Author name: Booksquare

Dissecting the publishing industry with love and skepticism.

Headline Reveals Future

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As we’re well satisfied with our own bookclub, we don’t follow those of television personalities very closely (also, we prefer books with uplifting, positive, makes-us-want-to-get-out-of-bed-the-next-morning endings, but that’s another issue entirely). Happiness with our lot in life doesn’t stop us from a peculiar fascination with Richard and Judy. Partially because we don’t know who they are (but this time we did manage to type the word “Richard” instead of “Punch”). Partially because they have such interesting influence over the British book market. And, we suppose, partially because The Bookseller roundly declares the two have picked this coming summer’s hits. Sort […]

Books/Mags/Blogs

Mmmm, Goldfish

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When we’re hungry, all stories about food catch our attention. When we’re not, we sometimes find ourselves playing catch-up. So we nearly missed this one. We won’t bore you with all the facts (that’s why we post links to things — someone else does the work for us), but it seems there’s a book on the market (Little Children by Tom Perrotta) and it turns out the makers of Goldfish (not the things that swim, the cute little high-carb snack crackers), which are trademarked, recently noticed their trademarked (we presume it’s a trademark or it’s registered or something) fish on

Books/Mags/Blogs

We Do Learn Something New Every Day

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We know there are far too many awards out there. Where we live, what used to be known as Winter and Spring now go by the name “Awards Season” (where we live, there isn’t much in the way of weather, so we didn’t really need the other two seasons). So we shouldn’t be surprised to learn there’s something called the Libetarian Freedom Society and that they have awards. A few familiar names pop up on the list (this shouldn’t surprise us, either). Winners will be announced at the 62nd World Science Fiction Convention in Boston, September 2 -6, 2004. Prometheus

Square Pegs

Brown Leaves Home, Stirs Up Controversy

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Dan Brown has been hard at work on his next novel (something or other about Freemasons and architecture and Washington — we’re sure it will be appropriately hyped at the right moment), but The DaVinci Code remains a strong seller. We still don’t understand this: doesn’t everyone in the world own at least one copy? As it turns out, Brown abandoned his keyboard for a night of fun with humans. Those who braved the Rhode Island night (we presume they’re rough, but haven’t actually been there) learned that Brown left something special out of his blockbuster. We won’t reveal his

Square Pegs

Let It Rest in Peace

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It is our belief that only the author can decide whether or not a manuscript is ready to be submitted to his or her publisher. We’re also quite convinced that dead authors don’t make those decisions. As it turns out, Patrick O’Brian’s final work, unfinished, will be published soon — much to the dismay of his family. We don’t buy the argument that this is a big, fat kiss to O’Brian’s fans; we absolutely agree that publishing incomplete work in this manner dishonors the author. Fury over O’Brian book plan O’Brian Sails Again: Norton to Publish New Aubrey/Maturin Material

Square Pegs

Help On The Way

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We’ve also received a few tips recently regarding a handy little manual to guide authors through the treacherous process of selling a book (no, not writing a book — there are many other publications to help there). What’s Next focuses on contractual terms, promotion, and the ever-popular “do I need an agent” question. Information is in the right column on the website’s home page. New England Chapter – Romance Writers of America

Tools and Craft

The Great Leap Backward, Or Something Like That

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Every six months or so, our lists buzz with excitement about the AlphaSmart line of products. For some reason, authors get misty eyed and positively cheerleaderish about the tiny machines and their influence on productivity. For the uninitiated, the AlphaSmart is your basic keyboard with memory. You type frantically and upload your work to your computer for editing (the tiny screen on the various machines precludes serious revising). We continue to prefer pencil and paper, but those who use the AlphaSmart take it everywhere — apparently the battery life is amazing. Alphasmart.com

Tools and Craft

There’s Always the Continental U.S.

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Since Hawaii’s not a possibility, we turn our attention to New Mexico. Mystery authors Aimee and David Thurlo are raffling off a chance for one lucky winner to a) have his or her name in two books (you read that right: two!); b) travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico; and, c) dine with the Thurlos. There will also be autographs involved. Proceeds go to charity. Fame Your Name Raffle Aimee and David Thurlo

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We Shouldn’t Do This

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It must be the super-strong coffee, but we couldn’t let this one pass. Name a book, go to Hawaii. Oops, that’s wrong. Name a book, be a character. We’d much rather go to Hawaii. Deadline May 31, 2004. See the website — they have lots of rules and stuff. The Carol Higgins Clark Hawaiian Adventure Sweepstakes

Square Pegs

Women, Thrillers, Subscription – You Do The Math

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The Wall Street Journal did a story on women who write thrillers. We thought, “Wow, we’d be interested in reading that.” Then we remembered…you must subscribe to read content on the WSJ site (we’ve done this in the past, but decided to skip the exercise; plus, we thought we’d be sitting with a print copy this afternoon — our plans changed). However, we think the article (which PW helpfully synopsized for us) is worthwhile, and suggest thriller fans take advantage of the Journal’s free two-week trial offer. Apparently, women rule. But you knew that. Wall Street Journal Look Out, Clancy:

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