In January there was a huge flap in publishing about a non-fiction memoir that wasn’t. James Frey had sold A Million Little Pieces as a true account of his life, but an enterprising reporter got to work and proved that many of the stories in the book were just that — stories.
Today the New York Times announced that Random House and James Frey have reached a settlement in a lawsuit with readers who claimed they wouldn’t have purchased the book if they’d known it was really fiction.
According to the Times to claim the refund, purchasers must do the following:
1) Have puchased a copy of the book on or before Jan. 26;
2) Submit proof of purchase. Options include a dated receipt or one of the following: hardcover buyers, who are entitled to a $23.95 refund, must submit page 163 (chosen at random, according to the source familiar with the negotiations); paperback buyers (entitled to $14.95) must send in the front cover of the book; those who bought the audio book ($34.95) will have to send in a piece of the packaging, and those who bought the e-book, at $9.95 apiece, must send in some proof of purchase.
For an additional take, check out the Wall Street Journal Law Blog.
All I can say is, I’m glad I write fiction!
Comments 7
Wow. Gotta be one of the fastest settlements in history. Don’t you think?
Yep, it’s pretty fast.
BTW, did you know Mary Kay has a lip creme called Cocoa Beach? Each time I use it, I think of your book!
Time to hit the used book stores!
Hmmmm…I hadn’t thought of that, Joanna. Good thing we’re in different states! I won’t have to push you out of that way!
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Cara, You read a ton, don’t you? (smile) You always manage to find relevant articles out there for both my interest and for fiction writing! I’m thankful to have you in my life.
Oh, one more thing! Do you think that people will run out to get James Frey’s book just as a collectible? And would Random House just chalk this up to publicity funds? It sure created a ton of hoopla and buzz is so important to a book’s position in the market. Intriguing.