This morning’s paper carried an AP story that Nielsen, the publishing giant, has sold its premium magazines (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, among others) and is discontinuing publication of two icons of publishing, “Editor and Publisher” and “The Kirkus Reviews.” As an alumnus of hardcover publishing (Harper & Row, now Harper-Collins, and Times Books), I can tell you this is a devastating turn.

The Kirkus reviews were eagerly awaited every week when I worked at Harper’s. All the editors with new books were avid to see what Kirkus said because bookstores were likely to order more copies if the review was a good one. Also, there was that point of pride that the editor had published a winner. Editor & Publisher, the magazine, came out every week and told us who was where – what books were contemplated, what companies were doing, what authors were doing. There is also an annual, thick, paper-bound directory of companies, agents, etc., that no aspiring author can afford to overlook. I wonder if this annual has also bitten the dust.

I feel, although I haven’t been involved in hardcover (or journalism for that matter), for 15 years, that something valuable and important has gone out of my life. I haven't been reading these publications, but it was comforting to know they were there. I feel like an Evangelist, who shows up for church and is told that God has gone out of business and the fixtures (used thunderbolts, cheap, vanquish your enemies; no charge for stairway to Hell) are for sale.

xx, Teal