Cover Stories

The Government is trying to shrug off Julia Langdon's biography of Mo Mowlam for Little, Brown, sniffing that such books are "written with the purpose of getting serialisation rights and the only way to do that isby sensationalism" - according to the PM's "official spokesman". How interesting that such folk are so well acquainted with the publishing industry! Or could it be that Gail Rebuck, CEO of Random House and wife of Blair guru Philip Gould, has put the words in someone's mouth?

The Government is trying to shrug off Julia Langdon's biography of Mo Mowlam for Little, Brown, sniffing that such books are "written with the purpose of getting serialisation rights and the only way to do that isby sensationalism" - according to the PM's "official spokesman". How interesting that such folk are so well acquainted with the publishing industry! Or could it be that Gail Rebuck, CEO of Random House and wife of Blair guru Philip Gould, has put the words in someone's mouth?

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A lot to celebrate for A P Watt, as the agency marked 125 years in business with a party in the sculpture garden of the Wallace Collection. Not only have these eminent middlepersons lasted since 1875. They have now lured agent (and former Picador director) Georgia Garrett away from the clutches of Andrew "Jackal" Wylie's firm. Will GG try to entice some of her list of British clients (such as Philip Hensher, India Knight and Zadie Smith) along for the ride?

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Last month, the Orion Group was seeking an editorial director for Gollancz. Now, Anthony Cheetham has decided to rearrange his chessboard again. The venerable Victor Gollancz list is in effect no more. The logo that once graced books by J B Priestley and Michael Foot will now appear only on science fiction titles.

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As Waterstone's in Piccadilly celebrates its first birthday, an exit from nearby Hatchards - a Waterstone's in all but name. Brigitte Bunnell, after 20 years at the store, has been made redundant. She could have been made the new assistant manager, but it seems general manager Roger Katz felt her face didn't fit.