He’s been a sensation for all of a few weeks, but you knew this was coming. NY Knicks’ point guard and newfound celebrity Jeremy Lin is about to be the subject of a new book, due out in May.

If you’re new to the world of publishing, then this might strike you as a bit odd. What about taking 12 to 18 months to put out a book? Isn’t this industry standard?

Of course it is. One of the myths perpetrated by traditional publishers is that a book needs that much time to be properly produced, edited, marketed, laid out, etc.

Except when it doesn’t.

3 months? In the words of the Church Lady, “Isn’t that convenient?”

Brass Tacks

In 18 months, Jeremy Lin and Linsanity might be yesterday’s news.

[youtube id=”LeIHnmwhRqU”]

Why buy a book about a guy who had a memorable month or two? Hachette Book Group is wise to get the book out ASAP, lest other publishers beat it to the punch. Hachette understand that speed kills today more than ever.