tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post709107554718900672..comments2024-03-29T07:29:32.276-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: Week in Review 2/7/2017Janet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-22531080408778577852016-02-09T00:41:28.461-05:002016-02-09T00:41:28.461-05:00Ocean's Eleven meets The Thomas Crowne Affair?...Ocean's Eleven meets The Thomas Crowne Affair? I NEED THIS BOOK.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08110213933809568684noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-64258325721485950062016-02-08T19:56:17.772-05:002016-02-08T19:56:17.772-05:00I agree Kafka is pretty heavy (and crossing him wi...I agree Kafka is pretty heavy (and crossing him with "Cat in the Hat" is kind of counterintuitive) but I think I can understand Panda in Chief's thought process: <br /><br />The only thing most people know about "Metamorphosis," is it's the one where Samsa turns into a cockroach. Even then, that's all you know about it since people very seldom discuss the content or tone. <br /><br />The first thing Samsa tries to do is go to work, because that kind of concern with bleak mundane tasks even in the face of surreal obstacles is Kafka's whole shtick. <br /><br />Discarding all this and looking for a comp, I can see how he'd reach for "Metamorphosis" as "that one where the guy turns into something," since it's a useful bit of shorthand, assuming that since he's doing children's books, that he won't be taking on Kafka's tone/style is a given. <br /><br />I agree it's not, but I think that's probably what happened. <br /><br />As far as "why would you read Kafka aside from class," it kinda does function like any academic work. I reread "Metamorphosis" before submitting a short story whose prompt involved your protagonist transforming themselves. I found it let me be more aware of things that came from one of the transformation genre's most significant stories, what were entrenched in conventions, and which ones I thought would or wouldn't be useful for the project. <br /><br />You always remind us to read widely within a category to learn what's current, what's old hat, etc. Kafka is definitely one of the guys to look at if you're thinking about magical realism, if only to learn what's been done before. Lochlan Sudarshanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03697644532532339204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-715776392162085432016-02-08T11:13:28.328-05:002016-02-08T11:13:28.328-05:00Angie,
That is so kind and I may take you up on i...Angie,<br /><br />That is so kind and I may take you up on it at another time. I'm hip deep in Civil War memoirs I'm trying to wade through now to set troop actions for one of my characters and the spy rings for the other. I can read other things while I'm writing, but I try to keep the non-fiction very focused.<br /><br />I know I wouldn't be able to NOT read it if I had it now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-50121225666001321952016-02-08T07:35:24.011-05:002016-02-08T07:35:24.011-05:00I believe what Het Sharkness meant about the Chris...I believe what Het Sharkness meant about the Christian market and the Foreign Language market is that when it comes to handling Inspirational, it's all Greek to her.Her Grace, Heidi, the Duchess of Knealehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17818060864422019573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-38076027177611736292016-02-08T04:52:57.602-05:002016-02-08T04:52:57.602-05:00Awesome! Give him a big welcome home hug from this...Awesome! Give him a big welcome home hug from this Marine mom.CynthiaMchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12175917641033760408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-54024415950022089202016-02-08T04:48:26.573-05:002016-02-08T04:48:26.573-05:00Donnaeve -I love you. That picture made me laugh. ...Donnaeve -I love you. That picture made me laugh. It was so cold here only half the squirrels showed up at the peanut bowl.CynthiaMchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12175917641033760408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-88676652723824430202016-02-08T03:43:51.997-05:002016-02-08T03:43:51.997-05:00Thank