News 14 September 2005

New Acquisition

Mainstream is delighted to have acquired rights to THE PLAYERS: The Real Life Couple who Conned Hollywood by Jo Reynolds. In the tradition of great con memoirs, THE PLAYERS tells the astonishing and dramatic true story of how Colin Hayday, a bankrupt millionaire-turned-taxi-driver, took Hollywood for a ride - and made a fortune. Colin's ploy was to tour Soho and hook his passengers with the story of his last daring property scam, which he believed would make a fantastic film. After seven years and 50,000 pitches, he finally struck gold when he picked up the Oscar-winning mogul behind The Sting, Taxi Driver, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. THE PLAYERS reveals the scandalous truth behind the ensuing movie deal. Hayday had managed to con not only Hollywood but even the world's most cynical press. The scam made international headlines - and $15 million. But, eventually it was Hayday who was to pay the price when he was diagnosed with cancer and the deal collapsed. He didn't get the money, but still he didn't give up. THE PLAYERS, told through the eyes of Hayday's often-horrified business associate, screenwriter Jo Reynolds, charts the twists and turns and ducking and diving that took them to the heights of Hollywood and the depths of despair. It shares fascinating insights into the workings of the world's most cut-throat business and reveals how, ironically, the biggest names in Hollywood unwittingly taught them how to keep their dream alive. Set on a world stage, THE PLAYERS is a tale of chance, fate and perseverance, and ultimately teaches you how to laugh at your failures and find victory - even in defeat. Jo Reynolds grew up in the United States and Africa. He has worked in film and television as a producer but is now a full-time writer. World rights are available. If you would like to see a manuscript please contact karen.brodie@mainstreampublishing.com

We are also thrilled to announce the acquisition of ASHES FEVER How England Won the Greatest Ever Test Series by Ian Stafford. This book relives the incredible story of how England brought the best cricket team in the world down on their knees. It tells of the twists that shaped this unforgettable series and explains the creation of new English sporting heroes. Illustrated by 200 photographs, Stafford recounts how the England cricket team created history in a manner that is unlikely ever to be repeated. If you would like to see a review copy please contact lindsay.farquharson@mainstreampublishing.com

Foreign Rights

Our subagents, Maria Strarz-Kanska and Anna Smorul of Graal Agency, have secured some brilliant deals for Polish rights this week. Bellona acquired BOTTLE and Rebis bought UNLOCKING THE SOLOMON KEY. We were also pleased to accept an offer from Open Book Press for North American rights to MAN, INTERRUPTED.

Serial Rights

Serialisation of THATCHER'S FORTUNE ran in The Mail on Sunday on 4 September and 11 September.

Publicity

Mainstream's new books are receiving fantastic publicity.

An interview with Mary Quin, author of KIDNAPPED IN YEMEN, will appear in the Metro newspaper on 23 September.

WAYNE ROONEY: SIMPLY RED was recommended in The Sun's What To Do This Weekend on 9 September. The Daily Star and Manchester United Magazine are also running competitions for the book.

A documentary on Marsha Hunt, author of UNDEFEATED, is scheduled to run on ITV on 26 September. An interview with Hello! magazine will also run on 28 September.

Author Events

More of our authors are scheduled to appear at the Wigtown Festival. On 1 October, Neil Doyle, author of TERROR TRACKER and the forthcoming TERROR BASE UK, will be discussing The War on Terror with George Galloway MP and David Pratt of The Sunday Herald. On the same day, Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince, co-authors of FRIENDLY FIRE, will be talking about the ending of World War II.

And Finally...

Congratulations to Sandy Mitchell, co-author of SAUDI BABYLON, whose daughter Tara was born on 31 August.