A little fun to help to set the mood for the Christmas season.
Sung by the choir of Clare College, Cambridge. Conducted by Graham Ross.
Are You Pitch Perfect?
A critical key to landing a book deal is the presentation of your idea in such a way that the editor or agent is completely sold on the concept. In musical terms, perfect pitch is the rare talent to name or pick out a note without having any reference point. This is illustrated by this youtube video where they clear your mind, then give you a tone, and ask you to name the note; most people fail …
Fun Fridays – November 29, 2024
Enjoy today’s “ruff” draft of a short story. (It wasn’t my pun so don’t blame me for your groan of despair.)
Blessed Thanksgiving!
A blessed Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating it. “Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” (Psalm 107:8-9, ESV)
The Anatomy of the Publishing Cycle
If you ask an editor or an agent, “What’s hot right now?” you are too late with the question. The nature of the publishing business is that what you see selling today are books that were conceived, written, published, and marketed over the past couple of years or more. That is why we, on this side of the table, avoid making pronouncements on current trends. In some ways, the agent and the …
Fun Fridays – November 22, 2024
I want to know where I can buy a case of this product! It can change the world. Might even change your Thanksgiving meal time next week (for those in the U.S.). And honey, if you are watching this, I am not “Harold Weathers.” I’m just a little hard of hearing.
Judging a Book by Its Cover
We’ve heard the cliche “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” True. But you do “buy a book by its cover.” We all do. That colorful billboard attracts the eye, disseminates information, and sells the content. Even when the billboard is the size of a postage stamp on Amazon.com, BN.com, or iTunes, you make a judgment on the quality of the book based on its cover. It …
Fun Fridays – November 15, 2024
Palette cleanser with today’s video. Sheer Joy! Conquering the get-it-done pile!
Fun Fridays – November 8, 2024
Today’s video is a classic problem for those of us who love books. Can anyone relate?
Why Can’t I Find My New Book in My Local Bookstore?
Some might think this question is silly and antiquated since we know that 100% of all books are sold by Amazon and that no one buys physical books any more, and least of all in physical bookstores. Why? Because there aren’t any more bookstores! They have all closed. But wait. Even if a publisher attributes 50% of their total physical book sales to Amazon, we cannot ignore the other 50%! But …