Monday, February 28, 2011

Why, Hello There.

New blog! I’ve loved blogging over at Confessions From Suite 500, and I’ll continue to do so on some sort of basis. Maybe regularly. But I want to devote a little more space to a topic that I’ve come to feel very strongly about: publishing and digital developments/online media. I’ll do that here.

My series on the way digi-pub affects agents' roles (here, here, here, and here) is an example of the sort of thing we’re going for. I'm interested not only in what new possibilites are out there (apps! ebooks! unicorns! rainbows!) but how publishing, in all its facets, has to change to take advantage. What everyone's role, from author to agent to publisher, might look like in the future.

I want this blog to be a dialogue (rhyme!). I want to get feedback on what bothers terrifies interests you. It’s going to be different depending on the audience (author, pub person, reader) and I think that’s one of the most interesting parts. You can email me at ProseBlog [at] gmail [dot] com with topics that you’d like to see addressed. But be advised that if you 1. Query there 2. Nag me 3. Expect any sort of response from that email, you’ll be marked spam. Forever.

So how about a little celebratory contest? Enter by commenting (+1), putting this on social media somehow (+2), following the blog (+2), or suggesting a future blog topic in the comments section (+3). I’ll select, oh, let’s say three winners by a mysterious method of my choosing.

Prizes, you ask?

Well, I really like picking prizes based on winner’s preference, but here are some ideas:
  1. Some sort of agent-y prize: critique of query or first 5 pages. Or something.
  2. A social media checkup. I’ll look at your blog, twitter, website, etc. and make sure that you’re putting your best foot forward.
  3. Title brainstorm. Need something titled? Let’s do it.
  4. It’s been suggested that I send out a signed copy of a FPLM client’s book. But I haven’t asked anyone about that. And it would be signed by me.
  5. If it’s reasonable (I reserve sole judgment) you can suggest your own.

Thanks for stopping by!
(Is this font too small?)
Posted by Meredith Barnes at 7:36 AM
Labels:

61 comments:

  1. Joyce TremelFebruary 28, 2011 at 8:45 AM

    Hi Meredith! I saw your tweet and headed right over. I think this is a great idea for a blog. As fast at things are changing, you'll have an endless supply of topics.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mindee ArnettFebruary 28, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    Very excited to be able to read this! And no, the font isn't too small.

    ReplyDelete
  3. LiyanaFebruary 28, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    +1 Catchy title. Now gotta ask if the title is pronounced La Vie En Prooo? :) And the font is just nice, though a bit teeny for my mobile phone.

    +2 Tweeted: http://twitter.com/dy0ulee/status/42222081823350784

    +2 for following (You didn't have to, would have followed anyways)

    ReplyDelete
  4. JayalyFebruary 28, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    I read blog posts about the evolution of publishing and find the mixture of 'oh horrors' and 'let's all go indie' to be quite bewildering. I'm all for a blog aimed at exploring the issues constructively.

    Duly followed.

    Oh, and since you asked, the font could be a teeny bit bigger.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rena RossnerFebruary 28, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    Though I am very anti-kindle I will read and listen and keep an open mind since this does seem to be the way the world is going...fortunately or unfortunately...

    Duly tweeted.

    Followed.

    Would love to see agent question days/hours/chats those really keep me going - the ability to reach out and ask a question (any question) in a non-traditional way - helps us writers feel we aren't so alone...

    ReplyDelete
  6. A. LockwoodFebruary 28, 2011 at 9:19 AM

    I agree--fun title. And those are some excellent prizes.

    Topic suggestion: Stylistic trends (like the rise of 1st person present in YA) and the benefits and pitfalls of the most prevalent trends (or the ones you want to talk about most).

    Commented (+1), retweeted (+2), follower (+2), suggestion (+3) = 8.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Margo KellyFebruary 28, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    Sounds like a great new blog, and I'm happy to follow! Yes, the font is a little small...but maybe I just need glasses.

    Excellent prizes.
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Julie HedlundFebruary 28, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    Love the name of the blog! I tweeted you a few minutes ago and I'm definitely following!

    I'm excited about the future of digital and publishing in general, but one of my fears is that children's books will become more like video games than books, so I would suggest that as a topic.

    Full points - huzzah!

    Congrats on the shiny new blog!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Aimee BontregerFebruary 28, 2011 at 9:58 AM

    Excited for this new endeavor on your part!

