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Blog: Sharon Ledwith: I came. I saw. I wrote. (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, Tim Allen, Jugglers, Books, Writers, April Fool's Day, Jesters, Comedians, Ellen DeGeneres, Saturday Night Live, Robin Williams, Add a tag
Blog: Read Roger - The Horn Book editor's rants and raves (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Maurice Sendak, stephen colbert, Out of the Box, Being a grown-up can be fun, ellen degeneres, as seen on tv, fun on friday, Add a tag
The outside world doesn’t always get kidlit and YA lit. Children’s books are cute and easy and anyone with a vague sense that children are charming can write them, right? And anyone can write silly fluff for young adults. Especially anyone with a famous name.
That’s a common attitude, anyway. But there are celebrities who don’t think that way. Like Stephen Colbert.
Back in 2012, Colbert interviewed the late, great Maurice Sendak on his old show Comedy Central show, The Colbert Report. Going in, I figured that interview would be amusing, but I also figured some of the amusement would stem from a celeb’s typical ignorance of everything that goes into creating a children’s book. Boy, was I wrong. The whole point of the two-part “Grim Colberty Tales” segment was to parody the very attitude I’d expected to see. It’s also a great interview, and it resulted in Colbert’s spoofy picture book, I Am a Pole (And So Can You!) (Grand Central Publishing, May 2012), which was coincidentally released with Sendak’s blurb (“The sad thing is, I like it!”) the same day that Sendak passed away. Highly recommended if you need a good laugh. Warning: Colbert Report-style silliness; Sendak-style crotchetiness; NSFW.
“Grim Colberty Tales” made another appearance or two with other authors before Colbert left the Report for CBS’s Late Show with Stephen Colbert. But the change in venue doesn’t mean Colbert’s become too cool for books for young people (or books in general, for that matter). On the contrary, his new show has a recurring segment firmly rooted in YA: the Hungry for Power Games. As candidates have dropped out of the presidential election, Colbert has bid each “tribute” farewell with his best Caesar Flickerman impression. (Warning: contains politics.)
And of course, the man is a certified Tolkien nerd. This, right here, is what it looks like when someone cares about a story. Not a bad thing to show on TV.
I still think Ellen would be a perfect interviewer for the Newbery and Caldecott winners. But if Stephen beats her to it (ALAYMA 2017, anyone?), that’d be pretty cool, too.
The post Stephen Colbert: kidlit after dark appeared first on The Horn Book.
Blog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Authors, Ellen DeGeneres, Wayne Dyer, Tony Robbins, Add a tag
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Internet Television, Jared Stern, David Dobkin, Jeff Kleeman, Mike Karz, TV, Dr. Seuss, Netflix, Green Eggs and Ham, Ellen DeGeneres, Warner Bros., Warner Bros. Animation, Add a tag
The next Dr. Seuss screen adaptation may be the most expensive animated television program ever.
Add a CommentBlog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Deals, Hachette, Celebrities, Ellen DeGeneres, Esther Newberg, Karen Murgolo, Deb Futter, Add a tag
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres (pictured, via) has landed a deal with Grand Central Publishing to write a book about interior design.
According to the press release, “DeGeneres, who has bought and renovated over a dozen properties, most recently launched a line of home goods on QVC and will launch Ellen’s Design Challenge, a new show on HGTV, in January of 2015.” Home will be released in Fall 2015.
Deb Futter, the editor-in-chief of hardcovers at the imprint, negotiated the deal with Esther Newberg, a literary agent of ICM Partners. Karen Murgolo, editorial director of Grand Central Life & Style, will edit the manuscript.
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Add a CommentBlog: Writer's Cramps (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Amazon, Meg Cabot, Goodreads, veterinarian, Twitter, VCA, ASPCA, PETA, Ellen DeGeneres, Humane Society, Daily Candy, World Wildlife Fund, Petco, Banfield, Petsmart, The Dodo, Add a tag
My comedic novel set in a pet shelter was unleashed upon the world last July.
Here's the good news. Reviews have been almost universally excellent - three and four stars on Amazon and Goodreads, and even a very nice one from the pros at Kirkus. So, great, right?
Well, not exactly. Truth is, I'm just not selling many books. Here's the dilemma, no doubt one faced by many self-published authors. I'm not reaching my audience. If the book had lousy reviews - or even no reviews - I'd give it up. But people LIKE it, and many absolutely LOVE it.
