! Sorry, gals, he's taken. Thanks for taking a job others wouldn't dream of, Glenn. Ya have my marker, dude.

An accomplished lady, Adele Hajicek w/a Adele Treskillard, hunted me down to pitch. Among her talents: She's pursuing her B.A. in Archaeology through the University of Leicester, England; is a member of the band Wren Song; plays traditional harp; sings in Gaelic; and educates others in her spare time. Quite a list. Plus, she gave me a dynamite one-sheet. I didn't realize she was only seventeen years old until she asked for my picture and ran to get her father. Props to Dad, too, for bringing her. Y'all rock!

Steve Sherman seemed out of his element when I met him. Then he confessed he wasn't the best at remembering all the grammar rules (like any of us can possibly figure them out), yet he put his heart and soul into his pitch. He didn't let his alleged not-up-to-snuff writing ability get in the way of his message. Steve, I think you're all that!

Shellie Arnold had that look in her eyes. She had a story to tell, and she'd tell it no matter what. She has a passion for writing about healthy marriages that showed from across the room. Go for it, gal!

I'm WAY pro-military, so meeting former Army nurse Marcy Brinkley was a joy. A smart, talented woman who was proud to serve. I'd be proud to serve you, Marcy.

An eight-year pastor for our youth, Sandi Greene is perfect for writing in the inspy YA market. Kind and gentle, but with a twinkle in her eye. Sandi, I bet you're gonna be a star.

A woman who published a magazine for homeschoolers for 14 years, Naomi Musch is my kinda gal. A true farmwoman, she impressed me with her positive attitude and honesty. Was so happy to meet ya. You're moo-velous! (Sorry.)

What a fun gal Therese Slusher is. She's a Wall Street Trader, but this blonde beauty turns all those trader-guys away, 'cause they don't love Jesus as much as she does. She also works with inner-city kids, and is a foster parent. We hit it off right away. You'd be a great addition to any agency, gal, and if I sign ya, I'll never "trade" ya! (Sorry.)

Rachel Smith w/a Rachel Wilder doesn't care if others know she's new at the writing game. She absorbs info like a thirsty sponge, and loves every minute of it. She attended my late-nite chat, and HAS to share her love of Russian History. And she fights for her position, not backing down (reminds me of me). I'm sure you'll be ready for prime-time any day now!

Lisa Tuttle is a bubbly gal who's writing full-time. She's a marketing writer, and we ain't talkin' groceries. Just what I'm looking for. (Her, not the groceries). She's professional, yet approachable. Lisa, you're definitely a go-to gal!

Stephen Chicone embodies the word "businessman." He knows where he wants to go, and has a plan to get there. Not staying at the hotel didn't stop him from schlepping to the Sheraton twice, 'cause we didn't get enough time together on our first visit. Your manner and smarts will take you all the way, Stephen!

Tom Tarver didn't get an appointment with me, and was unsuccessful on his first few attempts to sit at my host table. He didn't give up and finally muscled his way in. He also snagged me in the lobby to reiterate how hard he'd work, and how much he wanted me as his agent. A fiery guy with a smart and lovely wife, he showed his willingness to listen to my sound advice. (Which either makes him a genius, or totally out there.) Tom, you proved your worth!

On the other side of the fence, Sam Choy is quiet by nature, but he made his voice heard above the din, and in doing so, showed me ya don't haveta be outgoing to get someone's attention when you need to. You got it, Sam (my attention, that is).

Phil Adams didn't think I represented what he wrote, but just to make sure, he sought me out, and I'm glad he did. He was overflowing with thanks that I was willing to see him "off the clock," and strove to make sure he didn't abuse the privilege. Actually, it was my privilege you'd consider me worthy to work for you. My thanks, Phil.

Mary Roberts accosted me from her wheelchair while we were at the Mall of America. But not for herself. She asked if I'd consider a proposal from her friend who couldn't attend. Then she politely asked me if I'd consider her work as well. Mary, you're the kind of friend everyone needs. I salute you.

I could go on, but I do haveta finish the newsletter. I'm sorry I couldn't mention everyone, but there were so many more. You made me anxious to get home and read your stories, and turned the weekend into a great experience. Thanks again for spending your precious conference minutes with me. I so appreciate you all.

