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| Friday, November 6th, 2009 |
arcaedia
|
4:42p |
letters from the query wars
# of queries read this week: 209 # of partials/manuscripts requested: 1 genre of partials/manuscripts requested: fantasy Writers who take their approach to seeking traditional publication as seriously as writing the novel itself seem to do an awful lot of research. Not for them the rush to dash off a spurious query lacking in the information it should provide. They do everything possible to give their submission an advantage. But even the most dedicated sometimes misses something. And then there are those just starting out. They hardly know where to look and are quickly overwhelmed by the myriad suggestions on agentquery.com or the many writer forums, or from their critique groups, etc. --- if they are even lucky enough to find such sources. Sometimes there are those that seem to come across agent contact information in mysterious ways (voodoo?) that give no hint or clue as to the best way to start. The veterans were all new to it at one time, and eventually the new ones will become more experienced. If you could go back in time and share with yourself information about the query process -- What is the one thing you have learned that you wish someone had told you when you first began? |
| Thursday, November 5th, 2009 | |
blog_pub_rants
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7:03p |
Why I Don’t Like Net Amounts Received
http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2009/11/why-i-dont-like-net-amounts-received.html STATUS: Phone conference in 10 so I’m trying to dash this entry out before it begins.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? NESSUN DORMA by Paul Potts
If you read my Agenting 101 entries on royalty statements (see right side bar), you should know why Kristin wouldn’t like net amounts received. But if you haven’t, then I happy to just rant about it and tell you. There are two main reasons why I don’t like royalties to be based on net amounts received. 1. It’s archaic and currently doesn’t serve much of a purpose as audio and eBooks have a retail price and there are high discount clauses in all contracts so why not simply make the royalty based on retail? And 2. Agents can’t track net amounts received by the Publisher. The only way we will get that information is if we: a. audit and therefore look at the books to see what monies were actually received, from what account, for how much, and what were the deductions, or b. we put a clause in the contract, not unlike reconciliation to print, that allows us to request the information from the publisher at any time and they can print out all the amounts received information so I can determine if what is on the royalty statements is correct. Ah yes, once again the onus is on me as the agent to be a squeaky wheel, to demand more info, and pry the necessary info out of the publisher to see if the royalty statement is remotely accurate. And this is making a huge assumption that the publishers have the necessary software in place that will allow for this information to be accessed, printed, and shared. I know Random House has that in place. Do the others? Guess I’m just about to find out because you know I like kicking up a fuss and less is not more for me when it comes to royalty statements. See how much simpler it would be if all royalties were based on retail price? I’m capable of doing the math easily on royalties calculated via retail price. Now that we have this big push from publishers to move to 25% of net receipts for eBook royalties, whose going to hurt 10 years from now when eBooks may be the main format and print editions the secondary? Yep, you can see why I’m in state of righteous indignation all the time as of late. Maybe it’s time we move back to a term of license on contracts instead of Out of Print clauses and term of copyright. |
arcaedia
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2:35p |
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knight_agency
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1:10p |
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blog_pub_rants
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5:46a |
A Little Tutorial On The Google Partners Program
http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2009/11/little-tutorial-on-google-partners.html STATUS: Time for sleep.What’s playing on the iPod right now? SELF-ESTEEM by The OffspringI want to talk about the Google Partners Program as this is not even remotely related to the Google Settlement issue but a lot of people are just plain clueless about it. So let’s start with defining it. The Google Partners Program is an agreement that Google makes with Publishers to allow book content to be available, previewed, and searched on Google Books. Since I’m assuming you know nothing, here’s the link to the Google Books Site. Everyone following along? Great. Then let’s move on. Not every publisher has decided to participate in the Partners program. If a publisher is not participating, then Google Books will only show the cover, give a brief overview, and maybe the inclusion of reviews that can be found freely on the web. In fact, under the overview, you’ll see the words “no preview available.” Disney-Hyperion does not currently participate so for an example of the above, if you plug in I’D TELL YOU I LOVE YOU BUT THEN I’D HAVE TO KILL YOU into the Google Books search field, then this page is what you’ll see. Easy peasy. Okay, now some publishers are participating in the Partners Program. If that is the case, then under the title overview you’ll see the words “limited preview.” Click on Ford’s HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET as an example. Still with me? Okay, and here’s why I’m doing a tutorial on this subject, some publishers are participating in the Partners program but they are doing so with the ad links turned on. Simon & Schuster currently participates in the program with the ad links. Click on Kelly Parra’s GRAFFITI GIRL. Look on the left side bar. Do you see the little section that is titled Sponsored Links? See the click through link right below that? That’s an ad link. If you were to click on that, your click would generate income that Google would have to pay to S&S and S&S would then have to split with Kelly Parra. On the S&S statements, there is a separate line that clearly details the monies generated from these click-thru ads. Do you see where I’m going with this? S&S is participating and reporting. Some publishers, however, are doing the Partners Program with Google, with the ad links turned on, and are receiving income from Google but none of this income is reported on statements and therefore not being shared with the authors. Ah, there’s the kicker. In fact, just two weeks ago, I called a publisher because I could clearly see on Google Books that my author’s title was included in the program with the ads turned on. Did I see that income on the statement? Nope. I called. What did the publisher say in return? “Oh. We did it is a short experiment for 3 months to see how it worked and that should have been taking down by now. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.” Uh-huh. I’m now forcing them to remove the ad links if they aren't going to report and to track down the monies and pay the author—even though in general, the amounts are currently negligible. I’m talking around a dollar. Let’s just call it the principle of the thing. What is negligible today might be real money tomorrow. I could call because I know how the program works and knew to ask. But if you didn’t know, you wouldn’t even know to ask. Well, now you know. The Google Settlement and the Google Partners Program are two wholly different and separate things. So have you looked up your titles on Google Books yet? Are the sponsored links turned on? Are you seeing those monies on your royalty statements? You know what to do. |
| Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 |
arcaedia
|
11:10a |
this rant brought to you by the letter Q for Query
Dear Writer who thinks you deserve more of my time and attention than the other 200 or so people querying me this week: Quit it. Query letters in which you tell me that your book can't possibly be appreciated in the mere five pages our submission guidelines request so therefore you have sent me many unsolicited chapters do not endear you or your novel to me. They tell me you have no respect for the other writers submitting. I have news for you. Some of them are better writers than you are. Some of them are worse. Many of them may not be writing something I want to read. But they are all just as special as you are. They have worked hard and finished their novel. They are amazing for doing that. Each and every one of them. Don't you think I know that five pages isn't enough to fully appreciate a story? Certainly anyone could agree with that sentiment. But that's not the point of the query package. It's a presentation. An invitation to read. To be enticed. And I have news for you. This attitude means I would rather work with them than you. I would rather read their book than yours. So your book would have to be hands down, 8000% better than theirs for me to consider it. Because, I repeat, they are just as special as you are. To everyone out there who follows submission guidelines, who takes the time to send what an agent asks for, who helps us in our constant search for new books we can love and clients we can adore: THANK YOU. |
| Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 | |
blog_pub_rants
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5:56p |
Dirty Word: Comment Moderation
http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2009/11/dirty-word-comment-moderation.html STATUS: I have a lot that needs to get done today. Doing a phone conference in 5 minutes and I’m in the middle of negotiating a deal.What’s playing on the iPod right now? ROAD by George Winston
This morning I have to say that I’m a little annoyed. I’ve been blogging since 2006. I certainly wasn’t the first agent to start this process (waves to Jennifer Jackson and Miss Snark) but I certainly was early into this game. And for the most part, I love it. I love being able to rant when I want to and I love how sometimes my blog topics spark an interesting discussion in the comments section. I prefer open forums. Freedom of speech, etc. But for the past 2 months, I’ve contemplated turning on the moderating comments function again because there have been several posters (about 3 of them) who seem to have a personal agenda and regardless of what my specific blog entry is about, these comments hijack the comment section to turn the conversation around to their specific viewpoint on publishing or to highlight, once again, their personal taste regarding what they think is worth publishing and what is not. Now this certainly isn’t a crime. Everyone is entitled to their own personal opinion but I’m finding that these constant hijacks are completely limiting the possibility of any other real discussion about the publishing industry in the comment section. Not to mention, my blog’s comment section has become a soapbox for a select few individuals. Sorry, I’m done with that. Sadly, comment moderation is back on. It’s more work for me and it depresses the number of comments people actually want to make but I guess so does a constant soapbox. As I’ve mentioned on previous blogs, there are plenty of terrific writer chat forums that are excellent vehicles for expressing opinions and having your voice heard. Here are three just to name a few: Writers NetBackspace Forums
Absolute Write Forums
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knight_agency
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1:29p |
Take Home Tuesday
http://knightagency.blogspot.com/2009/11/take-home-tuesday.html UPDATE: The winner of LOVE YOU TO DEATH by Shannon K. Butcher is whateverfor! Congrats! Please email your physical addy to contests(AT)knightagency.net. Thanks to all the participants. Leave your name in the comment section to win an ARC (advanced reading copy) of LOVE YOU TO DEATH by Shannon K. Butcher. The winner will be announced tomorrow morning. Remember, Shannon will be our featured guest author in TKA's chat room on Thursday, November 19th. 9pm ET. Mark it down on your calendars!
 The 411: Delicate, expressive hands...long, graceful legs...One man is looking for his perfect woman--and he'll stop at nothing until he finds her.
It's been days since reporter Elise McBride has heard from her sister, Ashley. She's convinced Ashley has met with some kind of foul play, especially when she learns that bodies of other missing women have surfaced in and around Chicago--all victims of a brutal serial killer. Convinced her sister is still alive, Elise vows to risk everything to save her...The last thing ex-cop Trent Brady needs is more blood on his hands. Yet when he catches Elise breaking into her sister's house, full of reckless determination and fear, he knows she needs his help. But just as desire ignites between them, a twisted madman sets his sights on Elise. Hell-bent on possessing her for himself, this psychopath won't rest until he has his perfect woman.
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| Monday, November 2nd, 2009 | |
knight_agency
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8:10p |
90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN Celebrates 3 Years on NYT List
http://knightagency.blogspot.com/2009/11/90-minutes-in-heaven-celebrates-3-years.html  On October 23rd, 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN celebrated 3 years atop the New York Times bestseller list. The original edition of the book, co-authored by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey, has over 4.5 million trade paperbacks in print and shows no sign of slowing with 156 weeks on the NYT list under it's belt (114 weeks have been spent at or above the number ten slot).
