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Book Expo America 2014 yielded up some great interviews for The Book of Life. Since I've got a big backlog of episodes waiting to be published, I decided to publish the remaining four Book Expo episodes in one go. Take a virtual visit to the show floor with this series of interviews with the authors and publishers of Jewish books for kids, teens and adults. The episodes you'll hear are:
Presses with Alliterative Names
Eva Wiseman
Good ole Lerner/Kar-Ben!
The Pat Boone Fan Club
AUDIO: Press the play button to listen to the playlist of four podcast episodes now (all four will play automatically): Or click MP3 File
Book Expo has opened registration for their 2015 event. May 27th through May 30th - Wednesday through Friday. No Saturday. I wonder if Saturday will be BookCon and only BookCon. We will see. Anyway go to www.bookexpoamerica.com for the latest Book Expo news.
I read Way Down Deep by Ruth White. I read the sequel first so this felt like catching up. Still, very good. Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin. I am so in awe of Ann M. Martin. Period. Centaur Rising by Jane Yolen. What is not to like about a baby centaur and a community that tries to protect one? I started The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier. It has no trace of hope in it and that creeps me out. BUT, I did just start the book.
BTW, for some strange reason, Blogger will not let me add links today. So you will have to search for these books online yourselves. Sorry. (Except for Book Expo. That link works.)
What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? Nothing at the moment.
Obviously I'm not just talking to children's editors while in New York. So here's a little snippet of what editors have been buying in the adult realm:
1) Literary novels with some sort of magical element (i.e The Night Circus) 2) Multi-cultural literary novels by non-American writers 3) Voice-driven literary novels that shed light on the contemporary modern landscape for protagonists in their 20s or 30s.
In women's fiction and romance 1) contemporary stories with small town settings 2) southern contemporary women's fix 3) looking or romantic comedies in romance (haven't heard that desire in a while!)
Off to the Javits Center!
22 Comments on What Editors Have Bought Recently - Women's Fic and Literary, last added: 6/9/2012
@Lynn August - Yes, I would like "voice-driven" clarified as well. Most of what I write I would classify as "character driven", I assume that's not the same thing. Maybe Kristen can expound.
@ Joseph - I called Nelson recently, and though I haven't submitted my query yet, they told me they would be happy to look at something in the "general fiction" category. Perhaps they do look at mystery/thrillers?
Richard, where would your book be shelved? You want your book in front of the readers who are looking for books like yours. And you want an agent who has relationships with editors who want books exactly like yours. Go for the niche.
Hmm . . . my novel fits two of the points under women's fiction (comedy and small town setting). And it is about a protagonist dealing with issues common to women in their 20s and 30s. But--I've been getting quite a few rejections to my query letters. I guess this means my plot doesn't appeal, or else I need to work on my overall query.
Michael Price said, on 6/5/2012 7:17:00 PM
I'm not worried that my novel is not on this list. My novel is what it is. If Nelson is not my agent one day that is fine. There are others out there and other ways to be seen and heard. I would prefer going with an agent because I believe that is the BEST way but certainly not the only way. I write what I love with great passion and vigor. I don't write so EVERONE out there will like it. I know not everyone likes fantasy but that's ok because there are those that do. No matter the genre you write in just remember you need to do it for yourself first. Not for wealth or fame. If that comes then great but don't look for it. Concentrate on the story you are writing and make it the best you ever have done. You may find that you impress yourself before ever impressing someone else.
@ Steven: I was curious about self publishing on various sites before at least attempting to get agent. I can not get an answer from ANYBODY as to whether that's a good idea or not! These blogs are entertaining, but not always helpful. And Carmen, I really appreciate the advice! Makes enough sense. However, Nelson said that they did in fact represent that genre...Do you have some insight perhaps on this matter? I'm very curious. Thank you so much!
Anonymous said, on 6/6/2012 10:11:00 AM
@ Richard - even 5 years ago people would have said self-publishing is a bad idea. More and more it's becoming a viable and potentially legitimate avenue for getting your work out there (see: E.L. James and Amanda Hocking for debut writers who hit it big). However, there are trade-offs with self-publishing: you need to do a lot of proactive marketing to get your book out there, or else it will get lost in the mire with other self-published novels. You'll want to make sure it's as polished as could be and consider using an editor to give it a look for grammar and continuity. Nathan Bransford has posted some great articles in the past about self-publishing.
@ Lynn and Wendy - voice-driven usually means that either the narrator or characters have a really strong voice. It often goes hand-in-hand with character-driven, but not always. Think of books like The Help or The Hunger Games, though you don't need to be narrating in first person. Voice is one of the hardest things to define in writing - people either have it or they don't. It's a very subtle thing, and is most often revealed through the writer's personal style. I hope that helps!
Anonymous said, on 6/6/2012 10:22:00 AM
Excellent! I'm writing a voice-driven romantic comedy!
Lucy said, on 6/7/2012 2:45:00 PM
@Richard (and anyone else new to the game)
www.absolutewrite.com/forums
AbsoluteWrite forums: where your questions get answered. :-)
And I promise there are pages and pages devoted to all the topics that have come up here and many more. You'll want to search the archives before posting your own.
@ Richard - Rachelle Gardner recently posted about self-published authors looking for agents. Might be useful: http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/05/self-published-author-seeks-agent/
Here's an interview I've had in the queue for a long time: an interview with Ruchel Louis, Jewish author of Pulani: A Memoir of Growing Up in Apartheid South Africa. I met Ruchel at Book Expo America in 2010, and had a great time interviewing her while we sat waiting for the keynote address (it was Barbara Streisand, speaking about her book on interior design). I think Ruchel was the more interesting speaker!
AUDIO:
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Hosted by School Library Journal, it’s a fantastic day-long event filled with panels, author signings, lots of swag, and networking. And it wouldn’t be a BEA event if it didn’t end with a cocktail event, of course!
Patty and I will be there along with Donald Crews, editor Virginia Duncan, Thanhha Lai, Cindy Pon, and Rita Williams-Garcia. For a full list of events, check out the schedule.
