Thursday, May 27, 2010

A Day at BEA

Attended the Book Expo America yesterday. Some random observations:

Manhattan sizzled. Literally. Temps in the 90s. My strategy of walking from subway to expo center slowly didn't work. Still needed a shower and dry shirt when I arrived.

Book people are crazy. There was a huge line waiting to get into the exhibition area a full hour before it opened. We're talking books, not the Rolling Stones (although Keith Richards stared down on all of us via a a huge banner promoting his new book).

The E-Sky is Falling. The hot topic everywhere was, of course, e-books and how they affect publishers, authors, consumers, and the written word itself. Conclusion: Nobody knows.

We apparently aren't distracted enough. During one of the presentations I attended, people could tweet their observations and questions, which were then projected onto a large screen at the front of the room, while the panelists were talking.

I love Viking. I saw my publicist, spent some time with my editor, and spoke with several other Viking/Penguin execs. What a great company. Also had lunch with my agent. She's great, too. When it comes down to it, no technology is more powerful than "face time."

Reports on the death of publishing are greatly exaggerated. The energy of the place, and the love for and commitment to books (e or otherwise) was incredible... and inspiring.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Countdown to Book Release

It's now less than 90 days until the release of Bill Warrington's Last Chance. While I don't want summer to fade too quickly, I wouldn't mind skipping directly over June and July to August 9.

In the meantime, I've been getting some exciting and flattering invitations to speak and sign. I put a gadget over there in the right-hand column that lists the events, but here's what's booked so far:
  • Monday, June 28. Summer Writer's Week at Manhattanville College, Purchase, New York. I'll be co-presenting with my editor par excellence, Liz Van Hoose of Viking Penguin. Topic: The Author-Editor Relationship. 1:45 p.m.
  • Sunday, August 22. LaGrua Center, Stonington, Connecticut. Reading and Signing. 7:00 p.m.
  • Friday, August 27. Borders, Westlake, Ohio. Reading and Signing. 7:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, September 7. Wilton Library, Wilton, Connecticut. Reading, Discussion, Signing. Time TBD.
  • Tuesday, September 14. R.J. Julia Bookseller, Madison, Connecticut. Reading and Signing. 7:00 p.m.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Proofread... and proofread again

At a writing conference this weekend, a woman handed me her business card and urged me to keep her in mind if I needed an editor for my next manuscript. I looked at her card. Her title read, "Writer and Edtior."

I thought the mistake inexcusable. And then I noticed that one of my handouts featured a glaring typo of its own.

I know it's difficult to proofread your own work, but does anyone out there have an idea on how to do a better job of it? Sugestions apreciatd.