Lots and lots (and lots) of links today. There is so much “future of publishing news” this week my head is spinning. Let’s get to it!
First up, those of you who have e-Readers may have wondered on occasion why there are lots of books missing from the e-libraries. Well, AP reporter Hillel Italie wrote a recent article assessing some of the reasons, which include skepticism about the whole e-book thing and a strong disagreement over royalties. You might see the CEO of a certain agency interviewed in the article. A certain agency that likes the color orange. Okay, it’s Curtis Brown.
Speaking of e-Readers, via HarperStudio (love those guys) comes a blog post at the NY Times about the effect e-Readers are going to have on books, including making them easier to buy (and stop reading), a great jockeying for search engine optimization, and the possible return of the cliffhanger as a way to entice buying. I love the idea of cliffhangers making it
Speaking of the New York Times and e-Readers, they have a separate article, crucially, about the Kindle’s effect on literary snobbery. In other words, who is going to try and impress everyone on the subway by reading ULYSSES when no one can see what they’re reading? It’s the end of literature as we know it, people.
And now for the corporate side of the future of publishing, some big news afoot as Barnes & Noble launched an mp3 audio book store, and Amazon acquired the company that makes the iPhone e-Reader app Stanza, possibly in anticipation of an Apple/Verizon tablet-sized device that could be a serious game-changer in the e-book world.
And lastly in future of publishing news, my awesome colleague Katie Arathoon passed along two articles, one about the launch of the Espresso in England, a machine that can print and bind a (warm) book in five minutes, and which is probably the future of many paper books as it will allow even the smallest of bookstores to offer the same level of selection as online booksellers.
The second article is about a partnership between hip-hop group De La Soul and Nike (yes, the shoemakers), a sponsorship relationship that could perhaps be a model for authors of the future.
Whew. Things are changing quickly around here.
In agency news, William Morris and Endeavor got married, and I’m told they registered at Bloomingdales. I already got them a rice cooker, so don’t even think about it.
Agent Rachelle Gardner (who I had the pleasure of meeting in Colorado Springs) has an awesome post this week compiling some of the horrible Amazon reviews some beloved books received. If you need a pick-me-up (or laugh) after receiving a rejection, check it out.
And speaking of pitch sessions, Janet Reid has a sure-fire guide to bombing one.
Whew. That’s a lot of links. AND THERE’S MORE.
In news that surprises absolutely no one, Susan Boyle is shopping a book.
Slate’s site The Big Money discovered that there may be some moms out there who are obsessed with TWILIGHT.
Over at Murderati, Allison Brennan has another terrific post on Agent for a Day, musing about whether marketability is more important than story. It’s a terrific defense of the importance of story.
Almost finally, via PublicAffairs Editor Niki Papadopolous comes word of a cool project by Perseus. They’re going to be compiling a book based on user entries and then publishing it in as many formats as possible in 48 hours at BEA. All you have to do is submit your first line to the sequel of a great book.
And finally, finally, via the Huffington Post comes an amazing video of a dancing parrot, which scientists are using to prove that not only do some animals actually have rhythm, they have horrible taste in music, too:
Someone get that parrot a book deal.
Have a great weekend!
Bane of Anubis says
I have to agree with the review for Grapes of Wrath – Steinbeck can definitely write lots about dirt.
As for literary snobbery, once Amazon figures out how to do 3-D digital projections from the Kindle, then everything will be on the up and up (though perhaps we can just project Ulysses when we’re actually reading Paris Hilton’s blog – “why eating pork prevents me from getting swine flu” š
I also have a sudden urge to run to the nearest store and procure a cockatoo.
Margaret Yang says
Moms like the Twilight books, and this is news?
Actually, all the moms I know read YA, and many of them read nothing else. I don’t know if it is because they are busy and the books are less demanding, or if it is because they want books they can discuss with their kids or because they want squeaky clean or what, but moms read a lot of YA.
And now I can’t discuss books with my girlfriends because I mostly read grown up books.
Deaf Indian Muslim Anarchist! says
Lol @ that Kindle/Literary Snobby article. It’s true! I usually feel attracted to guys if I catch them reading a book like Taqwacores or England’s Dreaming, because only certain kinds of people read those books. I don’t like Kindles, but the only time I will buy a Kindle is if I’m going on a massive trip around the world and I don’t want to pack 20 books into my bag.
the dancing parrot is a great final touch on the blog post.
Margaret Yang says
Also, both the espresso book making machine AND the kindle were touted in different articles as “the biggest change to books since Gutenberg.” Can both of them be the biggest change? Which one is bigger? Which one will win?
