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video games promote video game playing. books promote reading. how bout instead of holding video game tournaments in libraries they hold writing contests, or poetry slams, or spoken word contests....oh wait then the kids would be actually using their minds, i forgot.

Question: How will this economic situation affect publishing houses acquiring new books? Specifically, how will it affect unpublished authors' chances of getting published for the first time?

Signed,

Someone with an agented book out with editors
(but you can call me Bob)

Perhaps the Nobel betting is all mobbed up like so much other betting and they're afraid of a kneecapping.

This could be the premise for a novel! Or maybe a short story. Or just a post. :-)

Bob-

If anyone says they know the answer to that question they're either psychic or lying.

But my best stab at answering is that every book is individual. There will be books that sell and books that don't in the coming months. As a whole the industry will probably see a downturn, but within the industry there will be successes.

I was going to suggest a new right for the Introverts list, but...

Well, I just couldn't bring myself to speak up.

(What? You thought an anonymous blogger was an extrovert?)

Love the links this week. The new Dracula book sounds intriguing. I'll be reading it.

Shrinking Violets Bill of Rights is fabulous.

LOL, introvert's bill of rights. I like it. Leaving social events early...... or not attending them at all. ;)

"Don't Follow Trends" The divas were just discussing this. They basically said the same thing.

OH OH OH -

And DRACULA! Now, this is exciting for me. I am not fond of the modern vampires-are-sexy trend, or any of the vampire stories that have surfaced in the last century, really. But I ADORE the original, and I am so excited to see what these new books bring!! I wonder, though, who it is that will be stalking the original vampire-hunting crew... Dracula was already killed trying to return to Castle Dracula...

Oh gosh, I think Bram Stoker's DRACULA is just great. Can`t wait to read what his family has in store.

On Dracula - there's an episode of "Rocko's Modern Life" where they see a preview for the new Dracula movie:

Dracula - Done to Death!

Funny stuff (as is most of Rocko). In cartoons there is truth, too.

Hey Nathan, long time reader, first time question-asker. Feel free to take a stab at it if you want:

How does the idea of a soundtrack to a novel sound? I had an idea to compile songs that follow the theme/tone of a story, or perhaps are relavent to the story in more subtle ways.

Then say you buy the book with a code reedemable on itunes for 50% off the soundtrack, or something like that. Maybe too you could get recording artists to write their own original songs for the soundtrack, just like they do for movies.

I was just wondering because it seems like a win win for publishing and the music industry. Then it would give Steve Jobs (aka God), and Apple a stake in the publishing industry--which could only be a good thing, right?

I was just wondering your thoughts because, after all, I'm just an outsider looking in. You're the real deal.

"Introverts have the right to leave social events 'early' as needed."

This is my parents! Both introverts. They are fabulous people so they get invited to parties, but they agree ahead of time that they are leaving at 10:00. They tell the host that they have to leave "early" and by 10:15, they are home and tucked in their bed, reading books.

I adore my parents. Wonderful role models.

bob-

Book soundtracks have definitely been done (see here for just one). I'm not sure about how they've fared and how/whether they contributed to the book or soundtrack's success, but maybe someone else can chime in on that.

Every since I started writing again, people have asked me "Don't you wish your books could be made into movies?"

"Uh no," I always say, "But I'd kill to have one made into a video game!"

They always think I'm joking, but I'm not.

Nathan,

Thank you for such an informative blog today! I figured things had to be difficult for publishing houses right now. I’ve been glued to the T.V. much of today, even watching the business/financial channel, and it’s been a wild ride. The most amazing moments for me on T.V. today were when a stock market screen lit up all over the place like a Christmas tree with red arrows blinking down, followed by a roar from the traders on the floor, followed by a screen lighting up with green arrows pointing up all over the place, another roar, and then the stock market going back down, shortly before it was announced that there will be a G-7 meeting in Washington D.C. to discuss international finances. Wow.

I’m delighted to hear about video games as a way to expand the ability to experience a book. I found this part of the New York Times article really interesting: "Researchers, who are just beginning to explore the cognitive effects of video games, have found that in laboratory settings, action gamers are better than nonplayers at focusing on tasks and ignoring irrelevant distractions." I read in another article some similar results of research: 1.) the major difference between college students who play computer games and those who don’t is that those who play computer games are better at multi-tasking, and 2.) many of the best neurosurgeons play video games, which may account for improved eye-hand coordination.