you Janet for explaining comp titles with th...Thank you Janet for explaining comp titles with that graphic and "They need the same kind of pacing and tension. What a book feels like rather than specifics. "<br /><br />As K.D. mentioned the Creative Property Trust we should create I wonder who gets the royalties and other earnings to the posthumous works of the authors who are dead and gone. Is the authors name traded, in some kind of agreement, to a third party. Who owns the rights? I imagine Disney bought A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh somewhere along there.<br /><br />I missed the flash fiction contest. But I did enjoy reading the entries. We were in Honfleur where a massive fire devastated three 17th century buildings on the old port. It took 60 firemen to squelch it. Luckily there were no injured or worse.<br /><br />Julie, I'm waiting to buy your books. If you are interested I can send you a copy of one of my ancestor's memoirs from 1887. It's 30 pages of "fun" in the wild west. She had to cross Navajo country in a covered wagon. She talks about her orange panties she had to wear to school and all kinds of unimaginable things. Email me if you'd like.<br />angie Brooksby-Arcangiolihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08000615140577512304noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-17993657411645406232016-02-08T02:03:31.671-05:002016-02-08T02:03:31.671-05:00Alliterat, I think I have written every genre ther...Alliterat, I think I have written every genre there is at some point (lots of short stories) except erotica. I even wrote a romance, which I don't read. I did try once, but got bored half way through. It's only recently that I lost my insecurities and began querying. I don't even know where to query a romance yet.Miles O'Nealhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15566986720292847069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-34105510083281177702016-02-08T00:59:59.039-05:002016-02-08T00:59:59.039-05:00allierat:
A) “a future when “average” people in t...allierat:<br /><br />A) “a future when “average” people in their twenties have limited opportunity. You have a job, are picked to see if you would be good at a better paying position, and agree to go through the training, knowing that if you fail, you will be fired.” This how my South Korean co-workers described corporate life when I lived there. Samsung purportedly works this way. You’re hired in batches, 50% will be fired by year 3. You’re promoted in batches, 50% will be fired for not cutting it (no demotion allowed). <br /><br /><br />b) If you need to find comp titles for any idea, go to reddit (there’s a scifi subreddit) and post a question along the lines of “Know any good stories that involve A, B & C?” You’ll get bombarded with answers (PS, someone always says “The Expanse” Ignore than one ;-) Then follow Her Grace’s advice and go to GoodReads to narrow the list down.<br /><br />I'm one of the more lurky sci-fi nuts on reddit, here, and GoodReads. There are a few others too (they can self-identify if they want). We're all (or the shark will eat us) contactable by clicking our names.Stephen G Parkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16627973901802634152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-90234567986877349082016-02-08T00:21:50.494-05:002016-02-08T00:21:50.494-05:00*blushes**blushes*Stephen Kozeniewskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15185600045044927669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-48229235816266981602016-02-07T21:25:26.688-05:002016-02-07T21:25:26.688-05:00モナさん、ぜひ!実は、日本のことがわかる読者が必要なんだからよろしくね〜
まあ、ずいぶん遠い話だけ...モナさん、ぜひ!実は、日本のことがわかる読者が必要なんだからよろしくね〜 <br />まあ、ずいぶん遠い話だけどね<br />頑張ります!<br /><br />Dena, hooray!! Must be a huge relief. Glad he's safe and sound. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-42580822049122331252016-02-07T20:59:32.798-05:002016-02-07T20:59:32.798-05:00Yikes! I got a mention! *jumps out of her skin*