    Topics I would love to see: Any specific thoughts on literary fiction, and/or whether or not you see the digital world expanding the market for short stories/short story collections.

    Commented, retweeted, followed, suggested! (8 pts!)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lori M. LeeFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    I got a Sony eReader years before they flooded the market so I'm so excited about the way things are evolving!

    Tweeted and followed! :D

    ReplyDelete
  11. Pamela CayneFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    Unicorns and rainbows? On top of all the other awesomeness that is Mer? Can a mere *squee* espress my excitement? No!

    And I have first-hand knowledge of how incredibly awesome Mer can be with social media and writing/publishing. This blog is going to be wonderful!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Kate GallisonFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    Hi, Meredith. Looking forward to your sage advice on getting comfortable with twenty-first century publishing. I will put your blog on my blog list (kategallison.blogspot.com) and that of the famous Crime Writers' Chronicle (crimewriters.blogspot.com). I can make the font bigger with a tweak of my fingers, since I use a Macbook, and I do have to do this, but what do you want, I'm a geezer.

    ReplyDelete
  13. JordanMorrisseyPhillipsFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    Hi Meredith,
    Saw your twit and came over to peek. Told all my friends. Look forward to your topics. Best of luck. spitfirerosi...

    ReplyDelete
  14. Patty BlountFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    Congrats on the new blog, Meredith. I've been following your digi-pubs series with great interest. I'm following the blog and am excited to read what else you have to say on emerging trends in the biz. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Linsey KnerlFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    Happy to have found you via @Kortizzle on Twitter. I am more interested in non-fiction proposals than fiction, which leaves me a bit out of the loop on most of these conversations. That being said, I love following anything that has to do with industry changes and, specifically, platforms. I've been building my platform for many years ahead of my book, so I'd love to know more info on how to fill in the gaps on what I may be missing there.

    Shared this on Twitter by RT'ing Kortizzle!

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:29 AM

    Oh! This is a great topic for a blog! I've enjoyed following you on twitter, and look forward to this. I will do the subscribe-y thing (although I'm bad at checking my blog reader and much prefer a little twitter that a new post is up) and, of course, will tweet it out. Good luck. This is going to be fun!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Margaret YangFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:32 AM

    I found the font quite small so I hit <+> to make it one size bigger and that seems just right.

    Sometimes your readers have to adapt to you.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Eliza TiltonFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    Possible blog discussion: Lost art of Choose Your Own Adventure books

    ReplyDelete
  19. UnknownFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    I tweeted the blog link, am following, and here are my topic suggestions:

    The potential rise of author/programmer/illustrator teams, or authors who know how to write code. How traditionally published authors can digitally enhance their work, whether with playlists of music or digital photo albums of locations and objects in their writing.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Steph SchmidtFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Yes, the font could be one size bigger. Or it's still really early in the morning.

    Following, tweeted and topic suggestion: in the advent of this economy do you think initial debuts will begin to shift toward paperback and e-reader formats first, or swing to e-reader first and then publishers wait to release a physical book if it's a success?

    ReplyDelete
  21. Jenn M.February 28, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    This is a great blog idea. I think the font size is fine and readable. I'd love to see a post about illustration heavy MG/graphic novels in digital media - I'm wondering how well these projects transfer to an e-page and how young readers feel about them.

    Commented/tweeted/followed/suggested = 8!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Amy AshleyFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    AWESOME! And timely! This will be helpful to so many of us, thanks. Some topics that I and some of my friends would enjoy seeing are more on creating a brand and also what good things to really be covering on our blogs. I've got ideas for my own, but more input is great, and I've been batting it around with pals lately.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Jodi HenryFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    1-following you, but really would have anyway.

    2-tweeted about your new blog:
    http://twitter.com/JodiLHenry/status/42245182044909568 

    3-the font is just right and the title is fun. Looking forward to reading your posts.

    4-Future Topic: Putting Samples of your unpublished work on you blog (Do's, Dont's. Pros & Cons etc...)

    Thanks for hosting a new blog :)

    J

    ReplyDelete
  24. Janet ReidFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    I do think the font is too small, but it's a nice font.

    I still think this blog should be called There's a Mer-Bear in the Lair, Mon Cher!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Lola SharpFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Why hello there, bonjour.