I love the advice: "don’t follow trends". Better to have the next best thing.

Here at my library, we host poetry slams and talent shows and writing contests and getting ready for college seminars... *and* video game tournaments. It's certainly not what we're all about, but we enjoy them (says this 26-year-old librarian). I am a WoW player, and I also enjoy the Super Smash Bros., Guitar Hero, DDR, and TF2 gaming events we host. I don't know how I feel about games promoting literacy--I was an avid reader long before I played video games, so I don't necessarily link the two in my head. But the games get them into the library. You need to support a positive image for the library--the more positive it is as a place, the more likely teens are to come and use it.

Warcraft does have an extensive lore and lots of great books that go along with it though. As do Warhammer, Halo, etc. So I do see a connection.

Thank you for your weekly wrap-up. I would be concerned about the state of publishing, but since I'm now looking at a retirement age of 90+ there's still plenty of time for the industry to rebound and for me to be published. Sigh.

Trust me Nathan, once you've played ROCK BAND you never go back!This from an almost 22-year-old ROCK BAND addict. I'm also really into LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG WORLD, but that's neither here nor there.

Digital library sounds interesting. Are they going to spin off quotes from books and give you points if you read them correctly/identify them? Sounds interesting all the same. I don't think it's going to take the desire to read a properly bound novel out of me or my hands.

Hey, thanks Nathan, I appreciate it. I know you're busy...next time I'll Google it. I swear.

Anonymous- do you have kids? I've got three- two with verifiably high IQ's-(one of them has already been accepted at to his first choice University for Fall 09 majoring in Secondary Ed/English) and I can assure you, they would prefer death to a poetry slam or word contest. First off, even if they thought that it sounded good after studying their brains out all week, their friends would beat the you-know-what out of them. It would be social suicide.

I think the idea of marrying reading with video games sounds interesting. Will the kids have to read chapters on the screen to move forward?

I should also add that we live in Football Country. Oklahoma. Boys are expected to get concussions, not win poetry contests. I'm sure in other parts of the vast world it's different. Here, all the matters is that OU stomps UT tomorrow.

And I will read the new Dracula book. I feel a dark faze coming on. :)

The digital gaming/reading link - may also bring many boys/young men to reading at least something, who would otherwise not. But when I read I love creating a visual world from the words on the page. Imagination and the resulting creativity are critical factors in early development, hope it can be countered in another way.

Video games and the book in an all-in-one Kindle has to be next?

Question: on a Kindle or Sony reader - presume there is no book jacket? Will that become less important in future for digital-only books?

Re teh video games connection to books---I mentioned this *two* years ago at a children's book writers conference. Everyone looked at me like I had a third arm.
I think it's another way publishing is changing....

Hi there! I really enjoy your blog! After all, my dream is to become a writer one day! I'm only 16, too!

Keep up with the great posts!

-N.

http://alifeconsumedbyliteratureandprose.blogspot.com/

I accidentally sent my comment via e-mail, still, it is good advice.

I realized that the Nobel prize no longer had any meaning when they awarded one, in science, to a man who had never done anything scientific. Just political and popular.

The Introvert bill of rights is a scream, and just what we quiet thinking types need.

Interesting post. Why is digital literary so important? An explanation for why you indicated that would be helpful. From my observations, there must be some payoff for the game player to do the reading - i.e., a free upgrade of the game, free games, etc. The market which is being targetted thrives on instant gratification (don't we all?) I would find it annoying to have to jump back and forth between a game and reading a book for clues, but I happen to like books - and the self-paced aspect. Gaming encourages flash responses, but reading requires a little more time when reading text as opposed to seeing visual images. Is there a conflict there? (I know there are still a lot of Guitar Heroes out there, but that is still a visual, and physical activity. Did it encourage players to read up on the artists or bands who created those songs? I'm doubtful that it did.)
As for the betting, there will always be some form of that activity. Bemoaning the fact sounds a little like whining. Aside from religion, not much is sacred anymore. Life in the 21st century plays by different rules.

So many things! Wow!

The video games promoting reading? Indeed, they do already, and they can even more. There are some games that do it better than others, but I can assure you that if the game says it my kids will read it and for young readers it increases their vocabulary and reading speed. If it links to a novel, they will be more likely to read the novel. It's the reality of the world we live in. It seems to me that it could be a great market possibility for writers who are willing to go with it.