But you've put me in a terrible position. How am I supposed to choose one of you above the rest? I know. We can produce a reality TV show! I can give y'all writing assignments, and me and a panel of astute judges can evaluate your work. Each week, one of you would be eliminated (sigh, but that's the formula). Let's see, what would a good catch-phrase be ... how about, "I'm sorry, but this was the last chapter for you." The final writer standing snags a contract for representation with moi. Any producers out there who wanna take on "the Lucy Ricardo of the 21^st Century&#xu201D; and all these great writers??? C'mon-I dare ya.

I'm not new to television, you know. Was on both Hollywood Squares and Wheel of Fortune. Recently tried out for Deal or No Deal, but one of my clients happened to know one of the casting directors. Anyone wanna see my funny audition video? Not tame enough for ShoutLife, but YOUTube, surely.

Also tried out for that show with the lie detector. I even did a screen test out in Hollywood. I kept askin' them, "You really mean you'll give me 500k for telling the truth?" They kept sayin' yes, and I kept tellin' them to hand it over, 'cause I'll tell anyone my life-story if I think it might help someone. Since 500k would help me.... Anyway, they kept inquiring if my clients knew of my lurid past, and was I sure I wasn't hiding anything from my husband. I said, "Dudes, I told him I was in Amway, there's nothing left." (For the record, I think Amway is great. I just couldn't find enough "Kelly's" to work with me. Besides, I don't like having my success controlled by what others have to do.)

So, lemme know if that reality series is a go. Production can start right away. Since

Lifetime bought Project Runway (the rats!) BRAVO has a spot to fill. Let's go for it. I'd still have the dilemma of who to eliminate, though. Double sigh. Still, I may pitch it. Seriously.

Next week, hear all about my first stalker. Would I kid y'all about a thing like that? Yep, I guess I really am a celebrity...

Welcome to My World.

 Robin Miller w/a Robin Caroll's Exposure, an edgy single title romantic suspense.

As a search and rescue helicopter pilot for the Smoky Mountains, Brannon Callahan is calm, cool, and collected. When US Marshal Roark Cannon's plane goes down due to sabotage, Brannon must rescue him, battle the elements of nature, and assist Roark in reaching his goal, which could bring down the largest child trafficking ring in history...

to Karen Ball at B&H, plus two books to follow. Robin, you're slammin'!

NOTE:

Robin can't write for three houses, so Underdog Press has released her. We hope to sell Torrents of Destruction to B&H when Robin finishes the three-book series under contract.

If you pre-ordered Torrents, you'll get a full refund by October 1, 2008, via PayPal.

Thanks for supporting Robin!

Kelly Ann Riley placed third in the Romantic Suspense category of the Genesis Contest (Inspirational equivalent of the Golden Heart) for Cowboy's Prayer. Whoa, gal. Way to round up that award! (Sorry.)

Robin Miller earned second place in the Book of the Year Contest (Inspirational equivalent to the RITA) in the Best Debut Book category for Bayou Justice. Now, everyone, go buy-you some books. (Sorry.)

Off the rip! Outta nine titans of the industry, (plus me with a whopping 2.5 years of experience-in this field), Kelly Mortimer was honored to win the American Christian Fiction Writers "Agent of the Year" award.

I have a hard-to-understand video stream of a tiny part of Robin Miller reading one of the essays the clients wrote about me that ends with all the clapping, and you can see my picture in the background, me bounding up the stage, practically strangling poor Brandilyn Collins, then whackin' Robin with a hug.

I also have a portion of the beginning of my acceptance speech minus my two opening lines and most of the middle/ending. Hey, I'll take what I can get! To view, go to my Facebook page: www.facebook.com and plug "Kelly Mortimer&#xu201D; into the search box. I'll upload ASAP

Warning: You haveta sign up to be my "friend" to watch the clips.

 The End Is Here

It's changing times in the book business for sure, but NY Magazine applies the cliched journalistic formula to make that into End Times. Random House's new ceo may be more business-focused and energetic. Borders is in trouble. Books sold to stores are nonreturnable, and sometimes publishers have to pay display fees, the same way every other manufacturer deals with retailers. A prominent author left his old publisher after decades of support to get more money somewhere else after his sales flagged. Sometimes books with seven-figure advances don't earn out. The tooth fairy may be apocryphal.

