Two Preempts
David Hirshey at HarperCollins has preempted an untitled book on the presidential campaign by New Republic editor Ryan Lizza via agent Gail Ross, who sold world rights. Lizza will focus on ideas rather than process or mechanics, presenting an ideological analysis of the tectonic shift in American politics. Lizza, also a correspondent for GQ, turned down job offers from the New York Times, the Washington Post and Time to write the book. HarperCollins plans a summer 2008 publication.
Peter Osnos at Public Affairs preempted Bill Patten's My Three Fathers via John Taylor "Ike" Williams at Kneerim & Williams, who sold world English (and French) rights. Patten, son of late socialite Susan Mary Alsop, recalls his search for his real father in a milieu of worldly sexual standards, wealth and privilege, inhabited by many who shaped postwar Europe and America. Pub is spring 2008.
New Nonfiction
George Taber, whose To Cork or Not to Cork, a history of the cork industry, will be published by Scribner this fall, has inked another deal with Brant Rumble and Susan Moldow for a narrative history of wine tourism around the world with the tentative title The Complete Guide to Wine Tourism Around the World. Harvey Klinger sold North American rights and Scribner plans a spring 2009 publication.
The Kings of New York author Michael Weinreb has just made a new deal with Brett Valley at Gotham via agent Jane Dystel, who sold North American rights. 1986 will focus on the world of sports and examine how the year 1986 set the stage for the last two decades of heightened media presence, colossal sporting talents, advertising campaigns, troubled athletes and hype. Pub date is sometime in 2009.
Harmony's John Glusman has acquired a new book by National Book Award finalist Richard Dooling entitled Rapture for the Geeks, a "Hitchhiker's Guide to the post-human universe." Gail Hochman at Brandt & Hochman sold world rights, pub date fall 2008.
Jamie Raab at Grand Central recently acquired Wisdom of the Heart by Pam Cope with Aimee Molloy, via Heather Schroder at ICM, who sold world rights. The book will describe Cope's struggle to recover from the unexpected death of her 15-year-old son, and how his loss led her to the far corners of the world, where she discovered the true purpose of her life. No pub date yet.
Harcourt's Andrea Schulz bought world English rights to Abigail Santamaria's biography, Prayer Against Indifference: Joy Davidman and Her Epic Quest for Salvation via Sarah Burnes at the Gernert Company. Davidman is best known as the wife of C.S. Lewis, who immortalized their relationship in A Grief Observed. Delivery date is 2009, and Jenna Johnson will edit.
Michael L. Sand at Little, Brown bought world rights to The Police: 1978— 1983, an intimate portrait of the band by photographer Lynn Goldsmith, who had unique access to band members during their years together. The book will include 150 color and b&w photographs, and publication is planned for July 2007 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the band, which is also planning a reunion tour. The deal was made directly with the author.
New Fiction
Natasha Mostert, author of Dutton's forthcoming Season of the Witch, has made a new deal with Julie Doughty for another novel, Dragonfly, via agent Deborah Schneider on behalf of Jonny Geller in London. Dragonfly will introduce a new type of supernatural evil, a man who feeds off the "chi" or psychic energy of others. Dutton has North American rights, and publication is planned for fall 2008. Season of the Witch has already been sold in 11 countries.
Bestselling Colors of the Mountain author Da Chen has made a two-book deal with Laura Geringer for her imprint at HarperChildren; Trident's Alex Glass sold North American and Asian rights for six figures. The Sword is a novel-length fable to be the first in the Forbidden Bookstore series; pub date is fall 2008.
