Frank Weimann and The Literary Group would like to extend our collective sympathies to the family and friends of our treasured friend Brian Thomsen, who recently passed away suddenly and quite unexpectedly.  It was a terrible loss to the literary community and to all of us who loved him dearly. Frank nicknamed him “the Genius” because of his unparalleled knowledge of books.  Brian could quickly quote the classics or the latest obscure title with unequivocal ease.

All of us who had the privilege of knowing Brian will be forever grateful to him for his friendship, knowledge, sense of humor and dedication to his authors.  Perhaps the most admirable trait that “the Genius” possessed was his unbound loyalty to his wife, Donna, his family and to his friends. While we will all forever miss his presence, we’re fortunate that his legacy will live on in his books. 

Buzz for Michael Scott's Series Reaches Movie Theaters

Michael Scott’s beloved bestselling series, The Secrets of Nicholas Flamel, will be featured in the cinema slide pre-show for X-Men Origins: Wolverine starring Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds and Liev Schreiber. An animated slide promoting The Secrets of Nicholas Flamel will be shown in ten US cities, and will be accompanied by the distribution of postcards featuring The Alchemyst and a promotion for a free ebook/pdf.

The Sorceress Garners Attention with E-book Giveaway

The publishing campaign to celebrate The Sorceress, the third book in Michael Scott’s bestselling Immortal Secrets of Nicholas Flamel series, has taken marketing to a new level with RHCB’s first-ever PDF/e-book giveaway.

Random House teamed up with teen social networking site GaiaOnline, and is offering a full e-book edition of The Alchemyst, the first book in Scott’s series. It became available April 25th, and in three days generated 6.4 million visitors to the site as well as 13,000 downloads of the title. A subsequent promotion drew in 14 retailers, also offering the PDF/e-book. Publishers expect the visibility of Scott’s work to draw numerous fans who will no doubt be enticed to read the full series of exhilarating fantasy books.

For more information, visit PublishersWeekly.com.

Dr. Keith Black Hosts Star-studded Book Launch

The Club Metropolitan Towers were buzzing when Dr. Keith Black hosted a fabulous book launch party for his debut memoir, Brain Surgeon. Star Jones interviewed Dr. Black in front of an enthralled audience as he conveyed his motivations for becoming a neurosurgeon and his passion for saving lives as well as for encouraging young people to follow his example. Among publishing giants, such as Jamie Raab of Grand Central Publishing, many of the most influential people of color in New York were in attendance, including Michelle Obama’s friend, Judy Byrd-Blaylock, Denzel Washington’s wife and actress, Pauletta Washington, Oprah’s best friend, Gayle King, and many more. Cicely Tyson, the wife of the late Johnny Cochran, Dale Cochran, ABC reporter Deborah Roberts and blaxploitation filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles also showed up in support of Dr. Black, his book, and the many causes he supports with his tireless and groundbreaking work.

See Mediabistro’s write-up for more on Dr. Black’s launch.

War's Compelling Images

Edward Steichen’s Aviation Photographic Unit was an elite and unique military outfit during World War II. Through memorable and dramatic shots of the U.S. Navy, they told the story of the war visually, recording history and changing the face of modern photography in the process. Navy Times writer and photographer Mark Faram has compiled some of their work and conveys its story in Faces of War. This collection will be published by Berkley.

Silent Film History Wins Florida's Best

Shawn Bean’s The First Hollywood has been named the recipient of the 2008 Florida Book Award for nonfiction. After the devastating fire of 1901 in Jacksonville, rebuilding efforts created an ideal location for film production companies which flourished until the effects of the war and railroad use pushed moviemaking back to its current hub in Hollywood. This gripping read traces the rise and fall of the silent film industry in Jacksonville, Florida. The First Hollywood was published by the University Press of Florida.

An Illustrated Catalog of Man's Search for God

The Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Final Exits, Michael Largo, continues to create the most inventive off-beat reference guides imaginable. With his upcoming title, Prophets and Liars, he pays homage to the exalted and downright crazy lives of saints, cult leaders, martyrs, soothsayers, philosophers, preachers, and others who have been blinded by the light through history. Prophets and Liars has been acquired by HarperCollins.