The inpirational book chronicles the story of Don Piper's car accident, his time in heaven after he was pronounced dead on the scene, his return to earth, and his grueling recovery. Piper has been welcomed by readers around the globe to share his experience. This month, a special edition of the book was released for young readers: 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN: MY TRUE STORY. |
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blog_pub_rants
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6:03p |
Happy Monday Indeed!
http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2009/11/happy-monday-indeed.html STATUS: Holy cow what a morning!
What’s playing on the iPod right now? EVERYTHING SHE WANTS by Wham!I’m getting no work done because all I’m doing is sitting around and grinning like mad. Remember back in July when I let y’all in on a little secret about how wonderful my colleague Sara Megibow is? Well, I’m giddy to report that the baby boy arrived yesterday at 3:25 p.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2009. Baby Trey is healthy. Sara is doing great. And the new parents are ecstatic and exhausted. Everything is as it should be! And if that weren’t news enough, this morning I read about Publishers Weekly choosing SOULLESS as one of their top 100 books for 2009.  And then if that weren’t enough, PW gives PROOF BY SEDUCTION a starred review saying “Historical romance fans will celebrate Milan's powerhouse debut, which comes with a full complement of humor, characterization, plot and sheer gutsiness.”
 All this and HOTEL being on the NYT trade bestseller list for several weeks now, I honestly don’t know what to do with myself. Work? What’s that? Happy Monday because I’m sure loving it. |
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knight_agency
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2:45p |
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arcaedia
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9:59a |
World Fantasy Awards
 Congratulations to client Ekaterina Sedia AKA ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) squirrel_monkey for Paper Cities winning the World Fantasy Award for Best Anthology. "Original genre anthologies have been a mixed bag in recent years, with an overreliance on established household names at the expense of nurturing new talent. At times, too restrictive themes have tended to create a sense of sameness. Not so with urban fantasy. As Jess Nevins points out in his excellent introduction, urban fantasy is "a mode of storytelling rather than a subgenre, and as such accommodates a variety of themes and approaches." This idea of variety, along with a willingness to publish new and established writers alike, helps explain the considerable appeal of this ambitious and entertaining anthology." --Jeff Vandermeer (in Publishers Weekly) And congratulations to the winners in all the other categories. |
| Saturday, October 31st, 2009 |
arcaedia
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10:08p |
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writingfeedback
[ batang_paslit ]
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10:39a |
Please comment.
I'm not sure where I went wrong with this one, but there's something uncomfortable about the whole thing. In any case, constructive crits are much needed - even interpretations (just to see if I got anything across) will be much appreciated. Thanks.
The format is single-spaced, verdana 9. any changes in format is probably a screw up. There are two poems. Thanks
Poem 1:
I will tell them of all the things I deserve. Here, look, I will write it down: The bookshelves will be stretched on the walls like skin spread thinly on the words I will use to fashion this face into one he will love: I, once more his lady poisoned
and dreaming of gaping coffins, and him my three-person'd god. It will be my soul laid bare, with all its spaces Between stanzas and periods - a lifetime And the next - ( More. )
Poem 2:
You used to watch them flail about, unarmed, unharmed while I |
| Friday, October 30th, 2009 | |
blog_pub_rants
|
7:19p |
Publishers, You Want An Edge On the Competition?
http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2009/10/publishers-you-want-edge-on-competition.html STATUS: TGIF and blogging early as I actually want to leave the office before 7 pm tonight.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY by Led Zeppelin
Then let me throw this idea out there before all of you jump on the 25% of net band wagon so as to be like every other publisher out there offering substandard e-royalties.
Three years ago when I had a hot project (as in I’m getting pre-empts, potentially going to auction, going to have my choice of publishers), if Random House was in the mix, I’d lean their way. Why? Because RH had decent royalties for eBooks (at 25% of retail—which I know doesn’t match ePublishers but for a NYC major, not bad). Obviously other factors were in consideration such as marketing plans, other royalty structures, escalator break points but I think you can see where I’m going here.
This was 3 years ago (maybe even longer) when eBook sales might have added up to 10 copies total in any given 6-month period (SF&F or major authors excluded).
I could see the change a-coming; it was just going to be a matter of time.
So RH, you used to have a strong leg-up—which this year you’ve taken away from yourself. I can’t help but think that’s short-sighted.
You want an edge on the competition? Well then, why are all you publishers racing to do the same short-sighted thing?
Tell you what. Come to me with strong trade paperback royalty escalators, solid e-royalties percentages with escalators, decent audio percentages (downloadable or otherwise), etc. and I’m open to talking about non-outrageous advances or dare I say it? No advance at all if we can truly do a shared equal risk on a no returns basis (a la Vanguard Press and Harper Studio).
Maybe I’m alone on this (but I doubt it), I’m totally open to discussing less on the front end for a larger share of the back end.