I bumped into Ann Redisch Stampler at Book Expo 2010. Ann is the author of the Jewish folktale picture book The Rooster Prince of Breslov, which (a while after our interview) was named winner of the National Jewish Book Award's 2010 Louis Posner Memorial Award for illustrated children's books. It was also named a 2011 Notable Children's Book of Jewish Content by the Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee.
Ann was a guest on The Book of Life in 2007 when she won the Sydney Taylor Honor Award for Shlemazel and the Remarkable Spoon of Pohost.
AUDIO:
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One of the many interesting people I met at last year's Book Expo America was Carol de Giere, author of a biography of Jewish superstar composer Stephen Schwartz. Her book is entitled Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz from Godspell to Wicked. Carol shared interesting tidbits about her time backstage on Wicked and about the Jewish influences on Schwartz's work. Check out her website at caroldegiere.com and check out her book's website at defyinggravitythebook.com.
AUDIO:
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VIDEO: The song "Defying Gravity" from Wicked, as performed at the Tony Awards.
I still have a number of interviews from Book Expo America 2010 in the queue, but I decided to post the interview with Debbie Levy today because it is her birthday! Thanks to Facebook for letting me know. Happy Birthday, Debbie!
I met Debbie Levy and her mother Jutta at Book Expo America 2010, where we sat down in the cafe for an interview. Debbie is the author and Jutta is the subject of The Year of Goodbyes: A True Story of Friendship, Family and Farewells, based on Jutta's poesiealbum from the 1940's. A poesiealbum is a poetry album or autograph album, in which friends write each other little notes and poems. Debbie was touched by the writings of her mother as a young girl, and her mother's friends. To encourage readers to experience the poesiealbum tradition, she has created a participatory blog where people can submit their own entries to an online poesiealbum at theyearofgoodbyes.blogspot.com.
The Year of Goodbyes was named a 2011 Notable Book of Jewish Content in the Older Readers Category by the Sydney Taylor Book Award committee of the Association of Jewish Libraries.
AUDIO:
Click the play button on this flash player to listen to the podcast now: Or click MP3 File to start your computer's media player.
Thank you for this lovely interview with Debbie Levy and her mother Jutta. I was particularly interested when Debbie commented that people ask, "Why didn't the Jews leave Germany?" as if anyone could have foreseen what was coming, but also, Debbie says, as if their lives there were "inconsequential." That point really resonated with me. Of course their lives were as deeply important and beautiful and meaningful and rooted in place as anyone's now--and in fact, no doubt much more rooted in place and culture than we younger people can really understand. I was very moved by this observation.
I've actually just finished reading a novel by Sydney Taylor (thank you, Sydney Taylor!) that I never came across as a child called A Papa Like Everyone Else. It is an account of Jewish farming life in Czech Hungary in the early 20th century told from the point of view of a little girl. It is very like The Little House on the Prairie in its loving observation and recording of details of rural daily life. At the end the two girls and their mother join their father in the US, very much against the inclination of the point-of-view character, who loves her little village. It is quite startling to read this book with an adult's knowledge of history, with an adult's knowledge of what is coming for Jews in such little villages. A few tiny details in the novel hint at the tensions between populations in the area, but surely wouldn't convey much to a child. But as an adult, you desperately want this family to get out, while also, with the author, lamenting the beauty of the life they are leading there, a way of life that will soon be completely destroyed. Anyway, I thought about this novel when I heard Debbie Levy say, about A Year of Goodbyes, that the lives Jews were leading in Europe were hardly inconsequential, were not easy to leave.
STATUS: I’ve got a holiday party to attend tonight.
What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? SNOW by Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney and Danny Kaye
Looking at the blog entry from June 2, 2010 was a nice reminder that I might want to check in on the titles editors spotlighted at the YA buzz panel at Book Expo and see how they are doing.
Well, I can tell you right now that Matched is doing the best out of the gate. In fact, PW just had an article on what an auspicious debut it is. A quick look at Bookscan shows an excellent sales record for the first full week out.
Because of agreement with Bookscan, I can’t list actual numbers but let’s just say if a debut YA novel comes out of the gate over 3000 copies strong, it’s doing really well. And this title is definitely above that. It also hit the NYT list this week coming in at #5.
Crazy sales always confirm that a title was buzz worthy.
In a quick look at the other four titles, all of which were released in August and September of this year, they have, in general, what I would call normal-to-above-average sales out of the gate for young adult titles. FIRELIGHT and INFINITE DAYS having higher sales than the other two, and I think that attests to the paranormal genre holding strong in the young adult market.
From this Buzz panel, at least right now, it looks like Matched wins hands-down as the “break-out” book.
10 Comments on And Since We Are Talking About The BEA YA Buzz Panel, last added: 12/10/2010
I'm dying to read MATCHED, and now I probably need to add the others to my list, because I looooooved THE DUFF.
Anonymous said, on 12/9/2010 6:44:00 PM
You know, I glanced at that title and realized I had actually just looked at it in the bookstore the other day, read the back and everything...I had no idea it was doing this well! (Personally, I thought it seemed like an intresting idea but had expected it to be...not fantastic, as lots of good ideas seemed to have been screwed up in the last little while I've been thinking about books I've read...)
All the buzz about the YA genre makes me wonder about the romance genre, particularly in light of AAR's Top 100 Romances list for 2010. The list continues to be dominated by historical romance despite so many saying that paranormal romance is hot! What do you foresee occurring within the genre--and historical romance in particular?
I've been looking forward to all of these too! Glad to see I'm apparently not the only one. It's nice to see someone else sees that paranormal is still trending...
Out of these five, I've only read PLAIN KATE (although the others are on my list), and it was FANTASTIC. So refreshing.
J. T. Shea said, on 12/10/2010 10:43:00 AM
So, if you DID list actual numbers, Kristin, would Bookscan reach into your brain and take them back? Oh, wait. I'm thinking of Amazon and the Kindle...
Matched has the advantage of appealing to many age groups. It includes characters on the cusp of adulthood without content that would be too mature for junior high students. As a junior high librarian, it was an easy choice for me to buy it for my students.
A book like The Duff, though it sounds original and interesting, is a more difficult choice for school librarians to justify due to the mature content.
YA authors should be true to their writing vision, but keep in mind that certain choices will narrow the reading audience considerably.
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STATUS: The most frustrating morning with a foreign rights deal!