The timing of this achingly long list of moans and whines that proclaim the book business over couldn't be more perfect. For a true crisis, affecting tens of thousands of employees (if not more) and hundreds of billions of dollars in capital, see Wall Street, not publishers' alley. Instead, we get this: "Pretty much every aspect of the business seems to be in turmoil. There's the floundering of the few remaining semi-independent midsize publishers; the ouster of two powerful CEOs--one who inspired editors and one who at least let them be; the desperate race to evolve into e-book producers; the dire state of Borders, the only real competitor to Barnes & Noble; the feeling that outrageous money is being wasted on mediocre books; and Amazon.com, which many publishers look upon as a power-hungry monster bent on cornering the whole business.

"One by one, these would be difficult problems to solve. But as a series of interrelated challenges, they constitute a full-blown crisis--a climate change as unpredictable as it is inevitable. And like global warming, it elicits reactions ranging from denial to Darwinian survivalism to determined stabs at warding off disaster--attempts not to recapture some long-lost era but to harness new, untapped sources of power. That is, if it's not too late." 

Is this article about the $30-odd billion dollar publishing industry comprising tens of thousands of publishing companies, many of them "scrappy entrepreneurs," issuing hundreds of thousands of new titles a year, or rather a set of big six editors strained by what for many is a difficult year with more transitions and the kinds of books that young NY Magazine reporters like to read (after getting for free from the publisher)? The article finishes with the hope that "the kind of targeted, curated lists editors would love to publish will work even better in an electronic, niche-driven world, if only the innovators can get them there. Those owners who are genuinely interested in the industry's long-term survival would do well to hire scrappy entrepreneurs at every level, people who think like underdogs." Does he mean the ones who recently hired young, business-focused ceos after "the ouster of two powerful CEOs--one who inspired editors and one who at least let them be"? NY Mag

Fireproof

The promoters and supporters of the upcoming faith-based film "Fireproof" have less

than a week to mobilize more churchgoers and movie-goers to help make Sept. 26-28 a high-impact opening weekend.

As the latest project of Sherwood Pictures, the movie-making ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga., "Fireproof" is set to open this weekend in more than 800 theaters across the nation. And with a successful opening, expansion is inevitable.

"Opening Weekend is the key to any movie's success," the film's promoters stated in the "Fireproof&#xu201D; website, FireproofTheMovie.com. "If a movie does well on Opening Weekend, it plays longer in the theaters where it opens and expands into other cities. If it doesn't do well ... you get the picture!"

To bring the movie to their cities, some supporters have gone as far as buying up to thousands of advanced tickets - which are later sold or given away.

One person, Penny Crowder of Fargo, N.D., alone purchased 1,000 tickets - the minimum required to bring it to her town - and is now selling them to reimburse her costs as well as to raise money for World Vision's AIDS ministry.

"I've known so many people this year that have had marital problems," Crowder told Baptist Press. "I personally am single and have never been married. But of course I have a lot of married friends, and I have seen the challenges, and I just thought, 'This is an investment in my friends,' and if I can't sell 1,000 tickets in the Fargo area - I'm an insurance agent, for goodness sakes ...."

Others, like Greg and Marci Horton of Fresno, Calif., have simply been sending e-mail invitations and verbal invitations at their local churches.

"We can't wait to see the movie and we can't wait to see the impact it will have on our own marriage, " they wrote on the "Fireproof" website.

There are also some who are finding unique ways to help give "Fireproof" an extra big boost this weekend.

"My sisters and I don't have the funds to provide tickets for people, as much as we would like to, " wrote "Jessica," who submitted her story to the "Fireproof" website. "Instead, we're offering 'tickets' for free baby-sitting to several families we know. On the coupon, we wrote that it is good for a night of free sitting so the parents can see 'Fireproof.' It's our hope that they will use them, and that God will use our small offering to work in mighty ways."

Ministries such as Focus on the Family are also putting some weight behind the upcoming movie.

"As Director of Marriage for Focus on the Family, years of experience in writing, speaking and working with couples on marriage issues, I have never come across something as strong and potent as Fireproof in helping couples visualize the exactness of real life marriage," wrote Mitch Temple in a review of the film. "The producers, writers and actors do an exceptional job in portraying real life for many couples today. Yet, the brilliantly produced film radiates messages of authentic determination, faith and hope, even for those of us who have felt like giving up on our marriages."

"This movie moved me deeply," he added.

To help publicize "Fireproof," Focus on the Family's flagship radio show is broadcasting Dr. James Dobson's interview with Alex and Stephen Kendrick, the film's director and producer, on Sept. 22 and 23.

