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1. Nelson Literary Agency Has No Prob With LGBTQ

By: Kristin Nelson, on 9/13/2011
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: queries, agents, genres, submission, agenting, client books, general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: I'm feeling a tad riled up.

What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? MY HEART BELONGS TO ME by Barbara Streisand

Holy cow! Can't believe I missed this article yesterday. I'm so glad an agent friend forwarded to me. Take a moment to read it and tweet it on but in short, it's an appeal to support literature with gay and lesbian characters and the fact that there are some appalling agents and editors out there who are making requests that the writers make a gay character straight.

Seriously? What year are we in?

I cannot tell you how delighted I was to see a link to a list of YA literature that features gay/lesbian characters and my author Sarah Rees Brennan's THE DEMON'S LEXICON series was on it.

This author of mine is brilliant. It's a wonderful series and her new trilogy that I just sold to Random House also has an absolute kick-a** gay/lesbian main character. The first book UNSPOKEN publishes in fall 2012.

Not to mention, I have a Monica Trasandes' debut adult literary novel coming out in spring 2012 from Thomas Dunne Books/St. Martin's Press. It's called BROKEN LIKE THIS and features three main protagonists: a bisexual character, a gay/lesbian character and a straight male character (had to throw that last one in there-LOL).

A multicultural author to boot. I'll tell you right now it was a tough sell but I loved the novel and I sold it.

So add these to your wish lists if you want to show support via your buying dollars. If I had cover art or anything yet for these two titles, I'd post it here but we are in the middle of the cover design and the buy links aren't available online yet.

And let's not forget the incredibly brilliant, witty, impeccably dressed and extremely powerful Lord Akeldama from Gail Carriger's The Parasol Protectorate series.

I must admit it never occurred to me to add to my agency's submission page that we are open to accepting material with LGBTQ characters because I kind of thought it went without saying but I'm rethinking it now.

Feel free to link to this blog post that it's a-okay with us and I have NEVER asked an author to change a character's ethnic background or orientation.

And because we are talking about multicultural too, check out my author Kimberly Reid's debut YA novel MY OWN WORST FRENEMY. It's an African-American urban Nancy Drew series. I mean, just how cool is that?

Note: LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning.

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Rick said, on 9/13/2011 12:27:00 PM

Thank you for this, Kristin - and for being continuously awesome!

Anne R. Allen said, on 9/13/2011 12:28:00 PM

Thanks so much for this Kristin. Unfortunately, it needs to be said. I've actually had to turn down potential offers from three agents in the past few years because they wanted gay characters eliminated. It seems to be happening more as the extreme right dominates our national politics.

One of the commenters in the thread of that post said that there are now two kinds of agents: the ones who represent writers, and the ones who represent editors. You're obviously one of the former. But there are an increasing number of the latter. They basically get a shopping list from editors and agents get prospective clients to rewrite their books according to the editors' specs before offering representation. Signing with them is often a very bad career move, aside from equality issues.

Stephanie {Luxe Boulevard} said, on 9/13/2011 12:37:00 PM

I attend a writers critique group through RMFW and one our group members has a novel revolving around a lesbian couple. While it is not my writing preference, I have often commended her for broaching this, and many other taboo topics.

Angela Brown said, on 9/13/2011 1:13:00 PM

Like you, Kristin, it never occurred to me that you would need to literally break that down. I've visited agent sites where they may do a break down of what they are currently looking for and what they are not looking for. However, I wouldn't expect an agent to want to acquire a talent only to have them revamp the story by changing the sexual orientation/sexual preference of characters. That's just...sad.

Scott said, on 9/13/2011 2:32:00 PM

Thanks. This post means a lot.

Scott said, on 9/13/2011 2:39:00 PM

I meant to add, that I sometimes wondered if my query was being rejected because of gay characters. I know, it could be I wrote a crappy query. But, that little, suspicious voice at the back of my mind, kept whispering away that maybe the people I was querying didn't like the fact that the main characters were gay. I was also told by one publisher that the market was too niche, therefore they wouldn't consider the material. Yeah, in this day and age. Scratch that one of my list.

Thanks again for posting this.

Pthalo said, on 9/13/2011 3:33:00 PM

That's wonderful. Thanks for posting this.

I think the best way to put this information on what kind of submissions you're accepting is to say it the way you say it here:

"This should go without saying, but our agency is open to material with LGBTQ characters."

twittertales said, on 9/13/2011 4:15:00 PM

That stance was one of the reasons I submitted my book to you. I've read a couple of really excellent fantasy epics where the hero had a gay best friend who served them extra faithfully due to unrequited love. They generally died sacrificing themselves. It made me want so very very much to finally have the gay person get the girl (or guy :) ). Not that that's necessarily my long-term plan for the characters, because that might involve romantic peace and security, and we can't have that.

I'd been advised by people I respect in the biz not to have a gay relationship, because apparently straight people don't have enough imagination to enjoy it. To which I say: Bah. (But also, market-wise, you have a point. Which is why we need books that change the market.)

Louise Curtis

ryan field said, on 9/13/2011 5:43:00 PM

I read this article, too, and posted about it on my blog. My POV was objective because I honestly don't know how literary agents feel about LGBT material. In my own personal experience, it's never come up before. So I just posted and linked for information's sake. But now I'm going back to update and link to this post.

I'm glad you wrote this post. I was wondering...in a general sense...how agents feel about all this.

Anne said, on 9/13/2011 6:19:00 PM

I confess I was a little nervous, when submitting my book, about possible agent/editor reactions to my bisexual protagonist and other gay/queer characters, but no-one has breathed a word about it. OK, so they're not publicising the fact either, but it's not an "issues" book - the characters just happen not to be straight. It all seems to be accepted as quite normal, at least in adult SF&F here in the UK.

@twittertales - the "Bury Your Gays" trope is deeply unpopular (and understandably so) amongst the LGBTQ community, so any book that gives a gay couple a HEA is going to win you a lot of friends!

Mostly Nerdy Creations said, on 9/13/2011 7:00:00 PM

I can't believe some agents actually request such a thing. I never even thought it would matter to professions!

I'm so happy you are supportive of LGBTQ. Thank you for posting about such an important issue!

Jen said, on 9/13/2011 8:16:00 PM

Thanks for standing up and being counted, Kristin! I'm currently writing a YA novel where the main character is gay. I'd hoped it would be as much a non-issue for potential agents as it is for my character, but apparently we're not there yet!

Suzan Harden said, on 9/13/2011 9:37:00 PM

Kristin, the other sad thing is that you felt you had to explain what LGBTQ stood for. *shakes head*

Not a condemnation of you, just an observation of you having to acknowledge how many people stick their heads in the sand.

Roxanne Skelly said, on 9/13/2011 10:05:00 PM

I'm glad you've acknowledged your support for LGBTQ* content. It's a rather important issue for me. I've been fortunate that my preferred genre (urban fiction) seems to be ok with sexual ambiguity, but there still seems to be a line.

You cross it, and you're relegated to that rarely trafficked Lesbian/Gay section in the back of the bookstore...not in sci-fi, fantasy or whatever.

Lesbian and Gay characters are becoming more common these days, and are probably not that hard to sell. I suspect the real measure would be to sell, for instance, a trangendered primary character...one who might even develop as a love interest. Without the T aspect simply looking like a gimmick.

Could one sell that to a non-LGBTQ publisher and get it in the UF shelf.

Hard decisions for an agent, definitely.

Oh, and FWIW, I'm currently planning to sell out and keep the transgender nature of my supporting character from the reader.

Her brutal life is what allows her to survive the transition to vampire (not to mention her experience with changing identity). Her trans background is critical to her makeup, and I don't want to kill her off, but I just don't think the audience is ready for this. I plan to be a bit vague about it...mysterious past and all.

I've suffered over this decision, and I feel quite dirty. Perhaps I'll grow a backbone and change my mind at some point, but selling my writing is important to me...

rhianne said, on 9/13/2011 11:27:00 PM

What about gay (m/m) romance, rather than books with GLBTQ characters?

twittertales said, on 9/14/2011 4:20:00 AM

@Anne - thanks for that. Good to know I'm not the only one seeing a trend.

Louise Curtis

Cat Moleski said, on 9/14/2011 8:33:00 AM

Yesterday I stood out in the extreme NC heat on the lawn of our state legislature as it voted 30-16 to put an anti-LGBTQ initiative on next year’s ballot. Today I signed a petition to censure Rep. Sally Kern of Oklahoma for saying “gays are more dangerous than terrorists”. Reading that article just broke my heart. It is not just gay teens who become disheartened. Someday I hope my writing is good enough to be represented by your agency, but today I just hope I can stop crying long enough to get some writing done.

SWILUA said, on 9/14/2011 9:39:00 AM

I once had a publisher drop my book when I made a (non-central) character gay. No asking me to change it, they just dropped it cold.

What happened to the 21st century, right?

Colleen said, on 9/14/2011 9:58:00 AM

I'm sure I'm going to be the lone commenter here who asks this, but...if only 10% of the population is gay, and the VAST majority of the people who will read these books are straight, wouldn't it just be smart business to focus on the 90% who read the books, rather than aim to please 10%?

I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with gay characters, but if you are trying to attract teen girls in the throws of puberty, maybe having a gay lead character isn't something that would make them pull that book from the shelf.

I'm not sure this is homophobia as much as it is a business-driven decision.

You advertise for the majority, not the minority. If only 10% of people are buying those books, you are missing the other 90% that would turn a profit.

Let the flogging begin.

Sarah Laurenson said, on 9/14/2011 10:25:00 AM

It's an interesting point, Colleen. I think the logic has some flaws though. Do you really believe that only gay people will buy books with gay characters? That seems to be the underlying premise.

The basic idea, to me, is that we are all shapes, sizes, colors and orientations and it's way past time to recognize that. We are all "other" in some way and there is relatability in that.

I love reading about characters of color but I am white. I also grew up in an inner city black neighborhood, so my cultural background is not evident in the color of my skin.

Kimberly Reid said, on 9/14/2011 11:12:00 AM

Colleen, before I was a writer, I was in corporate management at a publicly traded company where my performance was tied to sales and how well my unit did on the Street, so I understand what you're saying about sales. But 10% of 315 million is a whole lot of people to disenfranchise. African Americans only make up 12% of the US population, so if this was the position my publisher took, Kristin wouldn't have that cover posted above (love it and my publisher for putting all those beautiful faces on it, BTW). One reason I wrote this book is because there weren't many options like it when I was a teen, no covers like it on the bookshelf. I felt marginalized. Yes, in terms of numbers and dollars, marginalization makes sense. In terms of people, especially young people learning who they are, wanting validation and confirmation that who they are is okay, I think there is room enough in a free market of 315m for 10%, or 12%, for books that speak to them. This isn't meant to be a flogging at all, just another perspective, one from the 10 or 12% that have a hard time being heard over the 90%. It's okay (and lucrative)to let us in -- we add some flavor to the party.

Roxanne Skelly said, on 9/14/2011 2:04:00 PM

I think there's an assumption out there that LGBT* characters will cause a net reduction in the market for that book. I suspect this is wrong, for most minority characters, and the assumption insults the readership.

I'm fairly certain that everyone feels they're somehow 'different' deep down. There are very few 'muggles' down there, but most of us are skilled at hiding our differences, hence appear to be 'muggles.'

Stories give us a chance to experience 'difference' in a positive way. And in a private way.

I'll also point out that other 'industries' have experienced a positive effect of opening their doors. Corporate America is starting to embrace LGBTQ* folk, as they've experienced a net gain in loyal employees. Loyal is the key word.

Imagine vehemently loyal readers...if you write more than one story.

(yah, this conflicts a bit with what I said before. I suspect we still have a way to go as far as tolerance)

Register website said, on 9/15/2011 2:37:00 AM

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Journal for My Daughters said, on 9/15/2011 1:56:00 PM

I read 'Possession' by A.S. Byatt (I think) as a sixteen year old for my personal study. Didn't understand it - probably worth reading again now though!

Leslie Deaton said, on 9/15/2011 3:26:00 PM

*CHEERS* all around for the continued excellence coming from your agency, your staff, and your blog. People are people are people, regardless of who they might crush on, love, marry, or date. Great post.

Truthteller said, on 9/16/2011 9:45:00 AM

The agent (very credibly, in my opinion) disputes that this was the case:
http://theswivet.blogspot.com/2011/09/guest-blogger-joanna-stampfel-volpe.html

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2. Fun Facts On NLA Clients—Take 2

By: Kristin Nelson, on 1/19/2011
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: young adult, career, submission, client books, general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: Hey, winter decided to show up, briefly, in Denver today. It snowed. I already miss out near 60 degree weather already.

What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? GIVE PEACE A CHANCE by John Lennon

The Gals of Killer Fiction (all former Dorchester authors) are giving away free eBooks because finally, it’s their books to give away. (For the history, click on this link.) Two of my authors, Jana DeLeon and Leslie Thompson are participating. Nothing wrong with the word “free” in this case so you might want to check it out.

And that leads me to back to some more fun facts to share.

Lucienne Diver—was already publishing under a pseudonym when I convinced her to do the Vamped Series in her own name.

Carolyn Jewel—has never missed a deadline (which has me convinced that she has mastered the art of cloning)

Leslie Langtry—was skeptical of literary agents and gave me the most detailed questions I’ve ever received when offering representation. And if you know Leslie, who is probably the author most likely to buy you a beer and hug you, you’d realize just how strange that is!

Marie Lu—was an attendee I met at the Pikes Peak Writers Conference. She submitted sample pages to her first novel which I passed on (sensing a theme here!). Then I took her on for a novel that I wasn’t able to sell. Now her debut YA, LEGEND, is one of Penguin’s big books for this fall. Talk about paying some dues.

Time for bed but more tidbits tomorrow!

Give Peace A Chance by John Lennon

More John Lennon music on iLike

5 Comments on Fun Facts On NLA Clients—Take 2, last added: 1/21/2011

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3. Fun Facts On NLA Clients

By: Kristin Nelson, on 1/18/2011
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: career, client books, Titles, general rants, pitch sessions, Add a tag

STATUS: Ack! Can’t believe it’s 5 already. Where did the day go?

What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? CALLING ALL ANGELS by Train

Once an author is established, it’s kind of hard to think of them as having a beginning but every successful author has a fun fact about their beginning. I thought it might be fun to share today.

Gail Carriger—Four years before she sent me SOULLESS, I had read a YA novel from her, passed on the manuscript but sent along a letter with feedback. She remembered that fondly and so queried me with SOULLESS.

Ally Carter—I signed Ally for a novel (adult) that we’ve never shopped.

Sara Creasy—(who by the way was just nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award—HUGE!!!) I made her revise SONG OF SCARABAEUS twice before I signed her and then went on to sell it.

Jana DeLeon—For her first book, RUMBLE ON THE BAYOU, had an editor who so wanted to buy her. Got shot down at her house. It sold elsewhere but just recently, this editor asked for every book she’s written since so she would have them on her vaca. Oh yes, we obliged@

Simone Elkeles—had only one offer to buy PERFECT CHEMISTRY. I was afraid I wasn’t going to be able to sell it!

Jamie Ford—When he first submitted HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET, he had the manuscript entitled THE PANAMA HOTEL. Sounds like it’s set in Latin American. We went through about 100 titles before settling on the one it was published with before submitting it to editors. Now people can’t imagine any other title for it. One bad suggestion was Burning Silk—after the one scene where Japanese women start burning their wedding Kimonos after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Janice Hardy—Sold me on her manuscript during the 10-minute pitch session at the Surrey Writers Conference. Right after the pitch appt. I called my assistant (Sara at the time) and asked her to send it to me the minute it came in. She did. I read it and immediately offered rep for it. It’s rare to take on a novel from a pitch session but it happens.

More to come tomorrow!

Calling All Angels by Train

More Train music on iLike

20 Comments on Fun Facts On NLA Clients, last added: 1/21/2011

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Livia said, on 1/18/2011 4:01:00 PM

Out of curiousity, why did you never shop Ally's adult novel?

Megan Just said, on 1/18/2011 4:28:00 PM

Gotta love the backstories! Thanks for today's fun read.

Darian Wilk said, on 1/18/2011 4:56:00 PM

What a fun post, I love hearing about how authors started out. Thanks for sharing!

Kimberly said, on 1/18/2011 5:37:00 PM

It is really neat to hear about things like this.

Amanda J. said, on 1/18/2011 5:38:00 PM

Oh, this is cool stuff! Thanks for sharing! :)

E. Arroyo said, on 1/18/2011 6:35:00 PM

Ah...Janice Hardy is awesome!!!

Martinelli Gold said, on 1/18/2011 7:05:00 PM

I feel like I just got a glimpse into "God's people-making factory" or something.

Except it's Kristin Nelson's author-making factory.

Still pretty good :)

Suzanne said, on 1/18/2011 7:10:00 PM

Fun and unique histories--just like the authors! I notice there aren't any stories of someone who re-queried a massively over-hauled manuscript years after a pass. Now I'm wondering if I dare attempt to give you a new data point!

Shauna said, on 1/18/2011 8:05:00 PM

Wow. That's very interesting. Thank you for sharing! Four of the authors on that list are some of my very favorite. The others I just haven't read yet. I'll have to fix that.

I'm curious to see tomorrows post.

Kristi Helvig said, on 1/18/2011 9:51:00 PM

Thanks for sharing this--I couldn't imagine Perfect Chemistry not being in the world! :)

Krista V. said, on 1/18/2011 10:21:00 PM

Huh. I already knew most of that. Now it's official - I've been reading your blog forever:)

the janice said, on 1/19/2011 7:24:00 AM

I love Janice Hardy! There's something about knowing how she started that makes me feel lighthearted. Thanks for the post!

Patrice Sarath said, on 1/19/2011 8:00:00 AM

All great stories, and Janice Hardy wins!

Paul West said, on 1/19/2011 11:59:00 AM

This gives me hope!

Kristin Laughtin said, on 1/19/2011 1:35:00 PM

I love collecting these kinds of stories, and it's even better when I'm familiar with the authors involved! Can't wait to see more tomorrow (today by this point, I think--so even better).

MCPlanck said, on 1/19/2011 3:00:00 PM

Congrats to Sara for making that short list!

Natalie Aguirre said, on 1/19/2011 4:37:00 PM

That's awesome how you found Janice. Glad you did because I love her books.

ryan field said, on 1/19/2011 4:51:00 PM

Interesting to read how things evolve. I can't imagine Hotel at the Corner of Bitter and Sweet anything else. And in this case, though I'm not always like this with all books, it was the cover and the title that caught my attention and made me want to read it.

Jen Zeman said, on 1/20/2011 9:24:00 AM

This is so encouraging!! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said, on 1/21/2011 4:27:00 PM

"the one scene where Japanese women start burning their wedding Kimonos after the bombing of Pearl Harbor"

I've been seeing this book around, but this is the line that I think has convinced me to pick it up.

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4. All In The Name of Research!

By: Kristin Nelson, on 11/11/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: middle grade, general rants, young adult, Add a tag

STATUS: Only 2 more days of beach time left…

What’s playing on the iPod right now? KOKOMO by Beach Boys

Cross my heart, IRS Agent! It was all very necessary research.

Kokomo by The Beach Boys

More The Beach Boys music on iLike

23 Comments on All In The Name of Research!, last added: 11/15/2010

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Susan McBride said, on 11/11/2010 4:38:00 AM

So jealous! I am dying to go!

Matthew Rush said, on 11/11/2010 5:33:00 AM

OMG. So jealous. This is awesome. I am not the least bit ashamed to admit I'm an HP nerd, and this place looks like such a blast!

charlotteotter said, on 11/11/2010 5:47:00 AM

Delurking to say how jealous I am. I'm going to have to save for 10 years, or sell a novel, so that my kids and I can fly to Florida from Germany for our Hogwarts fix. Lucky you!

Buffy Andrews said, on 11/11/2010 6:30:00 AM

Oh, one of my fav places. Wrote two blog posts about my adventure there. Putting links here in case anyone wants to read.

http://buffyswritezone.blogspot.com/2010/08/harry-potter-from-to-z.html

http://buffyswritezone.blogspot.com/2010/08/harry-potter-travel-tips.html

Suzi McGowen said, on 11/11/2010 6:42:00 AM

So, everyone wants to know, what does butterbeer taste like?

Connie said, on 11/11/2010 6:43:00 AM

Jealous.

I made butterbeer for my kids once using a recipe I found on the web and it was nasty. How was the "real stuff?"

Laurel said, on 11/11/2010 6:45:00 AM

You are so mean.

Jessica said, on 11/11/2010 6:59:00 AM

Fantastic! My fiance and I are having a beach wedding down in Florida in February and our honeymoon is going to be spent at the Harry Potter theme park - we're both avid, self-proclaimed Potter nerds. Awesome pictures, hope you're having a blast!

alyssalinnpalmer said, on 11/11/2010 7:22:00 AM

Very, very cool. My HP nerdiness had waned, but with the new film coming out next week, it's back with a vengeance. I'm envious, but in the nicest way. :)

Chantele Sedgwick said, on 11/11/2010 8:44:00 AM

So jealous!! :D

Mystery Robin said, on 11/11/2010 8:51:00 AM

Was it as wonderful as it looks? Please give us a review!! I'm in the opposite corner of the United States, but want to go sooooo badly.

Ted Cross said, on 11/11/2010 9:00:00 AM

Aw, you were supposed to go there with me! I guess it'll have to be Hobbiton then, or perhaps one of the sets for Game of Thrones.

Elizabeth Briggs said, on 11/11/2010 9:03:00 AM

Ooooh I want to go. Some day!

Nicole Zoltack said, on 11/11/2010 9:07:00 AM

So, so jealous! Awesome pics. I'm dying to go.

magolla said, on 11/11/2010 9:43:00 AM

Butterbeer is to DIE for!! Love it! The frozen version not so much! Glad you are having a great time!

Dustin said, on 11/11/2010 10:43:00 AM

SUPER JEALOUS, but glad you are having a great trip. My kids don't know it yet, but they are going there for Christmas.

I'd say I hope you're having fun, but it looks like you've got that covered.

Jan Markley said, on 11/11/2010 12:52:00 PM

Looks like a super kool place!

Cattapan said, on 11/11/2010 2:50:00 PM

If only I could find the portkey to transport me there! :)

Anita Saxena said, on 11/11/2010 3:18:00 PM

AMAZING. I so want to be there!

Jill James said, on 11/11/2010 6:38:00 PM

Looks like you had an exciting and wonderful weather time. Hope you had as much fun as it looks like you did.

Kristin Laughtin said, on 11/11/2010 8:40:00 PM

ENVY.

Abby Minard said, on 11/12/2010 3:19:00 PM

SO jealous! Oh, I wish I could go! Looks like you had a lot of fun! I'm really excited right now! Can't you tell??

emmiefisher said, on 11/15/2010 1:41:00 AM

I'm so very jealous. I really want to go there! I'd love to hear if it was as wonderful as the pictures look!

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5. Where Not In The World Is Kristin?

By: Kristin Nelson, on 11/10/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: science fiction, client books, general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: I know this is petty but this week I’m on the beach and it snowed in Denver. Yes!

What’s playing on the iPod right now? WALKING ON SUNSHINE by Katrina And The Waves

There is something fundamentally wrong with a science fiction author who lives in Florida but has never been the Kennedy Space Center. It’s also a crying shame if her agent, who reps SF and has also never been to the Kennedy Space Center, doesn’t drag her there.

Consider the issue rectified!

In Orbit! Kristin, My Mom Sue, and Linnea Sinclair:

The world is in trouble now...

Walking On Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves

More Katrina & The Waves music on iLike

15 Comments on Where Not In The World Is Kristin?, last added: 11/11/2010

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Sandy Williams said, on 11/10/2010 5:16:00 AM

This is an awesome post.

:-)

Kristi Helvig said, on 11/10/2010 6:03:00 AM

I love the pictures! Also, I'm a tad jealous as I live in Denver--where it's currently 22 degrees--and would LOVE to be on a beach right now. Enjoy it. :)

Ted Cross said, on 11/10/2010 6:09:00 AM

Aha, so when you become my agent someday I expect to be taken to, uh, maybe Hobbiton or at least the Harry Potter theme park. I mean, what self-respecting fantasy writer...

Layla Fiske said, on 11/10/2010 6:17:00 AM

Cool. Looks like you're having fun!

Laurel said, on 11/10/2010 6:47:00 AM

That looks fun! And. You are really mean.

Charlie said, on 11/10/2010 9:08:00 AM

Wow, that's awesome! Love the pictures.

Patrice said, on 11/10/2010 9:45:00 AM

Houston, we have a problem... guess who's at the controls!

Glad you had a great time. Of course, there was no HAWAII this year, where I met you last year. :-(

They have a couple nice beaches there, too. Maybe the Hawaii Writers Conference (or similar) will rise again.

Linnea Sinclair said, on 11/10/2010 9:46:00 AM

@Ted Cross: Kristin and her mother went to the Harry Potter park just before she met up with me in Melbourne (FL) for the writer workshop/conference. ;-) You might have missed your chance. However, I'm sure she'd be willing to go again. ~Linnea, who found braiding her hair in zero-G to be quite and experience... ;-)

Lucy said, on 11/10/2010 11:06:00 AM

ROFL!!!!!!!

Thanks, Kristin!

Nicole Zoltack said, on 11/10/2010 1:51:00 PM

Love the pictures!

Jill James said, on 11/10/2010 4:07:00 PM

Kristin, I am so jealous. I've been to the Johnson Space Center, but you guys look like you had a blast --- off. LOL

Carolina said, on 11/10/2010 6:54:00 PM

I hate that song. It's so annoying.
Cool photo though-makes me think of space camp.

Val Robertson said, on 11/10/2010 9:49:00 PM

So that's where the bizarre contrail over California came from. No drag racing in the shuttle, ladies!

Carol Benedict said, on 11/11/2010 4:36:00 AM

We hope to visit Kennedy Space Center for the final shuttle launch in the spring and, after seeing these photos, I'm going to add going into orbit to my to-do list! Awesome.

Linnea Sinclair said, on 11/11/2010 7:16:00 AM

@Val--you figured it out! Shhhh! No one was supposed to know... ;-) ~Linnea

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6. Publishing Is Where The Boys Are Not

By: Kristin Nelson, on 9/24/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: publishing, editors, general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: Off to the Rockies game tonight.

What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? LIVIN’ THING by Electric Light Orchestra

Hey, nothing like ending a week on a controversial note. Really, I shouldn’t open this can of worms but heck, it’s a beautiful fall day. Why not throw a monkey wrench into it.

So in a spare five minutes I had waiting for something to download, I popped open my latest issue of PW and there was an interesting article on the lack of men in publishing and whether that impacts what gets published.

Jason Pinter did an editorial at the HuffPo saying it does.

Stuart Applebaum at Random House says it’s not keeping him up a night.

For my part, I just want to sniff. Sorry. There are SO many male-dominated industries and yet I never hear much discussion about whether the lack of women in those professions significantly impacts those industries so yeah, I’m inclined to just snort.

(Interesting side note, Alloy Entertainment, the folks behind all the Girl commercial teen products like Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Gossip Girls etc. is run by 2 guys and no one seems to think twice about it….)

Then I wondered if I was being automatically dismissive and there is something to an industry being impacted by a gender leaning in one direction.

I imagine some of you might have decided opinions on this topic so air away.

Livin' Thing by Electric Light Orchestra

More Electric Light Orchestra music on iLike

69 Comments on Publishing Is Where The Boys Are Not, last added: 9/28/2010

Display Comments

Ramsey Hootman said, on 9/24/2010 4:27:00 PM

Um, excuse me?

What industry has, for basically all of history until now, not only been dominated by men, but intentionally excluded women? What industry still continues to give the bulk of major awards to men?

There are more women in publishing now? OMGWTFBBQ, the world's gonna end.

Anonymous said, on 9/24/2010 4:33:00 PM

The only reason there are more women is publishing is that it's a lot of work for not much pay.

Louise Curtis

Eddie Louise said, on 9/24/2010 4:53:00 PM

Maybe it also has something to do with the ominous statistic that says girls read more than boys.

Maybe it isn't girls winning out - maybe it is guys ceding the territory.

But hey - a chance is a chance. What will the world be like if it is a bunch of these 'upstart females' that 'save' the publishing industry and blaze the way to a bright future?

I say seize the day!

Remilda Graystone said, on 9/24/2010 4:59:00 PM

I'm right there with your sniffing. I don't think this impacts what gets published, because, just like men, women have varying tastes. We're all different, and that doesn't mean that boy books aren't going to get published or anything like that. We, just like men, again, pick what we like and our tastes have to do with many things and are very different from one another's tastes.

I'm not sure that made much sense, but I'm just a bit irked by this news. If they want more men in the industry, then what's stopping them? They need to find the 'problem' and fix it.

And I find that parenthetical tidbit interesting. I'd never have thought that...

Evangeline Holland said, on 9/24/2010 5:13:00 PM

This topic is interesting in the wake of the Jodi Picoult vs NYT Book Review discussion from a few weeks ago. If there aren't as many men working in the industry, isn't the near exclusion of women authors (and reviewers) from prestigious book review sections in newspapers and magazines a way to keep an "Old Boys" network alive in a female-dominated industry? As well as the imbalance of salary to workload for editors and the like, AND the derision of the industry's cash cow--the romance genre and its ilk?

It seems to me that when the gender balance in an industry shifts towards women, respect and salary begin to decline. IMO, Female editors (and female agents) acquire just as many insightful, beautiful, and thought-provoking manuscripts as male editors, and if acquisitions require an editorial board for review, what's the difference between what catches the eye of a female editor versus a male editor?

What about within the romance genre, where we have such respected editors as Chris Keeslar of Dorchester and John Scognamiglio of Kensington, who are just as able to acquire excellent romance titles as Cindy Hwang of Berkley or Carrie Feron of Avon, et al?

Jason Pinter said, on 9/24/2010 5:16:00 PM

Hey Kristen - If I can add a quick two cents: I don't think that the argument of 'some industries are dominated by men, therefore it's ok if publishing is dominated by women' holds water. I would hope every industry fairly caters to people regardless of gender, race, creed or sexuality. And as I've said, the publishing and critical apparatuses are very different. I'm fully on the side of Jennifer Weiner and Jodi Picoult, and believe that commercial fiction, especially written by women, tends to be disrespeted by the literary establishment. But these are two different issues with two very different support systems. You can't tell me that an industry that is 80-85% one gender does not cater to that gender, whether consciously or not. And I know there are make dominated industries that are the same way. In the end it does not have to be--nor should it be--an us versus them problem. We all love books. We all want as many readers as possible. As a man who hears so often that men and boys do not read, all I want to do is try and combat that notion, or find a way to reverse the tide if it is true. And I hope that that notion is something people can get behind regardless of race, creed or gender.

Dr. SWILUA said, on 9/24/2010 5:22:00 PM

I totally echo your sniff. Mine's more of a snort, though.