...Yikes! I got a mention! *jumps out of her skin* <br /><br />One of the authors I read frequently in high school passed off her world to another writer when she died (they did a couple books together before she passed). I stopped reading. It just wasn't the same—writing, vibe, characters, even plot—it wasn't what I looked for and enjoyed. I remember being disappointed. I don't think I've re-read her work since then.<br /><br />BJ, I didn't get the chance this time either. Let's enjoy everyone else's entries together (virtually, you know, a little club of our own).<br /><br />Lucia書く、面白そうです!両方も頑張ってね〜!いつか読むのが楽しみです。<br /><br />I also vote for the awesome blue bear.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06411520040763223680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-60495687676819666342016-02-07T20:55:46.819-05:002016-02-07T20:55:46.819-05:00I've surprised myself tonight by being interes...I've surprised myself tonight by being interested in watching both the SB game <i>and</i> the commercials (not necessarily a Panthers fan, but I've disliked Denver since Elway, so…). Anyway, forgive me if this is disjointed.<br /><br />Julie, I agree with EVERYONE ELSE: I'll buy and read anything you write. Loved the blue bear story and the advice to "mourn" and get over it and move on.<br /><br />Those of you bemoaning the fate of unfinished or continuing work once a writer dies . . . you DO realize the writer can exert control over all that, right? You can, and should, make something called a Creative Property Trust and appoint a Trustee to control all your work after you die. Make your intent clear and name someone you trust to respect your wishes, whether that's to continue work in your name or prohibit it. I did this back in June last year when I made a new Will and wrote a post about it at the time (not going to link, but you can find it easily enough by clicking my name and looking at posts in June 2015, if you're interested). Not enough writers do this, IMO. Any decision in that regard is acceptable, provided it's what you want. Make plans as if you WILL leave behind a legacy.<br /><br />Dena, I'm ridiculously relieved my kids just survived a week of skiing in the mountains of CO. I can't even imagine what you must be feeling. Please express my gratitude to your son for his service. And my relief for his continued survival.<br /><br />Another great WIP, Janet. Glad something I said was entertaining. Loved the tweets from Brent Taylor. Such a good reminder that perseverance is all-important.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-88300270394607110702016-02-07T20:35:20.159-05:002016-02-07T20:35:20.159-05:00Dena,
Congratulations! I know that is such a reli...Dena,<br /><br />Congratulations! I know that is such a relief. My gosh you have to be overjoyed. Please thank him for his service.<br /><br />JulieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-15414441126117508992016-02-07T20:31:38.917-05:002016-02-07T20:31:38.917-05:00Allierat, I totally feel you on writing WIPs that ...Allierat, I totally feel you on writing WIPs that are outside reading norms. I wrote a mystery into my contemp fantasy completely on accident, after being in denial that it was a mystery until after several rounds of editing, letting it sit, and editing it again. All that is probably why it got its own drawer under the bed, but I still wrote it. I'm writing a more traditional fantasy WIP now (traditional as in questy with lots of war and dragons, but the Japan-inspired setting should garner me some peripheral interest, even if the rest is crapoli with cheese), but I haven't given up on that accidental mystery. Maybe one day I'll do it right. Write what inspires you. We got your back. ^^<br /><br />That blue bear story was amazing, so that's got my subheader vote. <br /><br />I'm not really much for comp titles. When someone does a good job with them, they speak to me just fine, but many go right over my head, or I can't really imagine the pairing, and it leaves me feeling like using comp titles myself--even with permission from QOTKU to use movies--would be shooting myself in the credibility. I'd rather not use them at all than use them clumsily. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-78091211980717419992016-02-07T20:29:00.096-05:002016-02-07T20:29:00.096-05:00Dena: You must be so proud of both your sons!