Grit, Dirt and Popcorn

Guys love movies, especially movies about sports. Award-winning journalist and radio talk show host Glen Macnow and Emmy award winning writer and NFL Films producer Ray Didinger have sat through more sports movies than you thought existed, and now offer up The Ultimate Book of Sports Movies. This viewer's roadmap covers the 100 best sports movies ever made in a countdown looking at cast, plot and merit, stacked with enough trivia to win any bar bet. The Ultimate Book of Sports Movies will be published by Running Press.

An Execution Poised for the Screen

In September 1941, golf star Marion Miley and her mother were killed at the Lexington Country Club during a botched burglary. Execution Eve, William Buchanan’s thrilling reconstruction of the events surrounding the trail and execution of the three men convicted for Miley’s murder, has been optioned to Fun Bunch Inc. Execution Eve was published by New Horizon Press.

Dangerous Waves

The modern-day Robin Hood of the high seas, Max Hardberger, is ready to recount his exciting, dangerous, and ingenious adventures repossessing stolen freight ships throughout the Caribbean, while weaving in the colorful history of shipping. The Kennedy-Marshall Company, responsible for the Bourne and Indiana Jones movies, has acquired the movie rights to his story. Max’s memoir, written with bestselling author David Fisher, will be published by Broadway Books.

Iconic Fashion Designer Reveals Her Inspiration

At age four, Anna Sui decided that she would become a designer and started to make her own clothes. Today, celebrated fashion designer Anna Sui is known for her hip and exuberant clothes that mix vintage style with her current cultural obsessions. With thirty-two boutiques in five countries, in addition to her fragrance, cosmetic, shoe and accessory licenses, Anna has certainly infused the public with her easy enthusiasm and love of color. Chronicle Books will publish Anna Sui’s illustrated memoir of her career, including collection photographs, personal snapshots, fashion illustrations, inspiration boards, and textile designs. This exciting new title will offer fans the intimate details behind the inspiration for her clothing line as well as her trajectory through the fashion world.

Soldier Murdered by His Own Men

Army Specialist Richard T. Davis survived one of the bloodiest battles of America’s initial invasion of Iraq. He did not, however, survive the brutal attack he suffered back home in Georgia at the hands of his own men. After being denied assistance by both the Army and the local police, Richard's parents were forced to embark on a solo journey to find out the truth. Journalist Cilla McCain performed a probing investigation into Richard’s death and reveals her findings in Murder In Baker Company. The reader will learn that Davis' murder was, in fact, part of a massive effort to conceal the atrocities that took place in Baghdad. Writer/Producer Paul Haggis of Crash and Million Dollar Baby fame has made a fictional movie about this case titled In the Valley of Elah, starring Tommy Lee Jones, Susan Sarandon and Charlize Theron. It was released to critical acclaim and an Oscar nomination for Jones. Murder in Baker Company is a crucial look into the gang problem invading the military and the truth about this harrowing case. It will be published by Chicago Review Press.

Beauty, Success and Maria Menounos

Maria Menounos is best known as a correspondent for The Today Show and Access Hollywood, but she is also renowned for her stunning looks, having been voted one of “50 Most Beautiful People” by FHM and People. In The Everygirl’s Guide To Life, she will offer practical tips that every girl, famous or not, and wealthy or not, can apply daily toward achieving a more prosperous and healthy appearance. More importantly, she offers tips to enriching your life and achieving true success through balance. The Everygirl’s Guide to Life will be published by HarperCollins.

Undercover Agent Reveals Drug Czar's Story

The success of the film American Gangster ensured that the public knew about Frank Lucas’ reign over New York City, but Lucas himself admitted that the real kingpin was Nicky Barnes.  Operating on the assumption that Barnes would never imagine that the government would be so stupid as to send a white undercover agent into his all-black domain, Louie Diaz did precisely that.  Federal undercover agent Louis Diaz and screenwriter Neal Hirschfeld have come together to write Dancing with the Devil, an account of Diaz's front-page cases and the operation that brought down Nicky Barnes, the most murderous drug czar in American history. Pocket Books will publish Dancing with the Devil.

