This week! The publishing!
We’ll start waaay back in the Great Depression. With our current economic downturn affecting….. everything, including culture, are you curious about what people were reading back then? Me too. Would you believe werewolves, dog books, and business books?
Knopf Doubleday (I’m still not used to saying that) has quite the Fall season coming up, what with books by Dan Brown, Jon Krakauer, Margaret Atwood, Pat Conroy, and Jonathan Lethem, among others. Bookseller Arsen Kashkashian takes a look at the catalog with the reverence it deserves, but calls it “Random House’s Hail Mary” and discusses the decisions a buyer has to make with such a momentous list.
Speaking of bookselling, agent Andrew Zack posted a takedown of the Bookscan service, which purports to report (say that five times fast) 70% of book sales and which publishers rely on heavily, but as any agent knows, actually reports FAR, FAR LESS I SWEAR I HAVE THE ROYALTY STATEMENTS IN FRONT OF ME DON’T BELIEVE BOOKSCAN THE SALES TRACK IS FINE I PROMISE. Ahem. Little, Brown editor in chief Geoff Shandler also weighed in in the comments section.
The New Yorker’s indispensable book blog The Book Bench tackled a crucial and weighty question this week: is Lauren Conrad’s novel L.A. CANDY any good?
Oh, and speaking of celebrity news, my bunker buddy Dick Cheney sold his memoir for a reported $2 million.
In news-via-John Ochwat news, speaking of Dick Cheney, there’s a hilarious contest over at the Globe and Mail to name his memoir. Ooooh the possibilities.
Also via John Ochwat, John Scalzi tackles the question of why debut novelists always seem to be in their thirties (except of course for those precocious teenagers). Why is it? Well, it takes a while to write a novel, and anyway, most writer’s first novels suck.
Over at Bookends, Jessica laments the poor state of communication in the publishing industry and how frustrating it is to have to chase editors who are so uncommunicative you start to wonder if they’re still alive. Hear hear.
And JA Konrath tackles a tough question in a really awesome, comprehensive manner: when should you self-publish?
And finally, I’m really going to miss the King of Pop. I don’t know if we’ll ever again have someone who is as talented a singer, songwriter and dancer. RIP.
The First Carol says
Name for Cheney's memoir: Shot in the foot, oh sorry, that was YOUR foot.
A Paperback Writer says
And we've lost Farrah Fawcett, too. I was a huge Charlie's Angels fan as a kid…. sigh.
Dang. That's why I haven't made it yet as a novelist; I'm in my 40s instead of my 30s!! Well, maybe if I keep working hard, I'll eventually become the Grandma Moses of the world of YA Fiction.
JohnO says
I want my own show on CNN. Only without all those TV cameras and things.
KayKayBe says
Yeah! It looks like I'm first up! I wanted to throw in a word for audiobooks. I got back from vacation and am a little behind the times (and sunburnt).
What I understand is…when you read to kids, they learn vocab, sentence structure, comprehension, and the more time being read to correlates to better writing and reading skills. This is why the pediatricians and teachers push you to read to your kids. It changes their brains, in a good way. Audio books give these same results. TV does not. So I voted yes on Audiobooks as reading.
Ink says
I'm salivating in anticipation of Lethem's Chronic City. And I've been checking Amazon weekly for Krakauer's book for, oh, about a year. That probably says something unhealhty about me…
And I watched the full Thriller video today in the throes of gradeschool nostalgia. Anyone else breakdance on big pieces of cardboard back then? No? Oh. Um… forget I said that. Not that I said anything. Certainly not. Nada. Zip. Zilch. And zero, too. I definitely said zero. I'm sure of it.
Margaret Yang says
It was really, really interesting to read the booksellers side of things. Not something one typically reads on blogs.
Marsha Sigman says
I feel like a piece of my childhood just died, Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett on the same day! I am completely depressed.
Verification word:buctisad
Anonymous says
Paperback,
Don't be discouraged. I believe you would find the 30-ish trend generally includes career writers – people who've worked at other jobs to support their writing career.
There are many authors who publish later in life because they have chosen writing as a second career.
Give it another ten years, and the stats may very well show a higher age statistic than trends indicate right now – especially since more and more people in our culture are successfully beginning second, and, even, third careers.
