Two Journalists Shop Books about Chilean Miners’ Ordeal

By Maryann Yin 

Guardian journalist Jonathan Franklin and New York Times journalist Alexei Barrionuevo are both hoping to write about the 33 miners rescued in Chile yesterday. The BBC report embedded above covers the rescue efforts.

Crain’s New York reports that Franklin has already sold his proposal to several European houses, including the British publisher, Transworld. 33 Men, Buried Alive: The Inside Story of the Trapped Chilean Miners is scheduled for release early next year. George Lucas of Inkwell Management represents Franklin in New York.

Barrionuevo has not yet submitted a proposal, but is represented by Esther Newberg of ICM. According to the article, his book will “cover the aftermath of the rescue and the complications that arise as the miners deal with being international heroes.”

Here’s more from the article: “The concern among publishers is that the public will get enough of the heart-stirring story from all of the news accounts and won’t have any need of a book. ‘We’re wondering how much the immediate coverage will chew up the story,’ said one editor who was considering 33 Men. Despite those concerns, some publishing executives feel that the miners’ story is dramatic and compelling enough to warrant a book.”