Thursday, May 08, 2008

The Future is Bleak...House

I'm a big fan of Ben and Alison at Bleak House Books. I've sold them a couple books and we've kicked each other around on cover art recently but they are two of my very favorite people to work with.

Here's their "prom picture" from the Edgars. Alison's dress was awe inspiring; I wasn't the only one gogling at her.





The sweetest moment I've seen in years came when the nominees for Best First Book were read. I was seated at Ben and Alison's table. As the names were read, Ben reached over to Alison and took her hand in his. They sat there coolly and calmly, but that one sweet, simple gesture told me how much this meant to them.

It's great to work with people who care so much about books, and for the people they work with. I love this job, I do.

6 comments:

Mags said...

Hey, look at the pretty people!

Sweet? In publishing? Aw crap--it's time to realign my planets again.

They're heavy you know...

Eric said...

As one of those authors of Janet's who publishes with Bleak House, I gotta say they are truly sweet and great people to work with and a lot of fun and so smart that I'm often in awe of them - much like Janet herself. (Although she'd probably kick me for saying she's "sweet", but take that, you are.)

Unknown said...

Reason for persons of male gender running into walls becomes apparent....

Very nice.

Margaret Yang said...

If you want to learn more about these interesting people, there is a youtube video that is an interview with Allison. When I watched it, I was facinated/horrified at the stack of unopened envelopes full of queries and partials.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wyXqwWRVmg

Julie Weathers said...

I think the picture is very sweet, there's no other word for it. Also interesting they held hands before teh announcement.

What is probably odd for me to even notice was Janet going to battle over cover art. I just assumed that would be the sacrificial lamb.

Dwight's Writing Manifesto said...

Gosh, Allison looks exactly as I pictured from her voice.

Ben... not so much.