I d...Dena: You must be so proud of both your sons!<br /><br />I didn't enter the contest this time, and I feel like I'm missing out. :( But I've had a nasty cold the last few days and couldn't think. I tried to post something late last night -- and my computer froze up. So I'm just enjoying everyone else's entries now.<br /><br />Allierat: Alternate reality is a subgenre of science fiction. :)<br /><br />If we're using TV shows and movies as comps, I'd love to describe my novel as Man from U.N.C.L.E. meets Men in Black... but both of them are kind of old. Like me. Well, dang. I guess I'll only use them if pressed.BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-70045052460520875272016-02-07T19:50:25.090-05:002016-02-07T19:50:25.090-05:00
My navy son is back in the US from the middle eas...<br />My navy son is back in the US from the middle east!!!! (Sorry, got a little excited). <br /><br />Dena Pawlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14444683810125395220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-16604818976592041822016-02-07T19:27:46.094-05:002016-02-07T19:27:46.094-05:00Thank you, Janet! As always, this was a thoroughly...Thank you, Janet! As always, this was a thoroughly comprehensive WIR that ensured I realise exactly how much I missed last week; and as Colin said - so many gold nuggets in there! We're so grateful you collect them for us each week!<br /><br />I must admit some surprise at your comment that Christian fiction is akin to a foreign language market. Is that because the Christian market is so different to other audiences? Or that Christian literature is so different to other literature? And is this true for both fiction and non-fiction? Just wondering...<br /><br />Oh, and I love the blue bear story! Definitely my choice for sub-header :)<br /><br />Also Julie, count me in among those sales.<br /><br />And finally - my website is up and happening again! It'd been months, most of that time with "ball not in my court" problems, but Colin linking to it through his 'list of blog readers and their blogs' was indeed the impetus to get nagging loud and clear until the problems got sorted. So thank you, Colin - and YAY!Kae Ridwynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10356868531870405990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-45756095099678567982016-02-07T18:46:13.186-05:002016-02-07T18:46:13.186-05:00Y'all are very kind. I appreciate it more than...Y'all are very kind. I appreciate it more than you know. It's been a rough week.<br /><br />Allierat. Write your story. Do the best you can.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-8404870710555505782016-02-07T18:30:16.359-05:002016-02-07T18:30:16.359-05:00Her Grace and all--
Thank you for your advice. I w...Her Grace and all--<br />Thank you for your advice. I wonder if what I'm working on is a sub-genre. I tried to describe the story, and one person told me, "It's sci-fi." Another said it was alternative reality.<br /><br />It really is something I can't seem to get away from. Neither would seem to have series potential, at least not so far. Anyway, thank you all for your input.<br /><br />Enjoy the Big Game! Time for me to stand for the National Anthem.allierathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03110608430160062901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-8522165155551562752016-02-07T17:57:49.731-05:002016-02-07T17:57:49.731-05:00Dena, it's dry up in NorCal too. Hoping for mo...Dena, it's dry up in NorCal too. Hoping for more rain this week.<br /><br />Julie, count me in line for Cowgirl and Rain Crow also.<br /><br />Thanks for the mention! I can't take full credit--the Scholastic editor who happened to be next to me in line at an author signing said, "A success is different than a phenomenon." And now I know why.Karen McCoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02640324898284007337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-55729703399647857142016-02-07T17:47:19.197-05:002016-02-07T17:47:19.197-05:00I vote Blue Bear subheader.
As for posthumous pub...I vote Blue Bear subheader.<br /><br />As for posthumous publishing, I don't mind if a few books come out after an author's death, if the author wrote (or partially wrote) them, or to finish off a series (aka Sanderson finishing off the monster Jordan created twenty-five years ago). Unless my career takes off spectacularly and I can't keep up with demand while living, there's a good chance that my inventory could be put out after I've passed beyond the Veil. (Unless of course my career tanks and my heirs can't be bothered with the hassle of indie publishing.)<br /><br /><b>Allierat:</b> a few ideas to help you with your comps:<br />a. Start reading more sci-fi. Start by picking up a book you think might match what you're writing and give it a go. You'll know pretty early on if it's a match for your work. If it isn't, and it hasn't completely sucked you in, you are under no obligation to finish it. Drop it and go pick up the next book.<br />b. tap into the clandestine sci-fi subculture lurking here. If we all head off to a dark corner somewhere and you start talking about your novel, I'm sure a few of us well-read folk can help you with comp titles.