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Market Leads31 October 2006

Rome: Little Black Book

Power to the small presses! Tram Eight Press is publishing perfect pocket-sized city guides that get straight to the point, where to eat, drink, and play. They are called the Little Black Book series, and read like one as much as they look like one. I got my hands on the Rome edition, and was thrilled to see just the essentials. Organized by neighborhoods, the entries give just the info you need to know about what you'll find in each recommended spot, often those treasured by locals. Erica Firpo and Christel Brenting wrote this edition and the quick text bytes read like they know the town well. Tram Eight Press has also published a guide to Copenhagen and they're working on Paris and Palermo as well. Will they be able to keep the Paris guide as small as the Rome? I hope so, because it's a treat to have just the essentials in a quick read that fits in your pocket. Those that are seeking lots of photos, culture and historic information, or a lengthy basic info section can grab a traditional full strength guide. These Little Black Books are perfect for those that already know how to get from one place to the other, and are eager for an insider's suggestion to a good cafe, hidden bar, or the locals' fave pizzeria. Buy them straight from the website for $10 via PayPal or contact the office for other options.

2 comments

  • Tim L.5 November 2006
    Do some due diligence before writing for them though. This was in a newsletter I get from Wooden Horse Publishing, which is usually reliable: "Writers should think twice before working for BLACK BOOK and its city guides. According to NYPost.com the magazine owes as much as $6,250 to contributors…"
  • Erica and Christel5 December 2006
    The Black Book that you are referring to is not at all related to Rome Little Black Book and Tram Eight Press. We are only 2 people who wrote and published the guides ourselves. The Black Book City Guides you write of are for US cities, not European cities, and are definitely not published by us. Please take the time to cross reference.

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