Fairness of the Nobel prize:
Whatever! I was wondering how many on the committee are anti-american. Not that I have a problem with a french winner. I have a master's in french, but I'm just saying: it seems fishy to me.

As for the betting business: Really? Betting on that? Sheesh, people will bet on anything! and then get bent out of shape about it.

As for the book soundtrack connection. Stephenie Meyer did it for her books and I know that the sales for those artists that she included were up on itunes. Especially certain artists benefitted from her playlists. Muse in particular. I think that is why one of the groups from the playlist performed for her release party. A lot of fans of her books became immediate fans of the music. For a lot of books I think music could work hand in hand. Of course, I am a huge fan of music like a lot of other people that's why I think it would work.

So much more to comment on, but I think I'll stop there. This is already way too long.

Have a great weekend!

Bob, I wanted to comment on your idea of a book soundtrack. I say if the book is popular enough, music to go along with it also seems to be a popular trend.

I am thinking specifically of books that I know that have inspired music, ie. Harry Potter and Twilight. But I do know Stephenie Meyer lists her "playlists" that go along with her books, and I know people who have downloaded the music for thier own albums. So eventhough it is not sold as a compilation in the stores, it certainly is drawing attention to a "book soundtrack".

Hope that helps.

Bob,

I like the idea of soundtracks for historicals, but only if the music is authentic to the period.

My blogged WIP, a YA historical set in the late 18th century, has links that allow my readers (betas) to hear the music mentioned in the story. It all adds up to a little extra knowledge about the period. If the music helps set a mood, like a movie soundtrack, than so much the better!

1. Now is your time to buy, and you can control Random House with the change from your couch cushions!

2. Vampires suck.

3. To get to the next level, you have to read a book and answer a quiz on it. Sparking better sales in Coles Notes and other "study guides."

4. Introverts reserve the right to annoy people in blog comments.

5. I'm to slow to follow trends, preferring to step up the next one, so I look avant garde.

6. Le Clezio is Cormac McCarthy, the whole thing is just a scam to fool those snooty Eurotrash judges. He is also the real mother of Sarah Palin's baby. It's a long story.

7. I'll bet there was heavy action in Vegas. They'll bet on anything. ;)

I was away on a cruise and I'm back now...I can't tell you how many KINDLES there were!!! It was amazing!!What was even more amazing? When the owners found out I was an author they downloaded my book right on the ship...
Very cool...
As far as trends... very good article. I was told when I was writing LOTTERY that lottery stories were so over...

Le Clezio is NOT Cormac McCarthy - Read the NYTimes article on him. He is far more of an internationalist. Which is what is wrong with much of American writing today - there's far too much inward navel gazing. There's a whole reading public out there which is not particularly interested in elegiac memories of growing up in the American South or the Midwest.

Not a huge fan of the American lit bashing, of late. It's pretty easy to dogpile right now on the U.S., and there aren't many opportunities to do so being passed up. Americans need to do some real soul searching and break out of a national adolescence, in my opinion. The same old same old I could do without, but I'm not exactly ashamed that there's a literary identity strengthening going on.

And I just have to think books and video games don't really mix well. There are ways to promote books through their characters, and I have seen quite a few HALO paperbacks on shelves, although I haven't actually tried reading one of them. But outside of some story background in a manual, trying to incorporate serious reading into gameplay seems like the quickest way to make your video game property fail.

I read an article on independent.com/uk in which Doris Lessing says that winning the Nobel Prize was a "bloody disaster." So, maybe being overlooked for that award is not such a bad thing.

Since only 12 Le Clezio's books have been translated into English it's not our fault that most of us "belly button gazers" haven't got him on our shelves. :) I read a couple of excerpts and I have to say, I'd still rather hear American writers write about life in America.

I mean - READ what American writers.....about American life. I'm thinking of being checked for early onset alzheimers if this brain fa--ing continues.:)

Martha,

The way your post is worded makes it seem as if you're implying that Cormac McCarthy writes "elegiac memories of growing up in the South or Midwest." Which is pretty funny (at least for anyone who's read McCarthy). Well, that's my chuckle for the day, and I quite enjoyed it.