Ted Cross said, on 9/24/2010 5:33:00 PM

I can't say it any better than Jason above. I agree with him. I have a ton of respect for all the amazing women writers and agents I meet online. They are extremely supportive. But, the rate of bloggers the last time I checked my followers was 11-1 female. I can't help but notice that male genre fiction (if you aren't an already established writer) feels like it is not being picked up at nearly the rate of that for woman writers. In Barnes and Noble the other day the entire first rack in the fantasy section was nothing but supernatural YA (and why is that in fantasy BTW?) with only a single one of those written by a male. I am not trying to anger anyone by stating how I feel, and I love your blog and I really appreciated how you did give my MS a shot, but I do feel there is at least something to this trend.

Joseph L. Selby said, on 9/24/2010 5:42:00 PM

85% of publishing employees are women? This is not a surprise to anyone who works in publishing. :) Where's the other statistic? What percentage of publishing upper management is women? That number gets suddenly smaller, eh?

Joseph L. Selby said, on 9/24/2010 5:45:00 PM

Just so there isn't a dogpile on Ted, I will say that the active sf/f agent-o-sphere on the internet is almost entirely female. And when they announce new clients, it is almost always a woman.

I think that's coincidental. I certainly don't think there's an agenda. That's just what comes with the visibility some agents have created for themselves.

Jeff King said, on 9/24/2010 5:51:00 PM

The best person for the job... who cares what sex they are?

I sure don't

Ted Cross said, on 9/24/2010 5:56:00 PM

Joseph, I agree that I don't believe there is any agenda. But, like Jason said before, it is hard to prevent a bias from creeping in. I have a book aimed at gamers/D&D players, which is a big audience but almost exclusively male. When agents have to (very logically) choose books they resonate with them and almost all of them are women, how am I to sell such a book? Yes, I know there are some women who love D&D, but I haven't yet encountered any of them who are agents.

Rachael said, on 9/24/2010 6:07:00 PM

I'm smelling some classic "oh noes, what about the mens???" here. But maybe I've got something of a jaded view, considering the geological sciences are still most decidedly a sausage and meatballs club. No one seems all that concerned that plays are going undiscovered because there's not enough estrogen around. -.-

From my view from the science, I wonder if the large number of women in publishing (and similar industries) balances out the still small numbers of women in tech and science, and is quite possibly linked to the fact that girls seem to get steered away from the sciences from an early age. All the lovely ladies that aren't engineers or geologists or theoretical mathematicians have to go somewhere and I somehow doubt that translates to back in the kitchen to bake some pie.

Writer Lee said, on 9/24/2010 6:30:00 PM

How about the fact that starting salaries in publishing are so low as to be pathetic when compared to other industries/functions that are predominantly male (financial services/sales for large corporations)? Coincidence that a low paying industry is predominently female yet run by a male leadership (just last week Penguin Canada named Rob Prichard Chairman of Penguin Canada - if there are so many female professionals in publishing, where was the winning female candidate?). For every Carolyn Reidy (CEO S&S) there are at least two men (Hachette CEO David Young, HarperCollns CEO Brian Murray, Random House CEO Markus Dohle, etc.).

If 80% of the workforce is female why are the leaders groomed for the top male?

I think it's pretty simple why the male:femal ratio is so skewed: few men stick it out in an industry with so little upside in the long run (although if you look at the numbers, men seem to have a better chance at the top position than women do). How to change this: women should increase their standards for pay and professional advancement - when publishers can't hire people anymore because they won't accept their meager career prospects, maybe things will be forced to change.

Joseph L. Selby said, on 9/24/2010 6:40:00 PM

In regard to Penguin Canada, Rob's boss--all their boss--is a woman named Marjorie Scardino. She is the CEO of Pearson (Penguin's parent company). She's also rated Fortune's #1 most powerful woman in business every year. I've had the opportunity to see her speak, and let me tell you, it'll blow your flipping mind. Why am I not all doom and gloom about where publishing is going? Because I've heard Marjorie's vision and they lady is well equipped to handle the changes coming her way.

As for pay, hello pet peeve of mine. When did publishing only become editorial? Everyone always focuses on editorial. The rest of us work here too, ya know! :) Yes EA's starting salaries are crap. They also make the least out of all the positions. Sales, marketing, production, media all get paid better than editorial do. As a media project manager for a major publisher, I'm willing to bet I get paid more than a lot of the people that have posted to this thread.

Anonymous said, on 9/24/2010 7:29:00 PM

There is nothing more perverse than pointing to one bias to excuse another.

If you think it's ok to ignore a bias on the one hand because it exists on another, then you are simply selective in your outrage.

Some of live in a world where wrong is wrong. There is not more or less wrong. Wrong is an absolute.

Sniff all you want. When a single gender dominated industry selects the majority of its product from the same gender I get as suspicious of that as i would a bunch of middle aged white business men hiring middle aged white guys disproportionally.

Call me over sensitive if you must. Call me preachy. I'm cool with that.

You can say publishing is different.
You could say it's a drop in the bucket compared to all the evil white guys out there,
You could say I'm blowing it out of proportion.

You could say those things - but you;d be wrong.

Maybe there is no gender bias in publishing. But if you want to close your eyes and simply believe that, you then have to close your eyes and refuse to measure the potential in other industries.

If you can honestly do that, I say snort away.

If not... maybe you need an attitude adjustment.

TLH said, on 9/24/2010 7:35:00 PM

Sniff on, dear. You have every right to sniff. The business world in general is still, whether men believe it or not, dominated by men. Can't we have our little corner? We seem to be doing pretty well for the most part.

A handful of industries seem to have become a great home for women since we emerged into the workplace - writing and publishing being a major one. Photography and design is another (in which I'm also involved), as well as childcare (in which I used to work). We're just good at it! We're drawn to this work. Science has already told us women have more artistically-inclined brains, in general, and we're more instinctively talented with children. It's just genetics. This is why men like sports and cars and other such simple things.

(I'm really just kidding, boys, play nice! :D)

So, sniff all you want. Women in our industry are strong, passionate, and talented. And hey, if we're gonna do it, we're gonna own it!

~Tara

Anonymous said, on 9/24/2010 8:01:00 PM

I'm a woman involved in both nursing and publishing (both female dominated) and I'm aghast at all these women so eager to accept -any- double standards. How can we complain about sexism in other fields if we tolerate - nay, celebrate - it in fields like this one?

Shelli said, on 9/24/2010 9:00:00 PM

Are we trying to say that equally qualified men are being turned down for jobs in favor of women? I don't think so.

Personally, I see it as a logical outcome to the fact that most readers are female. It makes sense to me.

And I haven't seen any statistics to show that male authors are having a hard time getting their material published. Isn't that the true test of bias?

Nah, I'm not gonna cry any tears for these guys just yet.

Anonymous said, on 9/24/2010 9:49:00 PM

Kristin, my favorite post of yours ever.

Please boys. This is the one area I've ever found where women are not at a disadvantage. And it's only because of the stats - 80% of the readers are female.

It's not because there are fewer male editors.

Women have gotten the short end of the stick for so long, I can't believe you're whining about this.

Anonymous said, on 9/24/2010 10:00:00 PM

I personally don't care about the plumbing of the person I'm working with or how they use that plumbing. I'm only interested in working with good people.

So, I do agree with the sniffing. It simply doesn't matter. It could be that women are just better at jobs in this industry. Or it could simply be that women are more interested in working in this industry. If they are getting less pay than their male counterparts, then it's time to demand more pay. You have the majority.

I will say that male dominated industries, whatever that may be, do get drug to the carpet often. It is pointed out that things could be different or better or whatever if more women were involved. It may be 100% true, but it is still the case that the disparity is pointed out and analyzed. Is it important to do so? I guess not if it's not important to understand why publishing is now dominated by women (outside of the corporate boards, that is).

Anthony said, on 9/25/2010 12:55:00 AM

The question is not if there is a problem with women running the publishing industry. The issue on the table is: even with a gender inequality in the publishing business, can male customers find books to buy that they like?

The answer to that one is "hell yes." I personally have problems trying to figure out which books to get and still have some semblance of a budget. There is a glut of fiction and non-fiction books that appeal to myself and my male friends. We can't keep up. Thus, if the market for men buying books is met by the publishing industry, most everything else, like the gender of said industry, is moot.

Now, I believe there is a problem with the self-fulfilling prophecy of "boys don't read" which is a complex issue mostly filled with people talking out their butt without evidence or proper analysis (or even rational thought).

I'm not convinced that is a problem attributed to gender discrepancies in the publishing industry, however. Correlation is not causation. Once could make a good case that the "boys don't read" cycle would exist with either sex dominating publishing.

Joanna St. James said, on 9/25/2010 3:55:00 AM

we talked about this on my blog this week, agents and publishers buy what will sell irrespective of who wrote it.
the article said 85% of people with less than 3years experience in the publishing industry are women.
serously if guys have a problem with this and feel passionate about it, get into the industry and balance it out.

Robert said, on 9/25/2010 4:38:00 AM

|So 85 % of publishing empoyees with less that 3 years' experience are women. To get the true picture, we need to ask more questions. What's the percentage after 5 years? After 10? What level are the women at in the company?

David Kearns said, on 9/25/2010 5:59:00 AM

When my people got to this country, there were signs on the shops in the streets of ole' Bean Town (start Ullian pipes here) that read NINA. Beneath the letters were four little words "No Irish Need Apply".

Racist? Oh yeah. Class warfare? You betcha. Religious intolerance? Uh-huh. The justification was a battle raging 500 years in the UK and Ireland between protestant and catholic. Idea being, we let the papists in, they'll have this country bowing to the pope.

I guess, snort, this sort of thinking is all the rage in publishing now. It's just out in the open. Yayyy!Go girl!

Meantime, half the people who used to read, HAD been male! Always good to alienate a huge swath of the market when the economy is in the tank. Great business model.

Only the written word, reading and publishing at stake here as we settle old scores, gang.

But I guess it's like - what-EVER!

Anita Saxena said, on 9/25/2010 7:01:00 AM

I'd snort too.

Simon said, on 9/25/2010 7:15:00 AM

I am automatically skeptical when a man blames a frustration he has about his own gender's reading habits on women. And I don't think it's true that men read less because there's nothing for them to read. If, in the billion books available to us all, any voices are being marginalized, it is emphatically not first-world, English-speaking men.

David Kearns said, on 9/25/2010 7:28:00 AM

Not a good business model looking to the future of publishing in a down economy. Fact.

Not when 'it just didn't grab me' is the criteria and subjectivity rules the day.

Mostly women review the manuscripts we're admitting this here.

We have diversity in business, law enforcement, politics, to get the whole spectrum of opinion, debate, and so on.

By not having a passing representation of half your potential readership making the cuts, you don't produce works that speak to at least half your audience.

The math will work itself out, and not to the good of publishing.

Think if we only permitted children - actual kids, from, say, eight to thirteen - to be the ones who decided what is to be read in the book stores?

Nee-nee-naa-naa doo-doo, fart etc. would come out the other end.

Oh wait, we're nearly there!

Never mind. Snort

Anonymous said, on 9/25/2010 8:56:00 AM

Inclined to agree with you. As long as there's not a sign saying "Boys Keep Out", I'm not going to worry my pretty little head about it.

Anonymous said, on 9/25/2010 9:06:00 AM

funny video about it.

http://mywriterbloggywoggy.blogspot.com/2010/09/anti-penis-bias-in-pubbying.html

brian_ohio said, on 9/25/2010 9:43:00 AM

First of all... if I was single, I'd be gettin' my a$$ a job in the publishing industry, stat!!! ;-)

I just went to an SCBWI conference, and of the 150 attendees, I'd say 125 were women. So why wouldn't that statistic carry through the industry. Makes sense to me.

I've got my 3rd book out on submission and I'm still waiting for that 1st sale. Are my books being passed on because I'm a male writing toward teen boys? I suppose it's possible that plays a small part since it's a fact that less teen boys read. Why buy a book with no audience? But, as they say, write a great book and it will sell. No matter what.

Brilliant minds think alike, Kristin. But I don't think that has anything do to with the fact that I blogged about something similiar.

http://brian-ohio.livejournal.com/244053.html

Susan Spann said, on 9/25/2010 11:31:00 AM

I'm against quotas and forced equalities (except when necessary to correct a lack of access that exists for inappropriate reasons). That said, I think there's no problem with a gender discrepancy in publishing, for many reasons. One of the more important:

Historically, women seem to buy (and read) more books than men - speaking in the aggregate. It makes some sense, then, that women might be more drawn to careers in that field, but more due to a higher percentage of women among readers than because women have some innate tendency to like publishing. Some industries are strongly male-dominated less because women can't get into them than because fewer women want to. Publishing may be the same.

I haven't done the research to know whether or not this is true. I say it with the caveat that if I'm wrong about that, I'm willing to be corrected. But until I see some evidence of discrimination beyond a mere discrepancy in statistics, my inclination is to say "OK, there are more women in publishing. Plenty of male authors are getting published, so let's just go buy some more books and not worry about it."

Ted Cross said, on 9/25/2010 11:58:00 AM

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-pinter/why-men-dont-read-how-pub_b_549491.html

Take this article and swap out the wrestler for gaming/Dungeons & Dragons and that is how I feel with my book. I know there is a huge audience, but it is mostly male. I have to make a book aimed at a male audience somehow resonate with almost exclusively female agents. It's not always about what will sell; it's about what will sell AND what happens to resonate with the agents who see it.

Books are not being bought and marketed to the male audience, so of course you see a downturn in male readership. When I walk through the fantasy section in bookstores these days I see far fewer books that appeal to me than I used to.

Karen Sullivan said, on 9/25/2010 11:58:00 AM

Part of me wants to say "What the guys said," and another part of me wants to say "TWO SNORTS UP!" As a woman who spent her entire career in male-dominated fields (science, upper management, and for 10 years, a sea captain) and who is old enough to have stories about pay imbalance, unequal treatment and sexual harassment, I would like to make two points: 1.) I'm delighted to hear that women dominate in this creative and intelligent arena, and 2) I expect gender not to trump merit when it comes to agency and publication; from what I read, quality and demand does. I also expect that the industry in general responds to the market. There's no room for anything else nowadays.

Tiger said, on 9/25/2010 2:35:00 PM

I dream of the day when we can stop having discussions like this.

It all comes across as vagina fear to me, not to mention biological determinism. Ick. Gender is largely a social construct and we don't cook our meat over hot rocks anymore. Come on now. (Just goes to show that people with privilege never, ever want to give it up)

Miss Aspirant said, on 9/25/2010 3:06:00 PM

This sounds like the huge debates at Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction's forum over whether short SF publishing had an anti-female bias because only about 25% of the stories published were by female authors. Some argued that the male publishers /editors (Such as Gordon Van Gelder) of the short fiction mags just picked the best stories according to their own tastes and that gender had nothing to do with it. IF there were fewer women authors published it was primarily because there were fewer women writers submitting stories. Other people argued that male editors pick stories by male writers because they like "boy stories" and men are more likely to write "boy stories". So unless women writers write boy stories, they are less likely to get published in the short SF markets.

I haven't decided yet what I think. It's a bit of the chicken-egg dilemma.

Joseph L. Selby said, on 9/25/2010 6:54:00 PM

Karen, you reminded me of what is perhaps the lowest part of my eight years in professional publishing. I was still at the first publisher I was sexually harassed by a female employee. I was unsure what to do. I didn't know if anyone would believe me. Those kinds of things are not usually thought of as happening to a man by a woman and not the other way around.

When I finally said something, the response I got was, "You're a guy. You probably liked it."

Weaving a Tale or Two said, on 9/25/2010 7:47:00 PM

Joseph, that person was an ass.

A lot of good points have been made here on both sides of the issue. Men and women are different beyond the obvious physiological ones (I know none of you were aware of that, so I hope I broke it to you gently).

I have four sons, and while I read to them as they were growing up (Heinlein, Crichton, McCaffrey, Rowling, etc.) our tastes now they are all adults are different somewhat. We're all into the latest Wheel of Time or Hunger Games books, but a strictly romantic tale is a complete turnoff for them.

Jo Rowling used her initials because they didn't think boys would want to read a book about a boy wizard written by a woman. Boys have loved the series (as have girls). Would they have given the book a chance though if they'd known up front that Rowling was female?

Would a cadre of all female editors exclude books that are targeted only to males? I hope not. Rather than targeting all books to the largest audience who reads (apparently female), I hope editors are also trying to find books that would draw in those males who aren't reading.

They said children wouldn't read a book that was 750 pages.

Wrong.

Ashley Girardi said, on 9/25/2010 8:51:00 PM

My take:

The issue for me here isn't whether men/women are over/underrepresented in fiction but whether or not this is because of deliberate exclusion. I can't imagine that an eager male intern would ever be denied a position at a publishing house simply by virtue of his sex. If men want a bigger piece of the publishing pie then they need to take it.

To the commenters above complaining about how their literary babies are drowning in a sea of estrogen, I have a question: Do you buy books like the one you're trying to publish? For the D&D guy, do you subscribe to speculative fiction magazines? Do you support the small presses that focus on unusual stories and settings by buying their books? If not, then I humbly propose that you stuff a cork in it. If you don't even support you're own genre, how do you expect anyone else to.

That's one thing I love about the YA community. YA authors buy YA books, usually by the caseload. It's the only genre I've seen where the authors are such good friends that they go on tour together.

Almost every agent or editor that has a web presence has mentioned at least once that they'd love to represent/acquire more boy-centric books, especially for MG/YA. But they need someone to sell it to. If the Big 5 thought the public was clamoring for more fiction based on fantasy board games with convoluted scoring systems they'd acquire and sell it.

They don't and that should tell you something.

This discussion upsets me. I don't hear anyone making noise about the miniscule percentage of published offerings that feature Black, Hispanic, or Asian perspectives, not to mention LGBT. The deliberate white-washing of ethnic works is a blip on the radar. But because affluent white men have found the one aspect of American culture over which they don't have complete and utter dominion, the whole house should come down.

I don't like it.

Ted Cross said, on 9/25/2010 9:13:00 PM

Since you addressed me directly (and quite rudely IMO) I will respond. I have bought every book I could find (I own thousands) that seems at least passable within the genres I love. It isn't right to equate books with short stories, as there are actually people like myself who are not particularly fond of short stories. I do buy them occasionally, but generally within collections.

Ashley Girardi said, on 9/25/2010 9:48:00 PM

Ted,

My comment was a little pointed, and I apologize for being rude. My point remains the same, however. Lamenting the state of the publishing isn't going to help you.

Your novel is one of two things: 1. not very good or 2. not something a publisher thinks it can sell in large enough quantities to make it worth the investment. So you have a choice, either self-publish which means work your butt off to sell the hell out of it through whatever channels you have available to you and prove the traditional publishers wrong or cut your losses and write something else that might appeal to a wider audience.

Neither of those choices include blaming the publishing industry for being women-centric to publish anything that appeals mostly to men. Books like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and anything by James Patterson put the lie to that.

David Kearns said, on 9/26/2010 8:13:00 AM

Here's a run-down of the canned arguments to muffle men from publishing, voicing a concern for the direction of the business, and of course to dissuade them from reading or going into a book store.

1. Men don't read.
2. Women are more artistic anyway.
3. Women are historically abused and so this power grab is okay.
4. If you voice an objection to any of the aforesaid you are a misogynist, and possibly racist.

I am reminded of Jimmy the Greek with every one of these arguments.

Nice going ladies. All class.

Ted Cross said, on 9/26/2010 8:25:00 AM

Ashley, how about

3. Not a single publisher who likes gaming-style books even getting a glance at my book? All the ones that I know about have a policy against unsolicited submissions, so I must go through an agent. If there are no agents who like said books then I am pretty much out of luck.

Josh Lechlitner said, on 9/26/2010 11:37:00 AM

I personally have no problem with women being a majority in the industry. However, I do have concerns because I just finished a book that I know will appeal more to a male market and not a female one.

I also think that the reason why we are seeing so many female writers, is because of the state of the industry. Because of the onslaught that is Twilight and the fact that this is a business, publishers are putting out books that will sell. And, whether we like it or not, there is a huge market our there right now for dark/supernatural romance. Personally, not my taste, but I see why there are so many books like that on the market. They sell.

Ted Cross said, on 9/26/2010 12:19:00 PM

You are right, Josh. I recently posted about this - http://tedacross.blogspot.com/2010/09/romantasy.html

Look at those covers and tell me those are books that men would buy. You'll always have a few, of course, but for the most part men won't touch these.

Anonymous said, on 9/26/2010 5:31:00 PM

It's interesting how people want to *snort* at this statistic, but I bet these are the same people who would cry foul if the shoe were on the other foot.

It's interesting to me how people will bemoan ideas like there aren't enough women doctors, fire fighters, or soldiers.

No one is ever concerned that there aren't more male nurses, educators or--apparently--editors.

Whoever mentioned the low pay hit the nail on the head. Men generally won't do hard work for very long unless compensated appropriately.

John K said, on 9/26/2010 8:43:00 PM

Yeah...that's why I can't get an agent...I'm a man...yeah, that's the ticket!

I have asked both men and women to be beta readers for my story (if it's ever published I will call it a novel)

Each woman asked has finished and responded favorably, and offered feedback that made it apparent they were paying attention.

3 of the 5 men asked liked the early chapters, then fell off. I stopped asking.

When I tell a male friend I'm going to the library, the look I often get is of surprise.

Women read waaaaay more than men do. Quitcherbellyachin'.

Idem said, on 9/26/2010 9:37:00 PM

To Ted Cross and others, I want to apologize for the unjustified rudeness you received from some representatives of my gender.

As a woman in science, I am appalled at the responses many female commenters have made to this issue, dismissing the statistics and belittling male commenters who have legitimate and reasonable concerns about finding an agent for work targeted to a mainly male audience. If the tables were turned and this discussion were about women in science, we would never allow men to say, "Well, it's no problem, let the women have their own professions" - nor should we allow such an attitude. The sciences are working hard to identify sources of bias and discrimination because we realize that missing out on the talent and potential of half the population can only be detrimental. I think the argument is probably even stronger in a personal and subjective field like publishing.

Cat said, on 9/26/2010 11:37:00 PM

I totally agree with Idem. In the early 90, I have studied forestry. Ever since, I have been a defender of women's rights in this field. I took part in Gender Studies, joined the club "Women in Forestry" and did other stuff. It's a uphill battle. One thing we learned though is that we can't change the situation if women and men fight on different fronts. We need to work together. Generalized (always dangerous) men and women have different ways of handling things. Both benefit if they work together, not against each other.

I do agree with Kristin that it's utterly pointless to bemourn the fact that there are currently more women in publishing (the same goes for early education). Far more important is that all those who are involved remember the importance of making good books.

Tara Maya said, on 9/27/2010 12:11:00 AM

But I think part of the question here is whether agents and acquisition editors, in their role as gatekeepers, are inadvertently keeping out books for which there IS an audience, albeit perhaps a smaller one than the female audience.

So two problems may be at work: (1) the agents/editors find it harder to relate to male-oriented fiction, (2) even if they did, the pursuit of the highest possible profits means that it would still make more sense to go after female readers. And the more publishers do this, the more it creates a feedback loop.

If true, the readers are there, and there are writers are trying to reach them, but can't, because those readers are invisible or at least marginal to traditional publishing. How many reject letters include the explanation, "I didn't LOVE it." Is it really unreasonable that some books are going to be less lovable to people who don't share quite as much in common the writer/character/theme/topic?

It reminds me of the argument often put forth by New York agents that the fact so many industry people are in and from New York in now way prejudices the kind of books they buy. And yet the single most common city featured in fiction is... New York.

Hmmmmm.

Rowenna said, on 9/27/2010 5:38:00 AM

For my part, I have heard a lot about how male-dominated industries/professions could be unintentionally hurting women by the sheer lack of them in those professions. For instance, though improving now, it's been pretty conclusively shown that medicine, a male-dominated profession, harmed women quite a bit by treating them like "small men."

Which makes me much more open to discussing ways in which a female-dominated industry could be inadvertently shutting out male voices and ignoring male audiences. My inclination isn't to snort--it's to question if we are turning off male voices as a byproduct of having a gender imbalance in the industry, and how shutting out male voices doesn't hurt only men.

Hart Johnson said, on 9/27/2010 6:28:00 AM

While I am a writer, half broken in (have a contract), by day I am a statistician, and I can tell you, it matters and isn't fair:

More women write, agent, etc. But the PERCENTAGE of men who make is is HUGELY greater, and they make more money when they do (for not, necessarily better work). The unfortunate detail however, is that this is true because men have higher rates of selling well (so from the industry, this is rational)--women read men and women. Men are gender biased in their reading--so men are more likely (not exclusive... but in terms of odds) to have a blockbuster because they have access to a larger audience. What we NEED is an effort to enlighten men in their reading habits (which would be helped by REVIEWS and HYPE that are more balanced.)

David Kearns said, on 9/27/2010 6:37:00 AM

My novel (purely and example) about a Canadian hockey player who makes it big in the NHL is rejected over and over.
"Too much jargon" and "what's this title all about?" Icing! "It just didn't grab me." "Not right for my list" etc.
Now is this happening because I have so horribly executed, or is it because 85 percent of the desks I am sending it to are held by women?
Does the story within the novel need to be told? Maybe. Maybe it says something about celebrity. Maybe it would sell like hot-cakes, who knows?
Maybe the book would actually draw men into the book store, coax them back to reading in greater numbers!
Ask a woman, and what do you think she will say?

Ted Cross said, on 9/27/2010 6:55:00 AM

@Hart - I am not sure men WANT to be broader in their reading tastes. I know I don't. I like what I like, and I don't even really have enough time just for that.

I agree with the frustrations of women in how long it is taking to overcome centuries of men and women generally being shunted into specified fields with disparate pay rates. It isn't fair. But, it is a societal issue rather than simply being the fault of men. I don't recall ever hearing a father tell me his daughter can't deal with math, but I have heard a number of mothers say that about their daughters, and it always galls me. They should be trying to overcome these generalizations by consistently encouraging their daughters to enjoy the sciences. We all need to continue to improve on this.

Ted Cross said, on 9/27/2010 7:43:00 AM

BTW, it's just my opinion, but I feel that the huge shift toward YA and paranormal is hurting men's reading habits more than what we have been discussing.

Vivian said, on 9/27/2010 10:25:00 AM

Ted, I just want to say, unnecessarily perhaps, that I'm a woman and I would never buy a paranormal romance. Blech. I'm as displeased as you about how this sub-genre is dominating the market. That and all the zombie novels that poor Jane Austen had nothing to do with.

Anonymous said, on 9/27/2010 10:54:00 AM

I think Kristin's knee-jerk response says it all. Publishing professionals would rather poopoo the problem than address it.

Joseph L. Selby said, on 9/27/2010 11:23:00 AM

Anonymous

I disagree. It's not a matter of poopooing a problem. It's a matter of questioning whether a problem exists at all.

I continue to believe there isn't one. Or, if there is one, not enough evidence has been provided to convince of such.

The discussion here has ranged from interesting to depressing. If ever I claimed women weren't paid equally or represented more fairly in [x] profession because they just didn't try hard enough, I would be bludgeoned to death with virtual rocks.

Wendy Tyler Ryan said, on 9/27/2010 11:24:00 AM

Well, I can't believe I'm going to say this because Ted and I have crossed swords before on our blogs - I think the shift toward YA paranormal is not only hurting men's reading habits - it's hurting mine also and I'm a woman. I know you're smiling Ted, but wait.

Now, let me back track. This statement REALLY bothers me. "I am not sure men want to be broader in their reading tastes. WOW. REALLY? How sad. I know lots of men who read books written by women. Heck, my husband read Jodi Picoult.

Sadly, while I don't think Ted's comment about men not wanting to branch out is the norm, I do know that there are men out there who feel this way. A friend of mine picked up three romance novels and wanted to buy them. Her husband said that she had to go to the checkout with them, because he wouldn't be got dead doing so. God forbid someone think he was reading them. How sad, how utterly sad - and you wonder why women buy these books, they buy them to get something no one else is giving them?

I really beleive there is a much larger bias to worry about here. The bias against wonderful writing in general because it doesn't fit the tiny little mold open to us.

My bookshelf is littered with books that I have not read past the half way mark - sometimes even less. The craft is weak, the turn of phrase is nothing special, and the plot - oh please, let's not even go there. Somehow, somewhere, someone said - I can publish this - and they did. It is scary to think that as a writer, I am slowly becoming disinterested in reading. I have received more satisfaction from reading unpublished writer's blogs than from purchasing poorly written books of late.

The most intelligent statement I have read from a publisher went something like this: We're not as interested in genre as we are in really good writing. Hurray, spread that ideal around would you!

I think agents have the ability to be trend-setters if they want to be (not that I'm a fan of trends). Yes, they have a business to run, yes, they are all worried about the almighty buck, but I think a lot of them (and publishers) are discounting some really great writing and wonderful stories. The ratio of writers to the people who make the decisions is a very scary thing.

So, the bigger bias is the individual bias - the people making decisions for us ALL as to what we should read next. You say "It just didn't grab me". Well, the books that are getting printed don't grab me right now, and I for one, won't be spending any money on them. Authors, male and female alike, should rally against this bias - the bad writing because it will turn a buck bias. How? I haven't got a clue. You are leaving a large part of your audience out in the cold. If you give some of these (non hot trend) books a chance, you might be suprised how much of a readership there is for them. You are sorely mistaken if you think an entire world wants to read about werewolves and people under the age of twenty five.

Since I've started blogging, I have had the priveledge of reading work by other "want to be published" authors - male and female. In fact, two of the best I've read out there are one of each - a man and woman. So, maybe this is where my reading enjoyment will have to come from for now, at least until the next wave of what someone with a red pencil thinks should be published comes along.

Wendy Tyler Ryan said, on 9/27/2010 11:34:00 AM

Sorry, it's me again, but there is one thing I wanted to say to Kristin.

I do thank you for having a blog that encourages this kind of free expression. More than that, I thank you for giving us both the information and insight into agenting and publishing that you do. I have just very recently taken an agent's blog off my list because day after day I was finding nothing but inane chatter that meant absolutely nothing to me and provided me with no advice or constructive - anything.

We are hungry for information - keep doing that.

Ted Cross said, on 9/27/2010 11:42:00 AM

Wendy, I'm not sure why you took my comment about liking what I like to mean that I don't want to read women authors. I read tons of women authors, and I even blogged recently about my favorites. What I was saying was that I know what I truly enjoy most - history, historical fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and horror - and I really don't care to read much outside of that given that I won't even be able to read everything within those genres that I wish during my life. Male of female author has no place in my reading decisions.

inomeith said, on 9/27/2010 1:52:00 PM

With a gender gap like that, it's absolutely worth examining the industry for systemic bias. I'm just not sure whether the gap in entry-level publishing will turn out to be driven by cliquish behavior (hiring practices, employer expectations) or by self-selection (social gender norms, employee expectations). I'd guess the latter, but again, it should be examined and, as far as possible, corrected. All such striking disparities should.

SylviaSybil said, on 9/27/2010 2:35:00 PM

Numerically, there are more women. But the average woman's salary in the publishing industry is $65k and the average man's is $105k. With a forty thousand dollar gap, you will excuse me if I don't believe that women are "dominating". Men rule in publishing just as they do everywhere else. The only difference is who's doing the work.

