This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on March 31, 2004). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
Last January, I passed on a story involving a pickled baby dragon in a jar that was making its way around the ‘net. Turns out the entire thing was a hoax…a hoax that landed the perpetrator a book deal!
An author who was so desperate to get his book published that he staged a hoax involving a baby dragon has won a lucrative publishing contract.
After numerous rejections Allistair Mitchell concocted a tale that a dragon had been found in a garage last year.
He said: “I created the hoax in order to attract potential readers.”
Mr Mitchell, based in Oxford, has now signed an book deal with Waterstone’s for his book Unearthly History, a thriller featuring a dragon.
Nicely done!
(via Neil Gaiman)