New Frey Novel Surfaces at HC

By Rachel Deahl -- Publishers Weekly, 9/12/2007 2:48:00 PM

The guy who shamed publishing and ticked off Oprah is back, this time at HarperCollins. The new novel from the much-vilified James Frey, Bright Shiny Morning, has been acquired by the house’s flagship imprint. Scheduled for publication in summer 2008 the novel, which will be edited by Tim Duggan was bought by senior v-p and publisher Jonathan Burnham from Eric Simonoff of Janklow & Nesbitt.

Though an HC spokesperson would not reveal details about the book’s plot, in a statement Burnham called Frey, “an immensely talented writer” and championed the book as “truly extraordinary and original.”

A Million Little Pieces, the book that embroiled Frey and its publisher Doubleday in the publishing scandal of 2006 and ultimately caused the publisher to settle a class action lawsuit, is still in print.

When asked whether there were concerns that Frey's new book might be received poorly because of the scandal around Pieces, Simonoff told PW that while "the media might not be a big fan of James...he has a huge, and loyal, fan base." As proof, Simonoff pointed to the sales of A Million Little Pieces which still sold well after "the Oprah debacle."

Burnham said he "has no concerns" about publishing Frey's novel. "Many readers seem not to be at all concerned themselves with the brouhaha that happened last year. I think Frey’s readers and fans will flock to this book."
 

One other thing: when you report the piece, would you also add that Tim Duggan will the editor – I’d be very grateful. Thanks.