Also- Martha - Futures prices, and Oil are down a bit, but there's still a lot of money in Cattle, Crops and Crude. Think, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Also,banks in these three states have recently been evaluated and are generally very sound. (Dad owns a bank) So, if I wanted to sell books to people who had money, I'd learn the proper use of the word "ya'll" and other things like- all soda is "Coke" - even if it's Pepsi. These Midwestern and Southern folks may still be in the book market, despite the economiic collapse.
Have a good weekend - YA'LL! :)

Could you paraphrase what the PM article said? Because it's restricted access only, I think, and while I'm curious to know how the industry is doing, I don't have an extra $20 to spend on a subscription right now. :/

Loving books are like loving the air we breathe. There is no economic situation...they are a necessity in life!

Loving books are like loving the air we breathe. There is no economic situation...they are a necessity in life!

True Anon. The economy made me snarky. And any twinge of anti-Americanism sets me off after my time in the EU this summer.

Am about to start reading "One Thousand White Women." My friend says it's wonderful.

Second to the last sentence:

*mrrrowrrr* pfft! pfft!

Loved it!

You know, I had kind of the same amused reaction to the suspected Nobel lit leak. Like, what kind of NERDS are betting on books instead of sports and ponies??!

"oh wait then the kids would be actually using their minds, i forgot."

Ohh lol that just made my day.
Great blog thx for posting.Keep up the good work!!

Morimasa Tonaki

Where is Nathan today? Out living a normal life instead of creating a post? How dare he?
Just wanted to make a follow up comment - from the stalker reltated post last week- Someone made a lude comment about my child on my blog today. Just as I wrote that I feared- in my comment last week.
So, I freaked out at the thought of someone getting their jollies from my daughters pic, deleted the whole dang blog- then was encouraged to blog on- minus kids pics. That's gonna be hard for me but- to heck with the stalkers and pervs- I restored the blog. :)
Also- feel like my IQ went up 936 points today!!

Glad I left publishing last month!! I decided to go into teaching since the income was terrible and I wasn't able to focus on my writing.

Reason I'm glad, so many people in my office got the boot due to the economy and a loss of a huge client we had, Hachette Books!! OUCH

P.S. Re: Anonymous comments on it's affect on acquiring new books...from my experience in publishing (which has been a few years)it already has affected new authors!!

Unless you are a famous indv. you most liskely aren't going to get signed on this coming year...of course, there are exceptions like anything else in life. It's a sad time in publishing.

I *knew* Lauren's book deal would be making an appearance in your blog today! It was actually my first thought when I heard the news :).

Your blog rocks! Glad to see it get some Blogger love.

Thank goddess I didn't use the word Shattered in my query, because now maybe someone phenomenal will consider representing me. That Lauren may be smart and pretty but she's a damn fool.

Thank you for the hint. Since I will be sending you a query on my first novel soon, it's nice to know what you like and don't like. Not that I want to kiss up!

Gotta work on that personalizing...

Great inside information. Good to know in case I ever write a book about my shattered life. ha.
I'm one of those people that is told they should write a book about their lives- all the time. Thanks to my very nutty family, lots of drama when I was a teen- and unusual experiences. Always try to explain to folks that I'm happily UN-shatterd, thank you very much, and not interested in being defined by the past by writing a book about it. I'd rather be defined by the awesome present. Besides- everyone has a story. Those "shattered lives" books must be a dime a dozen.
Great blog.

Nathan,

Ahhhh, I DO see. Now. The first time around, that string of cliches made me yech and flee the scene.

On second reading, I appreciate what Ms. Maslin's doing. But I still don't think I'm going to read that book! (I'm just not into coming-of-age and smug attempts to disguise/elevate/reinvent the genre...Oh, excuse me. The Loved One just shattered my ego by whacking me on the head with a printout of my own smug attempt to disguise/elevate/reinvent the genre...)

First time reading your blog, and I am hooked.Congratulations on being noteworthy!



http://noxysnotions.blogspot.com/

You have 61 comments with people finding ways to used "is shattered"? Hmmm. This blog fad just might be overrated. I was hoping to find more literary minds giving their two bits.

Great Blog and I did find it from the blogs of note.

I knew some folks from the UK who said someone was shattered if they were drunk, exhausted, etc. It was a while ago, though.

"You look shattered."

Such a great expression.

Yours is the first "Blog of Note" I have ever looked at and what a pleasant surprise! I'll be coming back.

Hello!

I am a writer (ha, how many times have you heard that?) however that has little to do with why I'm writing in here.