Focus on the Family is also providing marriage resources and counseling referrals to those couples profoundly impacted by the film.

"Tell everyone you know to attend opening weekend this stirring expression of marital restoration," urged Temple. "Pray with us that God will overlay this nation with a renewed sense of the beauty of marriage and revival fueled by blatant determination to have the kind of marriage that He intends for us all."

The upcoming release of "Fireproof" comes as married couples have become a minority in America, with studies showing that 50 percent of people - regardless of religious affiliation - will be divorced at least once in their lifetime.

And, more recently, a poll by Gallup's 2008 Values and Beliefs survey earlier this year found that an alarming 70 percent of Americans now believe that divorce is "morally acceptable.&#xu201D; The latest figure - the highest on record - represents an 11 percent increase from just 7 years ago and a 3 percent increase from 2 years ago.

Scholastic's Plan to Trim Workforce

As part of their previously announced plan to reduce costs by $25 million to $30 million, Scholastic ceo Dick Robinson has written to employees to explain a four-part workforce reduction "which we believe is balanced and respectful to employees, retains as many jobs as possible, and reflects the spirit of Scholastic while meeting our financial requirements in a difficult economy."

The measures include a voluntary resignation offer for employees over 50 who have been with the company at least 10 years and are "considering retirement or other career options"; a freeze on new hires (openings will be filled from within the company); the elimination of merit raises for employees above a certain wage level; and a broader "reduction of headcount and reduction of other costs" as they "re-engineer our processes with a view to finding new and fresh ways of operating."

Robinson says their goal is have the plan "accomplished by the end of 2008." He adds: "While these steps are difficult, they will result in a stronger, more efficient Scholastic in a world of consumer change, rising costs, and a tight economy. This in turn will help us to ensure our company's success and preserve the jobs of our staff going forward." Spokesperson Kyle Good says that there is no target number for the workforce reduction.

Book Spun from Movie Could Be Season's Christian Hit

Here's a twist on the usual formula. "Fireproof" is a movie set for release at the end of the month about a firefighter asked by his father to take a 40-day marriage challenge before divorcing his wife of seven years. The challenge involves reading and following an invented book THE LOVE DARE, "which eventually transforms him and his view of love, marriage, and faith." So test audiences for the movie asked how they could get the book--which didn't exist.

Brothers Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick, pastors at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia and creators of Sherwood Pictures, who directed and produced the movie, "shut out the world and wrote for several weeks" to create a book "that helps readers learn each day about a unique aspect of the nature of love and offers a 'dare' to help implement that characteristic into their marriage."

B&H Publishing Group says they have already sold 300,000 copies in advance of the movie's release and vp of marketing John Thompson says, "This is the fastest-selling book we've ever handled." Christian Post

Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell has signed with HarperCollins to write her first teen novels for the new Balzer & Bray imprint of HC's children's division. The two-book deal, for world rights, was negotiated by Alessandra Balzer, co-publisher of Balzer & Bray, with Heather Schroder at ICM. The first book, The Carrie Diaries, is scheduled for global publication in fall 2010. The first novel, according to HarperCollins, will look at main character Carrie Bradshaw's formative high school years. "Teenagers are rabid fans of the Sex and the City book and show,&#xu201D;  said Balzer. "I can't wait to see what happens when Candace turns her sharp eye for social commentary to the other competitive jungle that is high school.&#xu201D; Bushnell's fifth novel, One Fifth Avenue, is due out this month from Hyperion's Voice imprint. [PW]

By Rachel Deahl -- Publishers Weekly

New Regency, the indie film studio with a distribution pact with FOX, has hired a dedicated staffer to cover the book world in New York. Michelle Kroes, who's been scouting for Warner Brothers (among other clients) at Maria Campbell since 2006, has been named director of feature and literary development. Kroes will be New Regency's first dedicated lit scout, working from a newly established outpost in New York. The company has also brought on veteran producer Amy Israel as executive v-p of production. (Israel arrives from Paramount Vantage, which was recently absorbed into big Paramount, where she oversaw an impressive list of book-to-film projects including There Will Be Blood, Into the Wild and No Country for Old Men.)

Although the timing might seem odd for such expansion--given the tight economy and withering state of independent filmmaking--an insider at FOX said a faltering economy is no reason to stop doing business. Rather, he said, "it means you need to get more competitive" and that the "timing is always good to try to make good movies." 