So I'm seeking help: I need some fresh ideas to market the book without bankrupting myself.
Before you start to make suggestions, I'm going to outline what I've done so far.
Social Media
Twitter: I've strategically acquired nearly 70,000 Twitter followers, most of whom are animal lovers and/or avid readers. I promote the book regularly on Twitter, and send new Twitter followers a welcome message containing a link to the book on Amazon. Plus, I engage my readers daily with witty, fun, thoughtful content. And Twitter, my friends, has been the sole successful effort to date. Nearly all my readers come to the book via Twitter. I definitely need to diversify, which I'm trying to do. Read on.
Facebook: Created separate Facebook page for the book, and post there as well as on my regular page.
Goodreads: Contacted top reviewers, mainly women, and requested reviews. A few did so, with mostly glowing reviews. Results: some sales, I guess. Not tons.
Amazon: The mother of them all. Like Goodreads, sent review requests to top reviewers who seemed a good fit. Again, received great reviews. Enough to generate business? Nah.
Pinterest: Have a bunch of followers there, and the book is part of my profile.
Women's interest e-newsletters
Sent the actual book or link to Amazon page to: Daily Candy, Pure Wow, Urban Daddy, Fab, Joyous, Hello Giggles (Zooey Deschanel's site) and Rookie. Guess the outcome.
eBook Reviewers
Sent review requests to People, Entertainment Weekly, Bustle and even The New York Times (now there's a waste of postage).
The Dodo
This is in a category all its own. I read in the NYTimes that founder of BuzzFeed was funding his daughter's new animal focused website The Dodo. So I sent said daughter a copy of the book, and The Dodo featured a story I wrote about my dog on the site, with a link to the book's Amazon page. Guess I sold a few extra copies the days the story was featured.
Bookstore Readings
Did readings at two local stores. Frankly, don't have time to pursue this further and doubt it would do much for me.
Blurb and PR requests
Sent copies of the paperback to around sixty celebrities who are known animal lovers (yes, including Ellen DeGeneres) and to chick-lit writers, asking them to write a blurb for the book - or even, in some cases, option it for the movies. Yes, I have delusions of grandeur. Result: I received a lovely, handwritten note from author Meg Cabot, informing me that she was no longer doing blurbs, but wishing me luck, and - TA DA - an envelope containing nothing but an autographed picture of Charlize Theron.
Charity Tie-In
I approached animal oriented charities - ASPCA, The Humane Society, PETA and the World Wildlife Fund - offering to donate to them a percentage of the profits from sales of the book if they would promote it on their websites. All turned me down, though PETA does have an online store where I can list the book for $500. I'm considering it.
Pet-oriented businesses
I sent copies of the book to PETCO, Petsmart and a few other national pet supply stores to see if they would carry the book. All declined. Also tried a few local independents - same result.
Vets' offices
I tried my local veterinarian's office,which is part of the VCA chain. They said they couldn't make the decision to carry the book, and that I would need to approach VCA's national headquarters. I did so, and contacted the other big veterinary chain, Banfield, as well. Never heard from them - and yes, I did make follow-up phone calls.
Pet-centric writers
Sent copies of the book to a few columnists who write about animals. Nada.
What I've considered and haven't done
Placed copies of the book on subway seats and airport waiting areas with a note asking finders to post reviews and/or spread the word any way they could in exchange for the free book. Any thoughts on this?
So, bottom line. I've done every free thing I can think of. Please share with me your ideas (whether more unpaid things or things I'd have to pay for) so that I can help my little baby find the audience it deserves. You can post here or email me at [email protected].
HUGE THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO READS THIS, BOUGHT ANIMAL CRACKER, OR MAKES A SUGGESTION.
Blog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Advertising, Feature Film, Ellen DeGeneres, Steve Carell, Despicable Me 2, Gru, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Add a tag
Here’s a new way of promoting an animated movie: having a voice actor dress up as their character for a talk show appearance. That’s what Steve Carell did on The Ellen DeGeneres Show last week when he appeared as Despicable Me 2′s Gru.
