The everyday insanity of life at a fictional literary review The journal Belles Lettres has a long and storied history, which is what enticed young editor Frank Page over its threshold in the first place. But Frank did not anticipate the infighting, backstabbing, and utter oddity that are all business as usual at the respected magazine. Still, nothing can match Frank's thrill at discovering a new literary phenom. But the book industry seems to be on the decline. Integrity is going extinct as conglomerate giants gobble up smaller organs and trample innovation and daring into the muck of commerciality. At least Frank's position gives him a front-row seat at the publishing world's fight of the century, as deposed editorial icon Jonathan Margin takes on self-serving corporate overseer Newbold Press in an ink-splattered battle to the death.
"Several former editors have tried their hand at characterizing editorial staffs in commercial novels or publishing histories. But none has succeeded in capturing this scene with the wit and insight of Charles Simmons . . . If you're interested in a publishing career, here's your chance to reconsider. . . . Simmons has written a novel [that] anyone who has ever worked for a social-climbing tyrant
Los Angeles Times
"A publishing insider's delight . . . [Simmons] writes with great economy and wit."
Publishers Weekly
"Simmons's most interesting novel since Powdered Eggs . . . The antics of Simmons's characters . . . keep the reader chuckling. Recommended."
