TV eminence Tim Russert of Meet the Press had a big success with his loving book about his dad, Big Russ and Me, and now promises a book about other people's fatherly experiences, on both the giving and receiving end. It will offer tales and observations about the fathers and children of many notable Americans, as well as excerpts from the many letters Russert received after his earlier book. Susan Mercandetti, a new arrival at Random from Miramax, bought world rights from Washington agent Bob Barnett. She will edit jointly with editor-in-chief Jon Karp and aims to publish for—when else?—Father's Day next year.