Revisiting The Second Novel, Again

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We are most intrigued by the notion of a “first novel” versus a “second” novel, because, quite possibly, the first is really the second, or maybe even the third. It is the rare author who hits the big-time on the first effort. In the world of writing, that first manuscript is often viewed as a collector of dust bunnies — why else would you keep it under your (virtual or physical) bed? Thus we scratch our head when second published novels are dismissed a bit callously: Some critics say that it comes about because, having poured all their effort into […]

The Business of Publishing

In Which The New York Times Discovers TPO

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Ah, prestige. So lovely, so heart-warming, so not likely to pay the bills. We will admit that if it weren’t for the higher royalties, we wouldn’t get the desire to publish in hardcover. After all, we count among our acquaintances only one soul who refuses to touch paperback books; everyone else is quite happy to read the printed word in any format. Naturally, we will not name names (Cathy) as that would be rude. So a year or two after the fact, the New York Times (we are going to miss Edward Wyatt when he’s gone) takes a look at

The Business of Publishing

Public Service Announcement #37: New York Times Author Policy

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Though we sincerely hope that no New York Times reporters are turning to us for clarification of policy, we cannot be sure. Times reporters are sneaky that way. Thus we offer yet another in our continuing series of public service posts. If you are a reporter for the New York Times, you are also (apparently) allowed to write books. In some cases, you will have to tell everyone in the food chain prior to committing so much as a paragraph to Word. In others, your star power (real or perceived) will allow you to bend the rules. Whether or not

Square Pegs

When Editors Get That Funny Feeling

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The best thing you can do to Kate Nitze of MacAdam Cage is give her a stomachache — you now, the kind of pain that says a story is good, really good. The worst thing you can do? That thing about drinking no wine before its time? Same for stories — don’t submit until the story is good and finished. MacAdam is a small house — approximately 30 titles per year — focused on literary fiction. Nitze is attracted to the classic elements: As I mentioned above, a confident voice (whether first or third person); arresting imagery; a sense of

Publishers and Editors

Pentultimate Dan Brown Update: The Ideas Weren’t Original, Then Or Now

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We are, as you can see in the headline, leaving open the possibility for one more story on this topic. Not knowing a thing about British law processes, except the thing where they wear 18th century style wigs, we don’t know how long things will take to wrap up, and cannot guarantee any manner of extended attention span. Thus we leave you with this: Summing up the case, Mr [James] Baldwin said the ideas were “not original” and “too general” to be protected by copyright. Also: “Many of the ideas complained of were not original to The Holy Blood and

Square Pegs

Pandemic In A Good Way

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And here we bring you a surprising story about chicklit, or, in other words, a thoughtful essay about the impact of fiction aimed at young women around the world. While the American media focused on the frothy layer of chicklit, the writers were actually exploring topics of importance to today’s women. What’s being exported to women around the world is the realization that they can explore issues and restrictions of their cultures in a way that is accessible to their peers. We have long believed in the subversive nature of fiction — what better way to send messages than through

Square Pegs

Dan Brown Update: It’s All In The Execution

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It is difficult to admit, but the Da Vinci trial has become one of our most-watched (or, in our case, read) events. Unlike all the other silliness in the world, this trial is exposing an important issue: who owns ideas? Or as the Los Angeles Times puts it: If it were a run-of-the-mill copyright claim, Leigh and Baigent would argue that Brown lifted passages of their work verbatim, or that his work as a whole was substantially similar to theirs. Instead, they maintain that Brown built his novel around the central assertion of their book… Artists constantly borrow from other

Our Continuing Fascination With Copyright

Why “Lunch” Is As Important As Breakfast

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Membership has its privileges, except, of course, when membership means that really cool insight is inaccessible to others. Though it is inconceivable to us that not everyone is a Publisher’s Marketplace member, we must face reality. And also do a post will sketchy attribution and limited access to source. Life is funny like that. So Michael Cader is talking about the Freakonomics guys and their blog and their website and how the whole interactive thing ties together. See, the blog, especially in this case, creates community. Community builds community. This is not Confucius speaking. This is what you should be

Square Pegs

Same Bat Channel

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The Bat Segundo Show continues its frenetic pace of podcasting (do they ever sleep at Segundo headquarters?). This week, William Vollmann tries to keep up with the craziness, managing to discuss everything from Copernicus (no podcast is complete without that) to the use of narrators in fiction (helpful, if you’re wondering). BS would like to note that no bats were harmed in the making of this program. We cannot speak for the humans. The Bat Segundo Show #26: William Vollmann

Square Pegs
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