Interesting. If I read between the lines correctly, this is a
publicity stunt. Ellroy's GQ pieces were probably tossed off
very quickly (I don't think they are very good, or at least
not as good as they could be). He now gets a lot of free
publicity because of the auction -- not a good way for the
seller to get the best price, which is why it seems to be a
gimmick -- and recycles the pieces as novelty items (Ellroy
downloads is kool). He also plants himself firmly in the
minds of potential readers as a Stephen King-caliber
heavyweight, attracts techies, very likely gets to do his act
online -- and his next novel sells like hot cakes. Mad dog
schtick and all, Ellroy seems to be a sharp
businessman.
At least, that's my interpretation of this piece of news. I'd
be surprised if it doesn't show up in the Wall Street Journal
during the next few days.
The lesson here may be that self-promotion in the Net and
e-publishing are the way of the future. It's a better
prospect for authors than the stodgy (add other adjectives
here) publishing world.
Regards,
MrT
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