What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? RUBY by Ray Charles
Since we kicked off the week with the YA Buzz panel, it’s only fair to close it out by talking about the adult title buzz panel. I have to say the crowd seemed to have responded much more enthusiastically to the upcoming titles then they did for the YA panel.
For the record, I wasn’t able to stay for the whole panel so I missed out on the last two titles: JULIET (shout out to my agent friend Dan Lazar whose book this is) and THE EMPEROR OF ALL MALADIES (great title!). I can’t really give you insight to the reactions when the editors presented them.
For my part, I was very impressed with all the presentations. Here are the titles to get you started.
For my take, the crowd really reacted to ROOM. It’s got a Lovely Bones element and is potentially the kind of story that you might say “ick, I don’t want to read that” but then you get caught and can’t put it down. I bet you’ll hear people talking about it this fall. I did snag a galley of this one. Love the cover.
I enjoyed the presentation for BAD SCIENCE as I like narrative nonfiction that illuminates the world we live in. In this case, the work tackles scientific misinformation. My book club loves this kind of stuff so my guess is that we’ll probably read it at some point.
BRUNO is exactly the kind of literary fiction that I can’t stand but I’m usually alone in this sentiment and the novel will probably be wildly popular. Just not my cup of tea.
I’ve heard amazing things about JULIET but alas, wasn’t there to hear the reaction. Sara snagged a galley so we’ll be reading.
WEST OF HERE is an Algonquin book (they did Water For Elephants) and the editor is the same, Chuck Adams. I have a lot of respect for his taste so even though the book didn’t stand out for me per se, I’ll willing to bet on it because of reputation of Chuck and the publishing house.
If any blog reader was there, feel free to chime in on the comments section.
5 Comments on BEA Adult Editor Buzz Panel, last added: 6/7/2010
What kind of Literary Fiction do you like (aside from Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet obviously)? I did not realize there were categories.
This is something I have always been flumoxed by, because I love to read (and write), but most literary fiction just puts me to sleep. I read Gilead and could have put it down at any point before page 200 and never worried about seeing what happened. Jamie Ford's book was one of the few literary books I have ever read that kept me interested the whole way through.
Is there a type of literary fiction that is more accessible (has a plot)?
Hmmm...your comparison of ROOM and the LOVELY BONES does make sense. And you're right, the cover is cute and young... I'm not so sure about the others though.
WEST OF HERE and JULIET seem average. BAD SCIENCE does appear intriguing; for some reason people like to read about how wretched our world really is. (FAST FOOD NATION, anybody?) BRUNO LITTLEMORE is...confusing. A book just about a chimpanzee? Seriously? And A BIOGRAPHY OF CANCER doesn't seem bad, though I'm still not sure why it's a biography...?
Oh well. These are all adult and nonfiction anyways. I don't read much of either genre. I wish Emma Donoghue and Ben Goldacre the best with their books.
Curiosity made me click on the BRUNO book so I could see just what you can't stand. I don't see it being wildly popular, it sounds odd. Who knows.
Anonymous said, on 6/7/2010 5:53:00 AM
Good for the authors -- having this exposure will surely help their books find homes, even if it's not in my home.
I was all for ROOM until you paired it as having a Lovely Bones type vibe (which I thought was so overrated and badly written I was stunned by its success). None of the others looked really interesting either, though. Nor was I intrigued by any of the last post's YA offerings.
Hmmm, I guess it's going to be a dry reading season for me coming up.
***I just need one good summery read to kick things off, does anyone else have any suggestions?
I was at the adult Book Buzz panel and came away feeling a bit discouraged for writers of beautiful, quiet stories such as HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET). My impression was that buzz-worthy fiction must be wild and experimental nature (BRUNO LITTLEMORE), high-concept and voyeuristic (ROOM) or lush panorama (WEST OF HERE). I managed to snag a copy of BRUNO, which I think would make a great #litchat topic, even though it's probably not my cup of tea, either.
What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? BEAUTY IN THE WORLD by Macy Gray
The life of an agent is indeed a hard one—as you can tell from the following BEA pic. I really took one for the team in doing that shot with Simone and Alex at her signing for RULES OF ATTRACTION. *grin* Alexander F. Rodriquez starred as Simone's character of Alex in the RULES OF ATTRACTION trailer.
Here are two shots of Alex and Simone signing in the Walker Booth:
Here's a shot of Simone posing with a Fan in the Flux booth during a signing for RETURN TO PARADISE:
In that same Flux booth is a great poster of REVAMPED, an upcoming release from NLA client Lucienne Diver:
BEA sounds amazing! Having Alexander F. Rodriquez there with Simone Elkeles was a REALLY cool idea. I'm sure the fans really loved that. Also, the posters are a nice touch too. ;)
STATUS: Post-BEA madness. Seriously, I have a TO DO list 3 pages long.
What’s playing on the XM or iPod right now? DANCING QUEEN by Luke Bloom
I’m back! I had the worst internet connection at my hotel. It made trying to be online beyond frustrating. I ended up only responding to emails via my iPhone and forget about blogging! Yesterday was a bit of a crunch as well so sorry about that.
So let me start filling you folks on BEA tidbits. Most of it is relevant post-show so not to worry. I think the YA editor buzz panel tends to be a nice barometer of what editors will think is “hot” in the fall. In a sense, the editors may be highlighting trends that they think will continue to be strong. Whether that’s true or not I really can’t say. I have followed the “big” books highlighted in past buzz panels and some have gone on to be huge and others have caused just a faint ripple.
So, here are the titles from the panel. Links to them online if you want to read short plot synops:
PLAIN KATE by Erin Bow—Fantasy INFINITE DAYS by Rebecca Maizel—Vampire/Paranormal MATCHED by Julie Strauss-Gabel—Dystopian FIRELIGHT by Sophie Jordan—Dragon/Paranormal THE DUFF by Kody Keplinger—Contemporary YA
I could be totally wrong but my general sense of the crowd’s reaction was one of ennui. I also asked a bunch of other people I knew there and they agreed with my assessment so it wasn’t just my imagination. The crowd was listless and didn’t perk up until THE DUFF was mentioned (which by the way, my latest NYT bestselling author Simone Elkeles read for a blurb and loved it so maybe put it on your Wish list).
