Ah, auctions. It’s probably the closest thing to a carnival funhouse atmosphere in the publishing world, where different houses/imprints/factions try to outwit, outlast and outplay in the hopes of landing a gigantic deal that will only lead to the winning publisher seeing red for the foreseeable future. But it’s hard not to get caught up because you must have that particular proposal offering right this moment and beat everyone else!
Which seems to be the case in Britain as the industry awaits the victor for the right to publish Eric Clapton’s memoirs. He’s already rejected a 2.5 m pound offer, and the final result looks to be far higher. Stay tuned, for the winner is expected to rise above the fracas by Wednesday, with many battle scars showing, no doubt.
Why all the fuss? Well, it’s Clapton, rock guitar god, and he’s planning on dishing, baring his soul, all that jazz (or is it blues?) And since it’s world rights being offered up, no doubt the next auction round will happen Stateside…