But what I hear from publishers is the same low advance spiel with no change on the back end. And you’re wondering why I’m not leaping out of my chair with joy. I often hear that agents are to blame for demanding crazy advances etc. but have publishers asked themselves lately what’s been offered in return? Given an alternative, agents could be persuaded to think outside the box. Not given any viable alternative, then we have to stick with business as usual in order to best represent our clients.
Two to tango, certainly, as I’m thinking that “business as usual” won’t suffice for either publishers or agents as the publishing model rapidly changes… And since it’s Friday and sheesh did I get off on a rant there, a gratuitous Chutney-in-the-snow shot from this morning. She HATES wearing her fleece. Can you tell? She won’t even look at me. Grin.  No Imeem file available. |
arcaedia
|
4:47p |
letters from the query wars
# of queries read this week: 204 # of partials/manuscripts requested: 1 genre of partials/manuscripts requested: fantasy In honor of the holiday.... How queries are like-- --zombies: sometimes they eat your brain --ghosts: they often aren't laid to rest until unfinished business has been resolved --witches: they weigh the same as a duck --vampires: despite popular mythology, holy symbols have no effect --werewolves: just when you think you're getting to know them, they change into something else --Frankenstein: they're afraid of fire (and possibly pitchforks) --bunnies: what do they need such good eyesight for anyway? --sparklepires: when you meet the right one for you, you'll know --Halloween candy: sometimes they're a trick; sometimes they're a treat Anyone have any others? Happy Halloween! |
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knight_agency
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12:11p |
Halloween Week Guest Blog & Giveaway Day 5: P.N. Elrod
http://knightagency.blogspot.com/2009/10/halloween-week-guest-blog-giveaway-day_30.html UPDATE: The winner of a book of their choce by P.N. Elrod is Pam P! Congrats! Please send your physical addy to contests(AT)knightagency.net, along with your book request. A note from TKA: Today is the final day for our special Halloween week guest blogs and contests. We hope you've enjoyed interacting with these amazing authors! At the bottom of this post you'll find the last question for the scavenger hunt and instructions on how to send in you entry for the $50 Visa gift card! Also, don't forget to leave a comment in this post for a chance to win one of P.N. Elrod's fabulous books! --------------------------------------------------Once again through the magic of time travel, writer P.N. Elrod finds herself back in 1938 Chicago. She’s charged into Lady Crymsyn, the nightclub belonging to undead P.I. Jack Fleming of The Vampire Files.
Elrod rushes upstairs to energetically pound on his office door.
P.N. Elrod: Yo, Fleming!
Jack Fleming: (From inside) You again? Take a vacation why don’t you?
Elrod: Wake up!
Fleming: I don’t sleep, remember?
Elrod: Yeah, I remember, I made that up just for you. You’re dead during the day, but it’s night, so get your ass out here!
Fleming: You’re a real peach, y’know that?
Elrod: Move it!
Fleming: (Unlocking and opening the door a crack, looking rumpled) WHAT is your problem?
Elrod: It’s the night before Halloween.
Fleming: You know how a calendar works. I’m happy for you, now go away.
Elrod: Any more lip and I’ll sic Whitey Kroun on you.
Fleming: (Pinching the bridge of his nose) Jeeze, I need a drink.
Elrod: You don’t have time to go to the Stockyards. It’s Halloween tomorrow.
Fleming: You’ve covered that point and your timing’s off. It may be Halloween tomorrow for you, but not for me.
Elrod: Huh?
Fleming: In 1938 Halloween falls on a Monday. I bet in 2009 it falls on a Saturday.
Elrod: Details, details, you drive me crazy.
Fleming: That makes us even, now why don’t you go back to the future?
Elrod: I love that movie.
Fleming: What movie?
Elrod: You’ll find out. Maybe.
Fleming: See you there, then. Maybe. (Tries to shut the door. Elrod won’t let him.)
Elrod: Don’t you get it? It’s gonna be Halloween! You’re a vampire—you need to do something! I’ve been down to the main room of your nightclub and you’ve not even decorated.
Fleming: It’s Halloween, not Christmas, and I will once again point out that this is 1938. We celebrate one holiday at a time, no planning six months in advance for the mercantile element.
Elrod: I GET that, but you’ve not got anythin—
 Fleming: I’ve ordered plenty of candy and someone’s coming in tomorrow to put jack-o-lanterns on the tables. Satisfi—no, don’t answer that, I should know better than to ask.
Elrod: That’s it? No black and orange streamers or tablecloths? No cut-outs of black cats and—
Fleming: The club’s name is “Lady Crymsyn,” there’s a lot of red here. My girlfriend told me the colors would clash or something. Anyway, we’re having a costume party. So long as there’s booze flowing no one’s going to care—
Elrod: (Barging past him and into the office.) Terrific! Where’s your costume?
Fleming: I’m wearing a monkey suit.
Elrod: (Halting in shock) You’re going as a gorilla?
Fleming: It’s my tuxedo. Jeeze, look it up in your slang dictionary.
Elrod: Hey, a tux is great! Outstanding! Where’s the cape? Or is it a cloak?
Fleming: If you’re talking about an opera cape, the answer is a flat NO. I wouldn’t be caught undead in one of those things and you know it. We established that in the first book.
Elrod: Yeah, yeah, but you dressed up like Dracula? It’s a natural—I mean, a supernatural!