When women start earning more pay than men, or hell, earning equal pay with them, then we can talk about who's "dominating" the industry.

David Kearns said, on 9/27/2010 5:44:00 PM

So in the end we all hold our noses, while swallowing the Fool-aid, never seriously addressing this issue. Even though it bodes ill for sales, relying only on half a market, going forward.
Well as long as we get our dogma pitchforks into the flesh of the author of all life's ills; the big bad man up in his castle.
We don't know precisely who he is, nor do we care that salaries have nothing to do with this argument, since salary is a discrepancy best taken up with a human resources department of the publishing house itself. Little more do we care that alienating readers - and contrary to opinion many men can and do read! - in no way mitigates for lack of clout at the publishing house experienced by any employee, male or female.
David Byrne said it best "same as it ever was."

ChristianRB82 said, on 9/28/2010 5:45:00 AM

Frankly, I don't see why the gender of the professionals within the industry should matter, and gender politics discussions of this type bore me. Yes, publishing is heavily female-dominated, but I don't think male authors are suffering for it.

The only time I've come up against (in my view) unfair gender politics in publishing is when my urban fantasy ms was turned down - in the agent's words - because the protagonist was a gay man, not a young, straight woman.

This echoed the view expressed on several agent blogs that urban fantasy by definition must have a female protagonist, when we all know that's not the case.

I realise most publishers need to make a sale and therefore need to pitch most of their product to the majority, but this is the kind of attitude that really adds insult to injury when trying to query a manuscript.

Lisa said, on 9/28/2010 6:24:00 AM

Publishing also has the problem of publishing too few books for boys/men. I have wondered if there is a connection.

I know part of that is guys read fewer books than girls, but walk into any bookstore, and you'll find a 15-to-1 discrepancy in the new release section.

At some point, a lack of eggs leads to fewer chickens.

Anonymous said, on 9/28/2010 11:18:00 AM

someone said:
"It's interesting how people want to *snort* at this statistic, but I bet these are the same people who would cry foul if the shoe were on the other foot.:

Uh, the shoe has been on the other foot. Since how long?

SylviaSybil said...
"Numerically, there are more women. But the average woman's salary in the publishing industry is $65k and the average man's is $105k. With a forty thousand dollar gap, you will excuse me if I don't believe that women are "dominating". Men rule in publishing just as they do everywhere else. The only difference is who's doing the work.

When women start earning more pay than men, or hell, earning equal pay with them, then we can talk about who's "dominating" the industry."

Exactly. Just spoke to an older ex-editor, a woman, who said that men would not take the very low-paying, entry level positions at publishing houses when she started.

But things have changed. Is everyone aware that the male author who wrote the article left his job as editor because of his large multi-book contract?

I read the comments and I can see winning attitudes in many of the male writers. They're not blaming the system for why they haven't been published yet. I read those comments and think how he sounds like a reasonable person, this could be someone I'd work with. But the whiners, yeah, it's gotta be discrimination why your Swedish rugby player book hasn't been bought. You know, the one that's going to bring all the men back to reading.

Thank you, Kristin.

Anonymous said, on 9/28/2010 12:31:00 PM

I can't speak about the world of adult publishing, but in the world of children's literature, where I dwell, I have been asked on two ocassions to change my main character (female) to a boy. Why? Because boys won't read about girls, but a girl will read anything.

My reply (to myself) was - but boys don't read so why should I bother rewriting my novels for them?

And why can't I put my name on my book? Why do I have to use my initials? Because boys won't buy a book written by a woman. And again - But I thought boys didn't read? And whether they read or not, why should I have to cater to their whims?

Publishing may be dominated by women, but the people who get the big bucks (in the children's field at least) are the few men who are in it, whether they're on the publishing end or the writing end. And the big concern is always about the boys.

There is no girlie non-fiction in existence for kids because that would mean losing half the market, because boys won't read girlie books. So, once again, girls have to do without and settle because of boys who don't read. But if boys don't read, how can they be half the market? It's ludiscrous.

So while it may not be right, or fair, I don't care that men are underrepresented in the field. It's my belief that women are not actively trying to exclude men from publishing. The men aren't there for the reason given by the second poster. It's a lot of work for little pay.

And if you feel you can't sell your work because you're a man, do what women have done for centuries - use a female pseudonym. Or use your initials. Or write women's fiction.

Jeff Baird said, on 9/28/2010 2:46:00 PM

I was prepared to state a very obvious feeling about reading ability men to women. I.e. women definitely read more than men. Then I thought, what about SAT scores? USA Today Article 8/26/2009 on results, “2009 SAT Show disparities by race, gender and family income.” Based on a top score of 800 Critical reading average was 501 with females 498 and males 503. Writing average was 493 where females averaged 499 and males 486. Compared to math where average was 515 where females were 499 and males were 534. It makes since because most men don’t want to graduate with an English degree etc. But it appears at least at the high school level the critical reading and writing nationwide is very close to the same. Note: women scored better than men. To me, it doesn’t matter but at 85% female in publishing, it would be an indication how non-biased they are otherwise, a man couldn’t get a book published if they were. At least a little factual data for our discussion! Great Blog!!!!

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7. The Power Of Story—In Any Medium

By: Kristin Nelson, on 8/27/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: I have a lot on my plate today. If I don’t blog now, it won’t happen.

What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? LITTLE GREEN APPLES by O.C. Smith

Since my father passed away in January, I’ve long wanted to write this blog entry but didn’t feel up to it. I’m going to give it try today.

My love of reading definitely came from my parents—both avid readers. But my father was passionate about books. He was the one who took me and my older brother and sister to the library every Sunday (almost without fail).

In fact, it was my Dad who created my love of science fiction and fantasy. His SFF books littered our house and pretty much covered every shelf.

Our first conversation about “appropriate reading for ten year olds” happened over an SF book actually (Slave Girl of Gor anyone?) It was the only time he ever censored reading and gave up after 6 months when my brother and I ferreted them all out anyway and read them. Just thinking about that memory after all these years makes me laugh.

The hardest thing was getting Dad to read contemporary SF&F. Man, pulling teeth to get him to try a new author. The trick was not to suggest but to just give him the books. Years ago, I did that for Dan Simmon’s Hyperion series, I never got my books back. I was in grad school at the time (when every dollar counts) and I had to go out and re-buy the books for my own shelves. I didn’t let him live that down for years. Last year, I gave him Scalzi’s OLD MAN’S WAR and he was hooked. Another personal triumphant!

And yes, I’m going somewhere with all this. Well, my father had cancer that had migrated to the brain. He was blind for the last six months of his life. I knew he wouldn’t survive without story so I talked him into listening to audio books—a medium he had never tried before. I even got him to try a new author.

When my father was rushed to the hospital right after Christmas (literally, the day after), he had only one request for me, bring him his green iPod shuffle with his latest story.

The man was dying but darn if he was going to go without getting to the end of his audio book—which, by the way, was Brent Weeks’ THE WAY OF SHADOWS.

His last days were at home surrounded by his family and all his books (literally we had the hospice bed set up in the living room). Sadly, he didn’t get a chance to finish the story but not from lack of trying.

And that, folks, is the power of story in any medium.

Little Green Apples by O.C. Smith

More O.C. Smith music on iLike

68 Comments on The Power Of Story—In Any Medium, last added: 8/31/2010

Display Comments

Kim said, on 8/27/2010 11:36:00 AM

Oh, Kristin. That's just beautiful. Thank you for writing that.

Shari said, on 8/27/2010 11:42:00 AM

My father was the same with movies. No matter how sick he felt you would find him in the movie theater. He's been gone almost four years now and yet I still pick up the phone to call him when a movie comes out I think he might like.
Thanks for the post.

Anonymous said, on 8/27/2010 11:48:00 AM

Ouch :-(

I'm tear-ing up here ( if that's even a word). Sorry to hear about your loss.

Nicole Chardenet said, on 8/27/2010 11:50:00 AM

A touching and lovely story illustrating just what a wonderful literate man your father was who skillfully passed on his love of reading to his daughter, but I still have to ask.....

....WHAT was he doing with the entire GOR series in the house??? ;)

Florence said, on 8/27/2010 11:56:00 AM

I must admit my passion for books came from an older brother, but my passion for learning and the need to know about the world around me came from my father.

I am proud to say that although I myself have never been bitten by the SF&F "bug," my son cherishes his books. He was the only kid in ranch camp who took his boxed set of Tolkien with him every summer.

It is wonderful that we can leave the legacy of the joy of reading. In any genre ... a good story will always remain a good story.

Great post, great story.

Marie Lu said, on 8/27/2010 11:59:00 AM

I'm getting teary-eyed over here....I'm sensitive to father-child relationships due to my own past so it was very touching to read this. Truly an illustration of the power of story. I grinned when you were talking about your dad's attempt in vain to censor the SF book. My mom used to try endlessly to get me to love nonfiction biographies when I was a kid and balked when I would hide out in the library reading nothing but Goosebumps, Marguerite Henry, and Redwall novels. :) (Hey I love Thomas Edison as much as the next person but Mom, 8 year olds don't like biographies about Thomas Edison!)

Tom M Franklin said, on 8/27/2010 12:01:00 PM

what a wonderful story and what a wonderful legacy to have passed on to you and your brother. sounds like your father was a pretty great guy to grow up around.

thanks for writing this. it's good to share stories like these with the world; we all need to be reminded of the power and the importance of story and difference we, as authors, can make in individual lives.

-- Tom

Indigo said, on 8/27/2010 12:11:00 PM

Thank you for sharing this heartfelt part of your life.

Me? I grew up with a mother who felt threatened by books and big words. I used to have to lie and claim a book I brought home was required reading for school.

In the end my mother's obstinance with reading, made me love words all that much more.

Reading about your father's love of books, made me smile today. Thank you. (Hugs)Indigo

Julie Kramer said, on 8/27/2010 12:12:00 PM

Besides being a farmer, my father was a popular rural storyteller. I wish he could have lived to see that I wrote a book. But he also died of cancer. Reading your blog today brings all that back.

Anthony said, on 8/27/2010 12:12:00 PM

Oh, the Gor books! I read one when I was eleven and I was like (O_O). It was amazing feet of research and world-building. Wow, what a shock to the system though.

Your father was wonderful man, and thank you for sharing your memories of him with your elegant post. I smiled.

Marie Andreas said, on 8/27/2010 12:16:00 PM

Thank you for sharing this. It made me think of my own father (passed away of cancer also- but 25 years ago) and his love of books. Both he and my mom were avid bookaholics and they passed that along.

The power of a good story is the power of the world.

Thank you for a moving post.

Ted Cross said, on 8/27/2010 12:16:00 PM

It is one of my greatest sadnesses, thinking about not getting to read everything that I wish during my life. I am so proud that my sons have caught the reading bug from my wife and me.

annegreenwoodbrown said, on 8/27/2010 12:18:00 PM

I'm glad your dad passed on his passion for books to you because you've passed it on to so many more. A good man. No doubt.

Jill James said, on 8/27/2010 12:32:00 PM

Kristin, what a legacy he left you. You are a storyteller. That blog post could have just been 'my dad died' and we would have all said we're sorry, but you brought him to life for us. You were a very lucky good to have him for a daddy.

Melissa Sarno said, on 8/27/2010 12:40:00 PM

That's such a touching story. It's amazing what power a book can have, to hear it told and want to hear how it ends up no matter what. Thank you so much for sharing.

Jill James said, on 8/27/2010 12:53:00 PM

Okay, must spellcheck before sending. Meant girl, not good. although I'm sure you were good too.

Susan J Tweit said, on 8/27/2010 12:53:00 PM

Thank you for making the effort/taking the time/pulling out something personal. It really does show the power of story. It's especially poignant to me as my husband and I are "walking" as we put it, with his brain cancer. It's a journey I wouldn't wish on anyone, but it's also a rich time together. (And yeah, I blog about it. Helps keep me sane! http://susanjtweit.typepad.com). But that wasn't my point, which is just this: thank you for your gifts.

Krista V. said, on 8/27/2010 1:10:00 PM

Beautiful post, Kristin. I think a lot of us can trace our love of books to our fathers:)

Bish Denham said, on 8/27/2010 1:20:00 PM

Touching and beautiful story. It's a lesson in how to live and how die.

LaylaF said, on 8/27/2010 1:40:00 PM

Kristin,

It sounds as if you had a very special dad and a wonderful relationship with him. He has left a beautiful legacy in his daughter and her love for literature.

Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt story.

God Bless.

Tara Maya said, on 8/27/2010 1:44:00 PM

That touched a nerve on so many levels. A family member is in the hospital right now.... Thank you for sharing that.

P.S. I think I had the very same conversation with my mom about a Gor book when I was eleven. lol

Julie said, on 8/27/2010 2:01:00 PM

I love this post. You made me cry. The power of the written word and family all in one.

Thank you.

Kelly Wittmann said, on 8/27/2010 2:15:00 PM

Kristin, thank you so much for sharing this. Very heartwarming.

Sue Harrison said, on 8/27/2010 2:44:00 PM

A beautiful tribute. A beautiful story. Thank you.

Michael J. Kannengieser said, on 8/27/2010 2:49:00 PM

Please accept my condolences on the loss of your father; how truly heartbreaking, especially since he was such a strong influence on you.

Last year, my father died at eighty three. It didn't make it any easier that he lived a long and fulfilled life.

My parents left behind a massive amount of books. My mom was a lover of novels, and my dad was a man of varied tastes. My own love of reading, writing, and books was inspired by them.

To honor him, I am writing an account of his life, focusing on his experiences in WWII and how it shaped who he became as a father and a husband; and how his faith was impacted as well.

Once again, I offer my condolences on the loss of your father.

rayfuentez said, on 8/27/2010 3:05:00 PM

What a touching story on so many levels. You are so fortunate to have had such a beautiful human being for a father and he was even more fortunate to have a daughter like you. Imagine the joy, as he reflected on his life, knowing that his love of books would live on in his children. What special pride he must have felt to see you in a position to discover and promote new voices. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Lynn said, on 8/27/2010 3:18:00 PM

Thank you for a post that must have been difficult to write. In September it will be 37 years that my father passed away and yet reading what you wrote brought back wonderful childhood memories of getting in the car and going to the library with my father and my brothers and sisters. We definitely got our love for books from him. Thank you again!

MCPlanck said, on 8/27/2010 3:45:00 PM

Condolences, Kristin. Lost my mom 12 years ago and we still miss her.

Amy Durham said, on 8/27/2010 4:05:00 PM

Beautiful post. And so true...

Olivia J. Herrell said, on 8/27/2010 4:34:00 PM

Thank you for sharing about your dad. I, too, teared up. I lost my father way too early. And my mother barely four years ago. But between the two of them they instilled the love of words in me and made sure that I had all the books my heart desired. Granted they mostly came from the library, there wasn't much money to go around. But still.

What a beautiful man your father was. Thank you for sharing your memories and his legacy. My heart goes out to you.

~that rebel, Olivia

ryan field said, on 8/27/2010 5:08:00 PM

Nice post, especially for authors to read. It makes a lot of the frustration and stress worth it all.

Just A Few said, on 8/27/2010 5:14:00 PM

I both became teary eyed and smile faced (if those are words) when I read your post. I lost my father also and the subject is still on touch and go bases. You described everything so well. Thank you for sharing, made me remeber a few things about my dad.
:)

Kwana said, on 8/27/2010 5:42:00 PM

What a beautiful and touching post. You really showed the power of the story and of love.

Connie Gillam said, on 8/27/2010 5:47:00 PM

Kristin,

This blog moved me to tears. I also lost my father to cancer. Unfortunately, we weren't as close as you and your father- something I regretted.

I just happened to see Brent Weeks new book -Black Prism- on audible.com(I also listen to a lot of books.) I'm going to give him a try since your father obviously loved him.

MaryC said, on 8/27/2010 6:42:00 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss, Kristin. I know how hard it is to lose your father.

For me it was my grandmother who inspired my love of reading. She used to say that what she feared most was something happening to her eyes so she couldn't read. This was in the days before audio books were widely available so she used to travel by bus to a library for the blind and sit and read books onto tape for them.

Jamie Ayres said, on 8/27/2010 7:07:00 PM

What a heart warming blog . . . sorry for your loss.

I bring my daughters to the library every Tuesday evening & have many discussions with my 10-year-old about "appropriate" books:) Hope she holds onto those nice memories just like you did!

Saranna DeWylde said, on 8/27/2010 7:22:00 PM

This was touching. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.

I get my love of books from my mother. My father always encouraged me to read, but books weren't a love for him.

My mother is recovering from uterine cancer and she also had cataracts removed. These last years, she hadn't been able see well enough to get around on her own, let alone read. But her sight is improving now every day and she asked me to find her a copy of SHANNA by Kathleen Woodiwiss, the first romance she ever read.

The appropriate reading discussion was kind of funny. I was reading romance when I was 10 because I already had a HS reading level. She paperclipped "those parts" so I could skip over them or read them as I felt comfortable. But I wasn't allowed to read Fear Street novels, or The Witch of Blackbird Pond, or anything else in that vein. So of course, I saved up all of my lunch money and ordered from the school book order. I'd keep the books in my locker and then give them away at the end of the year.

C.C. Harrison said, on 8/27/2010 8:09:00 PM

Okay, Kristin, you made me cry. I lost my dad recently, too.

But what do you know? A character walked into the pages of my WIP manuscript that is the spitting image of him!

Touching post.

Beth said, on 8/27/2010 8:21:00 PM

Beautiful, touching post. Thank you for sharing. What a gift your dad gave you--and you in turn gave him. Wonderful.

My dad couldn't get through a day without reading the newspaper. And he's a farmer yet loves to recite poetry. He is not a writer, though. Someday, I've got to write down his childhood stories--the family was so poor they traveled via horse and buggy and slept in a tent for a year.

You're motivating me to start recording him now so I won't forget a thing. Kristin, thank you for this post.

Anonymous said, on 8/27/2010 9:26:00 PM

You've moved all of us, Kristin.

Kelly M. Olsen said, on 8/27/2010 9:47:00 PM

I am always touched to read personal, reflective posts, so I thank you for sharing this deeply personal reflection of your father, and his love of reading. What a beautiful legacy to leave to his children, and even though he didn't get to the end of the story, I'm sure you blessed his last days with your thoughtful gift to him...suggesting the audio book.

Alleged Author said, on 8/27/2010 11:19:00 PM

I rarely comment, but I thought this needed one. My Popi died a few weeks ago. He wanted no more than to listen to jazz and read The Stand. My mom read him this book every day while he was in the hospital. On the day he died, he read the second to the last chapter then told her he didn't need any more chapters read to him. He said Stephen King wrote so well that he would take the words with him to heaven. He made up his own ending. But God bless Stephen because he crafted a story that would reach anyone at any time. We should all be so lucky that an author touches us so deeply and that WE could write so memorably. To write a memorable story is something to strive for in this lifetime. If we are unable to do this, then we have failed both ourselves and our readers. Thank you for this post. It makes the going easier.

Christine said, on 8/28/2010 4:33:00 AM

Thank you for this powerful and moving post. My father also hooked me on reading--SF/F as well. And yes, I think I may have slipped into reading adult materials a tad early as well.

My dad passed away in 2002. I still miss talking with him about our favorite authors and books. Even now, when I come across a great book I'll think about how much he'd have liked to read it, too. There are other memories, other triggers that bring him to the forefront of my thoughts. National Treasure--he would have loved that movie series. And the wineries we discovered in Virginia, too.

He was a shy man--an engineer/architect with a passion for painting, calligraphy, reading and traveling. It was not easy for him to connect emotionally. But books bridged the gap. Your blog reminded me of the great gift he gave to me--he used his love of reading to create a connection between father and daughter that gave us a wonderful adult relationship.

Kathleen Bittner Roth said, on 8/28/2010 6:57:00 AM

Your blog was especially poignant to me because when I returned from RWA Nationals this year, my husband was not at the airport to pick me up. On the way, he'd had a terrible car accident. During the CAT scan to determine the extent if his injuries, stage 4 cancer was discovered in his brain, lung (nonsmoker), bones, and lymph nodes. Within days, he could no longer see from his right eye and his vision dances, making it impossible for him to read, something he'd done voraciously from childhood up.
As we hang on the edge of uncertainty, waiting for the brain surgery we pray will be successful, for the chemo and radiation we hope will eradicate the inoperable beasts,I read to him. Reading has become more than our bond, it is our tether that keeps us sane through the insanity of experiencing a once vigorous man rapidly deteriorate.
There is hope in words, and I choose books that make us laugh, yes, make us weep, and give us pause to reflect on our life together.
Thank you for sharing your experience with your father, Kristin. When I am not tending to my husband and have time alone, I read, read, read (yes, even your blog and others like them)to keep my mind healthy.

Anonymous said, on 8/28/2010 8:29:00 AM

That was lovely and thank you.

Loree H said, on 8/28/2010 10:56:00 AM

My condolences to you. I bet that felt good to talk about.

Your story brought back memories of my own mother.

From the time I was in the fifth grade, my mom always told me to write. Some teacher told her that I had a great imagination and would make a good writer someday. That teacher gave her a story I had written.

From that time on, she would always say to me "Write Laura, just write." It would come out of her mouth, almost out of nowhere, when she was mad at me or upset about different cirumstances. Kind of like in the movie, Signs. ("And tell Merle to swing away.") When I saw that movie for the first time, I was covered with chills and thought of mom.

Mom had lost her memory the last year of her life...the same year I started my first novel. As her time was near and she lay unconcious, I sat at her bedside and whispered to her that I was writing a book. I wanted to make her proud.

I don't know if she heard me. I felt sad for a long time knowing that she never knew I tried to do what she had been always urging me to do. Published or not, writing gives me a great joy that I can't get anywhere else. All those years, my mother knew that.

True story---Going through her personal papers a few weeks after her death, I found that silly story I wrote back in the fifth grade. Right then, I knew she knew.

Keep your memories close.

Rebecca LuElla Miller said, on 8/28/2010 11:24:00 AM

What a touching memory of your dad's last days. Thank you for opening up this tender moment in your life to us. I'm sorry for your loss.

Chris Eldin said, on 8/28/2010 3:54:00 PM

A beautiful tribute to your father.

Tiger said, on 8/28/2010 4:31:00 PM

This made me weep.

Thank you for sharing with us.

de la O said, on 8/28/2010 8:54:00 PM

What a poignant story and a personal triumph to write about it. Losing a parent is one of the hardest things to experience and the fact that he was such a strong role model for you and your siblings creates memories that will be etched and reciprocated for so many years to come. I am sorry for such a huge loss, and see your accomplishment for writing about it. I know how hard that must have been.

Danielle said, on 8/29/2010 6:49:00 AM

I wish I had had this post to point to when I was producing audiobooks several years ago and had to try to gently coax authors away from reading their own novels.
Audiobooks are exactly as you have put it here: the story in another medium and as such, the medium should be respected and used to its best ability to communicate that story. Too often, it seems to me, authors and publishers see an audiobook as an extra publicity opportunity and fans of authors like to collect author-read versions like they might collect a movie t-shirt and it is so wrong put publicity over the story. It is so rare that an author has the voice-acting skills which will give life to the story in a way that is needed, and deserved, by those who love and respect good spoken word and, most importantly, people like your father who have no choice in their medium.

Last year, a friend mentioned that she had listened to an audiobook with a narration that she loved so much she'd written a review on audible and was surprised that some had not agreed - they felt that it should have been narrated by someone with the accent of the author, since it was an autobiography. She had no idea that I had cast that actor for that audiobook, and I didn't tell her, but I just had to have a look at the reviews. The complaints were by far the minority but what they, of course, didn't know was that the author himself originally wanted to read it - his accent would have been perfect, of course, but there were two problems: his accent was too thick, even when he tried to slow down as much as possible and, accent or none, he did not have the voice acting skills to communicate the beauty of his story to people listening, without the book in front of them. It took some convincing (and tact) but the author agreed that the story was what was most important (I can say this without worrying too much that it will be identified because it wasn't an isolated incident!) I did try to find someone with the right accent and skills but, with the publishing deadline approaching, it proved impossible so I put story first and, most agree, it did work out beautifully.

I hope that when your writer's books are put into audio, you'll remember your father and help your authors choose what is best for giving their readers the best experience of their story :)

Danielle said, on 8/29/2010 6:50:00 AM

Danielle said, on 8/29/2010 6:52:00 AM

Apologies for the double post - please do remove whichever you prefer, Blogger told me my first had not gone through due to its length (which I found reasonable) so I cut it and tried again.

Dayana Stockdale said, on 8/29/2010 8:28:00 AM

That was the most enjoyable blog post I ever read. What we do matters. I used to be an in home hospice helper too, so just the word hospice always makes me happy. Stories are with us at every stage in our life, even dying. That is very comforting to know. Thank you.

Buffy Andrews said, on 8/30/2010 3:45:00 AM

So true. I remember a TV show I liked was pulled off the air and it drove me crazy not knowing what happened to the characters or how the issues left standing were resolved. That's the power of a story, the thing that keeps us reading or watching or listening because we have no choice. We must know. Thanks for your thoughtful post.

Carolyn said, on 8/30/2010 6:59:00 AM

That's a lovely story, Kristin, and thanks for sharing. I have to do the same thing with my father -- just give him the books I think he'll like. You named two of my favorite SciFi/Fantasy books, Old Man's War and Way of the Shadows.

Thanks for sharing the story.

RK said, on 8/30/2010 8:12:00 AM

Thank you for sharing this story about your dad.

beckmcdowell said, on 8/30/2010 9:14:00 AM

Thanks for sharing this. Your earlier post about losing your dad gave me the courage to show a more personal side on my blog when my Dad died recently. I appreciate your paving the way for others to share personal stories on professional blogs occasionally. It's what writing's all about, after all. :)
http://tiny.cc/i1p4e

Kelly McCullough said, on 8/30/2010 9:43:00 AM

Beautiful, thank you.

Abby Minard said, on 8/30/2010 12:44:00 PM

That was very moving. Thank you for that.

TLAstle said, on 8/30/2010 12:47:00 PM

That says so much so well.

Thanks.

Charlie said, on 8/30/2010 3:04:00 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a sweet story, though. And good taste, too.

Jan Markley said, on 8/30/2010 4:59:00 PM

That's a lovely story, thanks for sharing. My late father and mother were instrumental in fostering my love for reading and writing as well.

Steve said, on 8/30/2010 5:42:00 PM

Thank you for sharing with us; that is a powerful and moving story.

DM said, on 8/31/2010 3:43:00 AM

FAIR AND BALANCED!

plush safe he think

http://www.christies.com/lotfinderimages/D14781/d1478164x.jpg

http://vimeo.com/13704095

but with recent revelations about James Randi, I think he likes DICKS!

____________________

THE SECOND COMING!

THE END OF ATHEISM

FOLLOW THE WHITE RABBIT...
...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smwrw4sNCxE
____________________________________________

THE B**BQUAKE - 911

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeblvLoVJCA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpZZ2PPBzP8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvSljPf9on4&feature=related

you are going to pay the price for this….

THE RUBBER DUCKY OF PSEUDOSCIENCE III - JAMES RANDI

http://daddytypes.com/archive/hofman_rubber_duckie.jpg

there is a lot of sh*t to flush!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cg2AezJo8aQ

THE HEAD OF THE INFIDEL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojR-XRt4rrA

Is America burning yet?

Maybe we need some more...

we use the DIVINE against the ESTABLISHMENT... you?

we do better DEMOLITIONS than you, savage...

RENOUNCE YOUR ATHEISM AND JOIN THE SOCIALIST FAITH!

let them know if the MDC continues more people will die...

the WORLD TRADE CENTER PROPHECY - THE DANCE OF DEATH

WORLD TRADE CENTER PROPHECY

FLUSH ATHEISM!

Actually it is a ROYAL FLUSH!!!

Let me show you how ATHEISTS were partially responsible for 911

These ATHEISTS NEED TO BE ON THE TERRORIST WATCH LIST!

You don’t even have SCIENCE on your side…

You’re a perfect example of when PHILOSOPHY becomes an ENEMY OF LIFE...

http://stephenlaw.blogspot.com/2010/06/playing-mystery-card.html

not quite samantha with her *supernatural spit*, eh?

this isn't one of your little WORD GAMES...

blasphemy is a DEATH SENTENCE

you people actually BELIEVE the BS you preach!

GOD 1 - atheists 0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQcNiD0Z3MU

Atheists,

you are ENEMIES OF GOD AND ARE GOING TO BE ANNIHILATED...

Repent and turn to God or be destroyed...

YOU HAVE NO CHOICE...

my interpretation of the STATUE FIRE... it symbolizes the SPIRITUAL DEATH of atheism...

http://www.salon.com/news/2010/06/15/us_lightning_strikes_jesus_statue

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/6/16/1276680110544/The-King-of-Kings-statue--005.jpg

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2010-06/54332292.jpg

http://friendlyatheist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/butterjesus-1.jpg

PRINCESS DI IS WEARING A NEW DRESS!

http://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/speechesandarticles/a_speech_by_hrh_the_prince_of_wales_titled_islam_and_the_env_252516346.html
______________________________
http://skepticblog.org/2010/04/06/would-i-ever-pray-for-a-miracle/

Shermer, I WANT TO SEE YOU BEG FOR A MIRACLE...
___________________
we do like your music Lady Gaga, but...

The B**BQUAKE - 911

Let me show you the FATE OF TRAITORS...

http://www.loiterink.com/photos/products/182_3424_500x500.jpg

they are incapable of telling the difference between SCIENTIFIC *FACT* AND
RELIGIOUS AND PHILOSOPHICAL *TRUTH*... FATAL ERROR!

they also preach a *VALUE FREE SCIENCE* called *POSITIVISM* that ignores the
inequalities of wealth and power in capitalist civilization...

for a sample taste of PZ Myers' GARBAGE...

http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2010/06/sunday_sacrilege_imagine_no_he.php

HIJACKING IN PROGRESS!!!

Amanda Ashby said, on 8/31/2010 3:44:00 AM

Kristin - I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I definitely got my love of reading (and writing) from my dad and ever since he died five years ago, the toughest times for me have been when his favorite authors release new books or when I read a book that I know he would've loved.

A.L. Sonnichsen said, on 8/31/2010 6:11:00 AM

Thanks, Kristin. I'm heading for my box of tissues right now. And I'm sorry for your loss!

Amy

rissawrites said, on 8/31/2010 8:21:00 AM

Such a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing a part of your dad with us.

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8. Taking Some Time Off

By: Kristin Nelson, on 8/24/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: general rants, funnies, Add a tag

STATUS: For the last three days, it’s literally been Dorchester 24/7.

What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? CAT’S IN THE CRADLE by Harry Chapin

I have to ‘fess up. Yesterday, we here at NLA skipped out early to take in a Rockies game at Coors field last night.

So here’s the gang doing anything but reading submissions. Don’t worry, we got back on the ball today.

From left: Anita's friend Alex, Anita, Me, Sara

How cotton candy is meant to be enjoyed!