I saw your blogger on blogs of note and read what you had to say. You're amusing and fun- at least in my opinion. I'll more then likely watch your blog from here on because I've enjoyed what I've read thus far!

Btw, my name is Erica (hi again)
Have a good day and congrats on being featured. :)

Thank you for pointing out "shattered" - at least I learn something today.

from: Rushking

wow...nice blog

regard
http://gending-gending.blogspot.com

Hi Nathan... I was just going through my blog and surfing some other blogs where I found an interesting blog of yours. I think people like me need your help to showcase our writing talent. Being an Indian, you shall find plenty of writing talent but the resources to showcase them are really scanty. I wish more people get chance to publish the novels. I am a writer and have written a fiction novel. I would be happy if you can guide me somehow. Thanks again.

Regards,
Bhavin

I liked the "shattered" blog. I'll probably be subscribing in a minute or two based on that one entry alone. It was funny and informative!

What else have you got?

Tooj,

You have 61 comments with people finding ways to used "is shattered"? Hmmm. This blog fad just might be overrated. I was hoping to find more literary minds giving their two bits.

Peruse the archives. This is a light-hearted blog, but it's pretty amazing how much useful information sifts through. This place, Miss Snark's and Janet Reid's Query Shark archives are a crash course on query writing.

Tips on how to approach agents, edits, genres etc abound. It's the nuts-and-bolts stuff that is just good information without all the fluff.

thanks, and glad to be here! love your blog.

有一伙人在四处打听你的下落，还说逮住你不会轻饶你，他们一个叫财神、一个叫顺利、领头的叫幸福！我问过烦恼了，它根本不爱你还说永远不理你让我转告你不要自做多情了！还有健康让我带封情书给你，它暗恋你好久了并对你一生不变视频聊天,美女视频,聊天室

有一伙人在四处打听你的下落，还说逮住你不会轻饶你，他们一个叫财神、一个叫顺利、领头的叫幸福！我问过烦恼了，它根本不爱你还说永远不理你让我转告你不要自做多情了！还有健康让我带封情书给你，它暗恋你好久了并对你一生不变视频聊天,美女视频,聊天室

ha ha ha I think i lost it at holy tyra!!!

Nathan I did you the favor of translating the above comments...no need to thank me:

Some group people are inquiring your whereabouts in all directions, added that will catch you not to forgive you lightly, their is called the God of Wealth, to call, the lead to call happiness smoothly! I had asked the worry, it has simply not liked you adding forever paid no attention to you to let me pass on you not to from do is full of affection! Also had the health to let me bring to seal the love letter to you, it unrequited loves you for a long time and chats to your life invariable video frequency, beautiful woman video frequency, chatroom

Nice. Congratulations

good!!


post me plis


by: mundo de jinetes

my dear friend ,you blog is very good!!.welcome you to my blog!!
http://blue-office.blogspot.com

hi!

As for Lauren Conrad, if I wasn't aware of the fact that Gyspy Rose Lee "wrote" and sold a novel, I'd be devastated. As it is, I'm nonplussed and experiencing ennui.

But congrats on your blog recognition! Well deserved!

Greetings and Blessings of the Ages: "Moab is disgraced, for she 'is shattered'. Wail and cry out! Announce by the Arnon that Moab is destroyed." Jeremiah 48:19-21 (NIV)

Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him.
Nahum 1:5-7 (NIV)

In revelations, elations, excitations, and edification to One and ALL “Alpha/Omega Lord of Lords, King of Kings and God of Gods” with reproof that he has arisen in the Bread of Life and that none have listened to his words, neither sought his counsel nor have followed his ways. Ezekiel 33-37, Rev. 10 “Thou Art Being Weighted In Thy Balance” ©: Seven words of thunder.

The Heir: Geir-USA-Lem™ HeirUSAlem™©, Rev. 16.19 ∑Θ∑: Everlasting O’EVErlasting™, New Jerusalem. Psalms 29© http://el-shaddai-dad.blogspot.com/ and
http://seaofglass-geirusalem.blogspot.com/ where is thy tithing to bee and what is thy tribute or tribulation??