    I'm intrigued. Congrats on your new adventure here. (love the blog name)

    Comment-1
    Tweeted-2
    Follow blog-2
    Suggestions-3
    =8
    I like your topic plan. It's timely and topical. I'm sure your topics will change and morph organically as topics and life have a way of doing. Thus my only 'suggestion' is to be yourself and have fun with it.
    Also, the font size is a teeny bit small.

    Hugs,
    Lola

    ReplyDelete
  26. Kim MullicanFebruary 28, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    Looking forward to reading future posts here. I agree with those above, font is a little small to read, especially on my laptop.

    Great prizes!

    ReplyDelete
  27. HeidiFebruary 28, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    Being an overachiever, I'm looking for a +3 comment :-) So topics for future, blogs:

    1. Does dark blue text on black work for old eyes?
    2. Neovella -- is it just FB for publishing or a new way to reach younger readers.
    3. What are the other uses for eReaders? (documents for meetings, notes from professors, lectures from teachers, etc.)

    Congrats on the new blog!

    Heidi
    aka Spam Princess

    ReplyDelete
  28. Valerie Keiser NorrisFebruary 28, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    Follow--Check
    Social Media--Check http://twitter.com/#!/Valerie_Norris
    Comment: Looking forward to future posts. And yes, font is too teeny.

    ReplyDelete
  29. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2011 at 11:29 AM

    Great topic and I'm going to bookmark your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  30. UnknownFebruary 28, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    Yay, Mer! It's so great that you've started your own blog! :D I've added myself to the list of followers.

    I do think the font is a tad too small, but that's just because I have terrible eyes. A touch bigger should do the trick.

    I would love to see a topic on writer etiquette on social media sites. I've read articles about general etiquette rules, but one more geared toward authors would be great.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Tony MontanaFebruary 28, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    My comment will be this: YOU OLD FOLKS ARE INSANE!!!! This market, today, may have a Kindle in their nightstand next to other battery operated devices, but tomorrow's market (which is 15 minutes away from taking over in 21st century terms) is not all gaga over Twitter or Facebook.

    Here's my comment: If you're a writer and want to know what the next market is doing, get yourself an Xbox Live account or grab a PS3.

    So we launch a book, it gets 30 comments on some board and a couple of likes.

    Someone launches a game, and it gets 30,000 threads on five-dozen boards. People in 90 countries and 200 languages INSTANTLY begin buying logo merchandise.

    Books think they are competing with ebooks. Not really. We are competing with all digital entertainment. Better learn it.

    -max sense

    ReplyDelete
  32. CarradeeFebruary 28, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    I like your strict policy on spammers. ^_^ It's smart, though I'm sure some folks will complain about it being "mean".

    And yes, I think the font's a bit small. *checks site code* Hm… It certainly doesn't look 13px, which makes me wonder if there's some conflicting CSS in there.

    *hunts*

    Oh. Um. The CSS is sorta messed up, with come classes duplicated in multiple spots in the same CSS set. There's obviously something wrong in the settings, 'cause on the surface, the blog post font should be the same size as the sidebar font.

    I'm not seeing the precise problem point, but then, the conflicting CSS commands alone might be causing that. Adding something along the lines of "font-size: 125%" to one of the primary .post-body classes should work to increase blog post font size. (By "primary", I mean not within the settings for how the blog will appear in a mobile browser.)

    Er, and the dark blue text isn't exactly legible in the sidebar and footer.

    *really hopes she hasn't gotten on nice lady's "HATE" list*

    For a future topic, what about e-books and libraries, like the HarperCollins 26-copy limit on OverDrive, now?

    Commented - check
    Followed - check
    Tweeted - check
    Topic idea - …check?

    ReplyDelete
  33. icountwordsFebruary 28, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    Blog topic - how to personalize a query without sounding like a tool or stalker b/c that's what I'm doing currently.

    Commented - obviously
    Followed - Take my word for it
    Topic Idea - Why not
    Social Media - http://twitter.com/#!/icountwords

    ReplyDelete
  34. MarybkFebruary 28, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    Congratulations! Love the idea for this blog.

    Tweeted. Followed.

    Topic idea (or, selfish question, you decide): How important is it for an aspiring author to BLOG if they're already tweeting, facebooking, and networking on social media?

    ReplyDelete
  35. Kate LarkindaleFebruary 28, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    Great idea for a blog! Digital publishing is a fascinating but scary arena, but I think all writers need to learn as much as possible about it.