Rubenesque Writer says
I’m still LOL’ing (is that a word? It is now!) about your comment on cliffhangers… š
Janet Green says
Margaret, all your possibilities for Moms reading YA are probably spot-on, and I’ll add one: maybe moms read YA because they have fond memories of Judy Blume and Paula Danziger, and want to recapture a piece of what made them love reading. (My husband is this way with Henry Gregor Felson books.) Also – I think that reading some of the current YA stuff definitely allows Mom to become familiar with what the kid is reading (are books for teens as slutty and sexually advanced as the CLOTHES??) even if they don’t discuss it. It could also just be a guilty pleasure.
Although I’m not a Twilight reader, there’s one thing I can relate to with my daughter’s reading: her ability to pick an author and devour everything they write. She had her Erin Hunter and now her Stephenie Meyer, and I’ve got my Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich. š
Myra says
I read YA because I write YA. I read the Twilight saga because frankly, I love me some Jacob. (Even though “Edward on a Stick” lives on my desk…it’s a long story that all started when
;0
M. Dunham says
Thanks for all of the links, Nathan.
The funny thing about that cockatoo are the birds back up dancing int he cages.
Melissa McInerney says
Oh yeah, your dancing parrot video is seriously funny, but it upset my dogs. Not sure if it was the Backstreet Boys or the rockin’ squawks. This one gets forwarded to my friends.
Scobberlotcher says
Thanks for all the links and info.
Marilyn Peake says
Wow, Iām going to be busy this weekend. Between rewriting the ending of my science fiction novel and following up on all those wonderful links, I now have a very full schedule. Thanks for so much great information! I submitted a sequel line to the Perseus project last week. That was fun! Chuckle. The sample lines on their home page are hilarious.
Have a great weekend!
Mark Terry says
I haven’t had a chance to check their guest registry. I’m thinking of going with the fondu pot.
PurpleClover says
From one mom that does NOT read Twilight-
I LOOOOOOOVVVVEE the idea of the "Espresso"!
As for reading Ulysses on the bus, why not place the kindle between pages of Ulysses? or War & Peace? haha.
Am I the only person disgusted by birds? Moon Rat posted something similar a few weeks back that was just as funny. But still. Birds. Ick.
Okay off to read the rest of the links.
sex scenes at starbucks says
Your video brought the dog running.
Hey Mark, can I go in with you on that fondue pot? I mean, we don’t know them all that well, right?
RW says
The cliffhanger concept reminds of the master–Charles Dickens–which reminds of the publishing model he lived on–serials. Kindle might be the perfect format for reviving that model. Imagine getting John Grisham’s next courtroom suspense novel sent to you in weekly installments. Say $.99 for each installment, 50% discount off the total if you subscribe to the whole thing up front.
Yamile says
Oh! i love that Jacob werewolf too! And I think I read YA because, I didn’t have access to those books when I was younger (I admit, some hadn’t even been thought of yet), and I see my 11 year-old self being obsessed with Harry Potter, Twilight, Percy Jackson! and that gives me a warm, happy feeling inside.
Thanks for the wonderful links!
ScribleRainbow says
Mr. Bransford,
I have a question ^.^
I’ve searched and searched and have yet to find an answer. I’ve read that if something is copyrighted, like ipod for example, that you cannot use it in your book. But I’ve seen writers use not only ipod, but brand name cars like BMW and bands like The Beatles. I’ve looked in the book to try and find some credit given to the copyright holder, but there is none!
I don’t get it. Are you, or are you not allowed to use these kind of things in your book? Any help would be greatly appreciated :]
Davin Malasarn says
Thanks for the links. The e-book discussion is still very interesting to me. I’ve gotten most of my information online, but lately more and more of my friends are talking about their Kindles…and liking them.
Kristi says
I am a member of a bookclub, comprised of 11 thirty to forty year old women highly-educated women who only read literary books – except for Twilight. I laughed when they picked it and made endless fun of my thirty-something friends who went to the midnight showing of the movie. Two weeks later, I had read all 4 books and seen the movie (but not at midnight). I totally understand the appeal and it was a fun diversion from our usual books – sort of like having Doritos and diet coke for dinner instead of veggies. However, I really loved Mudbound which was our most recent pick.
Happy Friday! š
Renee Collins says
Steinbeck writing about dirt? Uh-yeah, cause the story was set during the Dust Bowl.
*sigh*
I’ve come to discover that I may have a thick skin when it comes to my own writing, but I feel very defensive of the classics.
