The Book No One Wanted: My Interview with Eric Kampmann

Much like If I Did It, the confessional penned by OJ Simpson, Jewel of Medina is another book no publisher wanted (Random House bailed on the deal after being cautioned the book could offend the Muslim community) from the yet Eric Kampmann took it on. To find out why we went to the man himself for this in-depth and insightful interview.

1) Eric, tell us how you came to acquire this book?

The short answer is unexpectedly. I was watching the O’Reilly Factor on August 19, I believe. Laura Ingraham was hosting and she was discussing the title Jewel of Medina with guest Irshad Manji. I had heard all about this historical novel about Aisha the last wife of Muhammad and I had assumed another publisher had picked it up after Random House decided not to publish the book. The next day, I spoke to Beaufort’s Associate Publisher, Margo Atwell, about the book and we agreed that she should contact the agent to see what was going on. On Tuesday, September 2, we had a signed agreement.

2) Why did you decide to take it?

Beaufort is a young “can do” kind of publishing house. We look for reasons to publish a book; when we find a book that has the promise of success, both for the author and for us, we don’t get too bogged down with committees who often spend their time finding ways not to get things done. Ultimately, I made the decision to go ahead because we felt this book was a rare publishing opportunity for Beaufort. Sherry Jones has crafted a first rate work of historical fiction that was sidelined for reasons other than quality. We were in a position to help and so we decided to become involved. I am optimistic that we have made a great publishing decision, but of course, ultimately, the consumer will be the judge of that.

3) What is Beaufort’s core focus?

Beaufort is a general interest publishing company. Our books are sold through bookstores and other channels. We use Midpoint Trade Books for our sales, marketing and distribution services. They reach virtually every bookstore in the USA.

4) I know you’ve been asked this question a lot in recent interviews but doesn’t taking on this book worry you?

While I am not worry-free, I do not do an excessive amount of worrying about most issues that cross my desk. We are not looking for trouble and do not anticipate finding any either. Sherry Jones will do a great amount of TV, radio, print as well as speaking engagements and there will be some level of controversy, I am sure, but the earlier claims against this book were overheated, and, as far as I’m concerned, do not represent anything more than the negative opinion of an associate professor.

5) What safety precautions are you taking?

If we have reason to be concerned, we will take every necessary measure to protect the safety of our employees.

6) In the past year you’ve taken on two very controversial books, are you worried about getting branded?

Is “controversial” bad? We embraced controversy when we published If I Did It because we felt a huge responsibility to get the Goldman’s story out into the public sphere. Fred and Kim Goldman wanted that book out, not because they liked it, but because they viewed it as A TRUE CONFESSION. Finally OJ Simpson had confessed to the crime many believed he had committed. Justice sometimes comes wrapped in strange packages and in this case the package was in the form of a book. But nevertheless, If I Did It in some very tangible ways has brought Mr. Simpson to the place where he is today. We have just released an expanded paperback version of the book, including a new introduction by the Goldmans and a piece by their lawyer Peter Haven.

7) Were you vindicated in the end by taking on If I Did It given the book’s success (despite the sense from many that the book would hurt, not help, Beaufort?

I never considered vindication as part of my game plan. I had one job and that was to do everything in my power to make sure the book was well published. The public took care of the rest.

Do you feel obtaining this book is the reward for being successful with If I Did It, moving Beaufort into a new level?

There is no doubt the people at Beaufort and Midpoint gained a tremendous amount of self confidence by taking on a tough project and succeeded with it. We learned a great deal under fire and it worked out, but we did not create a new publishing model by succeeding with one book. We publish many good books, many of which do not receive a high level of public recognition, but we trudge on, taking each day as it comes and embracing each challenge as best we can.

9) What are your promotional plans for the author?

We will be starting out with high intensity national publicity, and will follow every positive path that opens up to us. We see a long term campaign.

10) What are your hopes for this book?

I had no idea how well If I Did It would do when I became involved. With Jewel of Medina and Sherry Jones we have a very powerful combination. I am confident that this book will be successful at a level that would please any publisher.

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