The Megibow fam!

From left: My hubby, Sara's hubby, and their son clearly demonstrates the other way to enjoy the game!

Cat's In The Cradle by Harry Chapin

More Harry Chapin music on iLike

11 Comments on Taking Some Time Off, last added: 8/26/2010

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9. Ally Carter In Colorado

By: Kristin Nelson, on 7/23/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: booksignings, client books, general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: Sorry! You know it’s a tough week when I can’t find 15 minutes to squeeze in a blog. RWA is next week in Orlando. Probably don’t need to say more.

What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? LOVE MY WAY by Psychedelic Furs

I’m going to start today’s entry with a totally non-publishing related rant. All I want to say is that just once, I want to walk to work in the morning without seeing some male stranger’s underwear. Seriously people, pull your pants up or use a belt. This isn’t complicated because if you don’t look like a ripped athlete or Calvin Klein underwear model, then it’s not sexy. It’s just underwear (and not all that attractive at that!).

I don’t think I’m asking too much here…

But in fun news for ONLY THE GOOD SPY YOUNG, Ally Carter in the flesh is coming to Colorado (Boulder to be exact) this Sunday, July 25. I’d love to see you there and come say hello.

Barnes & Noble
Crossroads Commons
2999 Pearl StreetBoulder, CO 80301303-444-0349

Here’s the link to check out the event and to get more info!

13 Comments on Ally Carter In Colorado, last added: 7/27/2010

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Alice said, on 7/23/2010 12:57:00 PM

Oh my gosh. I think you explained the underwear thing exact. If your not a Calvin Klein Model pull your pants up, ha ha ha. Love that.

Tara Maya said, on 7/23/2010 1:57:00 PM

I wish I could come!

Stephanie said, on 7/23/2010 2:41:00 PM

The ones that belt their pants under the curve of their butt are the worst!!

I so wish I could see Ally in Colorado!

Tory M said, on 7/23/2010 2:57:00 PM

Heh, if we see you, can we pitch to you? J/k! Awesome to hear about Ally coming to Boulder!

Tasmanian Devil said, on 7/23/2010 5:27:00 PM

Hi Ally, I think you are asking too much because the cause is complicated and the solution is too (but contrary to what you've said it does involve publishing).
As I understand it, convicted felons in US prisons are not allowed belts in case they attempt suicide. Young people on the outside identify with these felons and ape their mode of dress. What to do? Give belts back to felons?
Those convicted of property or drug crime in certain areas of the UK are being given home detention and must read set books to get a picture of the world outside their own and to develop empathy etc.
There is some evidence that recidivism is lower and it costs the state a lot less money. It seems a great solution to me. What do you think?

Tasmanian Devil said, on 7/23/2010 7:34:00 PM

Sorry,
that should be Kristin!

_*rachel*_ said, on 7/23/2010 10:38:00 PM

Sigh... #14 on the library hold list for Only the Good Spy Young. On the other hand, I'm already digging into Heist Society, so I'm entertained for a while!

Alwyn said, on 7/24/2010 1:13:00 AM

Whenever authors I love announce they are touring, Ally Carter very much included (Heist Society still sitting on my nightstand for it's second re-read), it makes me wish I lived in the US and could just hop a car to Boulder. Then I wouldn't have to talk myself out of thoughts like "Well maybe if I just got the tube to Heathrow there would be a last minute seat on a flight to Denver that would get me there and back in time for work on £5 or less!"

Eric Riback said, on 7/24/2010 10:20:00 AM

As men's jeans have become larger to accommodate this style, it has caused a denim shortage for women's jeans and jean skirts.

sydney said, on 7/26/2010 10:05:00 AM

Ah, yes. The baggy jeans. As a community college instructor, it's especially helpful to see butt crack in the classroom setting. Give it up, boys. In 1993 it showed your commitment to an edgy, rebellious style. In 2010, it's the clothing equivalent of the mullet.
Looking forward to getting Ally's latest release!

kevinluttery said, on 7/26/2010 10:08:00 AM

TD,

You're right. That style of dress did originate in the prison system. But like you also point out, it's more complicated than that. What I see is a generation of young men who feel completely invisible to society. All they really want is to be seen and noticed. And we do notice them, albeit for the wrong reason. But they don't care. They walk down the street with a swagger that screams "Look at me! Look at me!" And the more we look, even in disgust, the farther their pants droop from their butts. It's a very sad situation.

dining room table said, on 7/27/2010 1:03:00 AM

This post is so fun to read. I love every line that you write. It made me smile and laugh. Thank you for sharing this important post.

Michele Hauf said, on 7/27/2010 7:50:00 AM

Hallelujah, on the underwear rant! Wasn't that style over like ten years ago? Just yesterday I wanted to yell at a guy "if you have to hold them up when you walk, you need a belt!"

SIgh...

Love reading your blog. Great information here.

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10. The Importance Of Proof Reading

By: Kristin Nelson, on 4/19/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: publishing, publishers, general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: Hubby got me XM radio at the office for my birthday! I’ve wanted this for a while. I now have access to fun stations such as Indie/College/Unsigned and UK Pop hits. If I’m in the mood for maudlin, I could play love songs 24/7. How about Spa: New Age. Oh this is going to be fun.

What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? 40 DOGS (LIKE ROMEO AND JULIET) by Bob Schneider

As all writers should already know, spell check is your friend but it’s not a savior. If the typo is one that won’t be caught by a simple spell check program, you might be in a world of trouble.

A fact that Penguin Australia recently discovered when they had to reprint 7000 copies of a cookbook…

Most people should laugh as that’s quite the whopper of an error but part of me thinks that maybe Mr. Sessions should have consulted with a PR person and just admitted some mortification over the snafu rather than making a statement that he didn’t understand why people might find the error offensive. Err on the side of sensitive I’m thinking.

Just an observation. Grin.

40 Dogs (Like Romeo and Juliet...

32 Comments on The Importance Of Proof Reading, last added: 4/21/2010

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Marie Lu said, on 4/19/2010 5:46:00 PM

Yikes--what a typo! I've always been amused and occasionally terrified by what auto-replace will do to some of my mistyped words in Word. This makes me want to grab something and proofread it. :)

And Happy Birthday!!

Missed Periods said, on 4/19/2010 6:02:00 PM

Hi Kristen,

I got excited when I saw your post because I recently wrote about the same thing. My post includes an excerpt of a funny poem I found about relying too much on spell check:

http://missedperiodsandothergrammarscares.blogspot.com/2010/01/spelling.html

KaT said, on 4/19/2010 6:03:00 PM

Whoops!

Jeff King said, on 4/19/2010 6:17:00 PM

True that...

Debra L. Schubert said, on 4/19/2010 6:30:00 PM

I heard about this earlier today. Oh boy, BIG mistake! How he could wonder why people might find that offensive is beyond my comprehension.

Moral to the story: You can never proofread too much.

Nicola said, on 4/19/2010 6:32:00 PM

Bwahahaha! As someone who works in the underappreciated - in my opinion - editing and proofreading field in Australia, I can't help but smugly point out that this kind of thing is only to be expected when publishing houses decide to scale back on proofreading in a misguided attempt to save on costs.

Kristi Helvig said, on 4/19/2010 7:18:00 PM

Although it was a doozy of an error, Mr. Sessions attitude appears to have compounded the issue. His utter lack of grace in addressing the problem is only drawing more attention to it. Now, I'm off to double check my pasta primavera recipe. :)

_*rachel*_ said, on 4/19/2010 7:34:00 PM

So true. Anyway, I wouldn't return the cookbook--I'd send a picture of the typo to Failblog and keep the book around for pasta and laughs.

Gary Corby's had some recent chat about spellcheck: http://blog.garycorby.com/2010/04/grammar-check-is-bad-for-you-and-spell.html

INSIDE THE SHRINK said, on 4/19/2010 7:46:00 PM

Little spelling and grammar errors might seem harmless but they can discredit your whole work.

zz said, on 4/19/2010 7:59:00 PM

at the risk of sound insensitive...that is hilarious!

zz

Kristin Laughtin said, on 4/19/2010 8:12:00 PM

I was just reading about this! I also loved the statement that they wouldn't recall the books already in stores, because it would be kinda hard.

But yes, definitely a good example of why you want to reread and not rely on spell check. Spell check can't catch homonyms or wrong words that are still real words.

_*rachel*_ said, on 4/19/2010 8:22:00 PM

And, an hour after I said I'd post it to Failblog: http://failblog.org/2010/04/19/epic-fail-photos-recipe-fail-2/

Suzan Harden said, on 4/19/2010 8:36:00 PM

Oh, that was so worth snorting strawberry margarita out my nose. Luckily, I missed the keyboard.

On the other hand, maybe Mr. Sessions needs to talk to my son who just finished learning about the American Civil War and Reconstruction Period. Maybe he'd understand from a nine-year-old why some folks would find that offensive.

Alli said, on 4/19/2010 9:12:00 PM

Oh man, what a major slip by Penguin. A PR person would definitely been helpful, for sure. Now I'm off to check my query letter again...

jessjordan said, on 4/19/2010 9:21:00 PM

I saw this in my Publishers Lunch email and giggled. Proof reader = false sense of security. Edit, people!

Shelley Watters said, on 4/19/2010 9:25:00 PM

Yikes. That's one whopper of a typo.

Shannan said, on 4/19/2010 9:58:00 PM

I saw this the other day and had to laugh but I agree it's prudent for the publisher to err on the side of sensitive.

This is the danger of relying too heavily on spellcheck - "people" is spelled correctly, but was not at all the word intended =D

Jeannie said, on 4/19/2010 10:01:00 PM

Oh, my.

Methinks the blogosphere will be feasting on some freshly ground Mr. Sessions for some time, and rightly so.

I'd bet his PR people are looking for a hole where they can crawl in and bury themselves--or else a nice quiet storage room where they can hide his body.

therese said, on 4/19/2010 10:40:00 PM

I agree. Mr. Sessions should have just been mortified that such an error could occur, and left it a that. Then it could go down in history as the fault of some unnamed proofreader.

Instead, more focus will be on his pompous comment and that will fuel indignation.

This was one of the moments when "just the facts, ma'am" was the best route. Too bad he didn't stick with that.

Anonymous said, on 4/19/2010 11:18:00 PM

Since when are cookbooks on how to cook people being sold? I thought the general populace /wasn't/ supporting cannibalism anymore. o.O My bad.

If only I PRed cookbooks. *shrugs* They aren't my thing, though. I can hardly stand reading them for actual cooking as it is.
I think I'll stick with fantasy and other fictiony books.

Great blog.

Hannah said, on 4/20/2010 12:05:00 AM

Whilst obviously you don't want to be offensive, I can't imagine anyone finding it offensive either.

I would understand people complaining because it's annoying having a typo (though worth getting a whole new book for? I doubt there are that many books on my shelf without a typo or two - you work out what it means and deal with it) but when it's clearly a typographical error why would it cause offense? It's not made a swear word or anything so I cannot imagine how anyone could take offense.

Joseph L. Selby said, on 4/20/2010 3:55:00 AM

That was my thought as well. He just brushed it aside, and my mouth fell open. I then had to remind myself that he's in Australia and race relations/perceptions are different there.

America's history of slavery and civil rights creates a different perception for us than it does for people from other countries who did not experience the same social evolution, especially Australia and its own checkered past with the Aborigine population.

I wonder if that quote was taken by a local newsperson. Was he thinking locally instead of globally?

Still face -> palm.

Philangelus said, on 4/20/2010 4:41:00 AM

The problem there is the wiring of the human brain. :-) If you expect to see "black pepper" and you see "black pe" you automatically fill in the rest of the word, especially because there's another p in it so the shape of the word appears correct.

I've managed to slip "post offal" past people who were proofreading my work because they expected "post office"and almost saw the right word and moved along. That's why when I was working for a newspaper, they had me proof-read articles backward.

It would have been hilarious if they'd made the mistake with green pepper. :-)

Bish Denham said, on 4/20/2010 4:47:00 AM

I'm sorry I know I shouldn't be laughing...but...what a mistake!

Nicole Chardenet said, on 4/20/2010 6:49:00 AM

Copy editing or maybe print setting seems to have gone the way of the dinosaur lately in publishing. Have you read Andrew Sorkin's "Too Big To Fail"? You would not *believe* how many cheesy typos, missed commas, strange symbols in the middle of a word, etc. there were. The first half of the book is way worse than the second half but either way, seriously, that's the worst I've ever seen, including several self-published efforts.

Yvonne Osborne said, on 4/20/2010 7:32:00 AM

People rather than pepper? It would almost seem intentional rather than a typo. Mr. Sessions comes across as inept given his casual take on the snafu. I can't imagine seeing such an error in a cookbook! It would have me questioning the conciseness of every recipe. Trust. In the final taste test it's all about trust, isn't it? Trust in a publisher's eye for detail.

Moggypie said, on 4/20/2010 8:07:00 AM

Oh my goodness. Very funny typo, stupid editorial response. Also indicative of how copyediting and proofreading have been sidelined in the rush to get books out the door in recent times. I can't believe the errors I see in books lately, many of them obviously the result of relying on spell-check; the current work of nonfiction I'm reading is replete with words divided by a hyphen in the middle of a sentence as if they were originally line breaks.

But harking back to 25 years ago when I worked at a NY publishing firm...I recall our company publishing a book on public speaking, and how hard people worked to make sure the obvious "pubic" typo did not appear--yet when the book was published, there it was, smack dab in the middle of the second page. Oy. As for nowadays, you wouldn't believe how many people gallop away on hoses instead of horses.

DG said, on 4/20/2010 12:12:00 PM

Check out "Coffee House" on XM. I play it all day long at work and find it the least tiring.

A.E said, on 4/20/2010 12:18:00 PM

As a black person I also found it a funny error, but even though the first two letters in people and pepper are the same I find it hard to believe that someone could mis-type that and not catch it!

JEM said, on 4/20/2010 12:49:00 PM

Yes, I also found his surprise to be more than a little naive. Clearly an error (oh gosh we hope), but still. Act like you know why it's a big deal.

Natalie C. Markey said, on 4/20/2010 2:21:00 PM

Kristin,

Thank you for your blog and this is a great reminder to writers. I'm currently going over my YA one last time before submitting to agents. I'm terrified of "stupid" mistakes but it is humbling to see that they get made and make it past people in this industry. It won't happen in my book though!! I look forward to following you and reading more read posts on this industry.

Natalie C. Markey
http://pentopublish.blogspot.com/

Danisidhe said, on 4/20/2010 4:23:00 PM

I wanted to thank Joseph L. Selby for pointing out that as an Australian, Mr. Sessions does not share the "history of race relations and civil rights" that Americans do, nor does he need, when addressing the issue for an Australian audience, to temper his remarks for Americans.

An Australian (like me), and probably a European or anyone else in the world, would consider anyone who claims to be offended by that to be far too tightly wound about race relations - or looking for a spurious law suit.

Seriously, there is white pepper and pink pepper, too and they would have been equally as funny.

Sometimes a typo is just a typo.

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11. Interview Tips

By: Kristin Nelson, on 3/2/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: agents, general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: Only 372 emails in the inbox at the moment. That’s progress.

What’s playing on the iPod right now? SHATTERED by O.A.R.

This probably won’t come up for the majority of my blog readers but just in case, I’m going to dispense a few more interview tips if you ever want to work at a literary agency.

Before the interview, visit the agency’s website. (I know—no brainer but hang with me here.) See what kinds of authors and books the agency handles. Then, in preparation for your interview, read some of the authors before your meeting. (Or at the very least see if you can find the first chapter on Amazon’s Search Inside or the author’s webpage so you can read a snippet of the work.) Then demonstrate that knowledge during the interview.

We were hugely impressed with candidates who did that.

Another bit of advice? Be prepared to ask some insightful and/or intelligent questions. At the end of each interview, we always asked the candidate if he/she had any questions for us. Good questions really stood out for us—especially if it showed the candidate’s awareness of current events in publishing (like the Google Settlement or anything else that may have hit the major newswires).

And one last bit of advice. Practice your interview with a friend (and have that friend make up some questions for you). This will allow you to think on your feet if you receive a question that is unanticipated. This will also allow you to practice your speech and conversational ability during the interview. The biggest killer for us in our recent interviews was the constant repetition of the word “um.”

Now we realize that people are nervous in interview situations. We do expect some “ums” (after all, anyone who doesn’t make a living in TV or radio will interject an occasional one here and there). It’s the excessive amount of “ums” that are the problem. Unfortunately, that can make a candidate sound verbally ineffective or tentative—not two qualities you want to project in an interview.

So be conscious of that possible verbal tic during an interview and if you practice before, you’ll have some answers ready and smooth. Trust me, that will impress.

Shattered [Turn The Car Around...

15 Comments on Interview Tips, last added: 3/4/2010

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Bron said, on 3/2/2010 4:44:00 PM

If you take out the specifics about the publishing industry, these are good tips for any interview in any industry.

Andrea M. Bodel said, on 3/2/2010 5:23:00 PM

My boyfriend hates speech disfluencies of any sort. He broke me of the "Um" habit by following me around with a bell and ringing it every time I said "um" or "uh".

I don't say either now, and I'm not in the business of vocal words. >_>

Mechelle Fogelsong said, on 3/2/2010 6:00:00 PM

When a writer gets to meet and chat with you at a conference do the "ums" count against them too?

Before going to the PNWA writer's conference last summer, I purchased and read 3 books from one agent's website. I never got to meet with her, though. It was very disappointing, as you can imagine.

Judith Engracia said, on 3/2/2010 7:31:00 PM

Thanks for the sound advice! Maybe one day this will help me move up from being an unpaid intern :)

Abigail said, on 3/2/2010 7:58:00 PM

I hate interviews. :( Mainly because my hands get cold and I'm extremely shy. With that being said, I had mock interviews during my senior year in high school and one of the ladies that interviewed me said she wouldn't hire me because I had cold hands (??? How does that make sense?).

Anyway, great advice, for sure. Even the last part about practicing with a friend before an interview should be in general when it comes to any type of job. :)

Lydia Kang said, on 3/2/2010 8:23:00 PM

Also avoid acute illnesses during interview. I once had a migraine during one. Crying was involved. Not pretty.

Jonas Samuelle said, on 3/2/2010 10:34:00 PM

Does being a writer help or hurt one's chances at a lit agency? I know some agents choose to write, and they often pursue representation themselves. But it seems like it might be a benefit in that they know literature, and a hindrance in that it could cause some conflict.
-Colin Hill

Anita said, on 3/3/2010 7:27:00 AM

I'm curious about how you advertised the position.

Angie said, on 3/3/2010 8:41:00 AM

So I'm a shoe in, right? I'm from the Midwest, just one state below your hometown. My mom and dad lived in Denver before moving back to the Midwest. AND the last 3 books I read/ or am currently reading are: I'd Tell You I Love You..., Perfect Chemistry, and How to Ruin a Summer Vacation. I've found that I LOVE a lot of your client's books. You have good taste in clients and the written word. You rock Kristin!!

Jeff Baird said, on 3/3/2010 10:35:00 AM

I think the best prepared, pat answered, most knowledgeable and most prepared employee I ever hired was the worst. Isn't it fascinating where this Blog goes!!!!! What an in-depth education into so many minds and the business! I actually have a list of the 10 worst questions to answer on an interview!!!

GK said, on 3/3/2010 10:48:00 AM

I think I became conscious of verbal tics at a very young age and made sure to get them out of my own speech. In my years of noticing (and occasionally counting) them in others, I realized that generally people use them because they don't want a single pause in their speaking. Which is silly, pauses are good, show that you're actually thinking while you speak. But maybe it's because they're afraid that if they're quiet for even a second, they'll be interrupted.

My current roommate has the verbal tic of "you know what I mean?" So far the highest count is 5 times in one sentence. When I first met her, I thought perhaps I wasn't giving the right nonverbal cues that I was listening, but eventually I realized she didn't even know she was saying it. It's rather bemusing, though I think I might prefer "um" because at least that's a short sound. Easier to ignore. ^_^

veela-valoom said, on 3/3/2010 12:44:00 PM

I'm really bad at the questions. For the job that I just got they gave me a lot of vague & general information about what the job entailed. I was still processing & thinking. It was difficult to come up with questions. By the second interview I had some though. I got the job. I think my past experiences & personality outweighed my question difficulties.

Sarah Tormey said, on 3/3/2010 1:44:00 PM

At dinner last night, my husband and some friends were debating whether or not to Google a candidate before hiring them. With Facebook, blogs and other online resources, an employer can easily find out if someone who looks great on paper like to spend their Friday nights partying to the point that they wake up in Bozo the clown outfit the next morning. Just curious if this played into your search.

On a different note, I landed my second publishing job by raving about a new "break out" author whose marketing plans I had worked on. I even sent an ARC with my thank you note. (And by the way that author was Jodi Picoult:)

Eridani said, on 3/3/2010 2:39:00 PM

@Sarah Tormey - Funny story about Googling someone. About 6 years ago, I gave some positive quotes to a magazine about a product I'd beta tested, and little did I know it was published in like 15 countries and cited by the product's vendor as a great testimonial. So, when you Googled my name, you'd find me quoted in a bunch of variations of this magazine in all these languages like I'm this big shot expert.

I had no idea about any of that until I had an interview about 3 months later and the guy was positively gleeful at having bagged such a pro as myself. I cannot count how many times someone has Googled me and thinks I'm important (which is pretty funny). This must be the other end of the spectrum from the drunken Facebook pages. ;)

Kathy McIntosh said, on 3/3/2010 6:35:00 PM

I recently posted about the benefit of Toastmasters to writers. Guess your experience indicates the value to everyone. Toastmasters helps speakers eliminate the ums, think on their feet and realize the value of the silent pause for thought.
Glad you found someone who suits!

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12. When What We Are Looking For Is Not On A Resume

By: Kristin Nelson, on 3/1/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: agents, general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: Calling it a day.

What’s playing on the iPod right now? HEARTBREAK WARFARE by John Mayer

This past week we hired a new assistant. I cannot tell you how excited Sara and I were for this person to start. At the very least, the last 2 months without an assistant aptly demonstrated how much we need one!

During the process, I was talking about it with a friend who is an HR manager. She was absolutely appalled to learn that we planned to interview about 14 candidates (from the over 50 applications we received). After all, we obviously must not have specified the job requirements accurately enough. In her mind, we should only be interviewing about 5 candidates total.

On one hand, she’s probably right. But on the other, the one main criterion we were looking for cannot really be specified on a resume. Lots of our candidates had terrific qualifications. What we were looking for, however, was a demonstrated passion for reading—and not just for one type or genre of fiction. That’s not really going to show up on a resume. It’s only going to be apparent when we ask one specific question.

In our interviews, that one question was this: Tell me about the last three novels you read. Why did you choose those books? Did you enjoy them? Why or why not?

For candidates interested in working at a literary agency, you’d assume this would be a slam dunk kind of question to answer. A “no brainer” if you will.

Surprisingly, a lot of candidates struggled to answer this question.

We were not expecting that. We, of course, had other questions about how detail-oriented was the candidate and how they handled processes etc. but it was really the above question that was the most important to us. So keep that in mind if you ever decide to pursue this type of job path.

Luckily, in the end, we had several terrific final candidates and it was rather sad that we only had the resources to hire one person.

Heartbreak Warfare - John Maye...

33 Comments on When What We Are Looking For Is Not On A Resume, last added: 3/5/2010

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Mel Odom said, on 3/1/2010 9:44:00 PM

Sadly, there's a frightening number of editors AND young writers that don't read much, or don't read beyond the scope of their interest these days.

Shelley Watters said, on 3/1/2010 9:45:00 PM

That's a great question for an interviewee for a literary agent's assistant position!

I would think that any person applying for a position at a literary agency would expect a question like that!

Kristi said, on 3/1/2010 9:58:00 PM

Congrats on your new hire! When I worked in management, I considered the credentials of potential applicants but hired based on intangible feelings I got during the interviews. Although my job involved managing a unit of incarcerated adolescent girls, my best hire ever was a former bank teller -- go figure!

Sarah Allen said, on 3/1/2010 11:12:00 PM

Hmmm, very interesting and thought-provoking. Now I'm trying to answer that question :-) It's a good thing to know and understand about yourself, because in order to write you have to read, and knowing yourself through your reading will help you know yourself through your writing. Thanks for this!

Sarah Allen
my creative writing blog)

wondering04 said, on 3/2/2010 4:41:00 AM

I cannot imagine an agent who doesn't read a variety of materials. I am not an agent, but am usually in the midst of at least three books simultaneously. Right now, mostly nonfiction, but other times I do read fiction.

Kristin the reason I came over here was from your Nelson Literary Agency newsletter. I am so sorry for your loss, you are right, there is no time that is good. I am glad you got to spend time helping out, and I pray a peace that passes all understanding for you.
Heather

veela-valoom said, on 3/2/2010 4:46:00 AM

It's good that you saved that till the interview. If you would have done any kind of "include this with your resume" people would have thought about it and said the books to make them look good. I know what the past 3 books I read were but also realize they exist in 2 genres and wouldn't get me a job like that.

Just for fun
1. The Other Wind by Ursula K. Le Guin
2. Paper Towns by John Green
3. An Acceptable Time by Madeline L'Engle

Yep YA & fantasy. I'm trying to branch out some unsuccessfully at the moment.

Samantha said, on 3/2/2010 6:04:00 AM

What a coincidence! I finally work up the courage to ask you about internships and here you are talking about hiring an assistant. (In retrospect, the two may not at all be related.)

Anyway, my question: Is it possible to intern at a literary agency without actually being at the location?

I had found one small publishing press that considered remote interns. But, I would love to apply for an internship at a literary agency because that's where I want to work at after college.

I've been searching through sites (like bookjobs.com), and I've seen some great places I can apply for. However, as much as I'd love to get the hands-on feel and immerse myself in the literary world, I may not be able to re-locate for an internship due to personal reasons.

But, to prepare myself for all options, I just wanted to know about the possibility and practicality of telecommuting to an internship for a literary agency.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Samantha

John M. Baron said, on 3/2/2010 6:27:00 AM

Ahhh... the good ol' HR mindset: a resume is the complete and sufficient truth. Bosh.

Congratulations to you and Sara as well as to your new assistant.

Lehcarjt said, on 3/2/2010 6:37:00 AM

Ha! After reading this post I asked myself about the last three books I've read. I think it would have been a VERY long interview if I'd been your interviewee. ~Grin.

(I'm happily employed in a far away state and not trying to 'put myself out there' by saying this.)

Glad you found someone though. I look forward to hearing all about them.

Anonymous said, on 3/2/2010 6:53:00 AM

Great post. Because when you are a reader by nature you are sort of appalled when you find out other writers aren't. In my opinion you can't be one without the other.

Any time I get a request for a full or get a chance to go to a writer's conference or something "fun" in the business, I get a slew of accquaintences who "decide" that they're going to write a novel, too, when they get the "time" (like a few spare hours is all it takes). They have notepads filled with titles and ideas they want to explore. But when I ask them what book they're reading now or what the last book they read was, they can't answer.

To write you have to read, why should it be any different to work in publishing?

Anonymous said, on 3/2/2010 7:47:00 AM

That's an interesting question. The thing is, I think a lot of go through phases. I'll read nothing but MG novels for a couple months, and then read adult novels for a couple months, and then maybe non-fiction for awhile. Currently, I'm in a YA phase. So, asking what the last three books I read wouldn't give someone an idea of the overall breadth of my reading. Anyway, it is an interesting question, and to answer it, the last three books I read:

Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli
Don't Judge a Girl by her Cover, by Ally Carter
13 Reasons Why, by Jay Asher.

Mike Delosreyes said, on 3/2/2010 7:58:00 AM

I like to think I read more than the average person, but if you were to ask me the last three novels I read, without hesitation I could name 2 and then I'd struggle with the 3rd. I could easily drop a short story, but that seems like a lazy answer; I can say I've been reading particular chapters from various textbooks. I could name the books I've started but stopped in the past couple of weeks, but when somebody asks me what books I've "read", for me this implies "finished reading."

Good lord I still can't name you the 3rd nove...Blindsight! I reread Blindsight, by Peter Watts. Blindsight, that's it.

whew. Man, it's really hot in here.

The Story Road said, on 3/2/2010 8:28:00 AM

Love John Mayer's music. Now all he needs to do is stick to music and practice discretion.

Cher

GK said, on 3/2/2010 8:42:00 AM

When I saw the job advert for an internship at the agency I now work at, one of the things they asked to be included in the cover letter was a list of the last 10 books the applicant had read. And thank god/goddess/nuggan for that. While a fairly normal person in real life, in interviews I become this bundle of nerves and I shut up like a clam. Going into this interview, though, I automatically had a way to talk about that I loved to talk about what I most love to talk about: books. After I was hired, I was told they ask for the list basically so they could make sure they didn't interview anyone who hadn't read a book that had been published in the last 10 years. But the list helped in other ways; a number of the books were ones the agents read or were reading, and one was one of the agency's authors (I'd loved his work for years and still fangirl over the fact that I work at the agency which represents him). For me, I think, the list made all the difference between getting the internship and not. This was completely fantastic for me, and since the agency went on to hire me as an assistant, I don't think it was a bad choice for them either.

So essentially, yay that you asked that question and put such import behind it! None of the other many (many) publishing jobs I'd interviewed for asked that question, and I can't fathom why. It seems key, to me.

On another note, I can't thank you enough for all your blogging about the business of agenting. I can't tell you the number of times my boss has brought up an aspect of the job that should be utterly new and perplexing to me, but which I was totally familiar with thanks to you, Kristin. You certainly do a great service to writers, but you also help those of us who want to follow your lead. It's just one of the many ways your great kindness is such an inspiration.

Anita said, on 3/2/2010 8:43:00 AM

I have the opposite problem of some of your interviewees...I cannot stop talking about the books I've read!

Jeff Baird said, on 3/2/2010 8:58:00 AM

I agree with your effort to interview personally more people. I have been hiring and firing for 20 years and there is NOTHING like a face to face. Some people actually just look at the resume and simply decide if they like the look. After all--if the resume isn't flowery enough--how good could that person be? In my opnion the face to face gets you a lot more information to make the best long term decision which I think is a match!!!! Congrads on the effort to really check them out!

Tawna Fenske said, on 3/2/2010 9:11:00 AM

I would love to her some of the best answers you received in response to the question!

And were there any memorably BAD answers?

Tawna

Anonymous said, on 3/2/2010 9:26:00 AM

Agree with Mike. I'd struggle to answer this question even though I can name the last two; they were the two volumes of Edward Rutherfurd's Dublin Saga.

I thought they read like a rough draft.

The third-- oh darn. The third... at this point you'd see me struggling, even though I read widely and constantly. Oh, it was one of Joan Aiken's Jane Austen novels. Can't remember the title, but it had the same problem: poor editing.

Not a very impressive answer from a person who reads at least 150 books a year, eh? I think you must've hired someone who is a way faster thinker than average.

kellion said, on 3/2/2010 9:50:00 AM

I'm with the HR professional. In publishing, you're used to weeding through hundreds and thousands of proposals to get to one new client, so your perspective is skewed.