(And if anyone wants to come in here and trash Gatsby, you’re gonna have to fight me first.)
Justus M. Bowman says
As usual, thanks for the information. It makes me feel all highbrow inside.
Other Lisa says
Oooh! I’m really excited about the Espresso. Anything that helps small bookstores compete is a beautiful thing!
Regarding dancing parrots, apparently Snowball also dances to “Another one bites the dust” and has helped to prove that birds and elephants got rhythm.
Rebecca Knight says
Thanks for all the great links, Nathan!
I’m kind of excited for the anti-literary-snobbery potential the Kindle has. Now I can read all my cheesy sci/fi fantasy novels w/ naked blue people and dragons on the cover without shame! Also, romances…
It’s the dawning of a new age :).
Laurel says
Here’s why Kindle (and any me too products) will have the edge over Espresso:
Instant gratification.
You can get your title immediately. At 2 am, in the airport, whatever.
Also, there is an entire generation now who reads as much online as they do bound books. I came from textbook publishing and you absolutely cannot sell a textbook without an ebook version. They get both with the purchase of the text. And many of them use the ebook exclusively. The question I most frequently fielded at student orientation was, “Can I just buy the ebook?” followed up with “Is it cheaper?” They prefer the online book.
I know reading for pleasure is different but reading habits cross over and translate.
Jared X says
I’m glad the Times picked up on the death of literary snobbism problem with the Kindle.
To me, a related but even bigger problem for authors with the Kindle is that as Kindles become more popular, authors will lose one of their oldest and best marketing devices: people walking up to others reading in public and asking “How is that?”
It seems to me that if my iPod can display a clear picture of the album cover of the song I’m listening to and my cell phone can show me all sorts of information through an outer display when it’s closed, then a Kindle can have a display on the backside that shows the title, author, and cover art of the book I’m reading. I can’t imagine why the entire publishing industry (including Amazon, who makes the Kindle) wouldn’t want this alteration on the next version.
Mira says
Wow, look at all these links! And so much good stuff. Lots to read this weekend.
In terms of the “marriage,” I’m curious about what the article said – that it was beneficial for the individual artist. The rest of the article didn’t spell that out. In fact, it talked about anti-trust, lay-offs, reduced advances…..there must be something I’m not seeing….?
Bane of Anubis says
Renee, I’ll go to the mattresses against Steinbeck or Joyce, but not FSF.
Kristin Laughtin says
Oh boy, lots of links for me to go check out today!
I love that cockatoo. He’s just too cute when he lifts his feet in the air, even if his musical taste is questionable. (My guess is he likes the beats.)
Word verification: “noise”. Freakishly appropriate for that video! I did a double-take when I went to type it in.
Ian says
I agree with you RW. But, does the brief episodic style of writing lead to a cliffhanger or a myriad of colourful scenes? In Dickens’ case it was very much the later. One thing’s for sure, when you’re wrting online, you can’t afford a single slack page or you will lose your readers: they have millions of other pages they can turn to for free. You have to hold them gripped tightly in your fist and never realax that grip for one moment.
When people have bought your book, you’ve got them. You can ease up at times; take it easy, just as long as the overall effect is good. They have bought in.
Rick Chesler says
Thanks again for TWIP, Nathan.
Rick
Jamie says
Literary snobbery goes both ways…
I don’t have an actual “e-reader” device (ala Kindle, etc), but I do read my romance novels almost exclusively on my PDA. I even have two monthly ebook subscriptions for romances. One of the greatest things about reading romance on my PDA is that I can keep the cover to myself – no one has to know I’m reading a book with nearly naked bodies adorning the cover (or the pages between). A guilty pleasure I can take anywhere…and not have to worry about peers or potential bosses “reading into” my choice of reading material that day. Very cool.
Laurel says
Okay, I just read the one about Twilight and moms.
They just figured this out? Seriously?
Everybody my age watched “Buffy The Vampire Slayer.” Grew up on it. Did they think we all had kids and just stopped being consumers of anything but formula and Pampers?
Anonymous says
Did that much really happen this week? It went by so fast it seemed like nothing could happen at that speed. I should stop reading, its mucking up my sense of time.
As far as the Kindle snobbery goes…I’m the kind of person who does drag out whoppers out in public to show how freaking smart I am (to be fair, I read them in private when no one is looking), but Kindle will give snobs like me the chance to read trash too. I can’t bring myself to check out or buy trash or YA…I read Twilight on the super sly and now pretend like I never read it.
