James
Patterson to launch explosive 'Private Vegas'
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[January 21, 2015]
By Patricia Reaney
NEW YORK (Reuters) - James
Patterson, already among the world's best-selling
authors, plans to shake up the publishing industry with
the launch of his new novel, "Private Vegas," which will
self-destruct within 24 hours.
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A deep-pocketed fan willing to spend $294,038 will be flown
to an undisclosed location for a meal with Patterson, the author
of "Unlucky 13" an "Cross My Heart," and receive a copy of the
book ahead of its launch on Jan. 26.
A special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team will also be on hand
to handle the explosive thriller.
Also as part of the promotion, 1,000 fans will be able to
download free copies of the book from the website
selfdestructingbook.com. Each book will have a 24-hour digital
timer that cannot be paused or canceled.
"Twenty four hours after you start it, the book will no longer
be there," Patterson, 67, said in an interview. "I hope this
spurs more ways to get attention."
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As more book stores are closing, Patterson said it is
increasingly difficult to draw attention to books, so publishers
need to be as imaginative as film companies.
Unlike the film industry's red-carpet premieres, Hollywood
luminaries and huge advertising budgets, book launches with
signings and readings are a more staid affair.
"The publishing business needs to compete," he said. "It needs
to compete with movies and the Internet."
Patterson hopes to prod the U.S. publishing industry, which
generated $27 billion in net revenue in 2013, according to the
Association of American Publishers.
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"This seemed like a terrific way to draw attention to a book in a
way that has never been done before," he explained. "In the history
of publishing there hasn't been anything like this."
"Private Vegas" is the latest in Patterson's 'Private' series
featuring Jack Morgan, who discovers a murder ring in the gambling
mecca.
The novel will be available for regular purchase after the special
launch, which was the brainchild of creative agency Mother New York.
"Hopefully this also opens up different opportunities just in terms
of how we can push the boundaries in publishing in general," said
copy writer Jose Funegra.
Patterson, a fixture on the U.S. best-sellers list, has sold more
than 300 million books worldwide, with fictional psychologist Alex
Cross among his best known characters.
In addition to his more than 100 novels, Patterson has written books
for young readers, including the Middle School age group.
(editing by Gunna Dickson)
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