• by Melynda Fuller , August 28, 2019

The Ringer, the news, sports and pop-culture site founded by Bill Simmons, is partnering with Grand Central Publishing on a series of books, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The deal expands The Ringer’s stable of platforms, which include a podcast network featuring over 30 shows, an unscripted programming division and a robust presence through its website.

Simmons said in a statement published by The Hollywood Reporter: “We gravitate toward quality ideas, unique storytelling and talented voices, and we know from experience that we can use The Ringer’s various resources to raise awareness for any project that matters to us.”

The deal will result in books from several contributors, with the first coming from staff writer Shea Serrano. Entitled Movies (and Other Things), the book follows the success of Serrano’s New York Times best-seller Basketball (and Other Things). 

Movies (and Other Things)will be released October 8 and feature film-related questions and pop-culture essays, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Joining Serrano’s collection is a gambling guide by Cousin Sal Iacono. Iacono hosts The Ringer podcast “Against All Odds with Cousin Sal.” Iacono’s books will appear in 2020.

Claire MeNear, former writer and onscreen personality on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, will also publish a book about Jeopardy contestant James Holzhauer, based on a recent feature she published at The Ringer.