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Profile in Amnesty gig

31.01.08 Tom Tivnan

Profile Books is to publish a series of books with Amnesty International, dubbed "a short story Live Aid," to highlight the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Thirty famous writers from across the globe, including J M Coetzee, Paulo Coelho, Tom Stoppard and Nadine Gordimer will contribute a story each for the BLOODlikeWATER series. The series will be comprised of six A-format paperbacks with five stories in each book. Sales of the publishing rights were negotiated with Robert Kirby of United Agents.

Mark Ellingham, Rough Guide founder and editor at Profile Books, said: "It's a privilege to be involved in this inspiring Amnesty venture. I joined Profile to set up an ethical publishing imprint and it's hard to imagine a more amazing first project. In fact, it feels rather like a short story Live Aid, with authors, publishers and agents all phoning Amnesty and United Agents to offer support and participation.'

Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International UK, said that the "written word had played a powerful part in promoting and defending human rights." She added: "That so many of the world's best-known writers should put theirpens to paper on our behalf is thrilling and has enormous potential to spread Amnesty International's vital message still further."

The official launch of the series will be at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August with a special preview event at the Hay Festival in May. BLOODlikeWATER is part of a whole range of cultural activities Amnesty are holidng for the UDHR anniversary, including concerts, comedy events and TV documentaries.

Book tom tivnan Profile Books Amnesty

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