Fleming: (groans) Lady, are you out of your mind? I am NOT going as Dracula. I’m trying to keep a low profile. There’s enough people who know I’m a vampire, I don’t need to be flaunting it!
Elrod: In my time it’s called “plausible deniability” and it’s great. A vampire would never dress up like another vampire, but you being a vampire dressing like a vampire, means no one would ever suspect that you’re really a vampire. Right?
Fleming: Uh…
(Fleming’s partner, private agent Charles Escott, walks in.)
Charles Escott: Why, Ms. Elrod, I thought I heard your voice. What an utter delight to see you again! (Bows to kiss the back of her hand.)
Elrod: Ohhh, Mr. Escott! Likewise, I’m sure.
Escott: Now-now, I insist you call me Charles.
Elrod: Sure! My goodness—you look outstanding!
Escott: You’re most kind. It’s my new tuxedo. I wore it over from the tailor shop.
Elrod: You look better than outstanding! And that opera cape…is that real red silk lining?
Escott: You’ve an excellent eye. Indeed it is.
Elrod: Not that it isn’t totally awesome, but are you dressed up to be Dracula?
Escott: I thought I would spare Jack the discomfiture. The truth be told, he’s still a bit awkward about the whole vampire business. Self-conscious, you know.
Fleming: I am not!
Elrod: Y’know, you are exactly right. He’s had a heck of a long breaking-in period.
Escott: Exceptionally long. What is it, twenty years now?
Elrod: In writing time. In book time it’s only been about two years, but you’ve nailed it. He should have the hang of things by now. I can’t think what his problem is.
Escott: Perhaps—
Fleming: HEY!! I’m right here!
Elrod: Okay-okay, not so loud, fang-boy! So, if you’re not going as Dracula, then who are you going to be on Halloween?
Fleming: I got a half-mask at the dime store. I’m going as Raffles, the master thief.
Elrod: (Deadpan flat) Raffles. You’re going as…Raffles.
Fleming: You got a problem with that?
Elrod: Raffles is English and you can’t do an English accent to save your un-life. Charles should go as Raffles and you should go as Dracula.
Escott: I’d not thought of that! She has a point, Jack.
Fleming: This dame’s got more points than Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and she’s about as welcome.
Elrod: And after all I’ve done for you.
Fleming: You mean all you’ve done to me! (Digging in his pants pocket) Charles, here’s twenty bucks—take her over to Gordy’s night club and show her around. Let her play the slots. Introduce her to Frank Nitti.
Escott: To Frank Nitti!? Are you mad? I’ll do no such thing!
Elrod: (Grabbing Escott’s arm) Oh, hell-yes, you will! Time’s a-wastin’, big boy, come on. We’re gonna have a blast!
Escott: Er—that sounds rather violent, don’t you think?
Elrod: The way I do it doesn’t hurt a bit!
(They rush downstairs and out, leaving the club. Jack’s girlfriend, Bobbi Smythe, crawls out from under the desk.)
Fleming: You okay, honey?
Bobbi: I’m fine. I hope Pat doesn’t put Charles in traction.
Fleming: If she does, it’ll be his own fault. He encourages her.
Bobbi: Can you blame him? Without her we’re all out of a job. You should be nicer.
Fleming: After all the crap she puts me through? You haven’t seen the half of it. You didn’t have to hide. She’d have left.
Bobbi: I didn’t want to embarrass her. I’m not exactly dressed for company.
Fleming: You’re not exactly dressed, period.
Bobbi: Like the lady said, ‘time’s a-wastin’, big boy.’
Fleming: So what d’you want, sweetheart, trick. . .or treat?
Bobbi: Treat, always treat!
( The lights go out.)P.N. Elrod's Website: http://www.vampwriter.com/ HALLOWEEN WEEK CONTESTS: Each day this week (Oct. 26 thru Oct. 30th) a guest blogger has given away a signed book to one person randomly chosen from the comment section. Today's prize is a book of YOUR CHOICE from P.N. Elrod (P.N. has a wide array of titles available, so you'll most likely get your pick. However, please note your final choice will be based on what she has in stock.). Check back in this post Monday morning to find out if you are the winner!SCAVENGER HUNT QUESTION (5 of 5 - FINAL QUESTION): What is the name of the actor P.N. considers her ideal pick to play character Jack Fleming in a movie?So, it's the final day for our scavenger hunt! Have you been collecting the answers from our guest blogger's official author websites? If not, make haste! There's a $50 Visa gift card at stake! Compile the questions from the posts this week, and send all 5 answers in an email to contests(AT)knightagency.net. Entries must be sent in before the clock strikes midnight on Sunday, November 1st. So get to it! A winner will be randomly drawn on Monday and announced here on the blog. If you have any questions, please email contests(AT)knightagency.net. |
| Thursday, October 29th, 2009 |
writingfeedback
[ dazinglove ]
|
10:04p |
Autobiography
I twist the pencil between my thumb and forefinger, the graphite beginning to crumble against the empty scrap paper. I release, letting the pencil drop to the desk. I pull back, letting my shoulders stretch back.