(Thanks, Jen Hurler, via Cartoon Brew’s News Submission Forum)
Add a CommentBlog: Cartoon Brew (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: CGI, Feature Film, Pixar, Ellen DeGeneres, Andrew Stanton, Add a tag
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres announced on her show today that Disney-Pixar will make an Andrew Stanton-directed sequel to Finding Nemo called Finding Dory.
Of course, Ellen’s fans went crazy:
Reactions outside of her studio audience were somewhat different:
Add a CommentBlog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Awards, Celebrities, Audiobooks, Bill Clinton, Michelle Obama, Ellen DeGeneres, Taylor Swift, Rachel Maddow, Janis Ian, Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Add a tag
Musician Janis Ian beat out First Lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, political commentator Rachel Maddow and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres for the “Best Spoken Word Album” Grammy award.
Ian narrated her own book for the win.
Audible released the audiobook edition of her nonfiction book, Society’s Child: My Autobiography, in June 2012. The hardcover print version of this book actually came out back in July 2008.
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Add a CommentBlog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Videos, Ellen DeGeneres, Ron Charles, George Takei, E L James, Fifty Shades, Gilbert Godfrey, Add a tag
E.L. James became the first author to be named Publishers Weekly‘s Person of the Year.
Many members of the publishing community, such as Washinton Post fiction editor Ron Charles, have shared their opinions about this announcement. Celebrities have also weighed in on the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy.
As rumors continue to circulate about a film adaptation, we’ve rounded-up four videos featuring celebrities reading the book.
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Add a CommentBlog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Bill Clinton, Michelle Obama, Ellen DeGeneres, Grammy Awards, Rachel Maddow, Janis Ian, Uncategorized, Add a tag
The Grammy Awards nominations have been revealed for 2013.
Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton lead the Best Spoken Word Album Category for the prestigious music awards.
Follow the links below to listen to free audiobook samples of all the nominated audiobooks below…
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Add a CommentBlog: But What Are They Eating? (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Ellen DeGeneres, sweet potato, yam, FoodFic, Seriously...I'm Kidding, Add a tag
And, in the spirit of saving the best for last, like dessert, thank you for sharing your life, laugh, and light with all of us. :)
Sincerely,
A huge fan
WKQ6XWYUGVNA
Blog: Schiel & Denver Book Publishers Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Videos, Ellen DeGeneres, E L James, Add a tag
Talk show host and author Ellen DeGeneres shared a short skit online, attempting to read the audiobook version of E. L. James‘ steamy erotica, Fifty Shades of Grey.
We’ve embedded the video above (Completely Safe for Work)–what do you think of her charming sound effects?
Last month, James landed a seven-figure book deal and a movie deal for her bestselling title. In another post, we explored the novel’s previous incarnation as sexy Twilight fan fiction.
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Add a CommentBlog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Videos, Ellen DeGeneres, E L James, Add a tag
Talk show host and author Ellen DeGeneres shared a short skit online, attempting to read the audiobook version of E. L. James‘ steamy erotica, Fifty Shades of Grey.
We’ve embedded the video above (Completely Safe for Work)–what do you think of her charming sound effects?
Last month, James landed a seven-figure book deal and a movie deal for her bestselling title. In another post, we explored the novel’s previous incarnation as sexy Twilight fan fiction.
New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.
Add a CommentBlog: Schiel & Denver Book Publishers Blog (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: bookselling, ebooks, Stephanie Meyer, Ellen DeGeneres, Nicolas Sparks, Add a tag
Lagardere Publishing, the corporate parent of Hachette, reported that eBooks composed 20 percent of US adult sales in the final quarter of 2011.
Worldwide, sales were down 5.9 percent for the publishing arm of the media conglomerate, publisher of Stephanie Meyer and Nicolas Sparks.
Here’s more from the release: “United States activity grew strongly (+12.8%) on the back of new bestsellers (The Best of Me by Nicolas Sparks, Seriously… I’m Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres), despite problems with distribution networks (bankruptcy of Borders) that lingered on into the fourth quarter. The e-books growth continued in the fourth quarter, mainly in English-speaking countries: in the United States and United Kingdom e-books accounted for 20% and 10%, respectively, of Adult Trade at the end of December 2011.” (Via Jose Afonso Furtado)
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Add a CommentBlog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Bookselling, eBooks, Stephanie Meyer, Ellen DeGeneres, Nicolas Sparks, Add a tag
Lagardere Publishing, the corporate parent of Hachette, reported that eBooks composed 20 percent of US adult sales in the final quarter of 2011.