I think booksellers and librarians are kind of tired of paranormal novels (TWILIGHT but with….). Now having said that, I don’t think teens are and I do think these books are worth watching and may hit solidly this fall. If you were also there at the panel, feel free to chime in on your own assessment of the crowd’s reaction.
I have not read any of the above except for MATCHED as we saw that one on submit, offered rep, and alas were one of 7 agents who offered for it. Needless to say, didn’t land with us. Sold for big money so we were rather sad but hey, went to a great agent that I like so at least we were in the game.
So now y’all can watch the releases this fall and see how they play out. Is the paranormal trend over or still going strong? The next couple of months will be telling for that. I’ve noticed some strong non-paranormal contenders hitting the NYT list as of late. That could be a sign as well.
29 Comments on BEA YA Editor Buzz Panel, last added: 6/6/2010
I can't wait for THE DUFF to come out, but really, I'm excited to get my hands on all the other books you listed too. I think the paranormal trend is beginning to fizzle, but it's not out just yet. However, everyone seems to be into dystopians now, from what I've seen. Can't wait until the fall!
My own feeling is that the paranormal trend is slowing down and readers will start to look around for something else. The market is just so saturated. Shelf upon shelf of paranormal titles in bookstores. Overload is the word that comes to mind. We want something new, something fresh, and paranormal has ceased to be that (in my mind, at least).
As these things go, I expect to see the trend swing the other way, and contemporary realistic titles will have their day. To cleanse the palate of the paranormal overload, so to speak.
But, of course, if there is a paranormal twist that hasn't been done yet, it could give the trend another boost.
I personally quite like a bit of the paranormal (i don't write it, but like to read it) although it's true- the shelves are so stacked, I stare and feel overwhelmed. And there are still so many aspiring and emerging authors trying to pitch their piece of the para, and it's awful but most of the time i'm thinking 'really? more?...' however good fiction is good fiction, and i'll never tire of good fiction
My students (13, 14, 15 yo) and I watched a whole bunch of book trailers in all genres and, judging by their reactions, I'd have to agree--there is a growing boredom with the paranormal genre. Every time we watched one with werewolves or witches or fae or whatever, there were plenty of eye rolls, "Reallys?" and "Another ones?".
They did perk up for the dystopian trailers (and LOVED the dystopian books we read in class!) and the contemporary YA.
I have to add that my most avid readers (the book devourers) are getting kind of aggravated with all the series--they're dying for more stand-alone. It may be partly because they're impatient and want to read the whole story all at once. Whatever the reason, they have little tolerance for cliffhangers. (But at least they're reading!!)
Yeah, I was about to say...isn't Julie Strauss-Gabel is an editor? I recognized her name from John Green's books. I am a teen, and I'm pretty much over the whole paranormal thing (I'm still reading the House of Night books, but only because I want to finish the series- they're not doing much for me anymore). I support the statement that Dystopians are becoming popular. I've read a bunch over the last year, and have really enjoyed them (and although The Giver is technically Utopian...I consider it Dystopian, for obvious reasons.)
I might have been nuts, but I think I sat in the same row as you for that panel--just a few seats to your left?
I've felt paranormal fatigue for a very long time, but then again, it was never really my thing. Right now, my other agent and editor friends seem to be buzzing around dystopian/post-apocalyptic although we're starting to see a lot of dystopians cross our desks that sort of start looking like each other.
I've read MATCHED and PLAIN KATE. I adored both, but I especially loved PLAIN KATE. I got a chance to chat with Arthur Levine and I love that he chooses books with a timeless quality to them and PLAIN KATE certainly had that in spades.
I have heard really good things about Matched and DUFF. As an author who has a contemporary realistic thriller - Girl, Stolen - coming out in the fall, I hope kids will be looking for something besides paranormals.
Hmmm, how interesting. Personally, as a YA reader myself, I just take whatever I get my hands on. :) Though the Duff novel description seems a little corny (hot popular guy falling for a nobody? please) and the vampire novel is just...yeah. No explanation necessary.
At least my own YA urban fantasy series is somewhat original. No fangs, fur, scales, wings or...uh, ghostiness...whatsoever!
Out of those five though, I'd probably pick Matched. Just for the cover and the fact it's Dystopian. I'll take another "Uglies" trilogy anyday, even if it isn't a Westerfeld book.
I honestly don't think paranormal will ever die. Literally. I've been a paranormal fan since I was a YA myself, devouring everything paranormal that was worth reading. I'm still on the lookout for another great paranormal series to sink my teeth into.
Paranormal is what I love, paranormal is what I write. I'm sure I'm not the only one out there...
I liked your blog. You are lucky! You are free to write, speak and publish. But in Pakistan the situation is opposit!
Habib R. Sulemani is a Pakistani journalist who also writes poetry and fiction. His novel, The Terrorland, on which he has been working for years, has enraged the powerful establishment.
After attempts on his life, he is locked inside his home in Rawalpindi since March 29, 2010. Neither the government nor his employers have done anything so far despite requests for providing him and his family members security.
In a letter to global leaders, human rights, journalistic and literary organizations, Mr. Sulemani writes: “Freedom of thought and expression is still a slogan in our part of the world. If the Pakistani, American, British and allied governments, partners in fighting global terrorism, want to win the war, then they must address intellectual terrorism first.”
For details plz click: http://theterrorland.blogspot.com
I'm also in love with the paranormal, but I must say that except for Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse series (which is in no way YA), the vampire theme is getting a little old. I've been a vampire fan since I was a teenager, but it's just getting a little too corny in YA books for my taste (maybe because I'm too old for that category, ahem).
I enjoyed reading Cassandra Clare's Mortal Instrument series, it's different, not corny, and fresh.
I write paranormal myself, but I don't go for what everyone else is writing and try to keep it original. I also try to limit the whole magic so that it isn't overwhelming, because those kind of stories often leave me confused. There has to be a delicate balance.
In the end I just like a good story, with a strong plot and good characters - paranormal or not.
Interesting stuff. I found myself feeling vaguely bored about these titles as well, even though I think paranormal is still great. It adds an extra element of danger that ratchets up the tension in any story, but I think the key from now on will be finding new and interesting ways of going about it. Vampires and werewolves and ghosts, oh my? Maybe not...