Lift-up Thy CUP thy VOice and dew visit read and teach all ye nations: Bowl ye heavens and rain down righteousness, I-say-ah 40. If the foot (She-ol) is sick does not the Hand know (noe, no) IT? The Right Hand Michi-gan (right cloven-foot on the sea), with the Sceptre are below four wings of an Eagle (one wing is the Bear turned-UP on one side: The Great Lakes). The Left Hand (left-foot on the earth – with six toes, six fingers is INdian-a) and the Censer under the Stone Throne are all revealed: Between the Ohio and Mississippi (Omega HI Omega - Miss-is-sip-pi) Rivers is the Center Court, Geir-USA-Lem, Rev. 16.19.

The Earth and its fullest is the Lord’s Table: Pull off thy Sandals for this is Holly Ground.

The Marriage is complete, Joseph is in the Well of Creation – “The Dream Weaver – The Shuttle”: The EARth is the Holly Tomb (Womb) and Dad is back in the Garden calling out to his children. If I tell you of earthly things and you do not believe me then how can I tail you of heavenly things?

Blessings of the Ages, all is well in Love and Peace: Noe the hour and day. Eel: ∑Θ∑: Everlasting O’EVErlasting™, Psalms 29©

I AM that I AM, El-Shaddai-dad, The Ancient of Days many names without number, The AMEN.

Ok, so I read through some of the comments on your blog and all I have to say is, "Wow". It is amazing how many people will just simply say, you're great, and have no substance. I don't mean to demean those faithful followers who hang on your every word, but still I see this all the time in online reviews, sometimes the same words are used. "Great book," "Amazing," "A must read for everyone". Maybe I'm a little disenchanted, who knows.
That aside, you could probably do a whole blog just on various words and phrases that should be avoided not only for being hackneyed phrases (hackneyed being on that list but a favorite word of mine to describe the situation, along with chestnut), but also because there are better ways to make your idea do more than just jump off the page.
A good read on certain words and phrases that our English teachers told us not to use but really are ok is Miss Thistlebottom's Hobgoblins. If you have not read it, you should, you will laugh aloud. It is written by Theodore Bernstein.

"All this chitter-chatter, chitter-chatter, chitter-chatter bout
Shmatta, shmatta, shmatta -- I cant give it away on 7th avenue
This towns been wearing tatters (shattered, shattered)
Work and work for love and sex
Aint you hungry for success, success, success, success
Does it matter? (shattered) does it matter?
Im shattered.
Shattered"

- Jagger/Richards

congrats, nathan

Why does this blog keep returning to the fold of cliches when it should avoid them like the plague?

I think you should quit this like a bad habit. But who am I, the Pope in Rome?

[That was as painful to write as it is to read. Sorry. Had to.]

I take on one of my favorite "super-cliches" in my blog, "Rockstar".

Down here (and I believe in the UK as well) 'shattered' can mean extremely exhausted and tired. And that's usually how I use it. I couldn't see myself using iti n a query for more then one reason now I guesss. :)

For over-used and inappropriate words, how about "sexy"?

"Shattered" is a very specific expression, it means "broken beyond repair", like trying to piece together something made of glass, it is not redeemable.

Apropos of nothing in this particular post, I just wanted to say that I'm looking forward to reading "Churchill By Himself."

this is very helpful!!! gr8 blog!!!

Reminds me of the Billy Collins poem, Tension.

I can't understand your blog. Maybe you should use smaller words. hehe.

Bah humbug, let's forget this shatter business and get down to the Milli Vanilli expose - I am SO intrigued!

There are vending machines for renting DVDs so why NOT books? It's about time. Thanks for the info, Nathan.

"...and thus I would not be affected by any possible joining of the two."

But Nathan...don't you believe in The Butterfly Effect? Life's more fun when you believe everything will eventually affect you.

:)

Rob

Library ATMs--LOVE the idea. They do it with videos, so why not books? Even Netflix now has its twin in the book world in the form of Bookswim.com (among others).

Can't wait until they install one of those a-Go-Go things in Pleasant Hill. CCC Library has a very useful online catalog and book reservation/renewal site. I wonder if they'll allow people to specify what they want online and then pick it up through the kiosk, or if they'll only have the most popular titles like airport bookstores do.

And I love the name. Back when I was in college in Berkeley, there was this little hole-in-the-wall sandwich dive called Sandwiche A-Go-Go. Cheap, not awful, and you couldn't beat the name. Not sure if it's still there, but Google reveals that dinesite dot com has this to say about it: "Visit Sandwich A - Go - Go and you`ll get a place that serves up American cooking especially known for sandwiches." Uh, yeah. I don't remember a lot of cooking going on.