Regency chairmen Robert Harper and Hutch Parker hope the expansion and added focus on books will bring in better quality material and talent. "Books have long served as the basis for some of the most endearing and noteworthy films of all time," they said. "Michelle's instincts and experience

By Lynn Andriani -- Publishers Weekly

Oprah Winfrey revealed her 62nd book club selection today: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, Ecco's runaway summer bestseller. The debut novel by David Wroblewski hit stores in June, was an instant bestseller, and has 300,000 copies in print, said director of publicity Michael McKenzie. Following Winfrey's announcement, Ecco is going back to press for an additional 750,000 copies. Of her choice, Winfrey said, " I think this book is right up there with the greatest American novels ever written."

Wroblewski, who spent 10 years writing the novel, will participate in a live, one-time only interactive Q&A webcast session with Winfrey and book club members. A date has not yet been announced.

The book was a Barnes & Noble Discover pick and an IndieBound July #1 pick, and

was included among Amazon's "Significant 7&#xu201D; books in June.

by Calvin Reid -- Publishers Weekly

The third annual UpSouth International Book Festival, founded by Atria Books v-p and senior editor Malaika Adero, kicks off in Harlem the week of September 27 to October 4. This year's festival will use multiple venues around Harlem. Programming will feature a family day on September 27; a collaboration with Mosaic Literary Magazine on its 10th anniversary; and a "Look & Listen Party&#xu201D; on October 2, which will be a free preview event for Atria's 21 Nights--a photo-book/CD compilation by Prince and photographer Randee St. Nichola-- that will offer attendees a sneak peek at the $50 book and at the exclusive live recording of a special Prince performance that comes with it.

The nonprofit UpSouth festival is focused on the literary and performing arts and was organized by Adero, a veteran book editor, in 2006. She described the festival as an attempt to show "the link between the written word and the rest of the arts.&#xu201D; Adero said the switch to using multiple venues is an effort to "to become an organic part of uptown New York culture.&#xu201D; Venues include Minton's Playhouse on W. 118th Street; Harlem School of the Arts at 142nd Street; and the Nectar Wine Bar, site for Look & Listen, on Frederick Douglas Boulevard. Harlem-based

HueMan Bookstore will handle book and CD sales during the events.

Other UpSouth events also include the screening of memoirist Faith Adiele's documentary film,

My Journey Home, a look at the author's background growing up with a Nordic mother and a Nigerian father; as well as a performance by singer-songwriter Martha Redbone and a night of spoken word performances by poet and publisher Jessica Moore at Minton's Playhouse. The Mosaic Literary Magazine event will feature a reading from Our Caribbean, an anthology of gay and lesbian Caribbean writers, by the anthology's editor Thomas Glave and several contributors. Admissions differ (they range from free to $25), so check the schedule for the price of events.

"Every UpSouth event is designed to promote dialog between the performers and the audience,&#xu201D; said Adero. While she said that the two previous festivals "have received great critical response,&#xu201D; she also acknowledged that it has been difficult for the nonprofit festival to find affordable venues. "We have been challenged by the expense of venues,&#xu201D; said Adero. "Growing the festival and getting the word out to audiences has been a challenge; but it's a good challenge. We want to be the best little literary festival in the city.&#xu201D;

by Matthew Thornton -- Publishers Weekly

A cash crunch at Macadam/Cage has forced the San Francisco-based independent publisher to lay off several staff, including editors Khristina Wentzinger and Dave Adams and marketing director Melanie Mitchell, some of whom sent out e-mails to that effect to concerned publishing contacts this week. However, editor-in-chief Pat Walsh insisted that the current cash shortage is "hardly a sign of ill health,&#xu201D; likening the situation to that of a marathon runner with a leg cramp. Walsh, who helped found the house in 1998 and who returned there this spring after several years spent pursuing his writing career, attributed Macadam's financial woes to the transition bumps involved in switching to a single distributor, PGW, at the beginning of this year, as well as an unanticipated level of returns associated with the house's earlier acquisition of MacMurray & Beck.