Polenth says
I’ll be the parrot’s ghostwriter!
Karen Amanda Hooper says
Wait a sec. How was Rachelle Gardner at the PP Conference and I missed her. š
Steve Stubbs says
The Espresso machine is a great idea, but will it really work in book stores? Just speaking for this customer, being able to touch, handle, and skim through a book is the only thing that makes a bookstore preferable to amazon.com. That and the fact that you walk out with your purchase instead of waiting weeks for it to slowly wend through Uncle Sam’s paper labyrinth. From a business perspective I also wonder about the store’s capital investment which they have to recover selling low profit items one at a time. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Thanks for bringing it up.
As for rejection, I think you have the wrong idea about it. To paraphrase Rodney Dangerfield, if most writers never got rejected they would not get any readers at all.
Lady Glamis says
Awesome roundup, Nathan, thank you! I loved Rachelle’s post with the reviews. That made my day when I read it. š
Rachel says
Thank you for the Snowball link! I heard about it on NPR yesterday but by the time I got home, completely forgot to check out the video.
My life is now complete.
T. Anne says
Funny, I scanned the YA aisle myself today. (says the mom of four) They do bring back fond memories!
Rebecca says
just came across your site…thanks for all of the great information. i’m new to this world – just found a lit. agent – and am thankful for all of your helpful posts.
disorderly says
Great links as usual, Nathan! Dog and I read them together every Friday. I don’t think we’ll be doing that anymore after today. The cockatoo video inspired Dog to growl and lunge for the screen, inspiring me, in turn, to leap up with a shriek as the iced tea Dog knocked over in the process poured into my lap.
Dog, of course, hopped down from the desk, looked over his shoulder with disdain and trotted into the other room as though I should have known better than to click on a bird video.
:-
Anonymous says
I remember telling some Ladies of RWA about the Espresso machine and they shouted , “FIE! You lying liar that lies! Publishing shall change not!” then turned their back to me with a sniff.
I am having a small moment of shadenfraude. Not to big otherwise it will upset my karmic balance of good.
pjd says
ah, the headbanging at the very end is the treat in that video. (No, I didn’t actually watch, the entire thing. Among the top inventions of all time (no disrespect to the ball point pen and the flowbee) is the “fast forward” button.)
Dara says
Lots of stuff to read this week; thanks for the links, as always!
I’ve found myself gravitating towards more YA books recently. Perhaps it’s because the premises of the stories are catching my attention more so than books in the “grown-up” section.
Then again, I’m still fairly young at 24, so that may have something to do with it too. š
Jen C says
Everyone I know who is obsessed with Twilight is my age (28). I read the first (never in public, of course) and I was into it at the time, but now I can’t really remember what it is I liked about it.
I’m definitely much more comfortable getting out the Tolstoy on the tram, which is pretty sad when you think about it. Why do I care what a bunch of strangers think about what I’m reading? I have the urge to start reading picture books now and see if I attract a different sort of attention.
I’m off to write a sequel first line now…
M. K. Clarke says
I 2nd that on reading YA because write YA. Had no idea more moms were reading YA, but being a mom who reads YA, I don’t follow that crowd. Not too many mammas read Spinelli or Zindel, eh?
Paula (R.I.P) wrote with a sense of humor; Blume–meh…–got all about the sex and friendship too much for my taste. Cleary had it right with a balance of humor and class.
One huge reason I don’t write literary: that mob-like snobbery belongs in the fertilizer compost pile.
Enjoy the weekend, folks!
Chuck H. says
Alex Green said
“I expected to feel older when I was fast approaching a quarter of a century. I don’t”
Neither did I. Nor when I was fast approaching a half century. Not even now as I plod on toward three quarters of a century. Chronological age no longer matters. It’s all in the attitude. I still read a YA now and then and I’ve even managed to write a YA SF novella.
Good links. My weekend is set.
crevette says
That Backstreet Boys song is a guilty pleasure of mine. And I think the bird has better moves than me as well.
Anonymous says
Ah…the Twilight phenom. My favorite subject!
Twilight was written by a 35-year-old Mormon mother of three boys – she wrote it for herself and for her friends. So, surprise! Women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s+ love it. Including this 36-year-old mother. I will admit it; I was hooked. Read the series five times in two months. I think it was around 12,000 pages. My husband is glad to have me back. š
The parrot was…kinda disturbing. But hilarious.
Anonymous says
What have you got against Susan Boyle? You wanted to be a singer and couldn’t make it? Or you are just being a man and think she is an ugly @#$%^