By: moonrat,
on 5/2/2010
The lovely Bernita Harris has signed a deal with Harlequin's Carina Press for her urban fantasy, Dark and Disorderly, a Lillie St. Clair adventure. Congratulations, Bernita! And let me know the second it's up for pre-order on Amazon :)
By: moonrat,
on 5/1/2010
How sad to be stuck inside today
A desk-bound bun-wearing red-lining recluse
Saturday editing this lovely morn in May
for once, the weather's going my way!
blossoms unfurling, sunlight diffuse
How sad to be stuck inside today
my cold winter edits are inspired, I'd say
but with sun shining outside, I feel obtuse
Saturday editing this lovely morn in May
in Central Park's green grass I'd lay
and frolic amongst squirrels, fawns, and moose
How sad to be stuck inside today
my aching eyeballs tear away
o! how they suffer such wretched abuse
Saturday editing this lovely morn in May
That's what I've written this Villanelle to say
Might my time be put to better use?
How sad to be stuck inside today
Saturday editing this lovely morn in May
By: moonrat,
on 4/28/2010
Wildwood Dancing, by Juliet Marillier. WOW that was good. My review here. Anyone else read it? Any thoughts?
By: moonrat,
on 4/25/2010
As you may have guessed already from my several weeks of sporadic posting, I got slammed with a ton of deadlines and am going a little buggy.
I hope to be back here with interesting things soon. Thanks for your patience.
By: moonrat,
on 4/24/2010
[The RM and I are with a group of people trying to pick out a restaurant in the West Village. We pass a place that's all shuttered.]
YT: Oh dang! That's the place I wanted us to go. Now it's closed! That's so sad!
RM: If that restaurant were your mouth, it would still be open.
By: moonrat,
on 4/21/2010
Via my dear friend Kelly, this most excellent link to the fan discussion of who you would cast if there were to be a Wheel of Time movie (series, obviously).
PLEASE leave me your casting suggestions :)
By: moonrat,
on 4/20/2010
Yesterday, I had an adventure.
I arrived home to discover a a sticky note posted to the outside of the doorbell box outside my apartment's foyer. It was a UPS delivery attempt note--third and last attempt; the package would be returned to sender the next day. There was no name on the sticky, but it was left for Apartment 7. There's no apartment 7 in my building. There are several apartments with 7 in their number--like mine, 73--so on the off-chance it was mine, I called the number on the back.
This is how I learned what UPS's excellent strategy for handling missed deliveries is--unlabeled sticky notes on the outdoor call boxes of buildings, regardless of wind or weather. I'm not REALLY surprised I didn't catch notes for the first or second attempt. But whatever.
So yes, in short, the package was addressed to one Moon Rat (like, not my real name, actually "Moon Rat"). My options for obtaining the package were to pay $6 to arrange another delivery (which I also wouldn't be there to intercept, since I have, you know, commitments not in my apartment during UPS delivery options), to pick it up at the local UPS store, or to let it be returned to the sender.
I inquired about the location of the UPS store in question--it was in an area of the Bronx I had never heard of. Also, I'd have to go at night, after 7:30, when the truck had returned to the yard. I looked at Google and noted the many highways and abandoned lots around this UPS store address. Hmm, wandering around alone in the dark in the Bronx in order to retrieve a package addressed to someone who doesn't actually exist (what would happen if I got there and they required photo ID? Hmm, irritating).
I was going to just let the package go back--what the heck was it, anyway?! I wasn't expecting anything!--but the Rally Monkey major guilt-tripped me, saying this was disrespectful to the person who had sent it. At first I snorted off this logic, but then it started to sink in, and I found myself glumly climbing on the train (I had to transfer THREE TIMES to get there!).
I won't go into too much detail about my escapade (summary: I got lost. A lot. I walked 20 minutes in the wrong direction. It was not a residential area, but there were tons of abandoned lots, warehouses, cars zooming by, and bridges with clumps of two or three people standing under them as if someone were PAYING them to look shady. And it was cold, and dark, and when I finally got to UPS they were totally disorganized, and I had to wait for an hour with all the other cold, lonely, angry people who had been wandering around lost in Co-Op City trying to find UPS). But let me assure you, it was AWESOME. The best part was that the guy at UPS didn't ask for photo id like he was supposed to. If he had protected my privacy, I would have thrown a stink fit.
