I guess that could be an interesting contest–uncover those that until now have not been caught.

We maybe seeing more questionable memoirs partly because publishers know that most book-review editors don’t have the space or time to give many books that close scrutiny that they deserve. So publishers can spin their books however they like through their marketing … and they may get lucky and not get caught.
Jan

$$

So one more question: Why are those charged with the responsibility of ensuring a healthy future for the industry the same individuals and organizations that are furthering its deterioration?

The worms in the apples are threatening the whole tree.

Leaving me no choice but to write a guide for editors, agents and publishers called, “How to Spot a ConMan writer or ConWoman Writer or ConChild Writer When You See One.” Some pre-released examples, that may hopefully halt projects in the making now:

Number one, if I tell you I was raised by crocodiles in the Amazon River, feel free to check with my siblings. Just watch your step.

Number two If I tell you I attempted to commit suicide by sabotaging my own bungee chord but still managed to survive a ten thousand foot fall, please by all means make the jump and see for yourself.

Number three If I tell you that at the tender age of nine months I knew how to assemble an AK47 Assault rifle, could knock down a baby bottle from fifty feet away, and was subsequently recruited by the mafia by the age of two, leaving a trail of bodies by the age of seven, please by all means check with my familia.

And be sure to check out my follow up book for agents, editors and publishers called, “The Idiot’s guide to successfully negotiating the minefield you created by taking on a memoir that reeked of FRAUD.”

The other question is: Why do Beah and his editors keep standing by a story that is so full of holes like this one?

How? How is it that no one checked the veracity of this work?

So many opportunities for verification–so little accomplished. HOW?