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As we’ve discussed in this space before, sales figures are one of the great mysteries of publishing. Unless you have a Neilsen BookScan account, you’re pretty much playing a guessing game about how much this person sold versus that person. Galley Cat points to this post by Moonrat on what, exactly, is a good sales [...]

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We often complain about the slow pace of publishing. And while those criticisms are sometimes absolutely valid, it’s amazing at how quick the industry is to jump on a topic. Yesterday, Publishers Weekly had an article on all the financial crisis books snatched up by publishers recently. “Though the situation on Wall Street continues to [...]

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I was flipping through the various Sirius Satellite Radio channels on Saturday and stumbled upon a special presention about Andy Taylor’s new memoir, Wild Boy: My Life in Duran Duran. Taylor, the guitar player for Duran Duran, the Power Station, and few solo songs, writes about his childhood, the incredible fame of Duran Duran, the [...]

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A lucky reader named Katie from Evansville, Indiana won the free copy of Joshua Henkin’s Matrimony. Thanks to all the great people who entered!

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Today, we wrap up our question-of-the-day from Joshua Henkin, author of the critically acclaimed novel Matrimony. Thanks for Joshua for all this time and great information this week. Slushpile: What is your single-best, most-important, can’t-live-without writing tip you would offer to aspiring authors? Henkin: First of all, I want to thank you, Scott, for having [...]

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This is your final day to register for a free copy of Joshua Henkin’s Matrimony. The entry period closes at midnight, eastern time, today. So be sure to email me with Matrimony in your subject line. Include your name and mailing address in the email. I’ll announce the winner tomorrow. For the question of the [...]

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In what might surely be the most compelling sign that hell is indeed freezing over and that the end of days is nigh, Fox Sports reports that Matt Millen is no longer the general manager of the Detroit Lions. I know this has nothing to do with books, but Millen’s tenure at the Lions seemed [...]

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The National Book Foundation announced the writers honored as part of the 5 Under 35 program. The authors are Matthew Eck, Keith Gessen, Nam Le, Fiona Mazel, and Sana Krasikov. The writers will be honored with a celebration at Tribeca Cinemas on November 17, 2008. Dean Wareham will emcee the event and Chuck Klosterman will [...]

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Don’t forget that I’m still accepting entries for a free copy of Joshua Henkin’s Matrimony. Put Matrimony in the subject line of your email and send me a note with your name and mailing address before midnight eastern time on Thursday to enter. Henkin continues to toil away under the burden of answering my questions [...]

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Each day this week, we’ll feature one question and response with Joshua Henkin, author of Matrimony so be sure to check back often for great information on promoting your work, dream publications, and other topics. And don’t forget that we’re also offering a free copy of Matrimony. Email me with your name, address, and the [...]

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CNN reported yesterday that a honking big diamond was discovered at the Letseng Mine in the Kingdom of Lesotho. The gargantuan gem is 478 carats and a D color, the “highest possible graded color you can get,” says diamond consultants. The article reminded me of Tom Zoellner’s excellent 2006 nonfiction book The Heartless Stone: A [...]

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The educational blog for the agents at BookEnds, LLC has an interesting post on disagreeing with your agent. A writer contacted Jessica Faust with a situation where the writer’s agent “suggested she remove a chapter in the novel, and while the author was concerned, she did it anyway (and made some revisions). Now editors are [...]

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In a great way to start off the week, I’m able to offer one lucky winner a free copy of Matrimony by Joshua Henkin. This New York Times Notable Book received rave reviews and was lauded by writers such as Michael Cunningham and Jennifer Egan. We’ll have lots about Henkin and Matrimony this week so [...]

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Prior to being plunged into darkness, I great article Sarah’s excellent examination of the various imprints under the Macmillian corporate umbrella. Since that original post, she has gone of to explain and critique several other publishing giants. Check out the links below for wonderfully illuminating info on the following companies: Simon & Schuster Hatchette Book [...]

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