Three Wise Men
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Article #2
IT'S A DANGEROUS GAME

Lots of folks have tried over the years to manipulate the New York Times and other Bestseller Lists but it's a dangerous game.

A few years ago, a story broke out on the wire services that allegedly a well-known and prominent newspaper publisher attempted to rig the New York Times Bestseller List in favor of his newly released book.  The Feds were so interested in this allegation that the Federal Communication Commission as well as the Federal Trade Commission were supposed to have initiated separate and intensive hearings to investigate the matter.  It was a top news story for months.

Now again, a similar set of facts is being alleged in connection with Amway cofounder Richard DeVos.  His new book, "Hope From My Heart: 10 Lessons in Life" is presently in the bookstores, and according to sources with Amway is doing quite well.  The story alleges that Alan Nevins, a prominent literary agent with top entertainment honcho Michael Ovitz's Artist Management Group in Los Angeles, placed an advance order for almost 20,000 books with several local bookstores.

It was fairly common knowledge that these stores were part of the New York Times report system to determine current bestsellers.  While there are several bestseller lists, the New York Times is the most prestigious one and inclusion on this sacrosanct list can frequently generate for the author significant royalties from future book sales.   Hundreds of thousands of readers scour over the list in minute detail looking for their next purchase.  And, this list is their only source of reference for their purchase.

Inclusion on the New York Times list plus an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show practically guarantees success for the author beyond his/her wildest dreams.  That's why anyone with a mind for tremendous success would go to extreme lengths - and risks - to snare the two of them as part of the book's marketing and promotional scheme.

Trying to manipulate bestseller lists can be expensive as well as dangerous.  The New York Times Article breaking the story on the DeVos Book suggests that Alan Nevins's advance sale purchase cost him more than $75,000 - some kind of heavy kick in the pants for most of us.

Even if we could afford it, all you agents and authors, it's not worth the risk if you get caught.  It could mean the end of career as well as stiff penalties and maybe even a few years in the slammer.  It sure is a dangerous game, too dangerous for this guy.