Right now, Walsh said, the house's top priorities are printing and shipping and maintaining the integrity of its royalties and its credit with vendors. In the meantime, all author advances have been delayed over the next few months as the house concentrates its capital on shipping and promotion. Plans for next year's spring and fall lists are continuing, with about 30 titles on deck combined. "The plan to do this was carefully crafted,&#xu201D; said Walsh. "If we couldn't do [the books] right, we wouldn't do them. In four months, everyone who's nervous now won't be.&#xu201D; Echoes agent Amy Rennert, who said she continues to sell to the house in addition to representing them for paperback reprint, Macadam/Cage is "continuing to publish great books, [and] have a strong fall and spring list." So far, only one book previously scheduled for publication by Macadam/Cage next year has been moved to another publisher.

Despite the complications involved in reconciling bookkeeping of six different independent rep groups to that of one single distributor, Walsh said the switch to PGW was the "right move for the size we're becoming.&#xu201D; The associated "painful&#xu201D; financial decisions were "not based on optimism,&#xu201D; rather about "playing it safe,&#xu201D; he said. As Walsh described, publisher David Poindexter uses the term "right-sizing&#xu201D; to explain the layoffs, and to Poindexter's mind, given the current economy and Macadam's current revenue-per-employee figures, the pruning was likely inevitable regardless of the house's other struggles.

Walsh is hopeful that Mitchell will remain on board on a consultancy basis, a scenario he also hopes may work for the departing editors (the house frequently works with outside editors, so this is a familiar setup for them). Kate Nitze, another editor, won't be returning from maternity leave, and the house also recently lost publicity manager Julie Burton, who left in an unrelated move to HarperOne. There are plans to replace Burton in the next month or two; Walsh himself performed Burton's role at Macadam years ago and will fill her shoes in the interim. Acquisitions should resume at the beginning of next year. "The next few months will be uncomfortable," admitted Walsh, "but this will make us stronger in the long run.&#xu201D; Last month was already an encouraging one for the house, with orders up 24% and returns down.

NavPress's Growth By Pulling Back

Michael D. Miller, who took over as executive publisher a year ago at Christian publisher NavPress, tells the local paper the company is changing its focus: "We drifted too far toward seeking best-sellers," Miller said. "When you follow the trade model, you have to put a lot of material out to satisfy the needs of customers. We decided that is not in our best interest."
He adds, "I am trying to pull us back to remember that we are distributors of spiritual messages that God has given to people through the body of Christ to share." They say the company had sales of almost $112 million in 2007 up from $97.4 million in 2004.
Colorado Springs Gazette

Harper to Launch "Book Army"

Into the crowded field of social networking around books, HarperCollins will launch BookArmy.com next week, which "will list every book with an ISBN and aims to drive sales and build a community of readers" according to New Media Age. A recommendation engine will constantly feed users suggestions based on what books they like, what their friends like and what those with similar tastes enjoy. Authors will be encouraged to create and manage their own pages, while readers will be able to compile virtual bookshelves and write reviews to share with others.Those browsing books will be able to access a synopsis, similar titles and information on events. They will also be able to enter a chat forum around the book and click through to Amazon to buy." The site is a joint venture between HC and investment fund Fleming Media. Article BookArmy teaser page

by Craig Morgan Teicher -- Publishers Weekly

Sony's Reader Digital Book is now available in Target stores nationwide. The Reader, as well as a handful of accessories, will be on display in the "Discovery Hub" area of the electronics section in all 1,634 Target stores. This represents Sony's largest rollout of readers to date, bringing the number of U.S. retailers carrying the device up to roughly 3,000, according to a spokesperson. Those who purchase the Reader at Target will also receive a code enabling them to download a free copy of Phillipa Gregory's The Other Queen, which comes out tomorrow, from the Sony e-book store. Target is selling the device for $299, the same price as the SonyStyle store.

Everyone Loves the Underdog (We're countin' on it...)

"Do you know how to make the gods laugh, Ceana? Tell them of your plans."

Underdog's first release, Celtic Sacrifice by Sheryl Brennan is on the site and the video trailer is waitin' for ya (thanks to the efforts of the D-lightful Dee Owens), so hop on over to watch it, then pre-order. This book is rated "A" for "Adults." (No, that doesn't mean like rated "X," but like rated "R.") Celtic Sacrifice will be in available in trade paperback, scheduled for a late November release. To buy your copy, visit our secure site: www.underdogpress.com

"Whatever God leads you to do, it can't mean life or death-it has to be more important than that.&#xu201D;

That's all she wrote ... for this week. Next week you'll get all the details to submit to the Mortimer Literary Mentorship Award (described on the Mortimer Literary Web site), so don't miss it, and tell your friends.

Smiles,

Kelly irt

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