Worldwide, sales were down 5.9 percent for the publishing arm of the media conglomerate, publisher of Stephanie Meyer and Nicolas Sparks.
Here’s more from the release: “United States activity grew strongly (+12.8%) on the back of new bestsellers (The Best of Me by Nicolas Sparks, Seriously… I’m Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres), despite problems with distribution networks (bankruptcy of Borders) that lingered on into the fourth quarter. The e-books growth continued in the fourth quarter, mainly in English-speaking countries: in the United States and United Kingdom e-books accounted for 20% and 10%, respectively, of Adult Trade at the end of December 2011.” (Via Jose Afonso Furtado)
New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.
Add a CommentBlog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Sarah Palin, Ellen DeGeneres, Michael Johnson, Madonna', CW Cooke, Comicbookland, Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, JK Rowling, Add a tag
Madonna has had a pretty colorful life, and pretty soon you’ll be able to see it in full color. Independent publisher Bluewater Productions has a new comic book coming out in August based on the star’s life.
Female Force: Madonna is the illustrated story of the star’s life as written by CW Cooke and drawn by Michael Johnson. The book tells the story of how a struggling dancer in New York became one of the biggest pop stars in history. The book also highlights Madonna’s influence on other artists. “Most pop stars owe everything to this woman. It’s amazing all of the things that she’s done in her lifetime, and I have a feeling that this is still only the beginning,” stated Cooke.
Bluewater’s Female Force series featured other prominent women, including: Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, JK Rowling, Ellen Degeneres and Sarah Palin.
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Add a CommentBlog: Galley Cat (Mediabistro) (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Celebrities, Adaptation, gay rights, Jodi Picoult, Ellen DeGeneres, Craig Zadan, Ellen Wilber, Neil Meron, passion project, Sing You Home, Add a tag
Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has used her own money to option Jodi Picoult‘s latest novel, Sing You Home.
According to Deadline, DeGeneres regards this as a “passion project.” She enlisted Storyline partners Craig Zadan and Neil Meron to produce a feature film version with her.
Sing You Home, a novel about gay rights, was released earlier this month. The video embedded above features Ellen Wilber‘s performance of Sing You Home which can be found in the book’s companion soundtrack.
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Add a CommentBlog: Beth Kephart Books (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: American Idol, criticism, critique, Ellen DeGeneres, Simon Cowell, Add a tag
Sometimes (it's intermittent), American Idol is on in this house; a few weeks ago, while photographing that precarious icicle, I walked by the screen and snapped this photo. It's Simon, obviously, disagreeing with Ellen, while a singer who has just left her heart on the stage awaits some kind of verdict: Is she good? Does she have a future as an artist? Should she defer her dream, or hold on?
Who is the expert? Whose voice matters? To whom do we-who-are-striving listen to? These are age-old questions, and every artist faces them; each of us, no matter how experienced, wonders. Because while, in some ways, artists are defined by the work they've already done, most artists I know hold that the work they're doing now is the work that counts the most.
And yet: Artists are not going to please everyone. Artists don't have that power. Gangbusters action or poetry. Conservative or risky. Over-the-top hysterical or rather straight-up. The occult or contemporary realism. Life issues or gossip. Right now or in the future. Easy reading or a deliberate tangle. You can have some, but I can't think of a single book that contains them all, and because this is so, it is a tricky business to calculate: What counts the most, and will my work be among the counted?
I wouldn't want to live in a world in which every opinion is the same. I wouldn't want to be operating inside a single standard. I doubt that you would, either. So that what I've learned, in my dozen years of publishing books, is that knowing who you are, as an artist, counts for a whole lot, and locating those voices who can help you do better work—who ask questions you respect, who judge a book not by a pre-established coda but by its own ambitions, who care about artistry, if you, too, care about artistry, or who are experts at action, if that's your thing—counts for a whole lot, too.
You can't please the world. You can always get better.
Thank you for sharing how you feel about Ellen DeGeneres and her book.
thank you very much for sharing the information ... god bless you
Continuing reasons why I need this book in my life.
Loved your post. I would pick her any day of the week too! And I really need to get her book.