—-

Publishing is a fickle business, esp. when it comes to these type of books; romans a clef, tell-alls, whatever you want to label them. It's been 1 1/2 years since my agent submitted my book for publication to the major houses, so in all honesty, I knew it was "dead" about a year ago. My feeling is that these type of books either get snapped up fast or are DOA. So I have long assumed that Dishalicious was DOA. There is also the whole lawsuit factor; even though I won the case against American Media, I don't think major publishers are willing to take risks with regards to potential litigation. However, I'm an attorney's daughter and a fighter, and I believe in standing my ground when I'm in the right.

There is another factor at work here, and it's because of this reason that I'm not aggressively trying to get this book published or self-publish. I wrote this book three years ago, and as any writer knows, his or her craft is perfected with each stroke of the keyboard. Therefore, what I wrote three years ago is not really in keeping with my writing style today. Meaning, I'm basically over this book, and the material I've written since is more true to myself and my style. I don't want to do the whole chick-lit thing anymore, because even though it's a genre I enjoy, the book I'm writing now is more substantial and mature.

And one more thing, on a lighter note, this eBay thing is primarily to silence all the yentas in my life! I'm sick of my mom and all her friends asking to read the book. So this is kill two birds time — silence the yentas while doing something somewhat revolutionary.

eBay This Book! [Dishalicious]

Courtesy of your friendly schizos* at American Media Inc!

*In all fairness, this could be Anna Nicole's fault. Girlfriend probably has no idea whether she got married or not.

Bonnie's MySpace Fan? That Would Be Shmuly [Ad Age]

American Media's Reality Show Nearly a Reality [AdAge]

The position will assist the Editor-in-Chief of Star Magazine in order to ensure that the magazine runs smoothly.

The Assistant will perform various administrative duties for the Editor-in-Chief such as: answering the phone, arranging travel, organizing meetings, maintaining a calendar, opening and sorting mail and maintaining files and records, among other responsibilities. You will gain first hand knowledge of the in and outs of publishing a weekly magazine as well as get experience with working with all departments of the magazine.

In addition to a minimum one year's experience as an editorial assistant, applicants must have strong written and verbal communication skills, problem solving skills and, if necessary, a willingness to take public blame for all of Dolce's erroneous pregnancy predictions.

Editorial Assistant, American Media Inc. [Monster]

This week, however, Star sticks its tail between its legs and musters an apology on the cover. Touching. If the suit isn't dropped, they'll win her favor yet.
Reese: Not Bloated — Just Portly!

Star Magazine

THE backlash has begun against Bonnie Fuller, the editrix who just inked a lucrative multi-million dollar pact to serve as a senior vice president and editorial director of embattled tabloid giant American Media until March 31, 2009.

A backlash has only just begun? Of course it has. The assistants who peed in her lunch a few years ago were actually showing their respect.

Outrage Over Bonnie's AMI Millions As Mag Sags [NYP]

The Times also reports that Fuller fractured her ankle last week while stumbling in an obstacle course at the gym. Such a shame — all that renewed editorial glory, already marred by metaphor.

Bonnie Fuller, Editor at Star, Signs Contract [NYT]
Earlier: Gawker's Coverage of AMI Mania

In the meantime, while the legal bickering works itself out, why not fight off these nasty rumors by slamming a brew and smoking some Reds in public? Worked for Sarah Jessica Parker.

Earlier: Reese Witherspoon Sues AMI and 'Star' Mag's Nonexistent Writers

Meet the new face of Star magazine: Miss Michigan 2000 Jill Dobson! Dobson has been hired as Star's News & Style editor-at-large for the tabloid, meaning that she'll be the one to go on the morning shows to yap about whatever "exclusive" the magazine is hawking on that day. Dobson's magazine experience is nonexistent, but she's worked as a talking head for various entertainment shows and, more importantly, was a finalist in the Miss USA pageant. Poise in a swimsuit is important when you're explaining why Reese Witherspoon hates you.

Full release after the jump.

————————————————————-
AMERICAN MEDIA INC. NAMES JILL DOBSON
NEW FACE OF STAR MAGAZINE

New York, NY (June 20, 2006) — Star magazine today announces the appointment of Jill Dobson as News & Style Editor at Large. Jill, who will serve as the primary spokeswoman for Star on television starting June 19th, will report to Bonnie Fuller, American Media's Chief Editorial Director.

Previously, Ms. Dobson was a New York correspondent for E! News Live. Jill also served as a host for the National Lampoon Networks, reported for News 12 Long Island and co-hosted specials on Bravo and WE Networks. Ms. Dobson began her television career as a news reporter for the CBS affiliates in Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan, her home state. Jill is a graduate of Troy University and received her Masters of Arts at Michigan State University. In 2000, she was named Miss Michigan USA and was a Top Ten Finalist at Miss USA.

"Jill Dobson is an articulate and smart reporter whose sparkling personality and celebrity know-how will bring Star to life on television," said Bonnie Fuller. "As Star's popularity and media presence continues to grow, our readers will recognize Jill as the personality they trust to receive the most accurate and up-to-do date celebrity news. We are thrilled to welcome her to our team."

American Media, Inc. is one of the largest media companies in the U.S. and the leading publisher of celebrity journalism and health and fitness magazines. These include Star magazine, The National Enquirer, the nation's largest selling weekly for 80 years, Shape, Men's Fitness, Fit Pregnancy and Natural Health.

American Media Inc. Hires New Face of Star [FishbowlNY]

Star staffers "Maggie Harbour" and "Suzy McCoppin" are named as defendants (though the plaintiff admits to being unaware of their real names); the issue in question is the most recent, June 26, and Team Witherspoon takes specific issue with the "super-sized, prominently colored print" claiming that Reese is "Going for Baby No. 3!" The documents then go on to detail a whole slew of falsehoods, right down to whether or not the actress' "loose-fitting, empire-waisted dress" indicates a bun in her oven.

A statement from Witherspoon's lawyers claim the mag was warned before the article was published; now she's seeking general, special, and punitive damages (apparently, there's three kinds!), plus an award of Star's gross revenue from said issue. Which, given the way things are going, probably won't be that much.

Lawsuit available here.

UPDATE: AMI just released a statement from general counsel Mike Kahane:

It is a frivolous lawsuit. It has no legal merit and we intend to vigorously defend it and have every confidence that we will prevail.

Reese Says 'I'm Not Pregnant' — Sues Star [TMZ]

So why the big meeting and resultant rumor milling? It might have something to do with today's news that AMI plans to auction off five of their special-interest titles: Muscle & Fitness, Muscle & Fitness Hers, Flex, Country Weekly and Mira!, which together comprise just under a third of the company's total library. AMI is reportedly shooting for a target price of $300 million, which should just about cover the cost of renewing Fuller's contract and gym membership.

American Media Puts 5 Titles Up for Auction-Report [Reuters]
American Media to Sell 5 of Its Magazine Titles [WSJ]