Jason said, on 6/3/2010 10:03:00 AM
I'm with Shelley. Paranormal will NEVER die.
After reading this entry I sat down with my GF and asked her to go through the books she and her brothers and friends used to read. I made a list of my own. I spoke to my parents and friends. Paranormal has always been there.
I do agree that some of the books written lately are getting a little...corny? Not sure how to describe it. But good paranormal will always be around, and always sell.
Kids love fantasy :)
Anonymous said, on 6/3/2010 10:31:00 AM
I have to admit - I was excited for Infinite Days. As long as there's a switch on the paranormal and the authors keep it interesting - I'll read it.
Anonymous said, on 6/3/2010 1:03:00 PM
Yeah, I was there and rolling my eyes... A dragon girl in love with a dragon-hunter in high school? An ex-vamp in love at a boarding school? When will the madness stop?
But I picked up MATCHED and it's better than I hoped -- sort of the GIVER with a romantic angle.
And PLAIN KATE is ridiculously, fantastically good. LAST UNICORN good. BEAUTY good. You've got to try it.
Jenn H
Caroline said, on 6/3/2010 2:48:00 PM
Actually, Infinite Days is quite good. I'm in the UK, and I've read the galley here. Quite literary.
It's always seemed like there's been more paranormal novels in YA than other genres, and I've always believed that's because young people are more open to paranormal ideas. Plus, the whole "normal person discovers they're extraordinary" plot appeals to teens who want to be different and have crazy adventures in their own lives. It's always fun to expand the imagination into things that can never happen in this world.
Firelight's next on my reading list, and can't wait! Surprisingly, DUFF was the one that least intrigued me (and at 23, I suppose I'm still part of the YA demographic :)
Thanks for your scoop. I've heard good things about Plain Kate. I like that type of fantasy and Arthur Levine is such a good imprint. It'll be interesting to see what's hot this fall, like you said.
I would say that paranormal as a huge front-leading trend in YA is starting to fade. My main marker for this is that I'm starting to see copies, even multiple copies, of Twilight books in used bookstores, and they're not turning over quickly. So the part of the market that was centered around Twilight and romance-driven plots is probably going to soften. I wouldn't think this would negatively affect fantasy or sf - there might even be increased readership from those who are bored with the romantic stuff but discovered a taste for the fantastic elements. But I do think the dark brooding romantic paranormal stuff will drop off a bit.
I'm a YA book blogger and from what I've been seeing in the community, paranormal is not dead but I have seen an expansion. I know personally that I'm starting to read more and more things like The DUFF (which I'm desperately trying to get my hans on!) just to break the monotony of paranormal. Yeah, there's still good stuff being written but at this point they're all starting to blend. People are ravenous over Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare and the final book in The Hunger Games Trilogy, Mockingkay, by Suzanne Collins but those are both established authors already.
People are still very willing to read paranormal and are doubly excited over some of the releases at BEA but I think everyone is kind of branching out to greater territory as well.
If you haven't heard about the recent event BookExpo America, you must be living under a rock. BEA has been blowing up in the blogosphere in recent weeks. Our fantastic follower Leah Odze Epstein was in attendance, and generously offered to share her experience at the Children's Book and Author Breakfast. Her copious notes were so fun to read through that we could hardly wait to share them! Not only are there tips on writing and trends, there are some awesome upcoming books included below. If you have attended, or plan to attend a conference, please let us know. We'd love you to guest blog for us!
Notes from the Children’s Book and Author Breakfast:
From Corey Doctorow, author of the YA novel, Little Brother, and the forthcoming, For the Game, co-editor of the siteBoing Boing:
--“Being a reader and a writer are the same thing.” --A writer reads a story or hears a story, then makes the story his/her own to communicate with a reader. (For example, after seeing Star Wars, Doctorow wrote the story out again and again in his own words). --It’s important to know when to leave kids alone to learn. His teacher let him sit and read Alice in Wonderland for a few days, without bothering him. --Doctorow started sending out his work at age 16-17. He sold his first story at age 26. --“Surgeons don’t have surgeon’s block, garbagemen don’t have garbagemen’s block. If you’re a writer, you just write.” -When an adolescent says she doesn’t like your work, that’s good—it means she wants to talk about it. --“YA lit is the most serious literature, because it’s written for readers who want to do something, who want to make something, who want to make books part of their identity.” --Doctorow wanted to write YA lit that would “inspire kids to live as if it were the first day of the world.”
Mitali Perkins, author of many books for children, including Rickshaw Girl and the upcoming Bamboo People:
--The theme of her talk was how books can be mirrors of our own lives, or windows into other worlds. We read both to see ourselves and to see others. --When she was a child, she read and read, with no adult hand to guide her. The library was her favorite place. --“If life is a narrative, seventh grade is when the plot thickens.” --As a child, she read books with all white characters (Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, A Little Princess, Betsy Tacey). She loved those books—they were windows into other worlds--but she also desperately needed stories as mirrors. At home, she lived in “Village Bengal,” but at school, it was “Charlie’s Angels.” --She started out by writing books about the
Hi - I found my way over from Wendy's blog. I missed BEA this year (attended the previous two) so this information is huge. It's interesting to learn fantasy is still so hot. Thanks!
that was awesome, ladies!! a big thanks to Leah, and a greater thanks to all of you for putting this together. there are so many great books to look forward to!!
Stina, the new book information Leah gave us was awesome! Hope you enjoy the new books!
RaShelle, I wish we could get to all of these great events. Excellent point about fantasy. We need books to take us out of our daily lives. These upcoming books sound like they do that well :)
Tahereh, aren't Leah's notes the best? I can't wait for some of these new books!
Wow, wow, wow!! Thanks for the amazing amount of information. Love the quote about childhood being a jungle not a garden.. wonder if Peck was ever a teacher :)
Great summary. Thanks so much for sharing your notes. Lots of valuable information and insight, as always. (Smiles) Have a super Tuesday:) P.S. Keep up the great work on your blog. Love it!
Thanks Ann Marie! Right back at you :) We can't take credit for Leah's great notes, though. She's a superstar.