Startling Fiction Debut Examines Memory

Craig Larsen’s debut novel Mania weaves deftly in and around beautifully crafted characters, rendering a reader defenseless against its terrifying climax. Nick Wilder is a young photographer working for the Seattle Times. When his brother is brutally murdered in an apparent random act of violence, Nick begins to lose his precarious grip on reality. In an explosive psychological plot filled with hairpin twists, Nick’s investigation stretches from his childhood relationship with his brother to his romance with his beautiful girlfriend, ultimately forcing Nick to confront his own sanity. Kensington will publish Mania as part of a two-book deal.

A Team of Superhuman Teens Emerge

Award-winning science-fiction and fantasy writer Michael Carroll is back with the deftly crafted prequel to his Quantum Prophecy trilogy. In Superhuman, a team of teenagers with extraordinary powers contends with a conspiracy that threatens to resurrect a long-dead king as the ruler of all mankind. Michael Carroll’s celebrated trilogy, Quantum Prophecy, brought a traditional superhero comic book to a satisfying novel format.  First published in the UK (HarperCollins) as The New Heroes, The Quantum Prophecy was nominated for the Ottakar's 2006 Children's Book Prize. 

Discover the Secret to Eternal Life in The Alchemyst

The Alchemyst, the first of an incredible six-book deal for Michael Scott's fantasy series, caused an avalanche of interest both internationally and in Hollywood. It has already been sold to 38 international publishers including houses in France, Brazil, Japan, Spain, China, and Russia. World-renowned Survivor producer Mark Burnett recently bought the film rights and immediately struck a deal with New Line Cinema.

The Alchemyst begins with Nicholas Flamel, who was born in 1330 as a poorly paid bookseller who became the greatest alchemyst of his day. Records show him dying in 1418, yet little do we know that Nicholas Flamel is still alive.

Known as bookstore owner Nick Fleming, he has discovered how to create the elixir of life and has hidden his secret within the Book of Abraham the Mage - the same book that was just stolen from his store. With the help of his bookkeeper, he sets off to retrieve the book, crossing the boundaries of time and space to save the world from the most powerful magic in history.

The Alchemyst Makes Thirty-Eight International Sales

Michael Scott's The Alchemyst has recently celebrated its thirty-eighth international sale. Foreign rights for the book have been sold, among others, to Portugal, Brazil, Greece, Spain, Germany, Japan, Israel, France, China and England. The book continues to appear on bestseller lists around the world.

Germany Wants Sexy Dares

Bestselling author Laura Corn’s 101 Sexy Dares has been acquired by Blanvalet for German language rights. In her latest bedroom guide, Laura embarks on her mission to inspire couples to break out of their comfort zones.  101 suggestions are labeled “for her eyes only” or “for his eyes only” and sealed in envelopes bound into the book which includes techniques, ingredients, and dares that challenge readers to surprise their partners with mischievous and sexy tricks.

Leading Fitness Instructor Reveals Insights

You are what you think you are. If you change your thoughts about yourself, you can change the person you see in the mirror--and the number on the scale. That, says Patricia Moreno, is the key to losing weight.Teaching at the prestigious Equinox Fitness Clubs in New York City, Patricia Moreno has a devoted following of students who swear by her intenSatiTM, danceSatiTM, yogaSatiTM, coreSatiTM, and warriorSatiTM classes. Now Patricia is poised to offer her techniques in a form you can take home with you. Simon Spotlight will publish her fitness and lifestyle book, IntenSati, which includes emotional and spiritual elements in addition to physical exercises. Physical training and positive affirmations capture the principle of Patricia’s innovative and holistic approach to weight loss.