    Followed, tweeted, commented....

    ReplyDelete
  36. TarynFebruary 28, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    Oooo, another agently-type to stalk :) I'm glad you're showing us this angle. +3 for following and commenting.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Meradeth HoustonFebruary 28, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    I'm looking forward to reading your blog--should be very interesting :) +3 for comment and following!

    ReplyDelete
  38. JessicaFebruary 28, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    Yay, more agent blogs! :) I think your font size is perfect, and I can't wait to see what you have in store for this blog.

    +1 comment, +2 follow

    ReplyDelete
  39. Monica MansfieldFebruary 28, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    Love that you have your own blog now!

    An unpublished writer should begin building a web presence asap, I see that a lot on industry blogs. Do you have any suggestions for execution?

    What should we blog about? Are writing samples good or bad? How do we find our target readers before our book is published?

    I tweeted and followed as well.

    Thanks!

    I look forward to reading your posts.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Dan KrokosFebruary 28, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    MER. HEY MER. I NEED A TITLE.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Nicole ZoltackFebruary 28, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    Following
    tweeted: http://twitter.com/NicoleZoltack/status/42308626177728513
    commented
    Suggestions for topics: how to best use social media, how self publishing and epublishing are changing the landscape of print publishing

    ReplyDelete
  42. Rachel SearlesFebruary 28, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    Looking forward to what transpires on your new blog! I would love to see a post on Twitter etiquette from an agent's perspective.

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    Awesome! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Tracey NeithercottFebruary 28, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    This is a great blog idea. I loved your series over at Confessions From Suite 500 so I'm excited to read more of that.

    As for this awesome contest, I tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/T_Neithercott/status/42331581272162304

    I'm a follower and I have a future blog suggestion:

    A post about illegal downloading of eBooks. How can/do publishers prevent the digital book from being downloaded and copied? And what's the difference between eBooks and music that's illegally downloaded? Will illegal file sharing (if it's possible) prevent people from buying their own copies. And is this a real concern seeing as people can trade paper books at will?

    (I'm sure you'll have a million blog topics as e-Readers evolve. I can't wait to learn more!)

    Okay, so:

    Comment: +1
    Tweet: +2
    Follower: +2
    Topic suggestion: +3
    That's a total of 8. :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. icountwordsFebruary 28, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    also yes on the font size.

    ReplyDelete
  46. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    Unicorns? Rainbows? Woot and holler! Oh yeah, and apps and ebooks, too. Looking forward to reading more.

    ~Amanda

    ReplyDelete
  47. Liana BrooksFebruary 28, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    Enter by commenting (+1), putting this on social media somehow (+2), following the blog (+2), or suggesting a future blog topic in the comments section (+3). I’ll select, oh, let’s say three winners by a mysterious method of my choosing.

    +1 - Hello!

    +2 - Tweeted under @LianaBrooks - if the feed is working it goes straight to Facebook - there's also a post on my blog

    +2 - I'm a follower

    +3 - I'd love to see some blog posts about what an author should talk to an agent about after they're offered a contract but before they sign on with the agent. I've seen posts suggesting the author think and talk with the agent, not just scream in delight and cry in relief, but no one seems to have a checklist on what to ask.


    total - 8 :o)

    ReplyDelete
  48. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2011 at 4:48 PM

    So great to have you blogging! I love to read the Sharkly one talk about you – she always says such great things and you sound like you work well together. Hey, here’s an idea for a blog topic – a bunch of them I think – how about something like what it’s like Swimming with the Shark. I’ll be you have things you can share that she wouldn’t bite you for. :-D

    On to serious topics:
    I love to hear agents talk about their likes/dislikes in the process of submission and in the stories. I’ve learned a lot from visiting blogs that do a lot of that.

    How about talking about the publishing industry in general? I write in the romance genre and would love to hear more about how that’s going but I also love to hear how others genres are doing. And also, how is the industry doing overall? What does it mean that Borders is closing so many stores? Is epublishing getting stronger and does it look like the wave of the future, and so on. I read that readers, with all the instant gratification, are likely to want shorter, faster paced books – what do you see happening to books?

    Would love to hear insights about how an author – pubbed and unpubbed – can position themselves in the best way via social media to get the most bang – not just using it to promote their books and/or blogs.

    That’s it for now. If I have any more I’ll email you. I think it’s great that you are asking and I am looking forward to your blog. I’ll certainly add it to my favorite blogs list.

