Much of the talk when mystery writers get together at their annual conclave is about editors and publishers.

On one level, it is about white editors of small newspapers who run stories critical of local black officials.

Let me tell you a thing or two about editors.

It's about editors trying to outdo each other.

Come, don't pretend at this time of day to have pretty illusions about the public, especially about publishers and editors.

There are features about writers and editors and several recipes, but interesting reading rather than usefulness in the kitchen tops Mr. Thorne's agenda.

And there is something about editors which makes it certain sometimes that they are not.

Stories about book publishers and editors fired for failing to generate enough profits are common in the book business.

What about martyred editors?

Employing about 100 reporters and editors in Germany, the newspaper is expected to start later this year and compete directly with Handelsblatt.