Inside Delta Force Author Forays Into Fiction

Eric L. Haney, Command Sergeant Major, U.S.A. (retired) is an author, news commentator and public speaker. His first book, Inside Delta Force: The Story of America's Elite Counter-terrorist Unit, was the basis for The Unit, CBS’ acclaimed drama series. He also has an accomplished background in international security operations and executive protection.Now Eric is set to write an exciting new fictional series about a former Special Forces operative turned mercenary named Tanner. With an understated demeanor and highly specialized skills, Tanner will assist the poor, powerless and down-trodden. The Tanner series will be published by Berkley.

Doogie Horner Charts the Universe

Writer, stand-up comedian and graphic designer Doogie Horner knows that the universe is large and confusing. Navigating through uncharted areas without a compass or sextant, an inexperienced traveler can quickly become lost. Luckily these areas are now made clear in Everything Explained Through Flowcharts.  Now you can throw away that compass and stop chuckling at the word “sextant.”

Everything Explained Through Flowcharts is a hysterical collection of flowcharts that offers order to the seeming chaos of which college majors become useless, what sex noises are inappropriate, and how superhero powers work. It will be published by Collins.

Torture Survivor Bikes Five Continents

On a 52,000-mile odyssey exclusively through Third World nations, Glen Heggstad stumbled upon a startling realization: The American people have been deceived. Says Heggstad, “Eventually, a suspected truth surfaces; governments may not get along, but people do."

After being captured by a Colombian terrorist group, Glen Heggstad endured five grueling weeks of torture at the hands of The National Liberation Army. Upon returning home, he concluded that the only way to restore his psychological health and dignity was to continue what he had been doing - riding motorcycles through exotic lands. One More Day Everywhere is Glen’s account of the resulting journey across five continents. Glen’s story was also the subject of a National Geographic Channel documentary, entitled Locked Up Abroad: Colombia. ECW Press will publish One More Day Everywhere.

Love to Eat (Within Your Budget)

Teri Gault is the CEO and founder of TheGroceryGame.com, a Web site that provides shoppers with a fun and easy way to achieve substantial savings on their grocery and drugstore bills. In her first book, Shop Smart, Save More, Teri works with The New York Times bestselling author Sheryl Berk to bring together a compendium of helpful tips and tricks for making the most of your money when food shopping.Teri is on a mission to liberate consumers so they get more for their hard-earned dollars, and her book will teach you step-by-step. By organizing, storing, cooking and watching sales, you can save thousands of dollars a year. Shop Smart, Save More will be published by HarperCollins.

Wisest Man in the World Urges Americans to Invest

Bruce Fleet is well aware of the pall that has fallen over Wall Street, but he is confident that it does not halt the continued opportunity to invest frugally and ensure one’s security for the future. In The Solomon Secret: Financial Wisdom from History’s Wealthiest Man, financial expert Bruce Fleet combines decades of experience in business and personal finance with the wisdom of Solomon to offer readers a unique, well-grounded method of wise investing for the benefit of themselves and their families.

While shelves are lined with get-rich-quick books, Fleet offers a fresh, honest approach to help individuals and families properly assess their situation, plan a bright future, and take steps to make it all possible.

Marina Orlova is Hot for Words

Marina Orlova's videos have become some of the most popular on all of YouTube, with more than 100 million views so far. Now, the YouTube sensation and philologist is set to bring her lessons to a new format in her book, Hot for Words. Who knew philology could be so sexy? Collins will publish Hot for Words, which will answer your questions about the origins of words.

A Life Amidst Blood Spatter

America is fascinated with crime scene investigation, as evidenced by countless crime shows, yet the public seldom gains access to the methodology at work.  In Blood Secrets: Chronicles of a Crime Scene Reconstructionist, blood-spatter guru Rod Englert will introduce the reader to what the experts zero in on - and sometimes miss - at a crime scene.

Part autobiography, part casebook, Blood Secrets will offer up what Rod has learned about blood along the way, his field tests and experiments, and the crucial keys to deciphering the secret language of bloodshed. Award-winning writer and reporter Kathy Passero helps to capture Englert’s voice in Blood Secrets, a thrilling ride through the most fascinating cases in a lifetime of reconstruction work.

