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Like everybody else, Pavan Varma has his own agent. But when it comes to selling his Indian rights, the diplomat prefers to do his own negotiations. And no wonder: even the wiliest agent could not have succeeded better. He gave the MS to Penguin to read, mentioning casually what sum its rivals were prepared to pay for it. The response was instant—and gratifying: a cheque for Rs 15 lakh as advance. The book, The Consequences of Empire: India’s Unfinished Revolution will be out first in Hindi and then English this year.
Larger Tents
The Jaipur litfest (Jan 21-25) is getting bigger—and longer—than ever: over 100 authors, a crack team from Pakistan, music, and a film premiere of an Oscar favourite. This year, it’s Slumdog Millionaire, and author-diplomat Vikas Swarup is being flown all the way from South Africa.