The subject of my piece, simple enough haunted me. A list of things that I've accomplished in my twenty somewhat years. There were moments, no events. There were things to nod at, but nothing worth this piece of paper. My life was hardly accomplished, but rather an unfortunate unfolding of circumstances. Mistakes, tribulations or trauma outlined the very narrow aspects of my life.
The black soles of my shoes tapped uncomfortably at the wooden floor as I thought about these events. Everything I wore seemed to weigh heavily on me. It felt as though, for a moment that my surroundings was a direct reflection of how I felt about my life. Dark, smothering, heavy and immobile. My pale fingers tugged lightly at my long sleeved shirt.
As I stared at the paper, my clothes began to drop. First the long sleeved navy shirt was pulled over my head and was tossed carelessly towards the floor. I stood quickly, my eyes never leaving the yellowed paper on my desk. The single desk lamp barely lit up my actions as my tight denim jeans were peeled from my legs. I now stood, in my bra and underwear, feeling uncomfortable and...free.
If the paper could tell you the story itself it would describe how manic my laugh must have been or how I propped my feet onto my desk, my socks half hanging off of my feet. My eyes, never leaving that paper. This pessimism about my situation, my unwillingness to forgive, forget and move on. Everyone and everything has moved on, except myself.
My hand snatched at the pencil, and held it in all my curled fingers, in a heavy fist. The intention clearly torn across the paper in thick, heavy graphite. I smirked at the simple but precise message conveyed. I was never a blunt individual, but now would be a wise time to stray from my usual mannerisms.
I stood, walking across the floor, my hands pulling apart the curtains to let the bright afternoon light flood into my room. I flipped all the lights on and began to see myself in a very different way. The assignment would remain undone, but I am very satisfied with the result. The result being a spark beneath my bare feet to make me move, a pot of boiling water to cleanse my flesh of it's imperfections and the impossible heat that melted my bonds to my past. My life is determined by future dreams, not of past failures.
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9:53p |
Contract A Go-Go
http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2009/10/contract-go-go.html STATUS: It can stop snowing now…What’s playing on the iPod right now? I’D RATHER BE WITH YOU by Joshua RadinI first caught wind of the contract changes from Macmillan via Richard Curtis’s blog about the changes they want to try for in e-royalties. Oh boy, here we go again. Great, a battle because a publisher wants to do LOWER than that 25% of net that publishers as of late have been trying to push as "standard." I long for the Random House days of 25% of retail...) Then Publishers Lunch had a note about it, thank goodness. Macmillan had sent a letter out to agents regarding the changes but for some reason, I, and just about every other agent I know (and folks that’s a lot), had not received this letter despite all of us having numerous clients with the Macmillan Group. Small oversight I’m sure. When I emailed their contracts director, she mentioned that the letter was going out in waves to agents as their email list was long. Okay, fine. I’m a little annoyed but when I asked for the change letter and the sample of new contracts, it was sent immediately. So now I’m in the process of reviewing. Macmillan had planned on implementing these new contracts on Nov. 9. Today I got an email that agents can respond until January 4, 2010. Good to know. And first off I want to give Macmillan kudos for being totally upfront about the changes they want to do. Unlike, cough cough, Simon & Schuster last summer with their out of print clause and, cough, cough, Penguin Group with clause 9.ii.b. back in March. So they are least being transparent but if the e-royalties are any indication of things they want changed, it looks like more contract battles ahead… |
arcaedia
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9:30a |
happy release day
 Mike Shevdon's debut novel Sixty-One Nails comes out today in the U.K. -- appearing in the U.S. this coming Spring. Niall Petersen thinks he's having a heart attack on the London Underground. The woman who saves him reveals that a creature was attempting to possess his dying body. She has used her abilities to bring him back to block it from entering the world. She warns the creature may come after him again. Or stalk his daughter, as she too has the bloodline this creature can use. So Niall plunges into the hidden world of the Feyre, an uncanny place of legend that lurks just beyond the surface of everyday life. The Untainted, the darkest of the Seven Courts, have made their play for power, and unless Niall can recreate the ritual of the Sixty-One Nails, their dark dominion will enslave all of the Feyre, and all of humankind too. “ Sixty-One Nails is Neverwhere for the next generation. The pacing is spot-on, the characters engaging, and the world fits together beautifully to create a London that ought to be. I stayed up too late finishing it.” - C.E. MurphyLearn more about the Sixty-One Nails and the Quit Rents Ceremony of England. Read the first chapter |
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11:41a |
Halloween Week Guest Blog & Giveaway Day 4: Robin Owens
http://knightagency.blogspot.com/2009/10/halloween-week-guest-blog-giveaway-day_29.html UPDATE: The winner of a book of their choice from Robin D. Owens's backlist is Tannun! Congrats! Please email your physical addy to contests(AT)knightagency.net. My "Heart" series of fantasy romances are set on Celta, a planet colonized by people with psi powers that have essentially developed into magic. Animals have developed some sentience, enough intelligence that they have become Familiar Companions. I've written of cats with attitude (redundant), puppies and noble hound and the occasional fox. These make appearances as friends, mentors and tricksters.
The holidays of Celta are based on general and popular opinion of ancient Celtic and Druidic culture. Since it's my world, what I want that society to be like, and how I've made the planet turn...
