Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Slaughter writes digital-only story to benefit libraries

22.08.11 | Katie Allen - The Bookseller

American crime writer Karin Slaughter has written a digital-only short story exclusive to Amazon, with all the proceeds going to benefit libraries.

Thorn in My Side will be published as a £1.83 Kindle Single on Amazon.co.uk on 25th August, with all the profits going to the Reading Agency. In the US, Amazon Publishing’s Thomas & Mercer imprint will release the single on the same day, priced $2.95, with all profits going to the DeKalb County Library System in DeKalb County, Georgia. Slaughter's Save the Libraries organisation has already raised $50,000 for the system.

Slaughter said: “Librarians have always stood up for writers and readers in every kind of community across this country. The demand for their programs and services is increasing while their budgets are decreasing. It's time that we stood up for them. I had a great time writing Thorn in My Side and the fact that it is for this great cause just makes it even better. I appreciate the work the team at Thomas & Mercer has put into this to help me make it reality."

Reading Agency director Miranda McKearney said: "We are all so cheered and heartened by the news of Karin’s wonderful donation to The Reading Agency. UK libraries are under huge pressure at the moment because of severe financial cuts. Like Karin, we believe passionately in libraries, and have been working with them to help them develop a really compelling reading service for the public. “

Thorn in My Side follows two brothers out on a Saturday night, but “what happens next can only be described in two words: vintage Slaughter

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