For job interviews, this wide net isn't necessary. It's a waste of your time, and the time of the people you've interviewed, who many have used up good will and time off at their current employer, or racked up needless costs for child care. I say needless because the process could have been narrowed down to five candidates with a phone interview.

Sue said, on 3/2/2010 10:10:00 AM

Last three books I've read and why I should be ashamed:

1. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (yes I am a sheep, drawn in by popular culture! Baaa!)
2. Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie (formulaic moustache twirling does it for me I guess.)
3. Late Nights on Air by Elizabeth Hay (part of the Giller Prize Project- reason I grabbed it, but has tons of merit with or without any prize).

karen wester newton said, on 3/2/2010 12:33:00 PM

When my son was a baby, I went looking for a home day care provider with him still in his baby carrier. References, experience, whatever aside, I never ever considered hiring anyone who did not ask to hold him.

Anonymous said, on 3/2/2010 12:47:00 PM

I suspect a few of those people who couldn't answer your "last three novels read" question were probably suffering from brain freeze.

Brought back memories of my own job search years ago when I was looking for a copywriter position. I still remember drawing a blank when the creative director asked, "What recent ad campaigns do you like and why?" Believe me, after that botched interview, I had a ready answer for the next person who asked that question.

Buffra said, on 3/2/2010 2:27:00 PM

Made me want to think about it....

I've read Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford, When You Reach Me (YA -- forget the author!), and The Comeback Kiss by Lani Diane Rich.

I've also got a stack of "in progress" books by the bed that includes The Forgotten Garden, So Brave, Young, and Handsome, and The Turn of the Screw.

That doesn't count nonfiction, as you specified novels.

I read a lot.

Eridani said, on 3/2/2010 2:31:00 PM

@kellion - For a job with no subjectivity, I think that's a true statement. If you're doing assembly-line work or something that requires a set of strict procedural stuff, that's fine. The resume tells the story.

For a job like an assistant of any kind, a resume means almost nothing. It's a guideline at best. I think the most important thing in an assistant is that you click with the boss. Are you on the same page? Do you have similar tastes? Can you anticipate your boss's likes and dislikes enough to know whether something is worth sending on - and enough to take care of the little stuff so she never has to see it? Those are things you will never learn from a resume.

@Sue - Hold your head up high! I, too, read the Twilight series but mostly because I needed to see what all the fuss was about. (Confession: I still have no idea what the fuss was about...)

Sue said, on 3/2/2010 3:08:00 PM

I've asked the same question when interviewing English teachers. It shocked me how many had no answer.

Last three: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Push by Sapphire, and To Dance with the Devil by Lorraine Heath.

Allison Williams said, on 3/2/2010 4:47:00 PM

There's also a difference between hiring an early-career position (like assistant or intern) and hiring a mid-career or established pro. I'm about to interview 16 interns for 2 positions. I already know which ones I'm most likely to hire - but I'm doing in-persons with the ones in town and phoners with the out-of-states. Why "waste" their time? Because learning to interview well is part of their learning and growing experience. And I'm always open to a surprise, too.

Kimberly Kincaid said, on 3/2/2010 6:19:00 PM

When I was fresh out of college (more years ago than I'd like to admit), I interviewed for a job completely unrelated to the writing and publishing industry. The interviewer asked me what the last book I read was, and whether or not I liked it. I was stunned (and thrilled).

When he asked me if I had any questions for him, I asked him what the last book *he* had read was and whether or not he liked it. Totally unrelated to the position, as it was, but it was really fun to turn the tables.

I didn't end up working there (it was a mutual no-fit), but that always stuck with me.

And I'm swooning over the John Mayer song a little bit. That's my favorite from that album!

Lydia Kang said, on 3/2/2010 8:18:00 PM

Last three: Nobody's Princess, A Northern Light, and A Great and Terrible Beauty. I like the strong female MCs!

Jimmy Ng said, on 3/2/2010 8:27:00 PM

I totally agree with you about the resume not revealing everything. I've conducted a lot of interviews. The first thing I feel is if I connect with this person before saying a word.

Because it sounds like you really connected with your new hire. And that person's ability to answer your questions must have been the cherry on top.

So I can understand why you would have so many candidates. Not so different from having to go through so many queries.

Awesome stuff.

Jimmy

Kilian said, on 3/2/2010 8:30:00 PM

@eridani - read Caitlin Flanagan's essay in The Atlantic Monthly Dec 2008 issue called What Girls Want. It is a thorough analysis of exactly why these books appeal to adolescent girls. Why they appeal to adult women is still a mystery. When Smart Bitches, Trashy Books ran a contest to rename Twilight, the winner was something along the lines of The 95-year-old Vampire Stalker and HIs Teenage Virgin Doormat Lab Partner.

Here's a link to the Atlantic article:

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2008/12/what-girls-want/7161/

or go here:

http://tinyurl.com/ykembxp

Kathleen said, on 3/3/2010 6:01:00 PM

I would LOVE to be asked about the recent books I've read at a job interview!! talk about a dream come true.

Laura said, on 3/4/2010 11:33:00 PM

Can't say I'm surprised that a passion for reading didn't come across in all the application. I meet people all the time who want to be writers who don't read. I think Hollywood (or sheer fantasy--which is the same thing) gets people to envision a lifestyle of expense-account lunches and weekends in the Hamptons when they say they want a career in publishing, rather than a lifestyle of, oh, reading or writing books.

Anonymous said, on 3/5/2010 1:01:00 PM

I'd probably have struggled with this question, haha. I am definitely a huge reader, but my reading habits tend to be very chaotic. I can be reading anywhere up to twenty books at a time. This is how a typical reading session might go: I'll read a chapter of one book, and then I'll read a paragraph of a second book, and then I'll read a few pages of a third book, and then... you get the idea. If someone were to ask me what the last three books [that I read] were, I'd be stymied - which books to mention?

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13. A Milestone

By: Kristin Nelson, on 2/17/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: news, New York Times, client books, general rants, bestseller lists, Add a tag

STATUS: Some pretty great news today.

What’s playing on the iPod right now? GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN by Cyndi Lauper

One of my agent friends is constantly chastising me for not taking a moment to celebrate when really big things happen at my agency.

For example, last week, we did a huge film deal and I barely broke stride. I have to admit, I didn’t even go out to a celebratory dinner or anything. I just kept my nose to the grindstone (in my defense, Bologna Book Fair is rapidly approaching—I have to be ready!)

But today, I really can’t just do that. Besides, I don’t want her to berate me again (and I know she’s reading this and will call me up).

Last week was big—no doubt. This week is a huge milestone for an agent and in truth, it doesn’t happen often so I really need to take a moment and acknowledge it so that’s what I’m going to do.

Today, I have two authors sitting on the New York Times Bestseller list at the same time.

Now, I’ve had one author with two books sitting on the NYT list at the same time but never two authors on at the same time.

Wow.

Great. Now I’ve just raised the bar and I’ll have to do 3 authors on the list at the same time or 2 authors with 2 different books on the list at the same time…. Naw. I’m just going to enjoy this moment.

Girls Just Want To Have Fun - ...

50 Comments on A Milestone, last added: 2/18/2010

Display Comments

Alli said, on 2/17/2010 4:46:00 PM

Every achievement, big or small, is worth a celebration (although the celebration should be super huge after the film deal and NYT Bestseller list!). Take a breath and enjoy the moment! Congrats to all involved.

Stephanie McGee said, on 2/17/2010 5:01:00 PM

Congratulations to all! That's a huge milestone. Definitely one to celebrate. So, how do you celebrate something like this? Dinner? Chocolate? Chocolate for dinner?

Jen said, on 2/17/2010 5:04:00 PM

Who doesn't love some Cyndi Lauper! The covers are fabulous for these two books, and I am all about sight as well as reading the back covers!

Congrats on having two on the list... drat for having to make it so next time there is 3! LOL :)

Connie said, on 2/17/2010 5:07:00 PM

Congratulations! That's wonderful.

KHC said, on 2/17/2010 5:17:00 PM

Bravo! Woot woot!

K. E. Carson said, on 2/17/2010 5:27:00 PM

Wow! That is impressive! Go out, treat yourself, have fun! You deserve it for working so hard.

That's amazing. Kudo to your superiour nose for sniffing out great books.

K. E. Carson said, on 2/17/2010 5:28:00 PM

Wow! That is impressive! Go out, treat yourself, have fun! You deserve it for working so hard.

That's amazing. Kudo to your superiour nose for sniffing out great books.

Angie Ledbetter said, on 2/17/2010 5:32:00 PM

What an accomplishment! Have a bit of chocolate and let it sink in.

Marie Lu said, on 2/17/2010 5:32:00 PM

Wow, that's *fabulous* news! I'm so excited that Heist Society has gotten a film deal--I saw stacks of it at my local bookstore and am going to pick it up soon. Congrats to both Jamie and Ally on hitting the NYT lists (again!), and to you for having 2 authors on the list at the same time!

Kate said, on 2/17/2010 5:33:00 PM

Congratulations to you, Jamie, and Ally!

Kristi said, on 2/17/2010 5:36:00 PM

Congratulations on the film deal and bestsellers! It's important to take the time to celebrate the good stuff. :)

Eric Riback said, on 2/17/2010 5:36:00 PM

I admire your discipline. When most of us sales types close a big deal, we bring out the whiskey and take the rest of the day off. And EVERYBODY knows about the big deal. Those who we see earlier in the afternoon are better informed than those we see later.

David F. Weisman said, on 2/17/2010 5:40:00 PM

Hello Hollywood! Got dark glasses yet, like on the cover of Heist Society?

Julie said, on 2/17/2010 5:56:00 PM

I'm getting ready to order Heist Society on Amazon right now. I love Ally Carter! I wish it was summer already so we can find out what going on with Cammie and Zach!

Karen Amanda Hooper said, on 2/17/2010 6:03:00 PM

Huge congrats! Listen to Cyndi Lauper and go have some fun and celebrate. :)

Derek Whisman said, on 2/17/2010 6:03:00 PM

Congrats, Kristin! It takes a great agent to guide multiple writers to the list. Congrats to both authors as well! Great books!

Rachel said, on 2/17/2010 6:13:00 PM

Whoa! Congratulations! I've been eyeing that first book.

Susan at Stony River said, on 2/17/2010 6:14:00 PM

Congratulations! I'd be going face down into cake and champagne, definitely.

Good luck too on preparations for Bologna!

J.E. MacLeod said, on 2/17/2010 6:18:00 PM

Ally Carter totally rocks.

_*rachel*_ said, on 2/17/2010 6:25:00 PM

Sweet about the film deal! As I waited for the page to load, I was hoping it would be one of Ally Carter’s—I’ve been reading through the Gallagher books after seeing them on your agency site, and I love them!

Robin M. said, on 2/17/2010 7:18:00 PM

Congratulations! Terrifically awesome news!

Joseph L. Selby said, on 2/17/2010 8:10:00 PM

Or one author with three books on the list...

Rebecca Knight said, on 2/17/2010 8:21:00 PM

YAY!!! I hope you're breaking out the sparkly wine tonight! :) Congrats to you, and a huge congrats to Ally! What a month!

Stephanie Thornton said, on 2/17/2010 8:22:00 PM

Congratulations- that is a huge milestone! I'm thrilled Jamie's book is doing so well- I loved it. In fact, I loved it so much I'm having my high school students read it in the spring!

Jon Paul said, on 2/17/2010 8:38:00 PM

Groovy!

ChristaCarol said, on 2/17/2010 8:52:00 PM

Awesome news! Congrats to all.

JaredNGarrett said, on 2/17/2010 10:29:00 PM

Spectacularly nifty.

Sarah Skilton said, on 2/17/2010 11:18:00 PM

Fantastic! I believe I saw the great Ally news in Variety and I was so psyched for you guys!! Congrats on that, and also to Jamie. So well deserved :)

Kim Kasch said, on 2/17/2010 11:25:00 PM

That is so KEWL!!! Love hearing good news, even when it's about someone else!

Heidi Wessman Kneale said, on 2/18/2010 1:02:00 AM

Noice!

Best way to celebrate is to cheerfully pay off the mortgage with the money one has earned from such a commission.

catie james said, on 2/18/2010 2:04:00 AM

Congratulations authors and agent!

Christina Dial said, on 2/18/2010 4:58:00 AM

These covers are amazing. I t really makes me want to buy them!

Wishwords said, on 2/18/2010 5:02:00 AM

Btw, just wanted to thank you for taking on Jamie Ford. "Hotel" has been a revelation for me on both the events covered in the book and in how an author can successfully write an important relationship plot line disguised by and enhanced by surrounding it with important historical events on a personal scale. What a beautiful story and talented author. Thank you for seeing that.

And congrats on the NYT list!

Hayden said, on 2/18/2010 5:48:00 AM

wow, congrats!

in my former (very different) sales career, I could never figure out what was the right moment. It was an incredibly long sales cycle, and the money payout was typically even longer. Is it the signing? The implementation (for you, I'm guessing, the publishing?)

but yes, this is undeniably a perfect moment to celebrate! So again, congrats!

Jeff Baird said, on 2/18/2010 5:51:00 AM

Congratulations! I can’t help but feel how nice this should be for you. It has been a bitter sweet year starting in January with personal loss and in recent weeks a new assistant on the horizon. Before that, business statistics for 2009 out the roof!!!! I was reviewing the nasty comments by someone in reference to A few Good Men and either our ability or lack of ability to seek constructive criticism. WOW, what a roller coaster ride it must be for you!!! Kristin you really need to enjoy this. Two Authors, best sellers, film deal all of which…a credit to you at some point in the chain bigger or smaller. It only makes it worth it if you stop and enjoy it. Otherwise, it is just work and will take a real toll on you. Keep up the great work! Maybe it’s a sign to put on TWO ASSISTANTS!!!! Ha ha More skiing!!!

Eisley Jacobs said, on 2/18/2010 6:22:00 AM

Congratulations!

Melanie Avila said, on 2/18/2010 7:07:00 AM

Congratulations!

And wow, awesome cover for Ally Carter's new book!

Zoe said, on 2/18/2010 7:07:00 AM

That's fantastic news! Congratulations!

Sarah said, on 2/18/2010 7:56:00 AM

Wow. Congrats! I just read the Hollywood Reporter piece about the upcoming film deal and it sounds really exciting. What a neat milestone in your career- both the film deal and the two authors on the NYT list. Well done!

Stephanie said, on 2/18/2010 8:24:00 AM

Yea! Congratulations to you for your hard work, and to your authors for their hard work in writing their books. I've been pondering a new book to read until the book I am anticpating comes out next month, so I think I will go pick each of those up this weekend to show my support and give me something new to dive into! Thanks for sharing your achievements!
Steph

Watery Tart said, on 2/18/2010 8:41:00 AM

Well done! Take some time to enjoy it, but you KNOW that keep plugging away attitude is responsible.

Dara said, on 2/18/2010 9:03:00 AM

Very awesome! A film deal and two authors on the NYT Bestseller list at the same time? That is an amazing achievement!

Tawna Fenske said, on 2/18/2010 10:02:00 AM

Super huge congratulations, Kristin! (and to the authors as well, since I imagine they're both over the moon).

You ALL deserve to celebrate this. If you don't, I'm afraid I'm going to have to drink enough celebratory champagne for everyond.

Tawna

Laurel said, on 2/18/2010 10:54:00 AM

Congrats!

Anonymous said, on 2/18/2010 10:59:00 AM

Well-done. It is so nice to have obvious high-points in a career!

Kelly Bryson said, on 2/18/2010 10:59:00 AM

I would like to formally volunteer to be NYT best selling author # 3. I just need a few more months to polish it;)
Seriously, great work and congrats! And PS- I picked up 'Soulless' yesterday and intended to read it over the rest of the week but read it straight through, stopping only to pick up the kids from school.

Angie said, on 2/18/2010 11:41:00 AM

CONGRATS!
That is excellent.

Kim Rossi Stagliano said, on 2/18/2010 2:59:00 PM

Wonderful!!!

Anita Saxena said, on 2/18/2010 4:46:00 PM

How exciting! Congratulations on your success. I'll have to check these books out.

Pam Harris said, on 2/18/2010 4:59:00 PM

Congrats for the string of successes! They are all well-deserved. I've nominated you for a Sunshine Award. If you'd like to accept, please visit my blog. :)

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14. Looking For A Few Good Men

By: Kristin Nelson, on 2/9/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: queries, submission, general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: I’m actually leaving the office before 6 pm. I know. I’m stunned too.

What’s playing on the iPod right now? BLACK by Pearl Jam

For the last couple of weeks, we’ve been interviewing for a new assistant. We are doing our final second round interview next week and then hopefully the new person will start. Sara and I can hardly wait I have to say. We are really missing having a right hand to help with the workload.

During one of the interviews, an applicant asked a great question. She asked if we had anything against male authors as we hardly had any on our list.

In looking at all our sales, the question is not really a surprise but the answer is that we would love to find a few good men to add to our client list. So what’s the deal?

I have a couple of hypotheses:

1. Overwhelmingly, the majority of our query letters are from women. Statistically speaking, there aren’t as many male writers out there looking for rep.

2. We don’t rep thrillers. A lot of male authors write in that genre so right there that reduces the number of inquiries we get from men.

3. A lot of the inquiries we get from male writers tend to be for literary fiction. My tastes really lean commercial in this realm. I’m more of a Jonathan Safran Foer kind of gal than an Arthur Phillips. And let me tell you, the Jonathan-type writers are hard to find and chances are my agency is not high on the radar (although I do hope Jamie’s HOTEL changes that perception some). I can make a book hit the NYT list folks.

4. Women read more and buy more books. This is why we tend to rep a lot of women’s fic and romance. We gotta pay the bills and genre writers tend to do more than one novel a year and it’s an easier sell. Imprints are always looking to fill slots in romance.

5. For whatever reason, our queries from guys in the field of YA and MG fiction is slim. Where are you? We are gamely waiting.

6. We do get a lot of fantasy queries from male writers. I’ve had some stuff come close (as in I worked with the writer on revisions etc. but so far the final connection hasn’t happened).

I have a theory that women writers tend to participate in critique groups more than male writers and subsequently, a lot of those submits aren’t as polished when the writer is first querying. This is totally a guess on my part and I could be wrong.

I probably shouldn’t say this but if you are a guy and your query is solid, chances are really good we are asking for sample pages.

We want you on our client list. Jamie Ford is lonely.

Black (Remastered 2008) (Album...

52 Comments on Looking For A Few Good Men, last added: 2/12/2010

Display Comments

scott neumyer said, on 2/9/2010 5:23:00 PM

I've got a killer query for my MG novel! Hmm... Maybe I should send...

A taste: www.whoisjimmystone.com

Francis said, on 2/9/2010 5:32:00 PM

Love the timing on this entry :)

When I was browsing P&E and Publishers Marketplace for a list of agencies I would want to query when I am done with the second draft, yours was high on my list, because I adore unpretentious people, and your down to earth approach (the truth is always in your face if you look for it kind of personality) in writing your blog really enticed me.

Since the MS is a fantasy/sci-fi epic, after I noticed you had very few of these in your list, it burst my bubble a little bit. When going over your clients list, I could only find one man, and became really nervous.

I suppose I will query nevertheless when the time comes :)

Tawna Fenske said, on 2/9/2010 5:40:00 PM

Interesting theories about the lack of male authors querying you. I had never considered the idea that men might be less likely than women to participate in critique groups, but I can certainly see the reasoning. I'll be eager to see what the men in the comment trail have to say.

Tawna

Jen said, on 2/9/2010 5:52:00 PM

Haha I never thought I'd say this but maybe I should have been a male... sell my book a bit faster! LOL... just teasing... it's good to be different, so hooray for for all the males out there who write!

Karen Amanda Hooper said, on 2/9/2010 6:30:00 PM

I will be sure to tell ALL the male YA and MG writers I know about your search. Oh, wait. I don't think I know any.

Funny, how you're always right. They are hard to find.

Jeff King said, on 2/9/2010 6:40:00 PM

Wish I was ready to query; I am at least 6 months away.

You are my argent of choice... no doubt you'll get the male writers you’re looking for.

Best of luck, hopefully you still need a “dude” when my time comes.
Thx, and good luck

kgborland23 said, on 2/9/2010 6:51:00 PM

Hey Kristin,

I'm a writer, though only a 17, and I was wondering how much of a manuscript you would need for sample pages if a query letter interested you?

Love your blog, very informative. And look forward to hearing from you.

-Kyle-

Joelle said, on 2/9/2010 7:07:00 PM

Hey Kristin! This post made me laugh. Funny, but I am the only female client in my agent's list. She mostly does thrillers and mysteries, so I think your hypothesis is correct on why the query numbers for men are lower.

r louis scott said, on 2/9/2010 7:09:00 PM

I have wondered this myself, Agent K. Are you aware that at agentquerydotcom, you come in as the top choice when the category of Historical Fiction is searched? I never would have guessed from your website that you represented my favorite genre and the one I write in. And since my critique partner is a very talented woman, I think I better finish that query letter since I'm obviously a shoe-in!

Simon C. Larter said, on 2/9/2010 7:22:00 PM

Well, crud. I'm writing literary. I'm sad now. *tear* See?

In all seriousness, I have wondered about the dearth of males in the blogosphere and Twitter writing circles. Does my gender just not participate as much? Why not?

On the plus side, I guess being in the minority can occasionally work in one's favor....

Haste yee back ;-) said, on 2/9/2010 7:26:00 PM

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh... I could write a PhD Thesis on how I feel women working in publishing don't understand the Middle Grade boy!

Yep, the one who keeps night crawlers in his cereal bowl next to his bed, and can't wait for Big Daddy Copperhead snake to come swimmin' across the local pond, and catches bats at dusk with cane poles and fishing lures... Yeah, THAT ONE! The one before all the kissie-smoochy face, take a bath every night, comb your hair, high school shenanigans start!

Good Lord, it took three movies before Harry Potter got his clothes good n’ dirty.

But I'll let discretion get the better part of valor and keep my mouth shut.

Haste yee back ;-)

Jeff said, on 2/9/2010 7:47:00 PM

That is the best news I've heard in a while!

Laer Carroll said, on 2/9/2010 8:12:00 PM

I've been reading YA for a dozen years now. I've noticed that most of it is written by women for young women. This would help explain why you get so few submissions from men. Though when I submit my works they will be under a feminine pen name!

I began reading YA by accident, trying to find good birthday presents for my three nieces. I found that most of it addresses a lot of serious issues, not just boy crushes. Also, it contains some of the best writing in any field, genre or literary.

Scott Free said, on 2/9/2010 8:39:00 PM

OMG I need to query! I'm a guy, and I'm in YA!
Better get that query letter ready...

Toby Tremayne said, on 2/9/2010 8:39:00 PM

This is probably a stupid question, but would you recommend waiting until the full manuscript is completed before sending a query to you? I'm writing an "older YA" novel at the moment :)

Tom Hart said, on 2/9/2010 9:38:00 PM

I've been actively reading your blog for some time now, and as a male writer currently fretting over a query letter, this post hits home.
Mainly because I'm a male writer whos' book is from a womans persepctive in a realistic fantasy setting. Skipping the rant to the point, I'd love to send a query letter in, and this is my shameless way of saying "hello" before hand.

Eva said, on 2/9/2010 10:02:00 PM

I had never thought about this before. It is true that the number of men writing in those genres is slim. I hope you find what you're looking for.

JohnO said, on 2/9/2010 10:11:00 PM

Interesting. I've noticed the phenomenon from the other side, which is that the majority of agents are women. And I write straight-up commercial fiction. Who knew I was that rare?

Brian Griggs said, on 2/9/2010 11:33:00 PM

For the longest time I was the only guy in the junior high English department. I helped our students challenge the stigmas about guys and reading. Also, the selection of required class novels at the junior high level is always something of a debate for what appeals to boys versus girls.

I wonder why, like you said in your first hypothesis, there are more female writers out there than male. Finding male writers that appeal to a junior high boy's interest is exciting. Also encouraging are the female authors that can hook both male and female readers, like a Suzanne Collins or an Ally Carter.

I wonder why it seems that women read more, like you said in your fourth hypothesis. I agree that the perception is out there. You should see the looks I get now when I tell people that I'm a librarian, standing at 6'9" and being one of the few guy librarians in our district. Marian the Librarian is a fun stereotype to break.

And where are the guy MG/YA queries? I have a new one in the works that I'm excited about. (No crazy poems this time around.)

Stuart said, on 2/10/2010 5:14:00 AM

Maybe a polished (and workshopped) fantasy will entice you to let me keep Jaime company. :)

I'll be ready to query in a few months.

Stu

DL Hammons said, on 2/10/2010 5:17:00 AM

*Standing on top of desk waving arms frantically*

"Over here...over here!!!!!"

Wait a minute...I'm one of those guys who writes Mysteries. Left out in the cold again. But my story does have a strong female character as one of its two leads, so maybe it could qualify as Womens fiction. Doubtful, but it couldn't hurt to try. Why not give it a shot?

But then again...does it even matter if the authors represented by an agency are male or female? A good story and solid writing is all that should really matter.

Shut up...your shooting yourself in the foot!

Laurel said, on 2/10/2010 6:06:00 AM

Changing to nom de plume "Lawrence." ;)

John M. Baron said, on 2/10/2010 6:33:00 AM

This is good to know -- I'll be querying you soon. I'm curious about your load of "fantasy queries from male writers": is it all sword and sorcerer, or is it more varied than that?

Anonymous said, on 2/10/2010 6:51:00 AM

Bah. Y'know, when I was just out of my teacher ed program, I watched all my male classmates get hired first because schools were so thrilled to get a male on staff.

When I was in grad school the fellowships were divided equally among men and women-- even though three-quarters of the students were women.

I read in the New York Times that colleges admit males with lower qualification than females because they want to maintain a gender balance.

Now I'm a midlist author. Most of the writers I know are women. Yet lists of Great Books and Best Books contain 90% male authors. No one can define just what makes a work "literary", but it seems to involve the author's plumbing.

Okay, I'm not going to be bitter. We soldier on, right? If being a man means getting a gold star just for showing up, being a woman means smiling brightly and trying harder.

Anonymous said, on 2/10/2010 7:01:00 AM

"...I can make a book hit the NYT list folks..."

"...I probably shouldn’t say this but if you are a guy and your query is solid, chances are really good we are asking for sample pages..."

I'm sorry, but these two statements just slugged me in the eye. Really? First, "you" cannot make a book hit the NYT bestseller list any more than an author can. Sure, you can help place a book and negotiate a good deal, and even offer comments to shape the book, but saying you have power to make a best seller isn't true. If it were, all your books would be bestsellers.

And second, I almost can't believe, as an agent, let alone a woman, you'd say you're looking for one specific gender to represent, as opposed to saying you are looking for GREAT BOOKS. Pardon me while I go barf. All those pesky female authors, Kristin, are paying your bills!!

Francis said, on 2/10/2010 7:18:00 AM

Anon@8:01
Jesus, lighten up. A sense of humor is going to be required if you wish to appeal to agents, and you seem to be so negative I very much doubt your frustration with Kristin is aimed at her joking but instead is aimed at your own struggle for success.

Proof enough is you felt you should post this anonymously. If you felt so strongly and had confidence in your opinions, you'd have at least provided a name.

Good luck with your writing, and remember that a smile and a laugh will make you live longer :)

Cam Snow said, on 2/10/2010 7:57:00 AM

I think it is self-perpetuating. When I go to you "sold" list on your agency website, I see a bunch of women's/romance novels, YA chick lit, and that's about it. So, even as a man, if I have something that I think might be suitable, I might not query you because I have ideas for 2-3 other things, which you don't rep.

My other thought is that b/c you are a woman you don't totally get what dudes want to read (little girls like kittens and little boys like attack dogs), and overwhelmingly, I think males tend to read books written by men. So, I guess what I'm saying is, it's not your fault, you were just born that way (less inclined to rep male writers)

brian_ohio said, on 2/10/2010 9:52:00 AM

Well... I've certainly TRIED to get on that list. ;-)

And, I must agree, you requested pages from all three of the queries I've sent your way over the past three years. Thank you for that!

I hope you find those men.

Giles said, on 2/10/2010 11:38:00 AM

Hey, I'm a guy, and I even submitted a query to you. In retrospect, the letter I sent you was pretty bad, but to confirm your suspicion about genres that men write, I am a YA/fantasy author. And I DO dabble in sci-fi with mystery/thriller elements.

Bill Greer said, on 2/10/2010 12:21:00 PM

Evidently, my query wasn't solid. Things that make you go "hmmm."

Anonymous said, on 2/10/2010 12:36:00 PM

Hallo, Kristin.

Interesting timing, as you just asked to see the first thirty pages of my novel: a historical fiction/fantasy with a female lead character, written by a John Wayne fan type of guy!

Thank you so much for your interest.

John Duncan

leesmiley said, on 2/10/2010 12:54:00 PM

Kristin requested the full of a manuscript I sent a couple of years ago and had many good things to say about it when, unfortunately, she rejected it.

So close, yet so far away.

Kristi said, on 2/10/2010 12:59:00 PM

I love that last line! Poor Jamie!

Good luck with the assistant search!

wonderer said, on 2/10/2010 1:09:00 PM

Toby Tremayne - Yes, you need to finish your novel. And edit it. Preferably more than once. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!

Judy Schneider said, on 2/10/2010 1:11:00 PM

I've been hosting critiquing workshops and retreats for a dozen years and, you are right, more women enroll in them than men. When men do enroll, I always tell them that the male voice is selling and they need to complete/revise their manuscripts and submit. Very often, their writings have unique voices and are seemingly very marketable. I have found, however, that they often lose patience in the editing stages when it requires patience and persistence to continue with revision upon revision until the manuscript is ready. My repeat enrollees are always women. No man has ever signed up for more than one six-week session in a row.

Interesting observation! Thanks for bringing it to the surface!

Edwards said, on 2/10/2010 1:44:00 PM

Even though you were my top agent, I almost didn't send in my query as I noticed nearly all of your authors were females. I thought perhaps I had missed something in all the reading on your blog where you mentioned that you only repped women writers...but now I am glad I did anyway! MG/YA fantasy :)

Anonymous said, on 2/10/2010 1:57:00 PM

Agree with other Anon. So if we changed our "well written query" to a man's name it would be given priority over a female one?

Wow. Glad there are oodles of agents out there (also capable of reaching NYTimes) because you're not one I'd want.

Your argument lost merit when you suggested that more women attend critique groups. I've been in a number of them and that's not the case in my experience. At all. Not even close. You are making large assumptions about the sexes and that shows a lack of insight on your part.

A man should not have to conform to Nelson Literary standards and start delivering you cuddly vampire YA books that will make you a quick buck. Maybe you should loosen your preferences and start thinking outside the box about what projects you'll represent, regardless of sex. You might be surprised what you find.

AstonWest said, on 2/10/2010 3:07:00 PM

I received a partial on my last query to your agency, so figure my next project will head your way too.

