Wall Street Journal Launches Book Review Section

This weekend, the Wall Street Journal will introduce a standalone book review section, appropriately called Books. Robert Messenger, the new editor for Books,told Publishers Weekly that the loose format will include a lengthy main essay in the 1,800-2,000-word range, with room for other substantive essays that can run anywhere from 900 to 1,600 words. Messenger also said that Books will likely cover more nonfiction than fiction. Hardcovers will be the focus, but the paper will review original trade paperbacks and will look for books from independent houses. The bestseller lists, which the Wall Street Journal has traditionally run on Fridays in its Weekend Journal section, will now appear in Books. Books will be running six lists: fiction, nonfiction, business, a nonfiction gainers and losers, comparisons list, and (forthcoming) e-books.