Random "Freyed" for $2.35 Million

By Dermot McEvoy -- Publishers Weekly, 5/18/2007 5:05:00 AM

Jim Frey is turning out to be a Robin Hood author—he takes from his publisher and gives to his readers. The New York Daily News reports today that according to a preliminary settlement approved this week by Federal Judge Richard Holwell, Random House must fork over $2.35 million dollars to readers who were defrauded by A Million Little Pieces, a nonfiction book that turned out to be fiction. After Oprah Winfrey raved about it on her syndicated show in 2005, Frey went on to sell 3-million copies.

Readers who want a rebate must tear out page 163 of the hardcover or the cover of the paperback and send it with their claim to Random House. Cloth purchasers could receive as much as $23.95 each and paperback buyers a max of $14.95. CD buyers will also be compensated. The amount of the actual refund depends on how many readers actually participate in the case. Legal notices will be appearing in several publication over the next few months and readers will be directed to www.amplsettlement.com for full details. Claims must be received by October 1.

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