Buffy, thanks for the encouragement! We love getting uplifted on your blog, too.
S.A., Leah does put us right in the event. I am beyond excited about some of the books that come out later this year. Your site rocks, too! Everyone should check out your interview with Casey McCormick today!
Hi everyone--Richard Peck was a teacher--an English teacher! So you pegged it right. It was great to be at BEA-if you get the chance, you should go! Of the books I mentioned, I've read THE DUFF, and it's lots of fun--a bodice-ripper for teens. Can't wait to read the others.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? YOU AIN’T THINKING (ABOUT ME) by Sonia Dada
You guys can’t possibly have missed that Book Expo is next week in New York. Yes, I’ll be heading there on Sunday. Y’all know what this means. Spotty blogging unless they’ve got good free wireless from the fair floor.
I’ll have my netbook handy just in case so I can blog at a moment’s notice.
So you tell me, what do you want your intrepid literary agent blogger to report from the floor?
I’ll try and accommodate.
21 Comments on Book Expo 2010, last added: 5/23/2010
And how would it be possible to get signed first editions of e-books. Annd how one would submit their original e-book manuscripts to a library of archive
Anonymous said, on 5/20/2010 9:33:00 PM
Various self-publishers (Lulu, iUniverse, etc) have been offering authors "have your book featured at the BEA" -- i.e. pay money and the book will be featured in a catalog, available at a booth, etc. I've been assuming these are basically new ways to rip off naive authors, but I am curious whether anyone is actually visiting those booths, and if so who and what are they looking for? Thanks :)
What YA trends are holding or wanning? Hope the Backspace Conference is great, too. I loved this conference last year, but wasn't able to go this year. Maybe next. :)
I'd also love to know what publishers/agents foresee as the next trend in middle grade & YA, and also, if you can find out what they'd like to see published (aka their "wishlist". Thanks, Kristin! :)
Kristin, I'd love to get a sense of the level of resources being put into marketing at the Expo--ie, the displays, an abundance (or lack of) ARCs, if display materials are being cut back significantly, etc...Thanks!
What trend or book is there that you think everyone is missing?
Or what book do you think has the potential to be big and what's holding it back right now to where it isn't a hot topic at BEA? And what made you notice it?
OMG! I forgot to blog on Thursday!!! Eeek! But I'm here now, so it's okay. Whew! Sorry.
Book Expo America's new mid-week dates are fast approaching and I am stoked! In part because a certain Sister is coming to visit! And my book blogging, beta reading, 2009 book expo buddy, Jess! Will also be making an appearance! Conferences and book fairs are always a ton of fun, and BEA is one of the best.
Last year was my first time attending, and I was not at all prepared. I was lost, confused and befuddled for most of the time I was there. And I was late, so I had already missed all the freebies (and who doesn't love free books?). Still, I finally got to meet Jess in person and I also met Maggie Stiefvater for the very first time. I saw super-agent Andrea Brown from a distance, but I didn't think I'd have anything constructive to say to her so I just awed from the corner.
This year I think I'm prepared! I have business cards ready! A giant tote bag! And I plan to get there BEFORE 8am! The place opens at 9, I think, but I want to attend the Children's Book Author Breakfast!
If you don't know what BEA is, visit their website for more information. It is a trade only event, meaning it is not open to the public, but if you're a book blogger, you may be in luck!! Book bloggers can register for a FREE press badge! But badges are subject to approval so don't try to fool them. If you say you're a book blogger, be a book blogger.
And if you plan on attending this year, let us know and maybe we'll see each other!
3 Comments on Book Expo America!, last added: 3/27/2010
SHOW NOTES:The final installment of interviews with publishers and authors from the show floor at Book Expo America 2009. This episode highlights Jewish books for kids and teens.
...and just because they got mentioned so often by so many people, The PJ Library
AUDIO:
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EMBED:
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EXCITING NEWS:
I am pleased to announce that content from The Book of Life has been included in the new Jewish Book Search tool created by the Jewish Publication Society!
Here's their description of the tool: "JPS has put together a list of the highest quality websites with Jewish Book content. This search engine queries those sites and those alone. This will allow you to be sure that your search will only be related to Jewish Books. No more sifting through tons of content for what you are looking for. Search for any and all Jewish Books, articles about Jewish Books, blogs about Jewish Books, and anything about the Jewish Book world. Search by title, author, keyword, or area of interest!"
Go ahead and try it out! If you'd like to embed the tool on your own site, visit JPS.
More interviews from Book Expo America 2009, this time with authors who've written Jewish books for adults. Plus, we find the Jewish angle on the National Book Award and the Books on the Nightstand blog and podcast.
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Or click MP3 File to start your computer's media player.
NEW! If you'd like to place this audio on your own web site, please use this stand-alone player from Entertonement. Click the embed button and copy the code!
Click the play button on our traditional flash player to listen to the podcast now:
Or click MP3 File to start your computer's media player
NEW! If you'd like to place this audio on your own web site, please use this stand-alone player from Entertonement. Click the embed button and copy the code!
btw, I just read a very interesting blog post at MotherReader about full disclosure on book blogs. So I will now tell you that in the above post, the titles are all linked to Amazon affiliate listings for the books. I did this because it gave me one central place to look up this long list of titles, and because not every publisher had a nice listing for its books (some were very plain, without even a book jacket image). However, I have mixed feelings about it, because I don't want you to think I am selling out or anything. Also, maybe I should check into IndieBound as an alternative to Amazon. Your thoughts?
Click the play button on our traditional flash player to listen to the podcast now:
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NEW! If you'd like to place this audio interview on your own web site, please use this stand-alone player from Entertonement. Click the embed button and copy the code!
How wonderful to hear from all these publishers of Jewish books! I am sitting here drooling wishing I could afford all their titles for the Vilnius Jewish Library.
It took me awhile to update my blog since I got back from my Asian trip.
For one whole month, I traveled solo to Singapore,Bali, and The Philippines, except in Vietnam, where I joined Bart, my hubby,who was already there to meet me. During my trip I had a wonderful time sketching, sight-seeing, meditating and meeting old as well as new friends in Bali, Cruising in a romantic small ship through Ha Long Bay in Vietnam with Bart, taking a nostalgic visit to the city of Singapore where we used to live for a year from 2006 -2007, and then finally, re-uniting with my family in The Philippines.
