Thomas Pynchon Relents and Allows His Books to Be Published in Digital Format

Posted on June 13, 2012

Thomas Pynchon, the author of The Crying of Lot 49, the National Book Award-winning Gravity�s Rainbow and V. is no fan of ebooks. However, he has finally relented, and is allowing his books to be published digitally. The New York Times reports that he is now allowing his entire backlist to be published by Penguin Press in ebook format.

The notoriously interview shy Pynchon would not comment to The Times about his decision. But Ann Godoff, the president and editor in chief of Penguin Press, did give some insight on Pynchon's change of heart: "It wasn't exactly the elephant in the drawing room, but we just felt that the moment was right." Godoff explained, "There has been a great desire to have all of Tom's books in digital format now, for many years. He didn't want to not be part of that."

Godoff also said that Pynchon does want more people to read his work, and more people are reading books on e-readers. She said the move does not mean he's going to change his public persona, however. He's not going to start tweeting or blogging.

The books will go on sale today and will be priced from $9.99 to $12.99. There are seven novels and one short story collection that are now available in digital format.