Random "Freyed" for $2.35 Million

[A-Schwarzenegger]

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6444457.html

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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I hope nobody goes into a library and tears page 163 out of that book.

[CBGLuthier]

1. My dad bought a copy of the Warren Commission report back in the 60s

Can he get a refund on that work of fiction too?

[A-Schwarzenegger]

2. Well, like Frey, the Warren Commission did get a few things right.

Such as, JFK died on November 22, 1963. Beyond that, not so much.

[SteppingRazor]

3. Hmm ... I don't know how I feel about this.

Holding Frey liable is one thing, but I worry about the chilling effect that verdicts like this could have on publishing if the publishers themselves are held accountable.

I mean, obviously, I don't support bullshit memoirs, but verdicts like this could make it very difficult for honest memoirs to be published if the author cannot supply an unreasonably vast amount of back-up for each factual statement made in the book.

[Book Lover]

4. I don't think there will be a chill

I think this will push editors to be more thorough in their dealings with authors, and considering the sorry state of the trade portion of the industry, that is a Good Thing, IMO. I only see an editor pushing an author for backing-up data if the author is making outrageous claims.

[SteppingRazor]

6. You think they'll only ask for back-up for outrageous claims...

even with millions and millions of dollars at stake?

I agree this one instance may not cause such a stir, but if it starts a trend...

[Book Lover]

7. Yes, I do

Having worked in this industry for nearly 20 years now, I can tell you that even though this fine is substantial, it is not going to "shock the industry." There is too much inertia for this court action to do anything more than make a few editors and publishers implement some CYA moves. In companies other than Random House (and its sister brands), someone will refer to it in meetings for the next few years if there is doubt about an author's claims. For Random and its sister brands/imprints, there may be some procedural shakeup, but I don't imagine that it would go further than maybe bringing back some fact-checking steps during development. Which, again, is a very good thing in my view.

[SteppingRazor]

8. Right on. Thanks! n/t

[Dr.Phool]

5. Where can I get a refund for my bible?