A Glimpse @ Samhain (November 1), as celebrated on Celta:
The twinmoons are high and golden in the sky this chill midnight when Halloween tips over into Samhain. Soon the ritual to honor those lost in the past year and to bless the new year will begin. This is the last harvest festival, summer's end the acceptance that winter is coming. An altar has food for the living...and a platter for the dead on this night when the walls between the worlds are thin.
At first the people in the grove are quiet as the circle is made, then the bonfire is lit and stories of those who passed away are recounted. Toasts are drunk and written regrets from the past are tossed into the fire. The new year is embraced. Stars – galaxies – seem to whirl through the sky, spinning white and bright as people circle the fire, hand clasped to hand, dancing.
 Laughter and fellowship are celebrated, friends and family eat and drink of the harvest bounty. Cider – soft and hard – lays tangy on the tongue, ready to be followed by savory meat pies, then sugar-dusted pastries.
After sharing food comes meditation, and some may stare into the bonfire and try to see the future in the flames. Again people stand linked and let their magic and their hopes and dreams for themselves and their loved ones flow around the ritual circle. Then the circle is opened and folk will slip from the night and the silver and shadow grove into the warm and welcoming house.
Or they will teleport to their own special places and other, more intimate celebrations may commence...
May you enjoy whatever holidays you celebrate, and always make them your own with your own traditions.
Robin
 HALLOWEEN WEEK CONTESTS: Remember, there are TWO ways to win! Each day this week (Oct. 26 thru Oct. 30th) a guest blogger will give away a signed book to one person randomly chosen from the comment section. Today's prize is a book of YOUR CHOICE from Robin Owens's backlist. Check back in this post tomorrow to find out if you are the winner!
Also, at the bottom of each post there is a scavenger hunt question. The answer can be located somewhere on the author's website. Send in all 5 correct answers* to the scavenger hunt questions, and you will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 Visa gift card!!!
SCAVENGER HUNT QUESTION (4 of 5): What is the title of Robin's book with the following cover blurb: Twins, both with a healing gift, are Summoned to another world to fight a disease sent by the Dark to weaken Lladrana. They must use all their resources to save lives. And one twin will risk her own on an experiment that might doom them both....
*Please note, that the correct answers to the scavenger hunt questions must be sent in at one time. You must collect all 5 answers and send them in one email. Entries for the scavenger hunt will be accepted from Friday, October 30th thru Sunday, November 1st at midnight. The winner will be announed on this blog Monday, November 2nd, 2009. If you have any questions about this contest, please contact contests(AT)knightagency.net. |
| Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 | |
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11:40a |
Halloween Week Guest Blog & Giveaway Day 3: Marilyn Brant
http://knightagency.blogspot.com/2009/10/halloween-week-guest-blog-giveaway-day.html UPDATE: The winner of ACCORDING TO JANE is donnas! Congrats! Please email your physical addy to contests(AT)knightagency.net.
 Autumn is easily my favorite time of year. I love every sensory bit of it: the vivid colors of our sugar maples, the delectable crunch of the curled-up leaves, the enticing smell (and melt-in-your-mouth taste!) of warm apple-cider-cinnamon donuts…sigh. And I love the fun of the fall holidays, too—especially the pageantry and goofiness of Halloween and the one-two punch of the Thanksgiving feast: great food + endlessly intriguing family dynamics. It’s a season of change, at least here in the Midwest. For me, it’s also been an especially reflective time. A time when emotion catches up with memory.So, I guess it’s no surprise that, as a writer, I find myself returning again and again to this season in my books. It’s a symbolic time for me on several levels, and thinking about the kinds of activities that happen in the fall always puts me in the mood for a character to start or end her journey. Never was this truer than in my first two novels. In ACCORDING TO JANE (Kensington trade), which was just released this month, my heroine has the ghost of Jane Austen in her head giving her dating advice. That advice starts in early November and the story ends at the very same time of year—a seasonal bookending, if you will, across nearly two decades. My upcoming women’s fiction book, FRIDAYS AT NINE (October 2010), is a modern fairy tale about three forty-something women and their marriages. It takes place entirely over the course of one single autumn and, as the three main characters delve further into their individual arcs, the season itself moves and twists along, like wayward tree roots beneath their feet with the potential to trip them. That book has a major turning point at Halloween: a revelation of disguises and pretense. And an opening up to family at Thanksgiving. Then, finally, the preparation for changed lives and a new season at the book’s—and autumn’s—end. There are tremendous opportunities for symbols and motifs in other seasons, too, of course. Despite my personal aversion to ice storms, winter can be cozy, holiday-oriented, chilly on the outside/warm on the inside. Spring is frequently a time of rebirth and renewal. And summer delights us with its long days, sunshine, sand-n-surf, hot nights… Well, along with mosquitoes, high humidity and road repairs. (I live in the American Midwest, remember.) The book I’m working on right now is a summertime story and—as I get ready to switch on the furnace at home and pull out my fuzzy sweaters—I’m having fun imagining the need for sunscreen and flip flops, bug repellant and beach coolers. And I’m looking forward to living with the burning heat of July, at least on my computer screen, even while in the midst of an inevitable Chicago blizzard.
What about you? What’s your favorite season in the region where you live? Do you recall a scene from a book you enjoyed where the season played an important role?