In the end, the package was a review copy of a book I hadn't requested on a topic I'm not very interested in; the publicist had enclosed a brief note requesting I consider it for review on my blog. I'm a little curious about where the sender got my address; I've given it out in the past (there's not much I won't do for free stuff), but did I make some kind of mailing list? And then why would they pay to send it UPS?
I tell you this nattering story because it's a bizarrely New York story (I think anywhere else you could just DRIVE to the UPS store). Also, because it raises some practical issues. How does one freakin' get one's mail?! USPS is no good, either, since the post office by me is only open Monday to Friday, 10 - 5. What, am I going to take a day off to get mail?! And for at least 100 reasons, I do NOT want to be receiving stuff at work.
What IS the answer?!
By: moonrat,
on 4/18/2010
[The RM's baby nephew turns 2 today.]
RM: I'll get him a nice toy. He likes things that move on their own.
YT: Of course he does. Everyone likes things that move on their own.
RM: I don't.
YT: Oh really? Then what do you keep me around for?
RM: When do you ever move on your own?
By: moonrat,
on 4/17/2010
Have you guys heard about the Sirens festival? It's a (pretty new, but rocking) annual conference in Vail, Colorado that is dedicated to women in fantasy--women authors of fantasy and the representation of women in fantasy novels. (Each year, there's a theme--this year it's faeries.) If you're in for a weekend in Colorado October 7-10, keep this possibility in mind--it sounds like one heck of a party.
I'm as interested in the conference as I am because a friend of mine keeps talking about it. The extraordinary Faye, who has spent the last three months patiently teaching me about fantasy and Young Adult literature, attended last year (here's her write-up of her experience) and got so involved that she's on the board this year.
The conference draws a range of authors, from emerging authors to really heavy hitters (last year, Kristin Cashore and Tamora Pierce... this year, Holly Black and Marie Brennan, among others.) According to Faye, there was some really extraordinary programming, panel discussions, etc.
For more information about this year, see here. They are still accepting proposals, so if you're a faery expert and have an idea for programming, check this out. For yet more info, Faye tells me there's a live chat from 2-4 pm today EST here, if you want to ask any questions of the organizers.
I am very, very interested in the conference, both as a reader and as an acquisitions editor. I have never been to Colorado but am very seriously considering. I'd like to hear stories from anyone who's ever been before. Also, please let me know if you're planning on going! This offers great blogfriendmatchmaking potential.
By: moonrat,
on 4/15/2010
It goes:
Chop, chop, choppity chop
Cut off the bottom and cut off the top
What you have left, you throw to the cop-
y editor
Chop, chop, choppity chop
Have you heard it before? CUZ I'M SINGING IT LOUD RIGHT NOW!!
By: moonrat,
on 4/14/2010
Production Manager: In publishing, some people are Type A. The others are Type A+.
I was supposed to be on editorial lockdown all week, and instead I haven't wanted to do anything but read the galley of Paranormalcy *someone* (Kiersten White. That's who it was. I'm just going to come out and say it so that everyone can heckle her) sent me! Unfortunately I am LITERALLY unable to concentrate on my life until I know what happens. Evil, evil, evil.
Too bad no one else gets to read it until September. Nyuk.
You knocked this one out of the park, Kiersten. And to think, we knew you "when."
By: moonrat,
on 4/12/2010
The Samaritan's Secret, by Matt Beynon Rees--detective fiction set in Palestine. Actually, I finished last week and forgot to post. Woops. My review here. Anyone else read? Any thoughts?
NY Mag article about the publisher who almost got JD Salinger's last novel.
If you're tired of LOLCats, don't click here, but this made me laugh really hard.
Ok, that's actually it for now. Happy Monday!
By: moonrat,
on 4/11/2010
RM: Your blog has totally jumped the shark lately. You need to write more about me.
[All right, Mr. Modest.]
By: moonrat,
on 4/10/2010
Woosh, deadlines deadlines yadda yadda... So sad to be torn away from blogging. Can't resist some small, quick blogging.