Lisa Taddeo's Debut Packs a Punch

Lisa Taddeo’s Bitch is not only an astonishingly vivid first novel with well-drawn characters and crisp, engaging language. With a lyrical and manipulative protagonist that readers will relate to against their will, Taddeo offers a terrifying look at relationships, their fragility, and the ego's struggle to assert itself.

Taddeo’s leading lady, Sam, is the kind of woman that you want to be fictional so you can sleep at night. As she researches her next novel, she traipses through a pleasant suburb, wrecking every marriage in her path with methods that would make Cruella DeVille blush. Tor will publish this brutal new bite of women’s fiction.

New Hope for Foster Care System

Celebrated author and talk show host Michael Reagan, eldest son of President Ronald Reagan and actress Jane Wyman, was sexually abused by a day camp counselor when he was seven years old. Arrow Child & Family Ministries leader Mark Tennant grew up in the foster care system and is the founder of one of the most successful multi-state foster care agencies in the nation. Together, Mike and Mark bring a deep personal understanding of the feelings and issues these kids go through. Unlike other books on foster care, The Silent Scandal seeks to inspire and motivate a society-wide movement of compassion and involvement in solving the foster care crisis, as opposed to treating it as a fixed reality. This book will offer real solutions so that individuals, couples, churches, businesses, and organizations can begin to positively effect change.

Broadman and Holman will publish The Silent Scandal: A Half A Million Foster Kids At Risk.

October Sky reaches Vietnamese Readers

The Vietnamese rights for Homer Hickam’s #1 New York Times bestseller October Sky (a.k.a. Rocket Boys) which received a National Book Critics Circle nomination and was named a New York Times Notable Book of 1998, were recently sold to DT Books. This inspiring book continues to touch new young readers and students world-wide.

Scorsese and DeNiro Set to 'Paint Houses'

Paramount Pictures is set to pair Martin Scorsese and Robert DeNiro again for what will no doubt be the next blockbuster organized crime flick. Steve Zaillian will adapt the New York Times bestseller, I Heard You Paint Houses, the true account Chief Deputy Attorney Charles Brandt's one-to-one interviews with Frank "the Irishman" Sheeran.

Scorsese is attached to direct, while De Niro will play Sheeran, who is reputed to have carried out more than 25 mob murders, and worked for crime boss Russell Bufalino. The film will be produced by Scorsese and Tribeca partners De Niro and Jane Rosenthal.

Brandt, who befriended Sheeran shortly before the latter’s death in 2003, was privy to Sheeran’s deathbed confession to having been the man who killed the teamster, Jimmy Hoffa. This fascinating look at the dark side of American crime history was a four-part Fox News special report that coincided with the book's publication.

The Last Great Fight Named Best of Booklist

Award-winning journalist and freelance writer, Joe Layden’s book, The Last Great Fight: Mike Tyson, Buster Douglas and the Day That Changed Boxing, has been named one of Booklist’s Top Ten Sports Books of 2008. The Last Great Fight details Tyson and Douglas’ famous boxing match on February 11, 1990, and how it altered the lives of both fighters. Layden is the author of more than 30 books for adults and children.

And the Winner Is...

Laura Vaccaro Seeger’s most recent title, One Boy, was named one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Children’s Picture Books of the Year. In this clever peek-a-boo book, Seeger uses die-cuts and enhances counting to 10 with a clever word game. This immediately celebrated title has also received the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor, and was named both Booklist Editors Choice of 2008 and a New York Public Library Best Book.

Seeger’s previous title First the Egg, was a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year and Bestseller, and received a starred review in the September issue of Kirkus Reviews, in which it is called, “Another perfectly pitched triumph from an emerging master of the concept book.” It was also a recipient of the Caldecott Honor, The Oppenheim Platinum Award, and was featured in a starred review in the Nov/Dec 2007 issue of The Horn Book, which claimed, “The best picture books create a world in themselves, and this tour de force is one of them.”