Judith Regan recalls the day O.J. Simpson almost confessed to the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman during a TV interview in 2006. She details the events leading up to the interview, including the controversial book deal titled "If I Did It." Regan describes the interview process and O.J.'s lack of remorse, as well as the subsequent backlash and controversy surrounding the project, which ultimately led to her firing from News Corp.
A debut young adult novelist, Cait Corrain, lost her book deal and issued an apology after admitting to creating fake Goodreads accounts to give negative ratings to non-white rival authors while praising her own book. Corrain blamed her actions on alcohol and drug abuse, as well as a psychological breakdown. The affected authors included Molly X. Chang, Danielle Jensen, Kamilah Cole, and Bethany Baptiste. Corrain's publisher, Del Rey Books, dropped her upcoming novel, and her agent also cut ties with her. Corrain denied targeting the authors based on race but acknowledged the pain she caused and plans to seek psychiatric care and rehabilitation.
First-time author Cait Corrain lost her book deal and other partnerships after being accused of creating fake Goodreads accounts to sabotage other writers' books through negative reviews. The accusations of "review bombing" led to the discovery that Corrain had given her own book glowing reviews. Del Rey Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, dropped Corrain's book from their publishing schedule, and her literary agent also cut ties with her. Corrain acknowledged her actions in a letter, attributing them to struggles with depression and substance abuse. However, those targeted by her negative reviews felt her apology was insufficient. Review bombing has been an ongoing issue on Goodreads, with little moderation or recourse for authors.
Sanna Marin, the former prime minister of Finland, is reportedly writing a book titled "Our Turn: Fearless Leadership for a New Generation" and is currently shopping for publishers. The book deal is being handled by American talent agency William Morris Endeavor, with bidding for international rights likely already underway. Marin recently signed with American management and production company Range Media Partners to explore media opportunities across TV, movies, and brand partnerships. The former prime minister gained international attention last year for a viral dance video, defending her behavior as normal for someone in their 30s. She led Finland through the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine before losing her reelection bid in June. The release date for her book is currently unknown.
Former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who gained international attention for a raunchy dance video last year, is reportedly writing a book titled "Our Turn: Fearless Leadership for a New Generation" and is currently shopping for publishers. Sources have confirmed that American talent agency William Morris Endeavor is trading the rights to the book, with bidding for international rights likely underway. Marin recently signed with Range Media Partners to explore media opportunities in TV, movies, and brand partnerships. Despite losing her reelection bid earlier this year, Marin remains in the public eye, attending events like Paris Fashion Week and delivering lectures. The book's release date is currently unknown.
Theo Baker, the student journalist who exposed alleged errors in research conducted by a biotech company linked to Stanford University's former president, Marc Tessier-Lavigne, has secured a book deal with Penguin Press. The book will detail Baker's freshman year and his investigative reporting that led to Tessier-Lavigne's resignation as president. Despite having journalist parents, Baker credits his school paper for his success. Stanford's board found evidence of research misconduct by some members of labs overseen by Tessier-Lavigne but did not find evidence of personal engagement in misconduct.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has won a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state's new ethics commission, which was investigating his $5.1 million book deal. The judge's ruling invalidated the commission, removing enforcement powers from the governor and leaving the 11-member panel in limbo. Governor Kathy Hochul plans to appeal the decision, but if it stands, it could render the commission obsolete. Cuomo's legal battle with the commission began after it found he violated state ethics laws in the writing of his pandemic memoir. The ruling has raised concerns about the future of independent ethics enforcement in New York State.
Britney Spears is close to finishing her tell-all memoir, which will be "everything you think she will talk about and more," according to a source. Writer Sam Lansky has helped ghostwrite the book, and it has moved along quickly due to Jamie Lynn Spears' recent interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast. Britney reportedly signed a $15-million book deal with Simon & Schuster just over a year ago. The memoir comes after the end of her 13-year conservatorship and her public feud with Jamie Lynn over her own memoir.