Laer Carroll said, on 2/10/2010 3:36:00 PM

The second Anonymous post agrees with the first. And their literary voices sound very similar. And they are both critical. And dare not even give a fake name.

Hmmm.

Christi Goddard said, on 2/10/2010 4:24:00 PM

I think people are perhaps giving this way too much thought. I think you were trying to encourage more male queries incase some might have seen your lists of sales and assumed your agency was limiting itself, not that your query selection was limited by the lack of male submissions.

In a way, I am challenged by some stereotypes, as I am a woman and my protag is a young male. I am confident that I wrote him well, regardless of my chromosome factor. Someday I hope to share him with others.

D.A Ravenberg said, on 2/10/2010 5:10:00 PM

I have to admit that this post has me a little fired up. I have a great YA novel on my hands about a wheelchair bound boy who can fly. I think I'll send it in!

r louis scott said, on 2/10/2010 5:27:00 PM

Anon @ 2:57-

Wow, who's being judgmental now?

Anonymous said, on 2/10/2010 7:28:00 PM

This is so bogus. Thankfully, I'm represented but I'm about to make my agent put my husband's name on my manuscript so it'll have a better chance since it's about a boy.

!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for setting women back centuries!!!!

Pam Calvert said, on 2/10/2010 7:30:00 PM

Why does gender matter??? Shouldn't it be the WRITING!!????

Gilbert J. Avila said, on 2/10/2010 8:21:00 PM

Well sit me hard on a fence and call me a soprano! My fortune cookie said---"You should enhance your feminine side at this time."

Douglas Hulick said, on 2/10/2010 8:35:00 PM

Interesting. My writer's group has more men in it currently than women, and we've been together for years. Likewise, I know of a couple other groups locally that number men in their ranks in respectable ratios.

I think that, like any generalization, you are going to find situations that both prove and disprove the assumption. If a writer is serious about their craft, they are eventually going to seek out feedback and criticsm, no matter what their gender. It might be that the kind of genres you represent has more of an impact on who submits to you (and thus get successful "hits") than any kind of gender preference or avoidance towards critique groups.

Lucy said, on 2/10/2010 9:22:00 PM

@ Kyle

If an agent requests a partial, they'll let you know at that time what they'd like to see. 25-50 pages, or first three chapters, is normal. Someone else who seems to have gotten a request from Kristin was asked to send 30 pages.

Mostly, the length of a partial is irrelevant, because by the time you get there, you should have a completed, edited, and highly polished manuscript; and be ready to share part or all of it.

Whatever you do, don't query fiction until your manuscript is complete.

Good luck to you. :-)

Lucy

Jille said, on 2/11/2010 7:33:00 AM

kgborland 23: I think you're asking how much of the MS you need completed before querying. the answer is it has to be complete and polished before you should even consider querying. Be patient, I know it's hard! :)

Carolina said, on 2/11/2010 9:12:00 AM

I found your blog listed in Writer's Digest and thought-since I am new to Denver-that I would check it out. Nice blog.
Black--I haven't heard that song since I was a teen.

Haste yee back ;-) said, on 2/11/2010 12:56:00 PM

I’d like to amend my above post to read “SOME” women working in publishing… it’d be foolish of me to make an all inclusive statement regarding all women working in publishing, because some women working in publishing might understand why a Middle Grade boy would prefer to smell like sweat and grass stains rather than scented soap!

Haste yee back ;-)

mack said, on 2/11/2010 2:48:00 PM

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The article of this blog very informative and useful also.It resolves many problems of mine.
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Walt M said, on 2/12/2010 6:23:00 AM

Kristin,

I'm late to this post, but hope you won't mind anothe comment. I'll definitely go through your submsson guidelies again. I write inspirational historicals. However, I hadn't sent you a query about my work as I didn't think you were interested in the inspirational market.

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15. Publishing Is Not Color Blind

By: Kristin Nelson, on 1/25/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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STATUS: Ready to head home. It’s after 7 o’clock.

What’s playing on the iPod right now? RESPECT by Aretha Franklin
(I'll admit I did pop her on just to write this entry.)

In order to celebrate Martin Luther King Day, I blogged about three terrific African-American authors and suggested that folks might want to check them out and even potentially buy an African-American author to honor the day.

One commentator admonished me with “there's an unspoken implication that readers only need to think about books by black authors on a particular day, kind of like Black History Month.”

I actually don’t disagree; however, I still would have recommended some great AA authors on MLK day regardless of the unspoken implication that they might “need” the extra help by highlighting them on a special day.

Why? Because publishing, sadly, is not color-blind and despite some big AA break-out authors, books by people of color are not published equally.

It’s the truth.

And now I’ll explain.

First off, I want to point to yet another recent controversy spawned by the Publisher Bloomsbury Children’s. They didn’t quite learn their lesson the first time around with the cover fiasco involving the novel LIAR. They had to do it again with a debut novel called MAGIC UNDER GLASS.

Maybe I should assume that in this case they thought any publicity was good publicity because really, are they this inept?

Notwithstanding this recent issue, in general when you browse the bookstore fiction shelves and there are people depicted on the cover, how often are they non-white?

Perhaps iconic images for all books are the way to go….

But here’s another case in point. Let’s go back to my author, Kim Reid, and her debut memoir NO PLACE SAFE—which is an amazing read by the way.

This is a memoir. Logically speaking, where do you think this book ought to be shelved in bookstores?

Gee, I don’t know. Maybe it should be shelved in memoir—say next to Mr. Frey who might have been better represented in fiction? Or, how about in the same section that houses THE GLASS CASTLE or EAT PRAY LOVE—both of which are memoir books.

Nope. Barnes & Noble shelved this book in African-American studies.

Yes, you read this correctly.

And go find the AA Studies section in your local BN store. See what other titles are there. That’s like shelving A MILLION LITTLE PIECES under drug addiction and nowhere else.

Yep. This despite the fact that Booklist called it a gripping memoir, “Part mystery thriller, part coming-of-age story, and part civil-rights history.”

Shelving like that can kill a book.

So I don’t care what my suggestion implies on MLK day, I’m darn well going to highlight Kim’s fantastic memoir and I’m going to do it again here by giving you the opening pages--especially since we've been talking about opening pages that grabbed an agent's attention. If this doesn’t compel you to buy it, well, I’m not sure what will.

CHAPTER ONE

The summer before

39 Comments on Publishing Is Not Color Blind, last added: 1/27/2010

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Judy Merrill Larsen said, on 1/25/2010 6:48:00 PM

I second your recommendation--Kim wrote a FANTASTIC book.

Suzan Harden said, on 1/25/2010 6:50:00 PM

Basically, you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't.

I found out years ago both whites and blacks looked at me funny if I read Eric Jerome Dickey or Terry McMillan while standing in line at the post office.

Shelby said, on 1/25/2010 6:59:00 PM

Aretha can sing it... whatever the it is.

Anonymous said, on 1/25/2010 7:02:00 PM

For another example of the segregation practiced by book retailers, it's instructive to visit Walmart. You'll have to visit two, one in an urban area and one in a white suburb or rural town. The first will have a selection of popular books by AA authors, mostly segregated into their own small section. The second will have few, if any, of the same books.

Stephanie L. McGee said, on 1/25/2010 7:15:00 PM

Sadly it's not just color.

Pretty much anything by a Native American, regardless of genre, gets shelved in "Native American Studies" at Barnes and Noble and at Borders. And, at least at Borders, it's a shelf and a half to two shelves for this "genre." It's pitiful.

Dara said, on 1/25/2010 7:42:00 PM

You'd think that in the 21st century, color wouldn't be an issue any more.

But it is. Racism is still there and probably always will be unfortunately. And it's on all sides; every race unfortunately discriminates against another.

I got curious about the book and went to reserve it at my local library. They fall into the same pitfall as B&N--all but one local branch shelved it in "African American Fiction." I mean it's a memoir, right? Shouldn't it be shelved in the non-fiction? Sigh.

Only one library shelved it moderately correctly in biography and even then I think it's still a little off the mark.

I just wish we got rid of the "ethnic" sections and just shelved everything together, but I suppose that won't happen any time soon.

Anonymous said, on 1/25/2010 7:43:00 PM

That's good writing.

Dave Kuzminski, P&E

Jolly said, on 1/25/2010 8:12:00 PM

I'm an African American YA writer and nearly all of my young protagonists are black, but I'm always careful not to identify them as such in my manuscripts. For example, I never refer to any of my characters by race, not even the Caucasian ones. I use physical descriptions alone to identify their heritage, and allow the readers to 'see' whatever race their minds presents to them. Yesterday I entered Amazon's breakthrough novel contest. The two leads in my YA novel are black, but there are only two instances in the novel where their races are identifiable, and even then it's easy to miss. One character was described as having a brown face. The other uses her "brown hand" to massage her grumbling stomach. And that's it.

I hate using this approach, but I see no other choice. Even now, as I did as girl, when I browse the children's section of the bookstores and libraries looking for something good to read, I see no one on the covers that looks like me. It saddens me to the point that I'm tearing up even as I write this. The pain never goes away. When I was a child I use to imagine the heroes in my favorite books with dark skin, because I wanted to see black children save the world too. Sadly, at 27-years-old, I'm still waiting for the book that will show me this. I'm even reluctant to use my real name when I submit anywhere, too afraid that my ethnic name will turn someone off. It might be a little paranoid on my part, but what am I to think when I hear about instances of whitewashing book covers. I might never become a published author. This I can learn to accept. But I would prefer to fail believing I got rejected because of the quality of my writing and not due to the color of me or my characters skins. Rejection is hard enough without putting race into the mix.

Thank-you for bringing this issue up.

Munk said, on 1/25/2010 9:06:00 PM

Sock it to me, Aretha.

The Zuccini said, on 1/25/2010 9:48:00 PM

I don't know what it's like in the states(because I live in Korea) but I know since Obma has become president, I've seen black dolls and action figures everywhere. I didn't realize how white everything was even here, until I saw that. (And I wonder world over how many kids play with white dolls?)

Anyway. I think we can change this, or at least force the bookstores to rethink the book shelving process.
Let's start an email campaign asking book stores to stop segregating books-well worded, polite, but firm.

Cara Powers said, on 1/25/2010 10:55:00 PM

I can't believe I haven't heard of this book yet. Riveting! Why aren't the bloggers on it? Where's the press?

Alyssia Kirkhart said, on 1/26/2010 3:25:00 AM

Kristin, I'm SO glad you wrote this. Recently I've become very good friends with an African American author, and she lent me a book: Zora and Nicky: A Novel in Black & White by Claudia Mair Burney.

I loved it, but guess what? I probably would've never noticed it on my own because--wonder of wonders--it was in the African American section. Why do they do this? It's just another form of prejudice, in my opinion, and me, a bona fide white girl with pasty skin and red hair, would've missed out on a fantastic author because of 1)their insistance on categorizing Christian romance in such a manner and 2)my own ignorance.

Needless to say, I don't care how they look at me; I won't be passing up that section any longer.

Anonymous said, on 1/26/2010 5:02:00 AM

I really respect you for standing up for your all your authors and for believing in them enough to promote their work in a world where prejudice makes the climb to success that much harder.

Anyone who thinks you shouldn't take advantage of a day like MLK day to market AA novels, is living in a glass bubble. People have always taken advantage of holidays to promote their cause...be it Thanksgiving for food drives or veterans day for donations. There's nothing wrong with what you did. I commend you for it.

Sharon Mayhew said, on 1/26/2010 5:06:00 AM

Thank you for sharing part of NO SAFE PLACE. It was wonderful. I will be either ordering it or picking it up at B & N when our current blizzard blows over. Again, thanks for sharing.

Deb said, on 1/26/2010 5:13:00 AM

Wow, I'm sold on this book. Fantastic opening.

L. R. Giles said, on 1/26/2010 5:52:00 AM

Kristin, thank you for speaking up about this. I just blogged about how everybody I've ever asked about color being an issue in publishing has told me, "No, writing is key." It's kind of refreshing to see someone in the industry who isn't a "disgruntled author" say what I, and many others, have known to be true for a long time (in particularly the segregationist practice of shelving books by AA authors in a separate-but-equal AA Interest/Studies section...how many times have you seen that section crammed with browsers?)Anyhow, love the blog and thanks again.

Suze said, on 1/26/2010 6:17:00 AM

Isn't even having an AA section a little redundant now? Why do AA authors languish in a different section from 'Fiction' or 'Biography'. That's segregation isn't it?

This is a terrific opening that will ensure I buy the book, yet I would never have found it in a book store.

Do book stores really think that white writers or subjects should be front and center, while all other ethnicities should be tucked away out of view?

Do we need to start a 'civil rights for books' movement?

I'll stop now, I'm making myself mad.

DeadlyAccurate said, on 1/26/2010 6:33:00 AM

Another book to my wishlist. You keep posting samples of your clients books, and I'm never going to run out of things to read.

Carrie N. said, on 1/26/2010 6:36:00 AM

I should have (and meant to) buy his years ago when I met Kim at a Backspace Conference. I'm going to Amazon to buy it. This also reinforces the fact that those first pages need to make an impact. These sure do. Kim rocks!
Carrie Neely

Abby Stevens said, on 1/26/2010 6:38:00 AM

I've only recently gotten into memoir when I read THE GLASS CASTLE. There are several books coming out Feb. 1 that I want, and I think I will have to pick this up as well.

It is so unfortunate the way this book is being shelved, because a good book is a good book is a good book, and so many people who would love to read this will never know about it, so kudos to you Kristin for giving it a little more coverage.

It would never occur to me to visit the African American Studies section, not because it's AA, but because it's AA STUDIES. That makes me think text books, not gripping memoir.

Anonymous said, on 1/26/2010 7:09:00 AM

Amazing is right. I don't even like memoirs, and I'm writing this one down for the next time I head to the bookstore.

Jessica said, on 1/26/2010 7:11:00 AM

I loved the first two pages. I will admit I love memoirs and biographies, but here lately I've been caught in the fatasy world. I will have to pick this one up for sure.

Anonymous said, on 1/26/2010 7:29:00 AM

Readers of Ursula LeGuin's Earthsea works are well aware that most characters are dark-skinned. Yet in the 2004 Sci-Fi Channel production the ratios are reversed, three light and one dark, when it should be three dark and one light.

I suppose the producers were playing to what they perceive as a racist market, that light-skinned people wouldn't tolerate watching dark-skinned actors, which is utter garbage.

Carolyn said, on 1/26/2010 7:31:00 AM

I LOVED this book. I read it shortly after it came out and to this day I think about the story from time to time. It's a really wonderful book.

Susan at Stony River said, on 1/26/2010 7:46:00 AM

Amen to the shelving dilemma. I used to supervise library shelvers and every day at least one of them would come to me with a book they thought was catalogued wrongly, because its place on the shelves was just weird. Sometimes, but sometimes not -- but then I never thought of the effect on the poor author.

Kim's opening is compelling stuff; it's full of the promise of something big about to happen. Curse you for ending there LOL I'm going to have to hunt this book down.

Anonymous said, on 1/26/2010 8:05:00 AM

This is why Frank Yerby lived in Spain...

Sarah Tormey said, on 1/26/2010 8:44:00 AM

I would like to point out that sometimes the sales reps determine which category a book is sold into based on which buyer they feel they can get a better buy from. Perhaps the AA Studies buyer would be more excited by the memoir than a buyer looking a very crowded memoir section. Just a thought.

Falen said, on 1/26/2010 9:35:00 AM

i don't read much memoir, but i will be purchasing this book. it sounds wonderful

Anonymous said, on 1/26/2010 10:33:00 AM

>>>This is why Frank Yerby lived in Spain...<<<

So very true. Along with James Baldwin, who lived in France.

But the saddest part, is that both these authors were born (and lived) way back in the early to late 1900s. And yet, this kind of thing is *still* alive and well.

Truly, a very sad commentary, indeed.

Kim Reid said, on 1/26/2010 10:51:00 AM

Seeing Kristin's post and these comments was a great start to my day -- thank you!

I like to use my book as an example when agent-seeking writers ask why the agent needs to love the book to sell it. Kristin championed this book from the beginning. We had lots of editor interest and came close several times, but it took a while to find the editor and publisher who believed in this book as much as we did.

You really want your agent to care that much. They'll stand by you and your book when the going is most difficult.

Sarah Laurenson said, on 1/26/2010 10:52:00 AM

I like having separate sections so that I can find a book that is AA, gay/lesbian, women's studies, native american when I'm loooking for that in particular. What's missing for me is the cross reference shelving in sections where these books belong by genre.

I think someone had a good idea and it's been implemented badly.

Since bookstores carry so few books these days, there's no issue with space limitations - unfortunately.

I applaud you for promoting AA authors on any day.

RCWriterGirl said, on 1/26/2010 11:23:00 AM

I know it's already been said. But, thanks for posting on this topic. Very few people are willing to openly discuss race issues. So, it's nice to see it at the forefront.

What's frustrating is that this categorization is discriminatory, yet bookstores get away with it. The categorizations are almost always done by author, not necessarily the subject matter. James Patterson's Alex Cross books don't get tossed in that section.

It's unfortunate. And it hurts African American authors and makes it less likely their stories will get published because they have low numbers (you're always going to get low numbers when you advertise to a small audience).

I am curious, Kristin, if you know: is there evidence to bear out the concern that drove Liar's original cover: that white people won't buy books with blacks on the cover or about black people? Have there been any studies that compare the sales of "black" books that are shelved with "nonblack" books in bookstores (in the section they're supposed to be shevled in: thriller/mystery/romance) as opposed to when they're segregated to the "Africann American" section? I'm just wondering if this is a publisher/bookstore myth or if there is some evidence to back up this decision to shelve books separately?

Thanks again for covering this topic.

Myrna Foster said, on 1/26/2010 12:24:00 PM

That was a great opening.

Anonymous said, on 1/26/2010 12:57:00 PM

Shelving is always an issue whether or not it has to do with race. I had to ask someone to help me find Soulless. I checked every section of the store I could think of. It ended up being in Science Fiction. It didn't look very Science Fictionie to me, but I guess that's what happens when a book is a mix of different genres. Categorizing books is often a challenge.

Julia said, on 1/26/2010 1:49:00 PM

This book sounds amazing! I will definitely go out and buy it - right now!

Anonymous said, on 1/26/2010 7:27:00 PM

Kim, lovely beginning. Totally gripping.

Bernice L. McFadden said, on 1/27/2010 1:59:00 AM

Great post!

Sandrine Thomas said, on 1/27/2010 5:16:00 AM

I am so thankful for this post Kristen. The practice of segregating and marginalizing books written by authors of color only continues with the blanket of silence. I write AA historical romance and contemporary romance, and despite current practices, I will fight tooth and nail to be counted as an author, and not my ethnicity.

Sustenance Scout said, on 1/27/2010 3:18:00 PM

Terrific post, Kristin! Kim's book offers such insights into race relations not only during that awful summer but throughout that difficult decade. It should be required reading for students...and their parents, teachers, school administrators....

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16. In Honor Of Martin Luther King, Jr.

By: Kristin Nelson, on 1/18/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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STATUS: Today is a holiday but I came into the office to try and catch up.

What’s playing on the iPod right now? PRIDE (IN THE NAME OF LOVE) by U2

In honor of MLK, why don’t you buy a novel today from an African-American author.

I’ve got three Denver writers I’d like to suggest to help you do just that.

Kim Reid’s NO PLACE SAFE

Carleen Brice’s ORANGE, MINT, & HONEY

Elyse Singleton’s THIS SIDE OF THE SKY

Pride (In The Name Of Love) - ...

10 Comments on In Honor Of Martin Luther King, Jr., last added: 1/20/2010

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Lydia Sharp said, on 1/18/2010 12:16:00 PM

Carleen Brice's novel is already on my 2-B-Read list. The other two look intriguing as well. Thanks for the recommendations. :)

A couple of shameless plugs for Carleen:
White Readers Meet Black Authors
Orange Mint and Honey has been made into the TV Movie "Sins of the Mother" which will air on Lifetime Movie Network, Sunday February 7th.

Chris Eldin said, on 1/18/2010 3:14:00 PM

YAY for Carleen!! And all the other fabulous writers too!
:-)

Rebekah said, on 1/18/2010 3:22:00 PM

Those look good. I'm currently living in the world of The Help. What a read!

Kim Rossi Stagliano said, on 1/18/2010 4:01:00 PM

I so enjoyed reading No Safe Place. I devoured it in two days. I'll add the others to my list. It's a solemn day - I awoke thinking of the people in Haiti.

Meg Waite Clayton said, on 1/18/2010 4:16:00 PM

I'd add Carleen Brice's second novel, Children of the Waters, to this list, too.

Carleen Brice said, on 1/19/2010 7:21:00 AM

Thanks Kristin! Kim's and Elyse's are two of my favorites. A quick update on the movie: the air date's been pushed back to Feb. 21st.
Rebekah, Run, don't walk, to THIS SIDE OF THE SKY. I guarantee you will love it!

kmfields said, on 1/19/2010 8:28:00 AM

I'm a regular reader and I have every confidence that no malice whatsoever was intended by this post. But there's an unspoken implication that readers only need to think about books by black authors on a particular day, kind of like Black History Month. As an African American writer, I'm hoping for the day when we're judged by the content of our novels (with apologies to MLK for paraphrasing).

Matilda McCloud said, on 1/19/2010 10:58:00 AM

great idea...ORANGE MINT AND HONEY already on my to-read list, but I'm adding the other two.

Barbara's Spot on the Blog said, on 1/19/2010 12:10:00 PM

Being a beekeeper, I can't resist a book about Orange, Mint & Honey. Thanks for the tip.

Tammee said, on 1/20/2010 3:47:00 PM

Thanks for the suggestions! I read the first few pages of This Side of the Sky and ordered it immediately.

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17. In Loving Memory

By: Kristin Nelson, on 1/8/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
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Me & Dad
April 1974

41 Comments on In Loving Memory, last added: 1/12/2010

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L.T. Elliot said, on 1/8/2010 3:26:00 PM

God Bless. My heart's with you.

Dana Willhoit said, on 1/8/2010 3:40:00 PM

Look at those birthday hats and that plastic doctor kit! That is the cutest thing ever! I am so sorry about your loss, but how lucky you were to have such a great dad! I lost my dad to cancer when I was 21, and I know how terribly painful it is.

Lacey said, on 1/8/2010 3:47:00 PM

May your father rest in peace. He sounds like an incredible man.

Jenny said, on 1/8/2010 4:14:00 PM

He looks so over-the-moon *happy*! A GREAT photo.

Tricia Grissom said, on 1/8/2010 4:15:00 PM

So sorry, Kristin.

Heather Sunseri said, on 1/8/2010 5:08:00 PM

Many prayers being said for you and your family.

Rachel said, on 1/8/2010 5:43:00 PM

OH my goodness. I hope you are doing okay. Praying for you and your family.

ann foxlee said, on 1/8/2010 7:06:00 PM

Sounds like you couldn't have asked for a better dad.

My condolences to you and your family.

Chumplet - Sandra Cormier said, on 1/8/2010 8:14:00 PM

My eyes, my eyes. They're leaking. My dad was born the same year - 1936. Blessedly, he's still healthy but I can't imagine losing him.

Still aching from the tragic and unexpected loss of my nephew a year ago, I feel your pain.

DebraLSchubert said, on 1/8/2010 8:28:00 PM

Wonderful picture of you and your dad. Thanks for sharing it. Hang in there, Kristin - grieving is a process. Hugs to you.

Stephanie Thornton said, on 1/8/2010 8:55:00 PM

That's absolutely adorable. It's a gift to have had so many years with your father- my mother died when I was 12 and I wish I'd had more time to know her. I'm so glad you have such great memories of a wonderful man to cherish in years to come.

Joni Rodgers said, on 1/8/2010 10:12:00 PM

Peace be with you, Kristin.

Book Maven said, on 1/9/2010 4:53:00 AM

I lost both my parents when I was 29. So sorry to hear of your father's death. But happy for you that you had him for so long.

Being Beth said, on 1/9/2010 5:12:00 AM

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this time of loss and grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thanks for sharing these photographs and allowing us to get a glimpse of your daddy as well as your special relationship. Today's photo makes me smile.

Kerry said, on 1/9/2010 7:30:00 AM

Again condolences for your loss.

I can't help but notice in that picture what an easy smile your father has. He must have done that a lot. Like others, it made me smile as well.

Kerry

Gwen Hernandez said, on 1/9/2010 8:41:00 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how difficult it is to lose a parent to cancer, and my thoughts are with you.

Amy Sue Nathan said, on 1/9/2010 11:03:00 AM

Loss is so personal, but it's easier to bear when shared.

Thank you for sharing it here, with all of us.

My sincerest condolences to you and your loved ones.

Catherine A. Winn said, on 1/9/2010 11:36:00 AM

I'm so sorry, losing a parent is very hard. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you.

C. Amos said, on 1/9/2010 11:59:00 AM

I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Lyn Miller-Lachmann said, on 1/9/2010 12:13:00 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. And thank you for sharing the photos.

Jess Morrison said, on 1/9/2010 12:13:00 PM

No words can express how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family, and I hope these comments lend you some sort of support.

Madeleine said, on 1/9/2010 12:32:00 PM

Oh, what a darling picture!

My dad's only in his early forties, but the very thought of ever losing him is dreadful.

May he rest in peace, and I wish you well during this sad time.

Maureen McGowan said, on 1/9/2010 2:23:00 PM

Oh, Kristin, I'm so sorry.

Jill James said, on 1/9/2010 4:06:00 PM

So sorry for your loss, Kristin, but what joyful memories you have.

GTGolson said, on 1/9/2010 5:29:00 PM

So sorry Kristen.

He must have been extremely proud of you.

Tony Yuse said, on 1/9/2010 6:03:00 PM

Kristen,

So sorry for your loss. Your words echo close to my heart. I lost my Dad a few months ago and wanted to say that you pay your Dad a wonderful tribute by sharing your thoughts with us. Thanks- J.Anthony Yuse

koreenskorner said, on 1/9/2010 8:23:00 PM

My dad died a few month ago, too. I'm sorry for your loss, and you'll be in my thoughts this week.

Victoria L. Thurman said, on 1/10/2010 7:43:00 AM

Kristin, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Victoria Thurman (a.k.a. Delilah)

Kim Rossi Stagliano said, on 1/10/2010 11:34:00 AM

My Dad had those glasses too. Judging by those gift, you could have been a book doctor. (Yes, you may groan.)

I am sorry about your Dad. My dad gave me a dozen roses on my 13th birthda and I've never forgotten that gesture. Dads and daughters have something special. I'm sorry, Kristin.

Ben-M said, on 1/10/2010 4:54:00 PM

Beautiful photos, they speak volumes. It's been twenty years now and I still miss my dad so, so very much.

The Girl from the Ghetto said, on 1/10/2010 11:24:00 PM

I am so sorry for your loss.

Melissa Pearl said, on 1/11/2010 1:03:00 AM

What a beautiful photo. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing this part of your life with us.
Take care.

Anonymous said, on 1/11/2010 4:17:00 AM

What an amazing difference one single life can have. Oh, to have been loved like that by your Dad, it is no wonder you have succeeded. All the best to you and your family as you celebrate his life.

Sean D. Young said, on 1/11/2010 9:44:00 AM

Bless your heart Kristin. I love pics like these. What wonderful memories you'll have of your dad.

B. K. Birch said, on 1/11/2010 11:16:00 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss.

David Kearns said, on 1/11/2010 11:58:00 AM

Very sorry for your loss.

leesmiley said, on 1/11/2010 1:45:00 PM

Kristin,

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I lost my mother on September 6th, so I know what you are going through. I wrote a little piece about her on my blog, so feel free to read it if you have the chance:

http://leesmiley.livejournal.com/35140.html

Take care.

sandy said, on 1/11/2010 3:26:00 PM

What's playing on my iPod right now . . . "We'll Meet Again" By Johnny Cash (It might be a good song for you to hear at this time)

I found your blog a couple weeks ago and I really enjoy it. After being away for a few days, I was able to visit it today and just saw your January 6th post about the loss of your dad. My sympathies and thoughts are with you.
Like you, I was a Mid-westerner, the photo of your dad in front of the Christmas tree looked like it could have come from my family's living room/den, Johnny Cash is my favorite artist, and I also lost my dad just about this time last year. I'm glad that you have such good memories of time spent with him, so hold onto those, and I hope that each day gets a little bit easier for you.

Don't you find it weird now when people that don't know you well and therefore may not know what has happened recently with your loss, ask how your holidays were, or wish you a Happy New Year? I thought it was weird, and I was relieved when those awkward questions disappeared after the post- holiday small talk was over with.

Natalie Aguirre said, on 1/11/2010 4:27:00 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. Take whatever time you need for yourself before you get back to work and blogging.

London Mabel said, on 1/12/2010 1:50:00 AM

Ohh what a great picture. And I loved your last post too, thanks for sharing those memories with us. shniff shniff You are making me shnuffly.

ryan field said, on 1/12/2010 10:46:00 AM

Wishing you the best in getting through this difficult time.

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18. In Loving Memory

By: Kristin Nelson, on 1/6/2010
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: I will not be blogging for the rest of this week.

What’s playing on the iPod right now? JACKSON By Johnny Cash
(My dad’s favorite artist.)

James Carl
May 9, 1936-January 5, 2010

Dad, I just wanted to say thank you…

--for taking me to the library every Sunday afternoon without fail the whole time I was growing up. My passion for books began there.

--for teaching me how to sail and for all the weekends we did just that together.

--for not saying that I was crazy when I quit my job, gave up tenure, moved halfway across the country without a job prospect in sight. You just said, “you only get one life; do what makes you happy.” Well, it was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life and your support made it possible.

--for living with cancer and going blind with grace, dignity, and never a complaint. I’m not sure I’ll be able to do the same but you’ve shown me how.

--for asking me to bring, of all things, your iPod shuffle to the hospital because darn it, you really needed to know how that audio book ended. And people wonder where I get that from so I want them to know that I am successful because you taught me to do my passion and it was through you that I found just that in books.

--for tolerating my football commentating so you could “see” the game but heck, that Auburn-Northwestern bowl game with its wild finish was so worth it. I’ll never forget sharing that with you.

I feel incredibly blessed that I was able to say all these things and more.

I miss you already. Rest in Peace

Love Kristin

Jackson - June Carter Cash, Jo...

102 Comments on In Loving Memory, last added: 1/10/2010

Display Comments

MomCO3 said, on 1/6/2010 4:52:00 PM

Oh, bless you as you grieve. This is a beautiful post. You introduced me to someone I wish I had known.

Jeni said, on 1/6/2010 4:53:00 PM

What a beautiful tribute. I'm so sorry for your loss. -- Jeni

K. M. Walton said, on 1/6/2010 4:56:00 PM

I am so very sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is rough. Eleven years ago I lost my dad to cancer right after he turned 51.

I feel your pain and my prayers are with you.

Anthony said, on 1/6/2010 4:59:00 PM

Oh, I am sorry for your loss. Take care.

