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May 2009
29 May 2009
Life's Too Short for Thousand-page Novels
A 1000-page novel requires an above-average commitment from readers, though sci-fi and fantasy fans seem to prefer weighty tomes. For other genres, though, how many pages would you be willing to read before deciding whether it's worth the effort?
29 May 2009
The Chamblin Bookmine: A Booklover's Dream Come True
Jeff Vandermeer writes:
"Ann and I have traveled the world and visited many a great bookstore, but none, not even the Strand, can compare to Chamblin’s, in Jacksonville, Florida. “Bookmine” is an apt title because it’s the only bookstore I’ve ever gotten lost in–it’s that big. You could literally fit anywhere from four to eight other used bookstores inside of it."
27 May 2009
Alice Monro Wins Man Booker International 2009
And well deserved, too.
15 May 2009
Is It a Good Deal?
'For the first edition of my book How To Be Your Own Literary Agent I produced a down-and-dirty precis of book contract terms, "Is It a Good Deal?" This synopsis was intended for use as a handy reference when immediate action is called for, such as a surprise phone call with an offer from a publisher to whom you submitted your manuscript so long ago you'd forgotten about it. I urged authors to practice reading the guidelines with one hand cupped over the telephone receiver while their family jumps up and down shrieking, "They’re buying the book! They’re buying the book!"'
Publishing in the 21st Century
06 May 2009
JG Ballard's Final Story
The New Yorker has published what is thought to be JG Ballard's final short story submission.
06 May 2009
The Lady has the Last Word
Yesterday, I reported a Telegraph article that said Ruth Rendell had pensioned off Detective Chief Inspector Wexford. Not according to the baroness, who denies having said anything of the sort.
05 May 2009
Ruth Rendell Closes the Book on Wexford
Speaking at a party in Piccadilly, Baroness Rendell tells [the writer]: "I don't want to do any more Wexfords. This is the last one. I have other interests now. I want to keep writing for as long as I can but just on my other Rendells. I suppose I shall do that until I am told not to."
05 May 2009
The Age of the Gifted Amateur has Returned
Ian Jack writes: "Advances against royalties are tumbling, staff have been cut, publishers take far fewer risks. The recession offers only a small part of the explanation. The fact is that generations are now growing up with the idea that words should be read electronically for free - a new human right - which has grave consequences for the people paid to compose and edit them."
04 May 2009
The Joy of Exclamation Marks!
Stuart Jeffries writes: "Exclamation marks used to be frowned upon. Now look what's happened! We use them all the time! Hurrah!!! But what is it about the age of email that gets people so over-excited?"