Who knows, you could very well be one of the published authors that help swing the trending upward!
BTW: My grandmother always told the best stories.
D. G. Hudson says
It's too bad that we've lost one of our musical legends – Michael Jackson- I still remember listening to that song, and loving his great choreography.
As for books in the news, I see that someone is now writing about Hemingway's books from a different perspective – his first wife's. Hadley is a prominent figure in 'A Moveable Feast'. Once again, we see the piggybacking of one novel on another which has had success. Where is originality? This always seems like plundering of a classic to me. Another example of same old, same old. I don't buy books like that, or the airy novels of glitzy teen celebs (LC).
Great postings this week, Nathan.
Dara says
I definitely agree with that article about new novelists being in their 30s. I'm only 24, but I can definitely see being at least 30 before a book of mine would be published.
Perhaps it would be earlier if I didn't have to spend so much time researching for my historical…oh well! 🙂
Kirsten Hubbard says
um, regarding L.A. Candy, I can't believe I just read "white silk nightie" and "white silk sheets" in the first half of the first page.
Bill Loehfelm says
Bill Loehfelm here. As you may (or may not)recall I got drilled in the publishing press a few times this fall for "flopping" as the inaugural winner of Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Award when Publisher's Lunch published the Bookscan numbers for my novel FRESH KILLS. Well, lo and behold, turns out Bookscan (BS) grossly, grossly under-reported my sales.
On the upside, my first royalty statement turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. The lesson I took from the experience? Stop reading my own press, especially when it comes to sales.
As a reader, I'm over the moon about this fall's publishing schedule. Some of my all time faves (Lethem, Conroy, Atwood, and Russo)have books due out. As an author whose sophomore effort drops in early September, I'm more than a little intimidated, tho still very grateful to be on the sched. at all.
Bill.
Anonymous says
THANK YOU for linking to the Scalzi piece. I'm pushing 38 and I was really (honestly) getting depressed. I'll be on the other side of 40 before this novel gets published, but I did take 5 years out to earn a PhD, so I'm not doing so badly after all.
Erik says
Another publishing event this week was the launch of arno books (www.arnobooks.com). They have a pretty interesting concept going. I was lucky enough to have an inside track to publishing w/ them (friend of a friend kind of thing) and now they are looking for queries. I know there are some good writers who look at this blog, so I thought I'd let everyone know!
Thermocline says
The article about new authors gave me better excuses to have started writing later in life than the simple one that got my ideas for a novel draining from my noggin into my typing fingertips: mortality. If I don't get writing now I might never begin.
Lauren says
Ah! So many links! I think I'll have to bump about half of these to Saturday morning's reading.
I'm so excited for about a million books that are coming out this fall. I'm going to have to start saving and budgeting NOW. Oh, and blasting through my current TBR pile.
Ink, I can join ya in the cardboard-box-breakdance nostalgia. Although I think I busted my butt more times than I did anything with style. But a couple of weekends ago, some friends and I went to a skating rink — they still have those! — and did the Thriller zombie dance on skates. Oh yeah.
wv: "Natin" Nathan's southern cousin?
Rick Daley says
I would like to read a book about Dick Cheney meeting Lon Chany, it could be called "The Man of 1,000 Targets."
Last night I spent a considerable amount of time showing my seven-year-old son that I can moonwalk. I also pointed out how cool Eddie Van Halen's guitar work was on "Beat It."
It's a shame Michael Jackson's talents were overshadowed in recent years by his misgivings (real and/or alleged). He had more raw talent in one sequin-gloved pinky than I have in my whole body.
Mira says
Great links, Nathan, thanks.
That is sad about Michael Jackson, on so many levels. I hope he finds healing in…where ever he is now.
I really like the Konrath link, that was interesting. I also loved the Kashkashian link! Yea! Someone talking about the insanity of publishers was lovely. I did not like that he blamed Dan Brown for layoffs, however, that's ridiculous. Look to business practices for that. But I did get a sense that Dan Brown wasn't Kashkashian's favorite person, which was funny.
I've been hanging out at Bookends as well as here, lately, and I like what Jessica has to say. It's a very different type of blog than this one, but I enjoy it. I guess I just like to talk about all these issues.