Myra said, on 1/6/2010 5:01:00 PM

(((hugs)))

Gillian Layne said, on 1/6/2010 7:57:00 PM

Bless you. I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Caroline said, on 1/6/2010 7:58:00 PM

This reminded me of my parents, who also taught me to sail. I'm glad you're able to see the beauty in your dad's life. Know that all of us blog readers are thinking of you.

K. E. Carson said, on 1/6/2010 8:02:00 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss, Kirstin. This is a beautiful tribute. I wish you lots of love and support in these troubled times. -hugs-

Anonymous said, on 1/6/2010 8:02:00 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I hope you are surrounded by lots of people who love you and support you. This is a beautiful tribute to him. It's wonderful that you have so many good memories.

Jade said, on 1/6/2010 8:03:00 PM

It sounds like you were blessed to have such a great dad.

Take care.

Marie Lu said, on 1/6/2010 8:06:00 PM

There's probably nothing I can say that can be comforting enough, but I am so, so sorry for your loss. I have tears in my eyes because my grandfather succumbed to cancer several years ago and this brought back memories. I'm so glad that you were able to share some good times with your dad before his passing, and that you and your dad had such a wonderful relationship. Rest in peace, Mr. Carl.

D. Robert Pease said, on 1/6/2010 8:11:00 PM

What a wonderful thing this Internet is. Moments ago I had no inkling of who James Carl is. Now I've seen a glimpse into a wonderful man's life and the legacy he has left in his daughter. Thank you for letting us know such a man lived.

N.H. Senzai said, on 1/6/2010 8:16:00 PM

He sounds like an amazing man... I hope you and your family are doing okay during this difficult time.

Joseph L. Selby said, on 1/6/2010 8:20:00 PM

My condolences on your loss.

Iapetus999 said, on 1/6/2010 8:21:00 PM

Sounds like he'll be missed. Take care!

Kathleen MacIver said, on 1/6/2010 8:23:00 PM

More ((((hugs)))) from me, Kristin.

Dana said, on 1/6/2010 8:23:00 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss Kristin. I lost my mother to cancer seven years ago. It's terribly hard to lose a parent. I'll keep you in my thoughts. Though I know we're not friends, since I live near Denver, I'll offer my help for anything you might need.

Anonymous said, on 1/6/2010 8:26:00 PM

What a wonderful man and father. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Jenny

Harry Connolly said, on 1/6/2010 8:31:00 PM

My condolences on your loss.

Kristi said, on 1/6/2010 8:32:00 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. How beautiful that you were able to say those things to him in life. So many people miss that chance - you are truly blessed to have had such an amazing relationship with him. I love the picture. :)

Deb Salisbury said, on 1/6/2010 8:35:00 PM

Hugs!

Hilabeans said, on 1/6/2010 8:38:00 PM

Beautiful post. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

hhs

Meagan Brooks said, on 1/6/2010 8:42:00 PM

That was very touching. It made me want to spend every moment I could with my dad....

Little Ms J said, on 1/6/2010 8:43:00 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds like your dad will live in your every memory.

Liana Brooks said, on 1/6/2010 8:46:00 PM

*hugs and prayers and sympathy*

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like a wonderful man. May you always keep his memory close.

JenE said, on 1/6/2010 8:48:00 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. Take care.

therese said, on 1/6/2010 8:50:00 PM

Hugs.
I don't know if this will help, but...
It's been 4 years since my dad went to "see mom". I don't miss them anymore because there are so many things that make me think of them, with joy, it's almost like they are closer and a lot more fun now than ever.
Peace.

ChristaCarol said, on 1/6/2010 8:53:00 PM

What a beautiful post. My heart goes out to you and your family. He sounded like a wonderful man, you are blessed to have had each other.

Deanna Gibbons said, on 1/6/2010 9:01:00 PM

We are praying for you and your family during these hard times. Your post was beautiful and I'm sure a father that took so much interest in his daughter would be proud of who you are today!

Karen Collum said, on 1/6/2010 9:06:00 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. Your dad sounds like he was a pretty amazing guy. What wonderful memories he has given you! It's my prayer that those memories will bring you comfort, peace and even a smile, in the coming days and weeks.

Transient Me said, on 1/7/2010 9:03:00 AM

My sincere condolences.

ninidee said, on 1/7/2010 9:06:00 AM

I lost my father, my best friend, eighteen months ago. I feel your pain.
When he died, I filled a journal with all of our memories. Any dream I had of him after his death, I wrote down. It was my therapy. When I look back now, I am so grateful that I did that because I don't know if I would have ever remembered it all, especially the dreams.

My sincerest thoughts,

Maribeth

JLR said, on 1/7/2010 9:27:00 AM

Sending you warm thoughts and condolences.

A. C. Ellis said, on 1/7/2010 9:29:00 AM

Kristin:

That was beautiful. And the picture was fantastic.

My thoughts are with you.

Al

Jen Chandler said, on 1/7/2010 9:37:00 AM

Kristin,

I'm so sorry. I lost my dad two years ago so I know what you're going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jen

Kristi said, on 1/7/2010 9:39:00 AM

I write this to you as tears stream down my face....

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time! What a heartfelt, beautifully written tribute.

So sorry for your loss. Sending lots of hugs over the internet to you right now!

Jennifer Shirk said, on 1/7/2010 9:55:00 AM

I'm really sorry for your loss.
I know how hard it is to lose a parent.
Praying you'll find comfort during this time.

Vivi Anna said, on 1/7/2010 10:03:00 AM

My heartfelt condolescences to you and your family Kristen.

hugs

Vivi

Rissa Watkins said, on 1/7/2010 10:10:00 AM

What a wonderful tribute. Your dad would be proud. So very sorry for your loss.

Libbie said, on 1/7/2010 10:10:00 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss, Kristin. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man. I'm glad you have so many beautiful memories of him.

Anonymous said, on 1/7/2010 10:11:00 AM

Haven't commented before, but I just wanted to say how very sorry I am for your loss and what a lovely tribute it is to your father to give all your readers a glimpse at a remarkable man.

Chris Scena said, on 1/7/2010 10:12:00 AM

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your tribute tells what a wonderful father you had.

Ericka Scott said, on 1/7/2010 10:13:00 AM

I am so sorry for your loss.

Jill Kemerer said, on 1/7/2010 10:24:00 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your love for each other shouted out of this post.

Jille said, on 1/7/2010 10:29:00 AM

Thank you for sharing this. Peace and blessings as you go through this rough time.

Charlie said, on 1/7/2010 10:53:00 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss Kristin. :(

Watery Tart said, on 1/7/2010 11:18:00 AM

Kristin, I'm so sorry for your loss. What beautiful gifts your father gave you.

Ulysses said, on 1/7/2010 11:21:00 AM

My condolences. You were both lucky to have had one another.

David Kubicek said, on 1/7/2010 11:21:00 AM

Very sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful post that captured the spirit of your father. My prayers are with you and your family.

Julie said, on 1/7/2010 11:24:00 AM

Your father sounds like such a wonderful man...I'm so sorry for your loss.
I lost my father two years ago, so I can relate to the pain.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Anonymous said, on 1/7/2010 11:46:00 AM

I lost my brother two years ago...it is memories like these that will help you get through the difficult times. So sorry for your loss.

PLJ

Guinevere said, on 1/7/2010 11:53:00 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like an amazing man and father. The best to you and your family in this time.

pinkdormouse said, on 1/7/2010 11:56:00 AM

My condolences.

MJ said, on 1/7/2010 12:24:00 PM

Sending prayers and good thoughts your way.

PatriciaW said, on 1/7/2010 12:29:00 PM

My condolences

shorty411 said, on 1/7/2010 4:48:00 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful tribute.

Kelly Swails said, on 1/7/2010 4:50:00 PM

*hugs*

Kristin Laughtin said, on 1/7/2010 4:52:00 PM

My sincerest condolences.

Spring said, on 1/7/2010 5:40:00 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. It was wonderful to catch a glimpse into such a loving and happy relationship through your blog post.

Robin Miura said, on 1/7/2010 5:53:00 PM

I'm so sorry, Kristin. It sounds like he gave you a wonderful gift of freedom to follow your dreams without fear. I hope I can do the same for my daughters. He must be very proud of you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lindsey said, on 1/7/2010 5:57:00 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. Words are inadequate, but memories are blessings. I'm glad you have such lovely ones.

Serenissima said, on 1/7/2010 6:05:00 PM

My condolences. What a lovely tribute.

Krista said, on 1/7/2010 6:42:00 PM

Oh. I am so sorry.

Anonymous said, on 1/7/2010 6:45:00 PM

My prayers are with you and your family. A life well-lived indeed.

Anonymous said, on 1/7/2010 7:35:00 PM

I'm so sorry, Kristin. Thank you for sharing him with us through this post and the wonderful photo. Peace and comfort to you in your loss.

Jana said, on 1/7/2010 7:41:00 PM

I am deeply sorry. My good thoughts are with you and your family right now.

I am glad that you have so many cherished memories you can carry with you in the future. It sounds like your dad was a remarkable man.

Gooberella said, on 1/7/2010 7:58:00 PM

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. My prayers are with you in your time of loss. I will now listen to the song you've provided in memory of your dad...Johnny Cash.

~God bless

Kerry said, on 1/7/2010 8:16:00 PM

Condolences

Santa said, on 1/7/2010 8:33:00 PM

My condolences to you and your family. I lost my father fourteen years ago and I still look to his council. Thank you for introducing him to us. You were equally blessed.

Casey McCormick said, on 1/7/2010 8:49:00 PM

His greatness shows through your words. I'm so sorry for your loss, Kristin. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

Alison Ashley Formento said, on 1/7/2010 9:33:00 PM

I'm so sorry. Peace to you and your family.

Merry Monteleone said, on 1/7/2010 10:21:00 PM

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Kathleen said, on 1/7/2010 10:21:00 PM

deepest condolences to you. what a lovely tribute.

Janine said, on 1/7/2010 11:07:00 PM

I'm only a lurker and not a regular poster here, but I want to offer my deepest condolences on your loss.

Natalie Hatch said, on 1/7/2010 11:33:00 PM

Sorry for your loss, it doesn't ever take the pain away, but time does help.

Anonymous said, on 1/8/2010 1:29:00 AM

So sorry, I'm sure the two of you made a wonderful pair.

jim

Rebecca R. Palmer said, on 1/8/2010 8:30:00 AM

I've never commented before, but I just wanted to wish you and your family strength in dealing with this. My condolences for your dad, he sounds like a great man.

GinaBeana said, on 1/8/2010 8:43:00 AM

Such a wonderful tribute! My heart goes out to you.

Melissa said, on 1/8/2010 10:08:00 AM

I'm so sorry to hear about your father. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you have of him. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Ciara Blount said, on 1/8/2010 10:15:00 AM

What a beautiful post. He seemed like a lovely man. My thoughts are with you and your family as you grieve.

Cat Moleski said, on 1/8/2010 10:40:00 AM

How terribly sad. My dad died three years ago. It gets easier, but you never get over it.

Linsey Lanier said, on 1/8/2010 10:43:00 AM

Kristin, I'm also sorry for your loss. I've lost both my parents, so I know it isn't easy. What a beautiful tribute to your father.

Michelle Schusterman said, on 1/8/2010 11:21:00 AM

I'm so sorry, Kristin. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Tish Cohen said, on 1/8/2010 11:33:00 AM

Beautiful tribute, Kristen. I am SO sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

xox Tish

Jennifer Spiller said, on 1/8/2010 11:43:00 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss. My Dad is battling cancer now. This was a loving tribute. My heart hurts for you, but how wonderful that this special man was in your life. Thank you for sharing with all of us.

Buffra said, on 1/8/2010 11:49:00 AM

I'm so sorry for your loss. May the happy memories comfort you and provide laughter during this time of tears and always.

Shelli said, on 1/8/2010 12:38:00 PM

so sorry :(

Katrina Stonoff said, on 1/8/2010 2:38:00 PM

What a lovely tribute. I'm sure your father was (and remains) very proud of you, and this post certainly shows why he would be.

Bless you in this time of loss.

Edwina Phillips said, on 1/8/2010 2:44:00 PM

I know your pain. I lost my father to cancer in 2001. Sending you warm thoughts and a virtual hug.

Marina said, on 1/8/2010 3:05:00 PM

Dear Kristin,

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Your tribute to your dad was beautiful.

Wishing you peace,

Marina

Melanie Avila said, on 1/8/2010 4:05:00 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. :(

Tim said, on 1/8/2010 8:20:00 PM

Kristin, He must have been a terrific dad, because he raised a daughter who spends her spare time trying to help struggling writers. Kids learn generosity from their parents. I can only hope my kids will write something half as wonderful about me someday.

I'm very sorry for your loss.

marcie said, on 1/9/2010 7:56:00 AM

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. My father passed away seven years ago this month and the grief eases, but the space that was his...it is always there. I wish you and your Dad had more time together, but I'm so glad the time you had was wonderful.

Your tribute is beautiful and lets us get a glimpse of a truly lovely man.

KHC said, on 1/9/2010 8:07:00 AM

My sympathies, and prayers to you for healing. May you feel his love surround you.

ejwriter said, on 1/9/2010 11:32:00 AM

i'm an avid reader of your blog, but this is the first time i've commented.
i just had to say i'm so terribly sorry for your loss.
your post brought me to tears.

Chris Eldin said, on 1/9/2010 12:32:00 PM

Awww... I'm so sorry. He sounds like he was an amazing father and person. My condolences to you and your family.

Rose Pressey said, on 1/9/2010 1:57:00 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your beautiful memories with your father.

Hannia said, on 1/9/2010 5:48:00 PM

I had tears in my eyes while reading this post. Stay strong as he'll always be with you. No one is truly ever gone while you hold them within your heart.

Carol J. Garvin said, on 1/9/2010 7:07:00 PM

Oh, Kristin, I'm so very sorry that you've lost your wonderful father. My you be comforted by the memories you share with your family and good friends.

Patrice said, on 1/9/2010 8:27:00 PM

Hugs and prayers to you. May your pain diminish with time and your memories linger forever.

Victoria said, on 1/10/2010 2:27:00 AM

My thoughts are with you and your family through this difficult time.

Lee Thompson said, on 1/10/2010 5:57:00 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was one of the best dad's a kid could ask for. My prayers are with you and yours.

Lee

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19. Really Good Might Not Be Enough

By: Kristin Nelson, on 11/16/2009
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: Ugh. I’ve got 300 emails in my inbox.

What’s playing on the iPod right now? HAMMER AND A NAIL by Indigo Girls

I have to say that I’ve been shaking my head a lot lately. This market is just brutal.

Today I wrote a rejection letter to a really talented author. Previously published, had a really good manuscript but I honestly didn’t think I could sell it so passed on offering representation.

You know things are bad when as an agent, I’m passing on really good novels because currently I believe that really good might not be good enough in today’s market.

I really hope another agent takes it on and proves me wrong in a heartbeat. Is it odd to say that I’ll be really happy for the author if I see the sale announced on Deal Lunch? I’d really like to be proven wrong. I’d prefer it!

0 Comments on Really Good Might Not Be Enough as of 1/1/1900

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20. Age Defying

By: Kristin Nelson, on 4/6/2009
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: Snow? There was snow in the forecast? I love when they predict a foot of it and we get nada. And spring is back! In the 60s tomorrow. Hooray.

What’s playing on the iPod right now? I WALK THE LINE by Johnny Cash

Now here is a dilemma in need of a practical solution. Last week, Sara fielded a call from a 94-year old woman looking for help in republishing a narrative historical nonfiction work that she wanted to see back in print before she died.

She had no access to the internet so we couldn’t direct her to our usual list of online resources that we give out when people call.

She could not drive—which rules out the next helpful hint we usually give people which is to visit the local library and talk to the librarian.

She did not live within walking distance of any kind of resource and although we didn’t ask about her physical health, we rather did get the sense that her mobility might be limited.

I have to say that we were a little flummoxed as to how to help her. Sara actually spent 30 minutes or more talking with this caller to see if she could come up with a solution. We thought about maybe ordering a book for her and having it delivered but she had vision issues so that wasn’t going to work.

We finally ended up asking her if she had a grandchild that lived in town (or wouldn’t mind a long distance call) and whether he or she could ring us up as we’d be happy to talk to them and point them in the right direction to the best of our ability. So far they haven’t called back.

Which makes me positive that we left out some wholly obvious solution to assist this caller.

20 Comments on Age Defying, last added: 4/10/2009

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Kim Kasch said, on 4/7/2009 12:25:00 AM

I think it is wonderful that you spent the time and energy to TRY to help - that had to mean something to her.

Jenn Johansson said, on 4/7/2009 12:42:00 AM

I am astounded at how much you DID do and you are wondering what you didn't?

Whatever comes of it--awesome effort, Kristin and Sara, just awesome.

Jessica said, on 4/7/2009 2:58:00 AM

It makes me curious, though, how the caller found your number and decided to call you in particular to begin with. It seems there must be someone able to help her in finding an agent's phone number.

Donna Hosie said, on 4/7/2009 3:11:00 AM

Wow, I think you both went above and beyond what anyone could expect in the circumstances.

Jen P said, on 4/7/2009 6:22:00 AM

Out of curiosity, what was the narrative historical nonfiction work?

Maybe it's on Google or if the publisher still exists she could contact them directly?

Perhaps, I am being really naive. It sounds like your team went out of your way to be helpful and supportive. Kudos. So many have no time or patience for the elderly, who were young & able once too..

MeganRebekah said, on 4/7/2009 7:15:00 AM

What an amazing effort to help this woman. It's actions like this that keep us human and can help get us through life!

Kudos!

magolla said, on 4/7/2009 7:25:00 AM

Kudos to both of you for trying to help this old lady.
But if she could call you, she could also talk to a librarian who might be able to find the phone number to some place where she could self publish. And if she couldn't see to dial the numbers, there was obviously someone there who helped her do it to begin with.
You did your best, now let it go.

Stef Kramer said, on 4/7/2009 8:17:00 AM

You ARE a nice Midwestern girl. Your unnecessary guilt reveals your good soul! (I'm right with you...) Where in the world are this lady's relatives? They should be all over this project...

Paul Äertker said, on 4/7/2009 8:23:00 AM

I'd be happy to go over to her house and help her. Just let me know what you would like for me to do. Paul

M. Dunham said, on 4/7/2009 8:43:00 AM

Your last suggestion was the best one given the woman's advanced age. I work with a lot of elderly and disabled people, and one of the things I've found is it's very helpful to have a third party involved that's part of their life who can help get these sort of things done.

You might also want to have asked if she had a caregiver or assistant who could help her. In today's day and age, many elderly people have some sort of home help. I also wonder how she managed to get your phone number.

Justus M. Bowman said, on 4/7/2009 8:57:00 AM

You did your best.

Patricia W. said, on 4/7/2009 9:05:00 AM

I'd Google to make sure it really was out of print.

Then, I'd ask whether a neighbor, church member, or home health aid might be able to assist her--people who likely come by to check on and help her.

Keep us posted.

strangerface said, on 4/7/2009 9:38:00 AM

Hmm! This is a worthy endeavor, I approve of you helping her out.

Does she know who the original publisher is? I suppose it's too much to hope that they still have the files if rights reverted? Because then she could have someone help her self publish it through Amazon or somesuch.

I worked at a book packager once and part of what they did was scan really old titles with programs that convert images into text so they could be republished. That was years ago, I bet the technology is better now...

ryan field said, on 4/7/2009 10:24:00 AM

This is a tough one. I hope the family decides to help.

Anonymous said, on 4/7/2009 12:02:00 PM

I'm a legal aid lawyer, and so many times, I simply can't take a person's case because a) it's not really a legal issue, b) it's a legal issue but not within our office's current priorities, or c)they aren't eligible for services due to income. What I've found in the fifteen years I've been working in this position is that most people are just happy to TALK to someone. Whether the issue is resolved or not, the fact that someone listened and attempted to help in even a small way is appreciated.

So, you did good.

Susan said, on 4/7/2009 12:21:00 PM

I think you were nearly there with the Librarian suggestion (I'm one): people can *telephone* their local libraries for help as well as visit, and most libraries will have a file of local resources such as groups that work with aging folks, where perhaps a volunteer for this project could be found.

Also, some libraries have a 'home help' type service, which means that library workers or volunteers will do library runs for homebound people, choosing books and delivering them, picking them up on time, etc. Such a person could perhaps also bring them the library's information such as a Writer's Market and other books on publishing: preferably on tape, or could sit down and help with the search if they could.

Anyhow, a library is always a great suggestion; they have specific local information and a lot of resources beyond what's on the shelves.

I think you were pure gold to help so much--even to talk for so long, in these too-busy days.

I'll be wishing her luck anyhow!

Kristin Laughtin said, on 4/7/2009 1:06:00 PM

Seconding Susan's suggestion as another library worker.

Wow, I'm not sure what else you could have done. There's still a chance a family member could ring you up, and hopefully they will. I too am curious as to how she got your number. But with limited mobility and no internet, I wonder what other solutions there could be. I suppose if she were able to walk to her mailbox (or had someone who could for her), business could be conducted via snail mail, but then there were the vision issues. She definitely needs a third party to assist her, and hopefully someone she knows will be able.

Brandon said, on 4/7/2009 5:30:00 PM

If she's really that infirm, I'd agree with M. Dunham that she must have some kind of caregiver that can help her out. She certainly must have some kind of arrangement with someone who prepares her meals, or buys her groceries. You gotta eat no matter how old you get.

I can see that it might be an imposition to ask someone like that to help you get out and about, but it's all I can think of.

PS. Love your blog, and I find it strange that this is the first time I have ever felt compelled to leave a comment.

I think it's because one time I tried to tell my grandmother to "x out of a box" on her screen over the phone, and ended up having to drive to her house on the other side of town, only to find her furiously pounding the "x" key on her keyboard.

Janet Reid said, on 4/8/2009 12:18:00 AM

The local high school might have a volunteer program that helps kids learn about service.

I do like the idea of finding out if she has a regular church.

You've earned some nice karma points today Kristin..not that you really need them!!

Shannan said, on 4/8/2009 9:59:00 PM

You went through several possible options so go you!

Another option - she can't go to the library, how about calling the library? Libraries do answer phone queries as well and many have shut-in services and might be able to deliver books or other resources right to her. Just a thought. I'm a librarian so that's the answer I go to =D

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21. Writer Beware! Always Willing To Take One For The Team

By: Kristin Nelson, on 4/2/2009
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: general rants, warnings, Add a tag

STATUS: Done for the night.

What’s playing on the iPod right now? SUPER BAD by James Brown

This blog entry is for you Ann & Victoria. You two are super bad in the best possible way.

I think there are very few people in the world who are willing to take the time and energy to stand up for the rights of unsuspecting newbie writers who get scammed by unscrupulous people who call themselves “agents.”

Ann & Victoria have devoted countless hours to the cause. They have blogged about it. They have chatted on various writers forums to warn new writers of scams and to educate them on what they should look for. They have publically denounced scammers. And they’ve been willing to be sued. Yep, you read that right. They always say bring it on! Regardless of how many hours it will probably eat into their private lives.

That’s sacrifice and they deserve some major kudos!

And it makes me so happy to read about how the latest attempt to intimidate them with a retaliatory lawsuit has failed. The scammer failed to respond to discovery or otherwise prosecute the lawsuit. In other words, the criminal didn’t bother to show up.

How sweet it is! Now this “agent” is being investigated for fraud by the Florida Attorney General’s office.

And the good news continues! This just in from the Writer Beware Blog site. Because of their unrelenting hard work, The Federal Bureau of Investigation has decided to create a special task force to help agents in their field offices recognize and deal with writing scams.

Oh yeah. That’s super bad! Alas, if only it were true...

Still, the lawsuit was real enough. To salute the Writer Beware team, let me ask you this. What have you done recently to help spread the word about scammers? Have you blogged about it? Provided links from your website or blog to Writer Beware and Preditors and Editors?

Have you helped to educate a new writer on a writers’ forum or at a conference lately?

Be part of the solution. Blog, twitter, facebook and make those links live today. Let’s get the word out that scammer “literary agents” who charge fees will not be tolerated.

Monies flow to the author, not away.

28 Comments on Writer Beware! Always Willing To Take One For The Team, last added: 4/6/2009

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K. Andrew Smith said, on 4/3/2009 12:10:00 AM

I agree with your post: Ann and Victoria are so generous with their time and efforts, not to mention the money defending themselves in court, that it just blows me away. I tip my hat to them.

I have a link to Writer Beware Blogs! on my blog, so I'm at least making a very small contribution.

Catherine Haines said, on 4/3/2009 12:50:00 AM

Oh, that's really excellent news. And it's wonderful that all these people put so much time and effort into pointing out these agent scams. The best bit though is when the scammers get knocked down and we can all shout hooray and/or point and laugh.

I have mentioned a few scams to people who were talking about trying to get published. Some of them took my advice, some of them didn't. Some just don't want to listen.

Anonymous said, on 4/3/2009 1:06:00 AM

I do what I can on Yahoo Answers. Especially when some answerers are promoting self publishers (that work for or have been customers of)by giving deliberately incorrect information.

Jane Smith said, on 4/3/2009 1:44:00 AM

I longed for the FBI story to be true. It would have been so wonderful.

I got so fed up with watching writers get taken by scammers that I started my own blog, How Publishing Really Works. Ann and Victoria are kind enough to link to it on their front page, and have linked to it in a couple of their blog posts now: I'm having a great time blogging, and I know of several good writers who have avoided vanity publishers as a direct result of my blog.

As you can tell, I'm particularly smug!

Anonymous said, on 4/3/2009 3:31:00 AM

A friend of mine almost got scammed by an "agency" - she texted me with her great news, I googled the agency name and the brilliant information on Writer Beware popped up. I'm in the process of starting a blog at the moment - there'll be a big fat link to Writer Beware on it, I promise!

LJCohen said, on 4/3/2009 7:32:00 AM

What's with all the spam comments???

Anyway, the Writer Beware folks had me going with their April Fool's post until the part about Quantico and the guns. Too bad--it's a great idea!

I have links to Writers Beware and Preditors and Editors on my website and I often recommend them both as resources to new writers.

Joan Mora said, on 4/3/2009 7:38:00 AM

Writer Beware and Preditors and Editors are the final sites I check before sending a query. Thanks for the reminder to link and blog about them--I'll do it today!

Stephanie said, on 4/3/2009 8:02:00 AM

Great post. One that every writer should read. Links to Writer Beware and Preditors and Editors are going up on my blog right now!

MeganRebekah said, on 4/3/2009 8:12:00 AM

I definitely fell for this at first too!
I'm going to add a link to Writer's Beware on my blog as well. :)

M. Dunham said, on 4/3/2009 8:28:00 AM

Whenever I meet people who are looking into publishing for the first time, I always direct them to P&E and a few other choice sites.

Bravo, Ann and Victoria. Thank you for making all of us more aware.

Justus M. Bowman said, on 4/3/2009 8:42:00 AM

"Provided links from your website or blog to Writer Beware and Preditors and Editors?"

This.

I tip my hat to those who do more.

Judy Schneider said, on 4/3/2009 8:43:00 AM

When I first started to write professionally, so many more established writers were negative about the industry in a way that was very discouraging. I left many writers' meetings feeling unguided and all alone. I vowed never to treat those who were on the path behind me in the way I was treated. Since then, I've tried to honestly help people write better manuscripts and attract an agent's attention by sharing the mistakes I made and the tips I've learned along the way.

That said, however, I don't have links to those sites on my blog! I'm off to set them up right now. Thanks for a great post!

Anonymous said, on 4/3/2009 9:06:00 AM

I love Writer Beware. I had a very complex question so I emailed Victoria and she helped me tremendously.

ryan field said, on 4/3/2009 10:12:00 AM

I link to P&E but I'm going to link WB now, too.

HeatherM said, on 4/3/2009 10:16:00 AM

Kristen,

Thank you for encouraging writers to expose scammers. You're right, the more people who do it, the less chance those scammers will have to take advantage of another newbie. The biggest question I had when I started sending my manuscript out was, is this or that agent legit? Sometimes it can be hard to find out. Writer Beware and Preditors & Editors are excellent but even they can't list all of them. United we stand. . .

Carolyn said, on 4/3/2009 11:22:00 AM

I get a fair number of emails from aspiring writers who've visited the Writing section of my website. I do talk there about scamming agents and how to tell if you're heading into danger.

But I also end up repeating that information for a great many of the people who email me, even when they haven't actually asked about agents (because they don't know enough yet to even ask that question). I give them links to the sites you mention and others, and I also reiterate your warnings.

A writer only just starting to research publishing can easily end up feeling overwhelmed and confused about how the business works. Because it IS confusing when you're still on the outside, and there isn't any one-stop, here's the rules organization. There's no DMV for writers. As confused or unclear as these writers may be at the start, I always do my best to make sure they have the basics and know where to go for more information.

Sarah Garrigues said, on 4/3/2009 11:58:00 AM

I absolutely included Writer Beware and Preditors and Editors on my blog. I have an entire post devoted to providing newbie writers with answers to common publishing questions. Check it out at:

Do you know what you don't know?

~Sarah
http://sarahgarrigues.blogspot.com

Miriam S.Forster said, on 4/3/2009 12:03:00 PM

Whenever I meet someone who's obviously new to the world of publishing, especially if that person is super-enthusiastic, I always tell them three things

1 Never pay an agent

2 Never pay a publisher (Unless you know why you're self-publishing and what you want to get from it)

3 Check out Writer Beware and Preditors and Editors before you sign anything.

It's only one person at a time, but it helps!

nomadshan said, on 4/3/2009 12:19:00 PM

Jamie Ford and HOTEL just got a brief mention on the NYT Book Review podcast. (A bit off-topic here, but I didn't want to use your query email address). Nice exposure!

Anonymous said, on 4/3/2009 4:47:00 PM

I was one of those clueless newbies not too long ago. I was lucky enough to find a good writing forum before I fell into any traps. Now I'm much wiser to the ways of scammers and I'm trying to teach as many newbies as I possibly can.

Writer Beware and Preditors and Editors rock for the work that they do! I check all the agents out with P&E before I mark them down on my list.

Anonymous said, on 4/3/2009 6:32:00 PM

Thank you, Ann and Victoria. Your work on behalf of writers is much appreciated.

Ebony McKenna. said, on 4/3/2009 7:26:00 PM

Thank you Ann and Victoria,
off to fix up my linkages

Victoria Strauss said, on 4/3/2009 10:38:00 PM

Thanks so much, Kristin. We like being super bad!

And thanks to everyone who's helping to get the word out. The linkages are much appreciated.

Ian said, on 4/4/2009 2:59:00 AM

It seems it's a jungle out there. I've just started writing and already it seems I've made a terrible mistake by posting the first quarter of my novel online. Rogue agents, ruthless publishing houses.....What have I got myself into?

Sharon A. Lavy said, on 4/4/2009 9:04:00 AM

I just found your blog. Thanks.

jimnduncan said, on 4/6/2009 9:24:00 AM

Speaking of educating writers. Super-agent Nathan Bransford is starting up a fabulous and fun new query contest: Be an Agent for a day! Go check it out! I get to take some credit for the idea too, which means I get to feel special for a day :-)

Jean said, on 4/6/2009 10:29:00 AM

Good point about helping other writers by putting those links on one's blog.

