It’s Friday – the day I wrap up media reports, check in with my fantastic authors, and treat myself to breakfast tacos (Austin’s equivalent of the all-holy bagel).  As this weekend warrior heads for the door, here’s a round-up of my favorite publishing stories from the five days.

Alec Baldwin on the mic! That’s right, everyone’s favorite corporate jerk executive is getting his own podcast on WNYC, where he “gives the listener unique entrée into the lives of artists, policy makers and performers.”  Baldwin’s first show will feature an interview with Michael Douglas, and he’s got everyone from Chris Rock to political strategist Ed Rollins on deck.  I’m sold – and of course, the publicist in me is curious to see if he ends up interviewing authors.  Ready…set…stalk the producer! Subscribe to the podcast to check it out.

Harry Ransom Center acquires J.M. Coetzee papers. Perhaps you’ve noticed that we’re a bit obsessed with the HRC.  I spent hours there performing research for my undergraduate thesis, and it’s been true love ever since.  They curate amazing exhibits, host some of the best writers of our time (I saw Nicole Krauss there a few weeks ago), and they have arguably one of the best literary archives in the world.  And their archive just got even better with the addition of Coetzee’s collection (he’s now the ninth Nobel Laureate housed here).  Of course, the HRC is perfect home for his papers – he earned his Ph.D. at the University of Texas in 1969 and taught at the famed Michener Center for Writers.  Austin loves him, and we’re thrilled the HRC will safeguard his work for generations to come.

Rebecca Skloot lands new book deal.  It’s been an absolute thrill to watch science writer Rebecca Skloot dominate the bestseller list for the past year with her book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. One of my favorite books I’ve ever publicized was Unscientific America, about the root causes and dangers of scientific illiteracy in America. The brilliant authors (names) pointed out how desperately we need writers who can communicate scientific thought to the public in a compelling way, and Skloot is by far one of the best we have.  Can’t wait to read her next book!

Random House teams up with RealClearPolitics.  With our industry in the midst of massive change, and new outfits sprouting up seemingly daily with innovative new publishing models, it’s always fun to see the establishment get creative.  Crown hasn’t released many details on the partnership or the content of the books themselves, but this is on my “to watch” list.

10 Bestselling books that were originally rejected. Flavorpill’s book-related slideshows are one of the highlights of my week. This week, they curated a list of books that, before they became crazy-huge bestsellers, received the big N-O from publishers.  A pick-me-up for frustrated writers everywhere.

Happy reading!