I can understand why people were reading werewolf novels in the Depression. I imagine many people wanted to imagine they had the ability to transform into something that was powerful and could vent rage. But dog books? Why dog books?
Okay, lots of links, very fun, thanks.
Jeanie W says
The Washington Post also has a Dick Cheney memoir-related contest. Write the first paragraph:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/24/AR2009062403427.html
Kristin Laughtin says
That article on literary trends in the Depression is certainly proof that some things will never die!
I was so grateful for Scalzi's post the other day. I'm 25 and don't feel anywhere near being ready to be published yet (although one of my novels is, I think/hope, of publishable quality–I just want to have more than one of those written before I pursue it!). Now I have something to show those people who question why I'm not trying yet, and don't believe me when I tell them not to freak out because most authors don't get published until later anyway.
Elaine 'still writing' Smith says
Wolves? No wonder someone asked to read the book! STAGE 2
Michael Jackson back to back on radio stations – isn't 'good career move' the quote from Elvis' management?
Anonymous says
Dick Cheney: How to try to turn a Democracy into a Dictatorship.
Lunatic says
Don't you have to be careful about calling editors anything? They may read your blog too. 😉
Fred
Mira says
Oh wait. I get it.
Because a dog will always love you, no matter how much money you have. That's why they liked dog books.
Lol. Where else can I talk about stuff like this? I really enjoy your blog, Nathan.
Oh! I forgot. I have some advice for you Nathan. I start my first class tomorrow, so I had to buy the textbook. 50 bucks. 50 bucks!!
So I ordered it on-line. For 50 bucks, I expected the Hindenbury of books. But do you know how big that book was? 150 pages.
For 50 bucks. What a racket.
So, that's my advice, Nathan. Rep. textbooks. You'll rake it in.
Jen P says
Agatha Christie was selling in the Depression too – crime always pays.
Wait, maybe's that's the title for the memoir.
Debut authors in their 30's – he doesn't seem to mention something I would expect – publishers want to invest in good books but they also want to invest in authors who have potential to write lots of them and have a career with the house, or not? IE: You may have more potential long term payback from an author who is relatively young.
Heather B. Moore says
To help out with the "depression era of book sales" everyone on my birthday list will get a book this year.
Very sad about Michael Jackson and the rest. The world has changed.
Anonymous says
Thanks for the links! Love Fridays.
T.Wolfe says
You are so correct. An aspiring writer's first novel (unpublished) usually does suck! LOL But then again, so do some of the published works. 🙁
Have a great weekend!
RIP
Aimee K. Maher says
Writers in their 20's are too busy going to clubs? Like Lauren Conra…
oh, wait. Plastic got a deal.
hannah says
"(except of course for those precocious teenagers)"
Damn kids…
Marilyn Peake says
Thanks for more great links! I'll enjoy checking them out throughout the weekend.
So sad, Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon, and David Carradine all recently passed away … and suddenly barely mentioned by our TV news, there are still many people dying in Iran and Iraq.
writer says
I hope we can all agree that Lauren C most likely did not write her own book.
I can't even believe there's a doubt about this. To write you have to sit down, clear your head. Master characters, character arcs, dialogue, and theme. You have to write that first sucky draft and another five after it, take editor notes and be able to implement them. She got a book deal less than a year ago and the book is already out now. Does anyone honestly think in a brief eight or nine months she accomplished WRITING it?
I have no doubt she'll be great at the book tour thing, though. Being adored and having people tell her she's spectacular and whatnot. 🙂
In fact, she should do ALL author tours; free up authors from that burden.
Scott says
Konrath offer a wealth of in-depth common sense, but I take issue with two points:
1) I've heard over and over that pitch meetings at writing conferences are a waste of time and money, and…
2) If your ISBN follows you around and shows poor sales, wouldn't that say more about your ability to market your book in a sea of self-pubs than the actual contents of the book. Seems a bit fickle to snub something that barely had a chance to begin with strictly considering the numbers and available resources.
On other news, I'll miss Michael, too. In fact, I've missed him for about 15 years.
Kristi says
I still have my Thriller album so I can one day explain to my children what an "album" is – although I no longer have my record player so I won't be able to play it for them. Maybe they can use it as a frisbee.
