These days, Random House sales reps can read their advance reading copies on company-provided Sony Readers. Of course, how many reps are actually doing this is an open question. I haven’t found one yet who claimed to have read a galley in this way. But it’s early days.
But what’s indisputable is that their accounts can’t read e-galleys. They aren’t available. But we figure that eventually publishers will see the clear cost savings in distributing advance copies this way and overcome their shyness.
Until that nirvana arrives, I have fallen back on the old-fashioned practice of requesting bound ARC’s for the forthcoming books that I am interested in. You will find a short summary below of the three galleys for Fall Random House books that I have requested. But by “Random House” I mean that catalog publishing name. I am saving the Eden of publishing houses, Knopf, for another time.
Homer and Langley by E. L. Doctorow – on-sale September 1st:
Set in NYC in the early 20th century and about two well-documented, eccentric brothers who lived together in a run-down mansion on Fifth Avenue. I have a brother.
Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving - on-sale November 3rd:
Set starting in 1954 in New Hampshire, this story of father and son fugitives spans five decades and 500+ pages.
Set starting in 1954 in New Hampshire, this story of father and son fugitives spans five decades and 500+ pages.
Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon - on-sale August 25th:
This is my wild card choice. A quest for a twin brother, set from Ohio to the Arctic with the Ivory Coast thrown in. This tale sounds weird. But there is good buzz.
Wish me luck and if you read any of these, let me know what you think!
-DH
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