First, I found this most excellent: Are you ready to be published? Consult this insanely detailed poster! (via zarahruth)
Second, how crazy is this? Huffington Post listed me on their 50 Best Book People to Follow. Like, I'm on a list of only 50 people that starts with Neil Gaiman and includes JK Rowling. As Shaggy would say, like, woah. But I'll take it! Here's the photo evidence. Now I have to figure out how to entertain all my new followers (alas, you old-timers spoiled me with all your easy-to-pleaseness).
Third, apparently this is what a condor looks like. I never knew. Strangely magnificent, in an understated way...
Fourth and finally (for now), classic Ed Ass Moment of Sap (so stop reading if you're not into such things). Today is a Celebrating Good Karma day in the Rat world. Something awesome happened recently for one of my books, and something awesome happened for me personally (besides HuffPo, crazily--I told you it's been a busy week). Selfishly, I believe this is because I have been working hard to help awesome things happen for other people and their books--an example of paying it forward paying it back. But giving (entire) credit where credit is due, I realize my good fortune comes about because I have some really fantastic friends. I am touched and amazed by what people have been willing to do on my behalf, and what they accomplished together. I have to thank them separately, but in the meantime, Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles.
Happy Saturday!
By: moonrat,
on 4/7/2010
Happy Wednesday! (And boy is it!) I'm still too busy to blog, but Mischief people are not to busy to have awesome news!
First, Natasha Solomons's debut novel was released in the UK (where it is called MR ROSENBLUM'S LIST) by Sceptre on April 1st! The US release date is June 21 (Reagan Arthur books is publishing it under the title MR ROSENBLUM DREAMS IN ENGLISH). I've asked Natasha if she'll do a guest post in June, and she's offered to talk about generating word-of-mouth publicity for novels.
Second, Caroline Starr Rose's middle grade novel-in-verse, MAY B, sold to Nicole Geiger at Tricycle! It's releasing Fall 2011. (I just noticed Caroline is represented by my friend Michelle Humphrey--now I'm doubly excited about this deal!)
Two people to congratulate! Keep the good news comin', folks :)
By: moonrat,
on 4/5/2010
I have fallen into a tornado of due dates (mixed metaphor? I can't even tell anymore). If I'm around here a little less, please forgive.
This makes me very, very sad.
It's late at night, but we can discuss in greater detail tomorrow.
By: moonrat,
on 4/1/2010
Woops, I totally forgot I was supposed to have a bookclub about Ragtime. (I finished way early and then forgot about it.) Did anyone else read it? Want to talk about it?
By: moonrat,
on 4/1/2010
Rebecca Knight asks, What was your favorite book growing up?
Anne of Green Gables. Or Island of Blue Dolphins. Or Rifles for Watie. Or anything by Judy Blume. Actually, I didn't have any friends as a child, so I read a lot back then. I also drove my mother crazy by re-reading books about 30 times.
Your turn. What's your favorite childhood book?
By: moonrat,
on 3/31/2010
The Rally Monkey has picked a winner, and that winner is Zoe Courtman! Zoe, email me at moonratty AT gmail DOT com and we'll chat.
I asked the RM how he picked the winner; apparently there was some kind of mystical counting he did amongst the names on the list. I dunno. He's a mystical guy.
Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by here yesterday, reposted, retweeted, etc. You made me feel very special. Also, doing this giveaway reminds me we haven't had a contest in a while. So if anyone has any contest ideas, let me know. I'm not good at thinking of them myself.
By: moonrat,
on 3/30/2010
Ed Ass got its 500,000th hit today. This makes me feel old and venerable.
Naturally, I wanted to celebrate. I mean, with you guys, since you made it happen. But how?! No one has yet invented a giant internet pie.
Jamie Harrington, clever thing, had the idea that I have a giveaway contest, the prize being a first 20 pages crit. So that's what it is! I'll give away one crit of a book's first 20 pages (size 12 font, double spaced, .5 margins for you sneaky sneakies out there).
You'll be automatically entered to win if you do any or all of the following things:
1) repost this on your blog
OR
2) retweet my Twitter announcement
OR
3) link to this post on Facebook (make sure you include @Moonrat in the post so I'm notified of it)
I'll close the contest at 11 pm EST tomorrow (March 31). The Rally Monkey will randomly select one winner without my input (as if I could make him listen to me, anyway).
Yay! I'm really excited now.