I'm not touching the Dick Cheney thing, as I refuse to send any energy that man's way.
Finally, as someone hoping to be a debut novelist while still in her 30's, I don't consider that "old." Well, some days I do, but not today. Happy Friday! 🙂
Anonymous says
Jen P,
Publishers want books that will sell — today.
Tomorrow, twentysomethings may prove to have been one-time wonders, thirtysomethings develop writers' block and fortysomethings change agents and houses… etc.
Publishing is truly about the book in hand….and the author's track record.
Each book has to earn its keep.
Sure, publishers love landing a bestselling author long-term, but tomorrow is never guaranteed.
I'd bet a publisher would pick one of the older giants: Koontz, King, Child, Deaver, Grisham, etc. over a twentysomething author – ahem – if % remain equal.
Hey, Bill – Congratulations!
Anonymous says
Yes, Bill, congratulations!!
Anonymous says
Title for Cheney's memoir:
AND SATAN SAID IT COULDN'T BE DONE
Anonymous says
Anon 2:08 – rofl.
A Paperback Writer says
anon at 10:45
thanks for the encouragement
word verfication: popingen
Isn't that a city in Denmark? (j/k)
Rick Chesler says
Thanks again for TWIP, Nathan.
Vacuum Queen says
Your world is so cool. I was thinking what the links from MY world would look like from the week. Not nearly as fun. Darn.
Isn't there any sort of agent meeting you all can have where you make a pact that nobody shall sign a book by a Lauren Conrad type, no matter how many people will buy it? I know that money's money….but still. In the long run, it ain't helpin'.
Anonymous says
Nathan, thanks for the MJ video link. My kids can't figure out what is so great about him, but I remember Michael from the 70s and early 80s–back to the Jackson 5 era– and he was quite an entertainer. Too bad his life (and mind) took the odd twists and turns it did. Just think what he might have accomplished if he'd held it together.
And Farrah Faucett on the same day! I think every guy in my high school had that poster and all the girls wanted her hair style.
RIP MJ and FF
And the above admission of age (a few years younger than MJ, probably dooms me to unpubbed obscurity if debut authors are in their 30s.
Haste yee back ;-) says
Book Scan, by its' own admission, doesn't track Wal-Mart or the many, many grocery stores selling titles.
Wal-Mart… how can you ignore the 126 ton retail gorilla and get any sales statistics correct?
Jackson, Presley, Monroe, all sad. Even their happiness was sad… true treadmill to Living Hell stories, all of 'em!
Haste yee back 😉
Anonymous says
Thanks for the great songs Michael Jackson!
Alexis Grant says
Thanks for this. Particularly liked the link about why new novelists are in their 30s!
Lucinda says
Nice links. I liked the FAQ link on your site as well. You answer questions with your questions, and I find the answers.
Now, which one will cross the finish line first? The Demons? The Dragons? Maybe it will be Madison with her insane quests. Oh, could it be Lucinda's Magpie? Time will tell…
Thanks again, Nathan for a great study towards learning the craft, earning ruples to pay our dues with, and that magical wand to wave around an agent's head.
have a great weekend
Lucinda
John says
Thank you for posting the Billie Jean performance. I remember seeing it live when I was a teenager. Michael Jackson is beyond us. Your blog is a true inspiration for writing artists.
Anna says
I was in my 40's with that first novel, and am missing Farrah more than MJ. Her roles in The Burning Bed and Small Sacrifices were superb…
Jen C says
Phew, I still have 2 years to get published if I want to go against the trend. And I DO love to go against trends!
Laurel says
Mira-
Textbook publishing is my most recent career manifestation. Nobody's getting rich there, either. Piracy, reporting issues, used books, all the things cited here.
Re: Authors in their thirties. I am not really all that cool so perhaps my high school/college years lacked the spice to provide an interesting perspective to fiction but twenty something seems so young. My twenties were about living and saving up what I learned and experienced to examine with more perspective later. I worked retail, waited tables, drank too much, lived in another country, learned another language, taught high school, started and ran my own business, met my husband, and brought a stray cat home from half way around the world. I wasn't building publishing creds but I definitely was building the foundation to write something. I certainly don't think I'm the exception…those young whippersnappers are!