    Thanks!

    Oh, p.s. for someone who is, um, older, the font is a bit small. However, that doesn’t mean I won’t visit. I’ll just use a bigger monitor. :-D And I like your blog title.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Alicia GregoireFebruary 28, 2011 at 4:58 PM

    This is pretty awesome. I'm looking forward to future posts. (I followed, tweeted, and linked in my sidebar @ http://aliciagregoire.blogspot.com for a total of 5.)

    ReplyDelete
  50. AmyFebruary 28, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    I love the blog title, too. I'm following now, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on whether authors will need to be more blogged out in the future. I think a cool e-reader feature would be a link to the author's blog or website.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Meredith BarnesFebruary 28, 2011 at 6:25 PM

    Aaaand contest entries end here! Of course feel free to comment in any case.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Sari WebbMarch 1, 2011 at 12:40 AM

    Wooo a new industry blog to stalk! But sad because I just missed out on the contest by an hour :(.

    ReplyDelete
  53. AITMarch 1, 2011 at 8:25 AM

    Hmm...I thought I commented, but it didn't seem to take.

    One thing I have heard a lot about is how publishers are holding on to e-rights, thus keeping the book in print *indefinitely*. I've heard complaints from those self e-publishing their backlist, getting more than they would have off of a publisher's royalty rate. They don't want to lose this ability, and they want their rights to revert back someday.

    Thoughts? So far, all I've heard are author's takes.

    ReplyDelete
  54. LizGMarch 1, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    Congrats on your new blog! Looking forward to reading more.

    ReplyDelete
  55. NAPMarch 1, 2011 at 1:21 PM

    The new blog sounds great!

    -NAP

    ReplyDelete
  56. Jeanmarie AnayaMarch 1, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    Congrats and good luck with your blog! Sounds like a great idea. You've scored a new follower, even without the contest as a teaser! :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. AnonymousMarch 2, 2011 at 12:37 AM

    Hi, Meredith. I found out about your blog through Janet Reid -- a literary agent I never intend to query, and yet her blogs are my very faves to rave. :) Your blog is linked to my (new) website, shared on Facebook, and ... well, here I am commenting. Nattering, really.

    I'm the "Old Guard" print journalist who doesn't warmly embrace new technology with open arms. The vastly underpaid, curmudgeonly, hyper-caffeinated (wait, where's the cup --?) freelance writer who loathes piddling around on Facebook, Twitter and even her own blog, because in my world, minutes = $$. I'll probably quote McLuhan and other mass communications theorists copiously, and you'll wish I'd go away.

    Oh, I did just finish my first full-length novel, too, so keeping abreast of the changes in the publishing industry is a requisite.

    Hugs and all that,

    Melissa (ATX)

    ReplyDelete
  58. Penelope WrightMarch 2, 2011 at 12:42 AM

    Comment: +1

    Facebook: +2

    Follow: +2

    Future Blog Topic: +3

    I'd really love to know your thoughts on edgy YA at this point. Is there really such a thing anymore? I've heard that for it to be edgy YA, you have to have sex and/or drugs. But seriously, if there isn't a character on drugs or having sex or, I don't know, driving way too fast, then I call the book "boring." (I exaggerate, but not all that much...most of the YA books I'm reading these days have at least one of these elements, and they can't ALL be edgy.) What do you think? What makes YA edgy these days?

    ReplyDelete
  59. MelissaMarch 2, 2011 at 1:26 AM

    I think the font's ok, but maybe that's because I'm reading on my iPad where I can easily make it bigger. :)

    I'm commenting and subscribed in my reader, and I have a topic/question: ebooks and libraries. Is there a model where everybody (libraries, publishers) comes away happy?

    ReplyDelete
  60. L. T. HostMarch 3, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    Oooh, just found you! Even if it's too late to enter, I wanted to say hi! And say I'm very excited about this new endeavor.

    ReplyDelete
  61. AnonymousMarch 5, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Hey Meredith,

    I just read your posts from Confessions. I agree with a lot of what you're talking about, and I've started a blog for my publishing thesis project at www.catchpress.net where I talk about the changes in the publishing industry and the project I'm putting together for my thesis. I've subscribed to your blog by RSS. If you wouldn't mind, I try to feature other blogs on my blog, and I'd love to feature yours.

    - Franco

    ReplyDelete

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