Eric Kampmann, head of Beaufort Books, today defended his decision to publish O.J. Simpson's If It Did It, telling PW that he is "very, very proud" of the project, which he says will include a new cover not bearing Simpson's likeness, an afterward by "a very famous writer" and possibly a new title.

News that Kampmann, whose publishing company is a divisionof Midpoint Distribution, of which he is president, had bought the rights to the book from the family of Ron Goldman, immediately sparked criticism among media and publishing circles. It also has booksellers wrestling with whether to carry the infamous book.

Appearing on the Today Show this morning Kampmann and Nicole Brown Simpson's sister Denise Brown sparred over the publisher's plans. Brown, who got choked up during the exchange, called the book "a manual on murder" and said that in publishing it, Kampmann is "commercializing blood money." Kampmann remained composed. Brown berated Kampmann for ignoring the feelings of Nicole Brown Simpson's children. "Why, why would you bring this nightmare back to these children?" she asked. Kampmann responded, "Because these are his words. This is his description, his confession. People in this country should be able to read O.J.'s words and make a decision for themselves."

In his interview with PW, Kampmann reiterated that an important consideration in taking on the book was the involvement of the Goldman family and the fact that Simpson will not benefit from the publication, though his children will. Kampmann said that things have changed since HarperCollins canceled the book, particularly the belief of the Goldman family that Simpson "condemns himself" in the work.

He also confirmed that this is a traditional publishing contract, in which the company handles the full cost of publishing and pays royalties to the rights holder. Beaufort is known for deals in which the author subsidizes the cost of publishing.

It's too soon to know how readily available the book will be. Spokeswomen for Barnes & Noble and Borders Group both said no decision on whether the retailers will carry the book has been made yet. "The publisher has not presented the title yet, so at this point we have not made any decision to buy it yet," said Borders’ Ann Binkley. A similar comment came from B&N’s Mary Ellen Keating who noted that B&N "has not been approached by the publisher," adding that "at this point no decision" has been made about the book.

Early reaction from independents was split, though even those who say they will carry the book expressed little enthusiasm for it. McKenna Jordan, manager and book buyer at Murder by the Book in Houston, said the store will not carry the title. "To be blunt, it's tacky. I’m not a fan of censorship, but I know that customers would not appreciate seeing it in the store and would be offended," said Jordan. Steve Bercu, owner of Book People in Austin, said he will carry it. "I loathe the idea of censoring any book based on my personal feelings and the public will decide very quickly whether they're interested in it or not."

Darielle Linehan, owner Ivy Bookshop in Baltimore noted that "When the book was first announced, I was torn as a bookseller: I didn’t want to censor a book but at the same time was disgusted with the whole thing. So I made an arrangement with a women’s shelter to forward the profits to them. I don’t have any change of heart concerning the book now that the Goldman family is behind it. It's just unfortunate that anyone is making money off this. It will have a prurient interest that people may want to read for the morbid details. I think the media will scan the book and give the titillating parts of the book prior to publication, so I don’t think there will be many surprises left in the book and I predict mediocre sales."

In New England, Joseph Barber, manager of The Owl and the Turtle Bookshop, Camden, Me., said they will order it if somebody orders it. "We wouldn't put it on the shelf," he said. "There's making money, and there's making money."