The group of writers who signed an open letter earlier this month regarding the Amazon/Hachette dispute are now "developing a long-term strategy" under the banner Authors United, the Bookseller reported. The group includes Paul Auster, David Baldacci, Tracy Chevalier, Lee Child, Jeffery Deaver, Mark Haddon, Sophie Hannah, Stephen King, Barbara Kingsolver, James Patterson, Philip Pullman and Donna Tartt.
Preston has notified participating writers "that a full-page advert will soon be published in the New York Times, funded by a dozen authors, which will include the letter and the names of the signatories," the Bookseller noted.
"This struggle with Amazon may go on for a while," Preston wrote. "Our group, which we call Authors United, is developing a long-term strategy in case our effort here is not effective. I will be in touch with you about that.
"Together, our group comprises many of the finest writers in the English language, with billions of books sold, and we include journalists and authors in every field and genre imaginable and from all levels of success. I would particularly note that many debut authors have courageously signed this letter. Amazon's recent attempt to dismiss us as a bunch of rich, bestselling authors trying only to protect our income is not going to work.
"We have many loyal and committed readers. They listen when we speak. That represents power; perhaps even enough power to face down one of the world's largest corporations."
