From Point A to Point B
Yesterday, I referred to a New York Times article that described Kathleen McGowan’s transformation from self-published author to toast of the big-time corporate publishing world. McGowan racked up credit card debt in order to attend the 2005 BEA on her own dime, but this year, with a seven-figure advance in the bank, she signed autographs for an hour and entertained…
continue readingWhat a Difference A Year Makes
The New York Times had an interesting article about Kathleen McGowan. Last year at BEA, McGowan was a self-published author who paid her own way to the convention and “‘had to really beg people to come talk to you.’ Returning to the couple’s hotel room one night, she broke down in tears. ‘I was, like,…
continue readingGood Ole Fashioned Southern Deals
A couple of fine Southern writers sealed up new publishing deals recently. One of my favorites, William Gay, author of I Hate To See That Evening Sun Go Down: Collected Stories Provinces of Night, and The Long Home, sold a new work entitled Twilight to MacAdam/Cage. North Carolina’s Clyde Edgerton sold a book entitled The Bible…
continue readingBEA Final Attendance Figures
Publishers Weekly reported that 22,366 “verified” attendees walked through the doors at BEA this year. I’m not entirely sure how accurate that figure is since some of the ushers were less than enthusiastic about scanning convention goers badges. Some were tyrannical in making you stand in line, show your badge, and get scanned. But others just…
continue readingToo Much Credit For Potter
Now, I realize that the Harry Potter books got millions of kids excited about reading. I understand the books have sold a bazillion copies. I know scientists recently named a dinosaur after the danged school. I get it, okay. But when CNN runs an article claiming Harry Potter inspires vision of invisibility cloak, I just have to wonder…
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