To everyone at TKA and the readers of this blog, I hope you have a Happy Halloween and an awe-inspiring autumn! Marilyn Brant
According to Jane~Golden Heart Winner, Out NOW! Fridays at Nine~Coming October 2010 from Kensington Books
 HALLOWEEN WEEK CONTESTS: Remember, there are TWO ways to win! Each day this week (Oct. 26 thru Oct. 30th) a guest blogger will give away a signed book to one person randomly chosen from the comment section. Today's prize is ACCORDING TO JANE by Marilyn Brant. Check back in this post tomorrow to find out if you are the winner!
Also, at the bottom of each post there is a scavenger hunt question. The answer can be located somewhere on the author's website. Send in all 5 correct answers* to the scavenger hunt questions, and you will be entered in a drawing to win a $50 Visa gift card!!! SCAVENGER HUNT QUESTION (3 of 5): Marilyn Brant received her M.A. in educational psychology from which university? *Please note, that the correct answers to the scavenger hunt questions must be sent in at one time. You must collect all 5 answers and send them in one email. Entries for the scavenger hunt will be accepted from Friday, October 30th thru Sunday, November 1st at midnight. The winner will be announed on this blog Monday, November 2nd, 2009. If you have any questions about this contest, please contact contests(AT)knightagency.net. |
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11:32p |
An Argument For The MidList
http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2009/10/argument-for-midlist.html STATUS: Can you say snow in Denver? Oh my. Good thing the weather forecast is sunny and back in the 50s come this weekend.What’s playing on the iPod right now? I’LL BE AROUND by Joan OsborneAs a follow up to yesterday’s entry, I want to remind editors that sometimes break-out books come unexpectedly from a midlist author. Simone Elkeles is a terrific case in point. Before PERFECT CHEMISTRY hit (close to 100,000 copies in print and over 1500 to 2500 books sold every week for months and months), Simone was certainly what somebody would have called a solidly midlist author. She had published three previous novels before PERFECT CHEMISTRY. All of which had done respectably but certainly nothing like her current novel. It’s the right book at the right time but when I was selling her two years ago, I had many an editor pass on her with the words “we don’t see this as a big enough book” or “I don’t think we can break this out in a big way.” Hum…reminiscent of what I’m hearing now. And yet, some midlist authors grow into big sellers. So just a gentle reminder even though I know all you editors already know this. I get that this isn’t always the strongest argument to sway the powers that be in the ed. board meetings. But I feel like saying it all the same. |
| Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 |
arcaedia
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10:48a |
happy release day
 Today is the official publication day for By the Mountain Bound by Elizabeth Bear. In this complex prequel to Hugo-winner Bear's All the Windwracked Stars (2008), Ragnarok has already occurred, but the world must still be cleansed of the residue of the former realm. When immortal einherjar war-leader Strifbjorn rescues a strange woman from drowning, she claims to be the Lady, a long-awaited deity, and defeats Strifbjorn's champion and lover, Mingan the Gray Wolf, to take command. The ensuing internal power struggles set the einherjar at odds while the Lady attempts to rally the community against a supposedly imminent attack by giants. Numerous fantasy authors adopt the tropes of Norse mythology, but Bear actively pursues them, channeling those myths directly rather than overlaying them on more familiar ones. The result demands much from readers, but repays it in vivid, sensual imagery of a wholly different world. --Publishers Weekly Chapter One in three parts: The Wolf; The Historian; The Warrior Also available, Mike Shepherd's: Kris Longknife: Undaunted , the 7th book in the series. Kris Longknife and her crew have just jumped the Wasp into an uncharted system when they encounter an alien Death Ball pursued by two battle cruisers. The aliens insist on meeting with the leader of the human worlds. They are, they say, on a mission of peace. Since the leader of the human worlds just happens to be her grandfather, she is able to arrange the meeting--where the aliens reveal their message. They've come to warn of an unidentifiable force that is roaming the galaxy, obliterating everything in its path--a path now leading directly toward human space. Book 1: Mutineer Book 2: Deserter Book 3: Defiant Book 4: Resolute Book 5: Audacious Book 6: Intrepid  Now available in paperback: Strength and Honor , the 4th book in the Tour of the Merrimack series. Peace between earth and the star-born Roman Empire seems about to break out. But the peacemaking Caesar is assassinated, and his successor wants to fight some more. The Merrimack is on a diplomatic mission deep in Roman space when the ship’s resident Roman disappears, and the all-devouring alien menace the Hive returns in force. Fast action, hairbreadth escapes, and Meluch’s facility for humor in an astonishing range of situations incumbent on military life become the order of the day. Whether you favor the marines, the pilots, or the Romans, a fine yarn to chuckle along with, just like the previous Tour of the Merrimack adventures. --Booklist Book 1: The Myriad Book 2: Wolf Star Book 3: The Sagittarius Command |
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12:14a |
Declaration
His blood pounds Behind his eyes and His hand is cold On the phone. His stomach is a knot. * Layers unfold and Fibers unwind To reveal The heart, Still beating On the inside. * Phone lines crackling across Fields and dust and trees, Brittle bird claws and leaves collecting On his words. I love you, he says. |
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