When I arrived in the States It took me almost 2 weeks to recuperate from my jetlag.
But..... I had artwork to do, new projects to start on and several Books and Art events to attend to in New York City.
The Book Expo America 2009:
The first event I attended was theBook Expo America held at the Javitz Center in New York.
Inside The Book Expo America at Javitz: Madonna Davidoff in front of the Book Expo at Javitz Center NYC:
I joined some of my fellow CBIG (Children's Book Illustrators Group) inside the Book Expo: Below, I am behind a lot of wonderful Childrens Books:
Some things I got from the Book Expo when I got back to my studio:
Bookmaks:
Childrens Books Publishers Catalogs!
My BEA badge and some Children's Book with authors signatures:
Some Totes to carry the tons of Publishers catalogs and books:
Comic & Cartoon Festival 2009:
Another Event I attended was the MoCCA(MMuseum of Comic and Cartoon)Art Festival 2009 held last weekend from June 6th & 7th at the Regiment Armory at Lexington Avenue and 25th Street in New York City. It was in this same building where the first major exhibition of contemporary art in America was held and where for the first time many Americans saw the works of Cezanne, Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso.
It was a great weekend of comic and cartoon art exhibitors, panels, lectures, sketches, autographs, and more! Some of the world's best cartoonists, animators, and graphic novelists were exhibited here.
Here I am with some Illustrator friends infront of the Regiment Armory Building: Chris Margeson, Marilyn Pappas and (myself-Madonna Davidoff)
Chris Margeson is an illustrator from Baltimore who took these 2 photos inside the Cartoon Festival: THANKS CHRIS! Madonna Davidoff at the MoCCA cartoon festival 2009, Photo credit:Chris Margeson
Note: The Rest of the photos below where taken by myself:
I bought a graphic novel byKeenan Rubenstein-His graphic novel was done in a calendar format and I've never seen anything like it before: It has no text, just visuals using the different months to depict the development of his story. It's really cool and his line art were fantastic.
Here is Keenan's Booth with his Calendar/Graphic Novel which he signed for me:
Also met some of Chris Margeson cartoonist friends at theirTwin Comics booth: Cartoonists are fun people don't you think?
I also met Stephanie Ruble, author of " Sheila, The Zombie Cheerleader" below signing her book for me:
Another amazing cartoonist isKen Wongwho does Origami Cartoon. He taught me how to construct one below:
After the MoCCA Art Festival, together my other illustrator friends, Lisa Lavoieand Marilyn Pappas had a snack atEisenberg Sandwich Shopwhich is a New York city landmark - a throwback to the 40's and 50's, right in midtown where they make a good egg cream and pastrami on Rye like the good ol' days.
STATUS: I’ve got so many great notes to share with you folks. Just not enough time in the day to blog about it all. Thank goodness we have the rest of the week.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? LYIN’ EYES by The Eagles
I have to say that I’m very glad that I attended Book Expo this year. A lot of things are changing in the industry and it only makes sense that BEA is going to evolve, transform, change, or even disappear (although doubtful) in the years to follow.
I had heard that publishers were cutting back this year and now having seen it, I can tell you for certain that that is true.
Random House had a booth the size of a postage stamp.
Macmillan wasn’t even on the floor. They simply had meeting rooms in the basement—I mean the lower floor that held the conference rooms.
At past BEAs, aisles were so stuff with people, you had to do an interesting shuffle with a lot of “pardon me” to get through. This year, the open space was like walking down an uncrowded boulevard. I think the only time I felt packed in was when the new Balzer & Bray imprint had their champagne toast launch party in the HarperCollins booth. However, once all glasses were distributed, the bar magically disappeared. It was up for maybe 15 minutes total. The champagne bottles were not abundent.
At past BEAs, ARCs (otherwise known as Advanced Reading Copies) abounded. In fact, you couldn’t walk through a booth without tripping over one. This year? Scant would be the word I would use to sum it up. Unless there was an actual signing going on, very few galleys could be had. [Although I should have assigned my client Megan Crewe to be my stealth ARC gatherer as she totally scored with a copy of CATCHING FIRE (hot sequel to The Hunger Games) and a copy of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES (which is getting some solid pre-buzz).] She managed to snag about 60 ARCs.
However, in general, I can’t complain about this year’s Book Expo. The show was very good to my authors as the pictures below will attest.
Photo 1: Hank Ryan draws crowds in the Harlequin booth for the release of her third book in the Charlie McNally series--AIR TIME.
Photo 2: Now this is good editor support. Notice how Devi Pillai dressed to match the poster colors. That's going above and beyond the call of duty! (Actually, Devi hadn't realized that she had done so until I pointed it out to her.)
Photo 3: Gail Carriger signs her copies of her debut fantasy SOULLESS. One of the few ARCs that were out and about every day for the taking, Gail had some really nice lines--especially considering she's so new to the scene. In fact, in a funny related story, three separate people at random times came up to me during the weekend to tell me about this really cool ARC they had snagged. Imagine my surprise that at three different times, the book they pulled out to show me was of SOULLESS. I had to then 'fess up that it was my book.
Photo 4: Nice signage for the third book in the Gallagher Girl series that is releasing next week!
Photo 5: Ally signs in the Brilliance Booth
Photo 6: Electronic Poster of THE SHIFTER in HarperCollins Booth for the Balzer & Bray Champagne toast for the launch list.
11 Comments on Some BEA Observations, last added: 6/3/2009
Wow, interesting to hear about the changes/downsizing this year. I attended last year, and was amazed at the crowds and the amount of free ARCs and other swag to be had. I still have a couple ARCs that I haven't been able to read yet!
This is an interesting post. The downsizing is definitely understandable, though I must admit--I am surprised that there seems to be such a dramatic shift.
I hope to attend in the next few years--hopefully it won't have disappeared.
I'm glad your authors received the attention they deserved! :)
I end the show by doing my shipping at around 4 PM... No None ZERO books orphaned on the tables. (I did score an umbrella from the Libary Hotel!)