Thanks!

Ulysses said, on 4/6/2009 12:22:00 PM

When I first started trying to sell SF/F (again), I checked out the SFWA web site and saw the links there to Writer Beware. I always find con stories fascinating, so I had to check out some of their anecdotes. It was an eye-opener, and it led me to their blog. In addition to linking to it from my blog, I mention it to every writer with whom I have contact. A new writer who is not reading Writer Beware is a mark waiting to be taken.

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22. Shameless Plug for The People vs. George Lucas

By: Kristin Nelson, on 2/13/2009
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: Jumping into my work day.

What’s playing on the iPod right now? RED RAIN by Peter Gabriel

Okay, this isn’t about publishing but Alexandre Philippe is a long time friend and filmmaker and I just love this documentary he’s currently working on.

And it is definitely a topic that is rant worthy.

In his own words:
“Are you passionate about Star Wars? Did the new trilogy leave a sour taste in your mouth? What’s your stance on the Special Editions? Are you ready to stand up for George, or to stand up to him? In short, if the words Star Wars, Indiana Jones, or even Howard The Duck make you want to speak up, we want to hear from you!

Based on the overwhelming worldwide response to our efforts this past year, we believe we are on the right track. Truly, it has been an amazing journey; and we intend to capture many more voices from every corner of the globe for the rest of the year. And yes, you can still submit footage to us through our September 30, 2009 deadline. Indeed, this groundbreaking, 100% independent and first-ever digitally democratic documentary gives experts and the audience a voice to express their opinions about the single most powerful and influential filmmaker and mogul in movie history. And we promise to deliver a dynamic and impassioned debate for the ages!”

So if you have a blog or a fan site, please take a moment to write about us today. Mention us in forums, on YouTube, MySpace, Facebook. Subscribe to and comment on our YouTube channel. Contact your local newspaper, film blogger or film critic. Email your local Star Wars, Indiana Jones, or Howard the Duck (!) fan site. Tell them we exist, and refer them to the YouTube link below and to our website.

Just doing my part. If so inspired, feel free to join in on this fun.

I was nine years old when I went with my family to see Star Wars in 1977. In fact, I have a vivid memory of this because I was kicking and screaming the whole way to the theater. I vehemently did not want to go. My dad said, “you’re too young to stay at home alone and the whole family is going so no more tantrum.”

So why the impassioned negative response? The year prior my Dad had taken my 8-year old self and my older sister to see 2001 A Space Odyssey.

I wasn’t doing that again.

I know! What was he thinking? He didn’t inflict this pain on my older brother!

But of course just 10 minutes into the film Star Wars, I was enthralled. There were no apes throwing bones in front of a monolith! No long segments filled with imagery, music, but no plot or dialogue! Later, when I was in my twenties, I got a chance to watch 2001 again. It was definitely a better experience then.

So which side do I belong on this debate? Not saying.

20 Comments on Shameless Plug for The People vs. George Lucas, last added: 2/16/2009

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jimnduncan said, on 2/13/2009 11:45:00 AM

I was about the same age when my folks to me and my little brother to see it. Being the geeky boy I was at the time (and still am for that matter), I was psyched to see it. Awe inspring it was to say the least. If it says anything about my parents, they took us to see it six more times. Loved every single time.

Can't say I am a fan of Lucas's massive commercialization of it all, but have to give him kudos for changing the movie industry. The man was a pioneer.

J Duncan

Anonymous said, on 2/13/2009 12:06:00 PM

I saw Star Wars at 17, in opening day. I was (and remain) a Trek/sci fi fan so the movie piqued my curiousity. I loved Star Wars because it was a mass of contradictions. It was derivative of Trek, Robin Hood and even Flash Gordon. The death star seemed like a bigger version of The Guns Of Navarone...The technology was amazing, the flying ships, the explosions and the monsters. The film's light tone was it's best asset. This was high adventure played close to perfection by a cast of wily veterans and confident newcomers.

By the last film it was apparent that Lucas had run out of steam. When he decided on the prequels they were plodding, self-indulgent and poorly written. They lacked the charm of the earlier films. It was only with the third film that Lucas found his footing. This entry, coincidentally, had a strong plot, the downfall of Anakin.

Lucas deserves credit for his huge impact on film and the film business. He is visionary, imaginative and inspiring. Star Wars (Episode IV) is a timeless classic and will always be among the greatest films ever produced (along with the next sequel).

Ed U.

Peter said, on 2/13/2009 12:17:00 PM

Amazing, second Howard the Duck experience in two days...yesterday, for reasons I can't even begin to fathom, I downloaded the soundtrack...Yes, Cherry Bomb and Thomas Dolby and those insanely cheesy songs from one of the worst movies ever made (notable only, when I was a teenager and seeing it for the first time, for Lea Thompson in panties...).

And here it is a day later, after listening to such perfectly 80's music since yesterday, and you're talking about Howard the Duck?

For those unfamiliar with the soundtrack: at the beginning of the Hugh Grant/Drew Barrymore movie 'Music & Lyrics' there is a faux-music video from the 80's called 'Pop! Goes My Heart' that sets up the movie. It is a perfect homage to 80's music and videos and worth the cost of the rental all by itself. The music from Howard the Duck seems to me to be what 'Pop! Goes My Heart' aspires to emulate (well, that and, of course, 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go'). This, by the way, would be called 'damning with faint praise.'

Now to queue up the Cantina song from Star Wars and soak up the atmosphere...

Stuart said, on 2/13/2009 1:40:00 PM

My three year old son has about 10 Galactic Heroes figures (pre-school SW figures) and another 6 Adventure Heroes (Indy Jones).

Yeah, I'm continuing the corruption to the next generation. :)

Even though I think GL has lost his touch in what makes a good story. See Indy IV and the Swinging Monkeys for the latest proof of that...

Just_Me said, on 2/13/2009 3:03:00 PM

Goerge Lucas.... I love the original Star Wars, adore Indy, hate Anakin Skywalker with an all-consuming passion. I wish somebody had killed him in episode one, or at least taken Padme aside and explained what a statutory rape law was.

On the other hand, everyone now knows what sci-fi is. I suppose that's a good thing.

Deirdre Mundy said, on 2/13/2009 3:27:00 PM

I "saw" the first Star Wars in utero. "Empire" was the first movie I saw in theatres, and my whole First Grade class was APPALLED when we realized (In Jedi) that Luke and Leia were Brother AND Sister!!! I mean, WOAHHH! Who could have seen THAT coming. =)

The new ones? Blech, Blech and double Blech.

Because for the prequels to be true, it means Obi Wan lied to Luke.

And Leia lied too, when she said she remembered her mother.

Though it does shed light onto that 'He has much of his father in him' thing... because Luke starts out whiny... and Anakin was ALWAYS whiny.....

I liked the way episodes IV-VI portrayed Vader better-- the idea of a good man and great general who, through pride, turned to the darkside. The whole series as "The Tradgedy of Vader"-- Shakespearian in sweep.

But no. YOu had to give us whiny Ani. Seriously, what did Padmi see in him????

And don't even get me started on JarJar.....

Deb said, on 2/13/2009 3:55:00 PM

About "2001: A Space Odyssey" you are absolutely right. It had no plot. We were required to go downtown to see it my senior year, and half of us were "Aw, cool!" and the other half were "What on earth--?" We didn't understand it was High Art and didn't need a plot, characters, logic...

SW was better. Until he made the first three episodes. Did anyone actually notice he just rehashed the original three plots?

And don't even mention mitochlorians to me. Ever. Thank you.

Ebony McKenna. said, on 2/13/2009 5:31:00 PM

There was soooo much hype for the Star Wars prequels we all lined up to see it and the stirring music took us back to our childhood ... the opening crawl came on and ... jaws drop ... it's about ... taxes? What? Trade blocks or something?

Have seen Indy IV and ... they just shouldn't have made it. Watch the bonus extras of Steven Speilberg and the process of him trying so hard for so long to say no to George about the Aliens.
In the end, Steven gave up.

If George Lucas won't listen to Steven Speilberg, there's little chance of him listening to me, is there?

ryan field said, on 2/13/2009 6:57:00 PM

I think I was seven, and I remember the long lines at the theater for STAR WARS. But it was worth it.

Jill James said, on 2/13/2009 8:17:00 PM

I was 14 when I saw Star Wars for the first time. That summer my brother and I saw it 35 times. Of course, movies were 75 cents for kids, so you could go to alot of movies. It was such a breakthrough for science fiction and moviemaking and special effects.

Kimber An said, on 2/14/2009 7:16:00 AM

This is so silly. If you dislike anything about the George Lucus empire, don't see it or buy it. Simple as that.

Good grief.

Nandini said, on 2/14/2009 4:02:00 PM

It drives me crazy when my kids refer to the original 3 movies as number 4, 5 and 6! The only good thing about the new star wars was Ewan McGregor as Obi Wan. Though I have to say, I'm slowly warming to Star Wars: The Clone Wars on the Cartoon Network that the kids watch all the time ...

Jean said, on 2/14/2009 5:41:00 PM

Oh my gosh, Howard the Duck. People admit to watching that?

The only reason I recall that movie was my parents coincidentally rented it the day I got stung on the lip. Yes, it swelled and yes, they called me "Howard".

As for Star Wars, that was memorable because my dad managed to convince the manager of the movie theatre to let us sit on the floor up front as the theatre was full. It was a close-up view I have not yet repeated.

Oh, the family adventures that are connected to movies. :)

Jen said, on 2/15/2009 10:14:00 AM

I loved the original triology. The prequels depressed me. Anakin was so whiny and annoying that I could never figure out why Padme was supposed to have fallen for him.

The Revenge of the Sith was the only one I can really stomach, and even there Anakin is STILL a whiny git. Bah!

Queen of the Road said, on 2/15/2009 5:19:00 PM

Just wanted to chime in about the wonderful Alexandre Philippe. I've taken many screenwriting workshops with him at Lighthouse Writers over the years, and he's fabulous.

May the Force be with his new project.

Blythe said, on 2/15/2009 7:42:00 PM

Star Wars crystallizes my relationship with high/low culture come to think of it. When it came out, I was in my late teens and thought I was much too cool to go see it . . .

And, as a Freshman English major at the time, I was happy to pretend I thought 2001 was the most wonderful triumph of culture imaginable and my favorite movie of all time (as I deserted Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind).

But, finally, dragged by some presumably more low-brow friends to see Star Wars (and likely kicking and screaming in some form or fashion), I couldn't help but become entirely enthralled and engrossed by the action, pacing, and just plain fun!

Over and over again, since then, I have struggled with the same dilemma: Why is it all the stuff I'm supposed to like and certainly appreciate, is so rarely fun?

Anonymous said, on 2/15/2009 10:41:00 PM

I know this has nothing to do with your blog today, but I have a question to ask. I'm a student at UNI and my question is if you write a story about college campus life would that be ya or af? We couldn't decide in class today what the answer would be on this topic. Would like to hear your answer on this. Thank you for your time, from the English major wishing to be a writer one day.

Beth said, on 2/16/2009 8:24:00 AM

I love the original three Star Wars movies. I try to pretend the Anakin saga never happened.

Madison said, on 2/16/2009 9:26:00 AM

I will always love the original series of Star Trek more than anything Star Wars. However, I LOVE the original Star Wars movies! I first saw them when they were re-released into the theater and am now in the process of watching them again. I love it when my family have Star Wars day, where we do nothing but watch the original Star Wars Trilogy all day.

As for the new ones, I enjoyed them, but they weren't great. Darth Maul's double lightsaber was cool, but Anakin was WAY too young. The third one, Revenge of the Sith was the best out of the new ones. It was nice to see how Anakin became Darth Vader, but the new ones can't top the original.

Chumplet - Sandra Cormier said, on 2/16/2009 9:34:00 PM

I have all three original movie theatre magazines from the 'first' Star Wars series.

Raiders had an amazing two year run at the Runnymede next to my sister's apartment. We must have gone to see it twenty times when there was nothing else to do.

We were soon able to recite the whole script verbatim.

Oh, Harrison and your lovely green eyes...

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23. One That Got Away

By: Kristin Nelson, on 12/2/2008
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: submission, agenting, general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: One of my clients sent us holiday cupcakes today. Yummy in my tummy.

What’s playing on the iPod right now? WHITE CHRISTMAS by Perry Como

Pretty soon we’ll be compiling our year-end statistics. For good or for bad! And tonight I was reading a review for a novel that I had wanted to represent but alas, the author went with a different agent. I’m sensing a theme in my blog entries here…

So I’m reading the review and I have to say, it’s brilliant. It outlined pretty much all the reasons why I had loved that manuscript. Ack. What a bummer to not be representing that author. But hey, at least I had been in the game. I’m not always going to win when up against several other agents. That’s just the way of the agenting biz. I’m glad to see the world agrees with me regarding the novel but of course I’m reading the review with regret.

Can’t be helped but still...

One of my clients is with the editor who was the underbidder for Harry Potter. That puts it into perspective I think!

And just a couple of weeks ago, I met with an editor who was the underbidder for The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.

Okay, I’m feeling slightly better because hey, it happens. Only slightly though.

11 Comments on One That Got Away, last added: 12/3/2008

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Jarucia said, on 12/2/2008 11:04:00 PM

Kristin,

I have to say as an unpublished author who is constantly engaged in dialog with other unpublished authors I often get this vision of agents having nothing but unfettered freedom when picking and choosing their clients.

This particular post really does a marvelous job of expressing the humility felt at all levels of the publishing business.

At least you know you're a good judge of publishable material, but I don't suppose you needed this particular disappointment to prove that to you.

Take care,
Jarucia

Sharon aka Sapphire said, on 12/2/2008 11:14:00 PM

I'm new to the writing world. I spent 17 years teaching reading before I decided writing was what I wanted to do when I grew up. (At 42 I think I'm almost ready to be a grown up.)

What does underbidding by an editor mean? I'm guessing Cheryl Klein is who you are talking about. She's quite nice. I had lunch with her at the SCBWI Missouri conference in 2007.

I just started reading your blog, but it sounds like you have a good eye and a good heart.

Anonymous said, on 12/3/2008 12:34:00 AM

There are so many beautiful women in the world and I'm just one guy. Have you ever been in a restaraunt with someone you really like a lot and looked over at another table and see someone who takes your breath away? Then they smile at you and get up and leave? I've had several friends with successful businesses of their own who became miserable because they didn't make as much money as projected.

I once played ping-pong with a guy who was an Olympic soccer player and he cleaned my clock without even trying but he had fun because I told jokes and it was one of the few times I've been thoroughly clobbered that I enjoyed myself too because he laughed all the way.

If there is a God watching over us She certainly enjoys her little jokes. When we learn to laugh at them too, then we are blessed.

You're a good person and you're doing a great job. Once more, you're savvy. That's what I like about you.

Personally, I'd like to be beautiful but I'll settle for being a good writer.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

wplasvegas

ps: I still can't figure out how to sign in correctly, but I assure you I am quite humorous in real life. That is my portion.

Catherine Haines said, on 12/3/2008 12:41:00 AM

One of my clients is with the editor who was the underbidder for Harry Potter. That puts it into perspective I think!

Ouch. Now that one would definitely be referred to as "the one that got away".

I am in agreement with Jarucia. We hear so much about people not getting with the agent they want (or not even getting an agent at all) it helps to be reminded that sometimes the agents and editors feel that way as well.

Sharon aka Sapphire said, on 12/3/2008 1:34:00 AM

Wplasvagas, I've been with my husband since I was 18. (That's almost 25 years.) We both look around the restaurant to see who's hot and who's not...We even discuss it, but we always go home together. My husband has always made more money than me (I taught for 17 years), but I think when it comes down to what matters it is how you treat others. Are you kind? Do you genuinely care about how people feel? (and not judge them on their spelling ability)

I want to write like Cynthia Rylant (or Crescent Dragonwagon who wrote Home Place). I'll keep trying until I am successful. Once I do that I'll feel beautiful.

If you are having trouble signing in, start over. Come up with a new log in name and password. Then save it to a file in your email. I keep a file called passwords. I send myself an email when I create a file and password for any site. If I forget (which happens a lot as you get older), I just look at my subject lines and open the appropriate email.

Best Wishes in love and blogging.

Justus M. Bowman said, on 12/3/2008 7:59:00 AM

Agents can get hurt too? Interesting.

Heather B. Moore said, on 12/3/2008 8:38:00 AM

Yeah, business can be tough. Especially now. Feel better :)

whoissecretdubai said, on 12/3/2008 8:39:00 AM

Hello,

A humble request...

Do you, by any chance, happen to know who Secret Dubai (the blogger: secretdubai.blogspot.com) is?

http://whoissecretdubai.blogspot.com/

James Buchanan said, on 12/3/2008 11:48:00 AM

The world of publishing is filled with the stories of coulda, woulda, shoulda and kizmet.

I suppose that is what gives all of us strugglers the will to continue, which is that we may be one day from being recognized.

James Buchanan
www.orchardwriting.com

Heidi C. Vlach said, on 12/3/2008 12:26:00 PM

Yeah ... To paraphrase the Stones, we can't always get what we want. It's nice that you can root for a really good story even though you didn't get to represent it, though. Good karma!

http://climbthesky.blogspot.com/

ORION said, on 12/3/2008 12:47:00 PM

Timing is everything- and rejection abounds...
I just keep my head down and continue writing...
I'm a perfect example of perseverance and not giving up.

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24. Early Voting---Finally!

By: Kristin Nelson, on 10/28/2008
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: So very happy because finally, I’ve got a ballot.

What’s playing on the iPod right now? BEAUTIFUL DAY by U2

This is unabashed non-publishing-related blog entry. For the past month, I’ve been in mail-in ballot hell—as in I never received my ballot and since I’m on the permanent mail-in ballot list, I was starting to worry as the election loomed ever closer.

Five calls (yep, count ‘em) five calls to the Denver Elections Commission yielded very little helpful information as they had in their records that the ballot had been mailed.

I didn’t believe it could take 12 days to come when it was being mailed in the same city. In fact, I was getting ready to call up a news channel myself when this story hit the wires. I wasn’t alone in my mail-in ballot frustration. There were 18,000 missing ballots because of a glitch in the mailing and the company responsible, Sequoia, didn’t bother telling anyone.

I couldn’t make this stuff up.

And today of glorious days, after much hassle, numerous calls and a contingency plan to get my replacement ballot, I opened my mailbox and there it was.

I can’t wait to rush home from work tomorrow and vote!

19 Comments on Early Voting---Finally!, last added: 10/30/2008

Display Comments

nomadshan said, on 10/29/2008 12:14:00 AM

Nice! I'm glad Sequoia got its act together for CO voters. In '04, my husband and I requested absentee ballots from New Zealand; we were sweating until they got to us!

Katharina Gerlach said, on 10/29/2008 3:26:00 AM

How wonderful that you are a voter. I think many more people need to vote so that the resulting politics will be a mirror of "what most people want" and not of "what most people don't want"

Cat

Susan said, on 10/29/2008 5:17:00 AM

So glad you have a happy ending!

I'm dreading watching as the news turns from cut-throat campaigning to voting trials and frauds and problems. UGH! Thank heavens it's only once every four years!

Lisa Shearin said, on 10/29/2008 6:46:00 AM

Derek and I voted on Monday night at our local mall. Only 45 minutes from the beginning of the line until that glorious moment when I put my ballot in the box to be counted. I even got to chat with my local Barnes & Noble event coordinator while standing in line (she and her husband were there to vote, too.) So I got the thrill of voting plus did a little book business at the same time. It was multi-tasking at its finest. ; )

Ju said, on 10/29/2008 7:24:00 AM

You wisely avoided saying who you plan to vote for!

L.C.McCabe said, on 10/29/2008 7:48:00 AM

Kristin,

If you have the time, I recommend that you hand deliver your completed ballot to the local elections office so you do not have to worry about it getting lost in the mail on its return.

I hand delivered my own absentee ballot two weeks ago and felt a nice warm glow for having voted and knowing that it is in queue to be counted.

If you wait and deliver it to a precinct on election day then it most likely won't be opened or counted until a few days or weeks later.

It is important this year for people to vote early and not wait until election day. Not only to avoid long lines, but to allow themselves the time necessary to clear up any discrepancies that might otherwise prevent them from voting. For example, with the passage of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) in 2002 it created new federal standards for maintaining voter rolls. Unfortunately it has meant that any discrepancy between the Social Security Administration and a state's list can cause a voter's file to be flagged for removal. The difference could be as minor as one entry using a middle name and the other a middle initial. Or there could be a typographical error which is obviously not a voter's fault, but it is still considered enough to remove a voter from the rolls.

To me that logic is insane, but it is what it is right now and will not change simply because I want it to be different.

Therefore, people should do exactly what you did and attempt to vote early whenever and wherever possible. If your name does not appear on the voter registration rolls and it should be, then if you discover this *before* election day you have the chance to argue your point and bring as much identification as required to prove you are who you claim to be and get a real ballot and not a provisional ballot. (Provisional ballots are disqualified at a much higher rate than absentee ballots and should only be used as a last resort.)

BTW, in case any of your readers are from North Carolina or have friends and relatives there - here is a little PSA about a strange rule in their ballots that could deny people their vote in the presidential race. If you decide to vote "straight ticket" and choose to vote for all the candidates in a political party - it does not include the presidential race. You must vote for that race separately.

Linda

Anonymous said, on 10/29/2008 8:17:00 AM

That was a pretty weak news story... Sequoia Systems has been linked with other infamous ballot issues: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoia_Voting_Systems

How are they still being used?

Sheila Connolly said, on 10/29/2008 8:18:00 AM

Congratulations for stepping up and doing something about it!

Kristina said, on 10/29/2008 8:47:00 AM

We don't have early voting here in Michigan, and election day happens to be my birthday. I fear I will spend most of the day in line (though it will be worth it).

WendyCinNYC said, on 10/29/2008 9:15:00 AM

I can't wait to take my daughters with me to vote on Tuesday. We still have the old-school booths with the levers and my kids like to pull it for me. Ka-chunk! It's very satisfying.

That possibly qualifies as voter fraud, but there you have it.

Madison said, on 10/29/2008 9:37:00 AM

This is not good for me. This is my first election and I'm outta town in FL and had to mail the NC State Board of Elections for an Absentee ballot and it has yet to come in. I doubt I'm going to be able to vote in this all important election, as I won't be able to go back home till the 8th. WHAAA!!!:-(

Anonymous said, on 10/29/2008 10:03:00 AM

I got my mail-in here in South Eastern PA weeks ago and I'm glad because we have an early return deadline.

And thank you for not getting into anything political during this entire campaign season. I've been reading this blog since you began because I am constantly learning valuable information about publishing. If there were an award for the most professional publishing blog, you clearly deserve it.

Courtney Milan said, on 10/29/2008 10:48:00 AM

Mr. Milan just got his Colorado ballot in the mail today, too! He's very excited.

I am registered in Illinois, so my vote, at least for the top of the ticket, is basically meaningless. I still cast it, though. :)

Kelsey said, on 10/29/2008 11:00:00 AM

For only 500K I'll stuff envelopes and mail them to Colorado voters and they would get there on time.

I just voted early and I'm feeling all warm, fuzzy and democratic.

Just_Me said, on 10/29/2008 11:50:00 AM

DH and I voted absentee about a month ago. But we're absentee from Florida so I always worry (just a little) about whether our votes will actually get counted.

I've seen the pictures of the lines though, and I'm really glad I can mail in my ballot!

spotcomm said, on 10/29/2008 2:10:00 PM

Kristin:
Thanks for your post. And for speaking up. Voting is that important!!
Donna

DebraLSchubert said, on 10/29/2008 2:56:00 PM

Kristin, I live in the great battleground state of PA, but my immediate family lives in CO (Boulder, Denver, Centennial and Lone Tree). I was there recently and helped my dad go over the long and complicated ballot you Coloradans have this year. You practically need a Ph.D to fill it out!

Here in PA, I have been taking breaks from writing by volunteering at my local Obama office. I can't wait for Tuesday!

jill said, on 10/29/2008 3:47:00 PM

I'm so glad Oregon has mail-in ballots! Husband, eldest daughter, and I voted at the dining room table last week and dropped them off at the collection site (library, yay!).

Celesi said, on 10/30/2008 1:24:00 AM

Congrats on getting your ballot! Last election, I was eighteen and eager to vote. Registered, and waited. And waited. My ballot arrived the week after voting day.

This year, they sent it to the wrong address, but at least I got it!

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25. World’s Best Paid Authors

By: Kristin Nelson, on 10/2/2008
Blog: Pub Rants (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: news, general rants, Add a tag

STATUS: I’m actually heading out of the office early to finish up a client edit. It’s just easier to do that when I’m not answering the phone or checking emails.

What’s playing on the iPod right now? HALFWAY HOME by TV On The Radio

At least according to Forbes. I imagine all of you can guess who heads the top of that list.

Harry Potter anyone?

I have to say that I was a little surprised not to see Nora Roberts' name there. Seems to me that she overtook Danielle Steele years ago. Maybe that’s only in volume of novels published per year rather than in dollar signs. I really don’t know.

And before y’all get stars in your eyes, I wouldn’t buy into the idea that writing is your path to riches. It can be but it’s probably up there with getting struck by lightening or winning the lottery.

It has to happen to somebody (of course) but if you’re a writer, I wouldn’t count on it. Writing has to be your passion and if good things follow, monetarily, for you—hooray!

I know. I know. You are all going to dream big anyway. Can’t say I blame you.

22 Comments on World’s Best Paid Authors, last added: 10/6/2008

Display Comments

Anonymous said, on 10/2/2008 2:55:00 PM

It's more than a little sickening to know that James Patterson made 50 million last year. He doesn't even write half his own books anymore -- simply writes an outline and then lets a "co-author" actually do the hard slog of writing.

Doesn't seem like that should count, for some reason.

Or am I just being bitter?

C.D. Reimer said, on 10/2/2008 3:29:00 PM

I'm happy to get paid for my first published short story. An astounding $3.02 but no contributor's copy. But that will add my mystique in ten years when I'm raking in the funny money.

Kasie West said, on 10/2/2008 3:46:00 PM

I'm not asking for much. I just want to see my book in print...and maybe get a little money for it...and possibly enjoy a tiny bit of fame...a few stalker fans...a billboard in Times Square with a huge picture of my smug face on it...an appearance on Oprah...Is that too much to ask for? Maybe I'll start with the first thought mentioned and go from there. :)
Kasie

Wordy Boy in a Floppy Hat. said, on 10/2/2008 3:57:00 PM

Just enough to help with retirement would be FABU!

I am not greedy :).

nomadshan said, on 10/2/2008 4:07:00 PM

I already get paid to write -- as a grant writer. I just want to earn a greater percentage of my income through fiction and less from writing proposals. If I can earn a modest living through fiction, I'll be very happy. :)

Chumplet said, on 10/2/2008 4:08:00 PM

I leave the lottery ticket purchasing up to my hubby, and I keep on writing.

Angie Ledbetter said, on 10/2/2008 4:39:00 PM

If it was easy, can you imagine how many more writers there'd be? I'm building a lightning rod and buying a lotto ticket. ;)

Kathleen said, on 10/2/2008 4:58:00 PM

I wondered where Nora fit in, too. Her names up there continuously... a lot more often then Danielle Steele, I thought.

But who knows. Danielle Steele doesn't seem to have the respect that Nora has, and of the two, I'd take the respect. (Not that I don't respect her, it's just that people don't call her "The Danielle.")

Amy Nathan said, on 10/2/2008 5:35:00 PM

Gotta dream, I just try to do it with my feet on the ground. I appreciate that you understand a writer's need to think beyond the probable -- because I believe if an author works with an agent who doesn't want her (or him) todream, the motivation and the best work will stop -- on both their parts.

Heidi the Hick said, on 10/2/2008 7:50:00 PM

Just wanna get paid for all the work I've done, so I don't have to get a job at the coffee shop and can pay for groceries and hay for the large critters. Oh, and not have to work at the coffee shop, therefore having more time to WRITE!

jeanoram said, on 10/2/2008 8:35:00 PM

Stars are now officially in my eyes!

I now have something to measure myself against. I know where others are topping out and where I want to aim. It is always good to have a goal or idea of where you would like to go. :)

Suzanne said, on 10/2/2008 8:50:00 PM

I'd be happy with a measly $1 or 2 million a year, I'm not greedy.

I was happy to see Stephen King's name on the list because his books have provided so much guilty pleasure over the years and he's a hard worker!

doortoriver said, on 10/2/2008 10:45:00 PM

*laughs* Dream big, yes - but as long as I'm published (and staying in print, and distributed), being paid the Most in the World isn't quite as big a deal to me. There are a lot of us who just want people to glean from our writing from what gleaned from others'.

(Though I most certainly would not say 'no' to a very high-paying contract!)

Anette J Kres said, on 10/2/2008 11:24:00 PM

As you said... It will happen to someone... We may as well hope/dream/fantisize that it will be us, right?

Odds are bad, but still... it COULD be...

AC said, on 10/3/2008 9:12:00 AM

JKR can keep her Scottish castle; I mostly just want people to read what I write. But if I could earn enough as a novelist to quit my day job (where, ok, I'm a journalist so people are reading what I'm writing..it's not the same) I'd be thrilled.

Yoda47 said, on 10/3/2008 10:00:00 AM

I must admit, I have daydreams of making it big...

The reason I write, however, is because I enjoy it, and I have a story I have to tell. Even if the only ones to read it are my family, I've still had fun writing.

Anonymous said, on 10/3/2008 10:49:00 AM

I think if you are talented, have an interesting platform and a good agent there's no reason why writing can't lead to a comfy upper-middle class life. My parents both did it and, enshallah, so will I...

Sara Merrick said, on 10/3/2008 11:28:00 AM

Just heard a sobering story in my writer's group about a talented first time author who earned a huge advance, "Never has to work again," but the book hasn't sold in the numbers it needs to justify that advance. There's a real concern that the next book won't be published. I'd love to be financially successful -- but I also want to continue to write and have readers. Readers -- that's my dream.

Anonymous said, on 10/3/2008 2:59:00 PM

I'd be happy with just seeing my books on bookstore shelves. I'd be freakin' ecstatic if I somehow managed to make enough money to maintain a moderately comfortable middle-class lifestyle without working my day job. So no, not dreaming all that big.

AstonWest said, on 10/4/2008 7:21:00 AM

Could it be that Danielle Steele makes more from her other sales (i.e. movie and TV) than Nora?

That would be my guess.

cindy said, on 10/4/2008 7:20:00 PM

15% of any of these authors' pay ain't nothing to sneeze at, either! agents can dream big, too!

Deaf Brown Trash Punk said, on 10/6/2008 10:49:00 AM

sigh. So mainstream fiction writers make more $$$ than literary fiction writers...

I can write literary fiction, but you can't pay me to write commercial paperback $5.99 novels. Not that I'm knockin' these writers, but I just can't.

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