By: moonrat,
on 3/30/2010
Anonymous asks, I would be curious to know how lead titles are chosen in a season's releases. I have an internship which involves receiving insane numbers of advance/review copies and I'm always curious about the reasoning for some of them getting labeled lead releases.
A lead title might be picked for a number of reasons.
1) A huge advance was paid. Now the company is in a kind of "oh shit!" position. They have to make back the money they spent, so they have to throw down tons of support to get it extra attention. (This is one of the reasons your agent pushes for a bigger advance--not only because it's nice to have the cash in hand, but also because then the company is in theory fiscally bound to treat you as a serious investment.)
1a) Sometimes the billed lead title will be the book the editorial team is most excited about, even if it's not the one they paid the most for. Usually lead title billing is tied to money, but not always.
2) Because the book, for whatever reason, starts to get a lot of surprise attention from buyers and reviewers. This is an "emerging" lead title. Publishers are often a little off about which book on their list will be the MOST exciting, and sometimes there's a sleeper hit. Actually, from my experience I've found there's at least one sleeper hit in every list--ie a book the publisher slightly underestimated. If the book emerges relatively early (before galleys go out), stuff will get relabeled accordingly.
All this said, some publishers just sticker everything with "lead title" in hopes that it will get buzz attention. That means (I'm pretty sure) that everyone just kind of ignores it all, and pays attention to what they feel like.
So. Was this helpful, or depressing?
By: moonrat,
on 3/29/2010
Casey Leigh asks, Publishing question: What does it take to break into publishing? I have at least two years office experience and at least two years reporting experience and yet I get nothing in response to my resume. I've honestly applied to at least 50-75 editorial assistant type positions. Any advice?
So a long, long time ago (almost three years ago!), I posted these basic rules for breaking into the publishing industry as a professional.
For the most part, the rules haven't changed, although we were hit really, really hard by the economic crisis, especially since we were already going through a lot of turmoil over the rise of digital media. This means that it's a little more difficult to get a job at all now. It's taking a little longer (sometimes much longer) for entry-level candidates to actually break in.
That's the bad news. There's good news, too. The good news is that although I stick to my guns that the plan above (doing an unpaid internship, working in a bookstore, networking) is a good one, I have had the opportunity over the past three years to see people make transitions from a bunch of other industries into publishing, and at every level, not just entry. I've also noticed more fluidity among departments than I had been taught to think there was. My advice during this time is to be open to opportunities even if they aren't quite what you had in mind. If you're dead-set on editorial, consider marketing or publicity or sales--or vice versa.
There are many paths to your dream, I guess is the short answer, and if you really, really want to work in publishing, keep plugging.
Congratulations, Bernita!
How exciting! Congrats, Bernita! And thanks for sharing the good news, moony!
Woot, Bernita! How exciting to be part of Carina's launch month, too! Wishing you the best in marketing and publicity and stellar sales. You deserve them!
Congratulations to Bernita! Harelquin does lovely covers...
Yay, Bernita!
I am totally pumped for this book. Late june? I've been trolling to find out when I can get my hands on it...it sounds like just my cuppa. And I already know you're a great writer!
Squee! Congratulations, Bernita!
Congratulations Bernita!!
Fantastic news Bernita,
hooray for the mischief!
Congrats to Bernita! How exciting!
Congrats, Bernita!
Fantastic news! Congratulations, Bernita!
No way! How awesome, Bernita!!!!
Congrats!
~gulp, gulp~
Thank you, Moonmouse dear.
Now I feel I'm truly part of the Mischief.
Thank you, Dear People, for your kind and generous wishes.
As some of you know, 2009 was a black and bitter year for me.
I submitted the MS to Carina at the winter solstice.
He would have been so pleased and proud.
Wow! Congratulations. Takes out a bottle of champagne.
Congrats!
I'm SO excited! I've been a Lillie St. Claire fan AND a Bernita fan forever. :-) Both of them rock!
How fitting, about your submission date. *hugs*
Wow, congrats Bernita!
I had no idea that Harlequin was doing dark fantasy. (I am stuck in the world of YA) I clearly need to read more blogs!
Fantastic news, Bernita!! I, too, can't wait to buy a copy.
Congratulations!!
I got to read the draft. You'll like the finished product.
Congratulations, Bernita!! We're all rooting for lots and lots of success at every turn for you!
:-0