Table signings seemed to be more popular (Hi, Ally!), I liked the bubblegumcard ARCs from HarperColllins, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Brace Jinkleheimer Scmidt had packed up and left by Sunday morning. Harlequin had the best booth... open, a multitude of authors signing, and you had to get a signed book to get a bag.
Over in graphic novels, lots of great stuff. Stitches (Norton) is the big buzz, Logicomix (Bloomsbury) is quite good, and stuff for all ages available from Diamond's roster of publishers.
A bit peeved at Neil Gaiman... he made no mention of his BEA activities on his blog, so I missed his team-up with John Sciezca.
Biggest book for me? The 100 Best Looney Tunes Cartoons. Jerry Beck, Leonard Maltin, guest essayists! Companion DVD from Warner video.
Everyone should attend, just for the networking! Free books are icing!
Anonymous said, on 6/2/2009 7:11:00 AM
Interesting but sad...With more free time, I thought people would have more time to read. After all, books are one of the best and cheapest forms of entertainment. Publishers are so short-sighted--the economy is getting better each day!
I will be attending Book Expo America, May 29-31, 2009 New York, NY to record material for The Book of Life podcast and to promote the Sydney Taylor Book Award for Jewish children's & teen literature. If YOU will be at Book Expo too, drop me a line at [email protected]!
Hope to see you at Book Expo!
Heidi Estrin
Host, The Book of Life Podcast
1 Comments on See You at Book Expo!, last added: 5/18/2009
by 
from W.W. Norton
by 
by Joel Stone from Europa Editions
by Fred Gross from Mercer University Press
by Frederick Downing from Mercer University Press
by Mark McEntire from Mercer University Press
by Allan Appel from Coffee House Press
by Norah Labiner from Coffee House Press
by Michael Chabon from HarperCollins
by Francine Prose from HarperCollins
by Gotz Aly and Michael Sontheimer from Other Press
by Peter Stephan Jungk from Other Press
Photo 5: Ally signs in the Brilliance Booth
I see what I write (msytery-thriller) is not on the list. Well, I never said I was trendy.
As much as I read, I don't think I've ever read something that would be classified as "women's fiction" (yes, I am a girl).
I'm sure there are many lovely stories in that category, but the base descriptions never appeal to me enough that I pick them up.
Am I alone on that?
No, A.M. Perkins. No, you're not.
@Steven Nelson Literary Agency doesn't rep mystery/thriller so you're not likely to find them discussing it here.
http://nelsonagency.com/manuscript.html
What is "Voice-driven literary novels" ... :-) Is this something geared towards audio-books, or a method if writting in first person or something.
@Lynn August - Yes, I would like "voice-driven" clarified as well. Most of what I write I would classify as "character driven", I assume that's not the same thing. Maybe Kristen can expound.
-Wendy Tyler Ryan
http://www.wendytylerryan.com
@ Joseph - I called Nelson recently, and though I haven't submitted my query yet, they told me they would be happy to look at something in the "general fiction" category. Perhaps they do look at mystery/thrillers?
Richard, where would your book be shelved? You want your book in front of the readers who are looking for books like yours. And you want an agent who has relationships with editors who want books exactly like yours. Go for the niche.
Thanks for sharing this info, Kristin.
Yay! I write funny romance!
@Joseph, @Richard: My book's on Kindle and Nook, so I'm not looking for an agent at the moment, but thanks anyway.
Hmm . . . my novel fits two of the points under women's fiction (comedy and small town setting). And it is about a protagonist dealing with issues common to women in their 20s and 30s. But--I've been getting quite a few rejections to my query letters. I guess this means my plot doesn't appeal, or else I need to work on my overall query.
I'm not worried that my novel is not on this list. My novel is what it is. If Nelson is not my agent one day that is fine. There are others out there and other ways to be seen and heard. I would prefer going with an agent because I believe that is the BEST way but certainly not the only way. I write what I love with great passion and vigor. I don't write so EVERONE out there will like it. I know not everyone likes fantasy but that's ok because there are those that do. No matter the genre you write in just remember you need to do it for yourself first. Not for wealth or fame. If that comes then great but don't look for it. Concentrate on the story you are writing and make it the best you ever have done. You may find that you impress yourself before ever impressing someone else.
Thanks for the info, Kristin. Was there any feedback specifically about historical romance?
Uh, guys? I'm pretty sure you won't find STEVEN Nelson discussing anything here.
But I assume that was a typo. :-)
No, never mind, I misread. Simply a lack of punctuation. Yes, I'm laughing at myself now.
@ Steven: I was curious about self publishing on various sites before at least attempting to get agent. I can not get an answer from ANYBODY as to whether that's a good idea or not! These blogs are entertaining, but not always helpful.
And Carmen, I really appreciate the advice! Makes enough sense. However, Nelson said that they did in fact represent that genre...Do you have some insight perhaps on this matter? I'm very curious. Thank you so much!
@ Richard - even 5 years ago people would have said self-publishing is a bad idea. More and more it's becoming a viable and potentially legitimate avenue for getting your work out there (see: E.L. James and Amanda Hocking for debut writers who hit it big). However, there are trade-offs with self-publishing: you need to do a lot of proactive marketing to get your book out there, or else it will get lost in the mire with other self-published novels. You'll want to make sure it's as polished as could be and consider using an editor to give it a look for grammar and continuity. Nathan Bransford has posted some great articles in the past about self-publishing.
@ Lynn and Wendy - voice-driven usually means that either the narrator or characters have a really strong voice. It often goes hand-in-hand with character-driven, but not always. Think of books like The Help or The Hunger Games, though you don't need to be narrating in first person. Voice is one of the hardest things to define in writing - people either have it or they don't. It's a very subtle thing, and is most often revealed through the writer's personal style. I hope that helps!
Excellent! I'm writing a voice-driven romantic comedy!
@Richard (and anyone else new to the game)
www.absolutewrite.com/forums
AbsoluteWrite forums: where your questions get answered. :-)
And I promise there are pages and pages devoted to all the topics that have come up here and many more. You'll want to search the archives before posting your own.
@ Richard - Rachelle Gardner recently posted about self-published authors looking for agents. Might be useful: http://www.rachellegardner.com/2012/05/self-published-author-seeks-agent/
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