Order of Roma Sub Rosa Books

Roma Sub Rosa is a series of historical mysteries by American novelist Steven Saylor. The main character is a fictional detective named Gordianus the Finder, but over the course of the series, he interacts with several historical Roman figures like Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Pompey, Sulla, Cicero and others. (more…)

Order of Steven Saylor Books

Steven Saylor is an American author of historical fiction as well as gay erotic fiction anthologies under the pseudonym of Aaron Travis. He is best known for his Roma Sub Rosa series, featuring the main character Gordianus the Finder, as well as famous historical Roman figures. His work has been translated into 20 languages. Steven has also written contemporary standalone titles. He has been with his partner Richard since 1976, splitting their time between California and Texas. (more…)

New Books from Michael Connelly, Jim Butcher & More

First out this week is Cold Days by Jim Butcher. After being murdered by an unknown assailant, Harry Dresden realizes that death wasn’t so bad after all. Cold Days is the 14th book in The Dresden Files and is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook formats.

In the paranormal romance genre, Drive Me Wild (15th in the Novels of the Others series) is about a witch named Tess Menzies, who can work a spell with a blink of the eye, but no spell will create a truce between her kind and the were-creatures of Manhattan. Drive Me Wild by Christine Warren is available today in mass market paperback, eBook and audiobook formats. (more…)

Chris Columbus to Adapt Two New Books to Film

Chris Columbus’ 1492 Pictures has signed a five-year deal with Rise Entertainment, which will provide financial backing for several new projects, including a film adaptation of Christ the Lord by Anne Rice.

The bestseller is about a 7 year-old Jesus Christ. The story is described as “a sweeping tale of faith and fear, danger and discovery as the boy Jesus and his family return to the war-torn Holy Land.” The screenplay was written by Betsy and Cyrus Nowrasteh, the latter of which will direct. Filming will begin in March in Italy. Columbus has stated that they’re not looking to cast big stars and they hope to make it on a reasonable budget. (more…)

Order of Jeffrey Fuller Books

Jeffrey Fuller is the central character in a series of naval techno-thrillers by American novelist Joe Buff. The series is set in 2011-2012, focused on a group of Boer reactionaries that have performed a coup on the South African government. After they start sinking British and American merchant ships, NATO is quick to respond, igniting a battle at sea. (more…)

1978 U.S. Copyright Law to Shake Up Publishers’ Backlists

A U.S. copyright law that allows authors to break publishing contracts author 35 years have elapsed will take effect in January. Publishers will lose part of their backlists as authors use the Copyright Act to reclaim work that’s been locked up for years. (more…)

Order of Joe Buff Books

Joe Buff is an American author of naval techno-thrillers. Due to his father being the U.S. Navy and his uncle being a merchant mariner, he has always been interested in the Navy and the military. Before becoming a writer, he spent 20 years working as a financial risk analyst, working for companies such as Guardian Life, Morgan Stanley, Towers Perrin and Merrill Lynch. In 1997, he switched careers to become a full-time writer. At first, he wrote non-fiction papers before switching to fiction. (more…)

Bill Bryson Opens 11m GBP Library Wing

Former Durham University chancellor and non-fiction author Bill Bryson returned to the university in order to open an £11 million extension to its library.

The library has now been renamed after the author, who left his post as chancellor in 2011, which the author says is a “great honour.” (more…)

Order of Crank Books

Crank is a series of young adult novels by American author Ellen Hopkins. The series was based around her own daughter’s meth addiction. The novel Crank is required reading in several high schools and drug programs. The series follows Kristina, a bright high school junior, who is peer pressured into trying meth. (more…)

Simon & Schuster to Launch New Self-Publishing Service

Simon & Schuster has announced that it will start charging fees for authors to release, distribute and publicize their own self-published books in print and eBook formats. In turn, Archway Publishing (the name of the new service) will pay out a large share of the proceeds for the self-published titles.

This is the latest sign of a growing piece of the pie for self-published authors, with one of the largest publishers getting into providing these services to writers. Self-publishing has become one of the fastest growing aspects on the publishing industry. (more…)