JKR and Bloomsbury Speak Out About Early Reviews

Jul 19, 2007

Posted by: EdwardTLC

Uncategorized

Bloomsbury, the UK publishers of the Harry Potter novels, issued a press release today in response to copies of the final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, being released prior to the ‘UK, US and worldwide embargo time agreed with retailers, suppliers, and all third parties involved of 00.01AM British Summer Time on Saturday July 21st 2007.’ Being ‘extremely dismayed’ of the breach, the publishers note the worldwide embargo that the publisher’s customers in 93 various countries ‘robustly support’ and is being enforced ‘without exception.’

The press release also contains statements from author Jo Rowling and the publisher in regards to some media outlets releasing unauthenticated information against the specific the wishes of Jo Rowling and the publishers. Jo Rowling said today, in a statement:

“I am staggered that some American newspapers have decided to publish purported spoilers in the form of reviews in complete disregard of the wishes of literally millions of readers, particularly children, who wanted to reach Harry’s final destination by themselves, in their own time. I am incredibly grateful to all those newspapers, booksellers and others who have chosen not to attempt to spoil Harry’s last adventure for fans.”

UK publisher Bloomsbury goes on to comment in the press release on the worldwide embargo that the publishers customers in 93 various countries, ‘robustly support’ the 12:01am BST embargo on the books. The publisher also issued a thank-you to the many media outlets around the world who have supported their efforts and not released speculated information prior to the release. In part the statement reads:

We would like to thank our customers and suppliers again for their full support given in so many different ways. We would also like to thank the worldwide media for their own observance of, and strict policing of, the embargo to preserve the secrecy of the plot for the readers of Harry Potter.





The Leaky Cauldron is not associated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or any of the individuals or companies associated with producing and publishing Harry Potter books and films.