<br />c. Trawl Goodreads. The more popular sci-fi series will have reviews or even a few threads going on about themes, style and more. These conversations can be a good place to harvest info about potential comps.<br /><br />I've written a few books outside of my usual reading sphere, mostly me experimenting during my apprentice years when an idea popped into my head. These books need to be written, even if only to get them out of our systems.<br /><br />The Big Question to ask yourself is, if you got this book published, do you want to write another one? If so, you really do want to be reading more of your peers. Don't be afraid that you may be 're-writing' what someone else wrote before. The Muses maximise the value of a single idea by giving them to lots of people. However, how we write it can make all the difference. <br /><br />If you're <i>not</i> familiar with the soft sci-fi genre, but are really familiar with another, this might work to your advantage for this first book. Let the story flow. It'll feel more natural. Don't think you have to stick to perceived tropes of the genre. You might end up with something quite viable.<br /><br />Gail Carriger took Paranormal vampires and werewolves and stuck them in the Steampunk Victorian era. (Soulless) Mary Robinette Kowal took the Regency Romance era and liberally laced it with magic. (Shades of Milk and Honey)<br /><br />Weather: last week in Western Australia, we got caught between Cyclone Stan up north and a deep low in the Bight. This brought us winter-like weather, with lots of rain (!) and temperatures so cool in the morning kids had to wear jackets to school. This week, we're enjoyig the 40C+ (105F+) weather typical to a February.<br />Her Grace, Heidi, the Duchess of Knealehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17818060864422019573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-39517529492182152912016-02-07T17:32:25.764-05:002016-02-07T17:32:25.764-05:00Great stuff, Janet. But count me among the surpris...Great stuff, Janet. But count me among the surprised that movies make good comp titles. Is it safe to assume that TV shows would also make good comps?<br /><br />Prior to now, I thought it was sorta mandatory to stick with books for comp titles.<br /><br />My understanding then is the biggest benefit to comp titles is giving a quick and clear understanding of what the book is about. So I guess you can use anything from a SNL skit to a one-act play to a viral video if you were safe that most people understand the reference. And understand the title you've attached to it.<br /><br />Cast Away: Thoreau lands on Gilligan's Island?<br /><br />This gives me new hope for finding better comps for my work. Which is to say, it's upgraded from hopeless to unlikely. Still progress!John Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01702305890462479118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-72700087821557854572016-02-07T17:06:59.413-05:002016-02-07T17:06:59.413-05:00Love the WiR. When I first started lurking here, ...<br />Love the WiR. When I first started lurking here, Sundays were usually a cute photo and an exhortation to have a great day. I sometimes wonder whether Janet regrets giving herself an extra weekly assignment.<br /><br />I always thought you wanted to use books as comps, not movies, because you're trying to identify your audience [“people who enjoyed X will enjoy this book”], and people who buy books are not necessarily the same people who watch movies.<br /><br />>>whereas Cat in the Hat is sold as juvenile lit. That adults enjoy it is a bonus of course, but most grown ups aren't going to read Cat for fun on a Friday night. <br /><br />I read Cat in the Hat for fun on Friday nights [and many other nights] for years. This is because I have four kids. And my #2 is 19yo and disabled, and he still enjoys Cat in the Hat, altho [despite all the doctors assuring me it would never happen], now HE reads it to ME.<br /><br />Looking forward to the contest results. I've made a notation of the ones I thought were winners.<br /><br />We have fire and nosebleed weather this week. Hot [90s], dry [12% humidity], windy [25+mph]. Yesterday was weekly lawn-watering day in my city, and the water's all dried up already. I'll have to sneak out on Tuesday or Wednesday night and hand-water a bit, to keep my grass from spontaneously combusting.<br /><br />The joys of February in SoCal.<br /><br />Have a great week.<br /><br />Dena Pawlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14444683810125395220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-20701293649076333422016-02-07T16:53:39.852-05:002016-02-07T16:53:39.852-05:00CynthiaMc - have mercy, I still have on my flip f...CynthiaMc - have mercy, I still have on my flip flops, and yes, I went out to feed the birds in them, sloshing through the sleet/slush mix. I imagine I looked like a fool to my neighbors. Most likely.<br /><br />Hey, I'm just trying to build the *eccentric, strange, writer woman who lives over there.* <br /><br />Julie, make that four. I'd buy Cowgirl and Rain Crow. And anything else. Just sayin'. Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.com