1. The new firm will be called ICBM UK and then get sued by Iran for stealing the name of the nuclear missile they're building to aim at London. Sounds like the beginning of a wacky comedy.

2. I heard that Random House had to stop branding their authors in the 70s. Too many of them were calling their next book: "Oh My Burnt Ass."

3. I also heard that Cormac McCarthy won the Ohio Primary, and he wasn't even on the ballot.

4. I guess the Quills people just couldn't get a TV network interested in broadcasting a bunch of pasty authors in ill-fitting tuxedos, wolfing down the free food and booze. I don't know why?

5. A book ATM? I guess every time you take out or return a book, your bank charges you a $1.50.

Furious D-

I'm laughing really hard over here at ICBM UK.

I will only use the library ATM if they can also give me a latte with three equals and a shot of cinnamon along with my oatbran muffin.

Orion: that would require another vending machine.

International Creative Management and Curtis Brown UK are merging? Wow. Would that mean that it's only in relation to the UK ICM branch (and not NYC) or is it the whole shebang?

Trivia a-go-go/a-snow-go (Regis and Kelly)

"Wake me up, before you go go" (Beach Boys I think)

and now there is a library a-go-go. Brilliant. Instead of picking some crap leaflet from the train station I can get a good book. I'm in. Who want's fast-book?

Sigh. California is so much cooler than DC. Our government officials would never have made up a name like that. It would have been called something like "Metro Book Drop Off and Pick Up Receptacles."

And, adaora a. No you didn't! Mixing up the Beach Boys with Wham!? That is so wrong.

*giggles* Library ATMs, Books a GO-GO, just wonder when my library system will suggest this for our patrons.. The idea is great but how often are they going to fill these machines up? Plus how are they going to get those people to pay fines on overdue books.

And when you get branded do you get a choice of where they put the brand? I wouldnt mind the ankle or upper thigh something I can show off to others. :)

You have libraries at your train stations? I don't even have a train! I'm amaxingly envious and vow to try and move closer to civilization.

My one question for the library books is how are they going to police the books? A year or so ago a person in Denver was charged with borrowing books from the library and selling them on e-bay, they didn't make millions but they did make some nice petty cash. I'm curious how the book ATM's will prevent similar thefts.

Love the idea of the library ATM. Here at the airport in Edinburgh, we do have a book vending machine with current popular paperbacks, which I think is way-cool. If there's ever a time when a non-reader is going to consider buying a book, it's when they're about to get on a long flight.

I know I've heard the term Library-A-Go-Go someplace long ago. Were there mentions of this project idea in the 90s? Because I lived in SF in the 90s. Anyhow, it's a great idea. Book Cafe might be a cool name if you had a kiosk that also made lattes, lol.

Mixing up the Beach Boys with Wham!? That is so wrong.

I hate to age myself here, but I agree!

Oh wow, a book vending machine. This is another reason I love the Bay Area. There are times when I wish I lived there still--civilization!

Books a-go-go?

All I can imagine is going back to the closet and dusting off those old white party boots and calling my old friend, Goldie Hawn up and asking if she still has that hair iron I lent her... or does Cher have it still?

The new fashion for train apparel?

Nathan -

I love your sense of humor ... you are too funny.

Now every time I am feeling frustrated with this whole world of publishing - I'm just going to think about the cows. The cows always have it worse than me...

:) Jan

Book vending machines aren't new. They're how Penguin got started.

Furious D -- ROFLMAO!

\

Nathan, I'm curious re: your lack of mention of Diablo Cody's Oscar win for screenplay. Whether or not we are all thrilled by her style, it seems only fair to give a nod to a relative newcomer who managed to grab the award.

Her work obviously has struck a chord with both the public and Hollywood; not an easy fete.

LOL - "feat"...

just went and got some more coffee!

anon@6:08-

I liked Juno and all that, but this is a publishing blog, hence Cormac McCarthy.

Four degrees to Diablo Cody mention in Nathan's blog:

1. Diablo Cody is an author who has written both book and screenplay.
2. Screenplay won an Oscar.
3. Agents represent some authors who write both books and screenplays
4. Nathan is an agent who blogs about authors

Chill...just funnin' with ya

Screw the flying cars, I want a book ATM.

Re: William Walker. If you haven't seen Burn!, you ought to rent it ASAP.

Yes, I should have mentioned Burn! -- I like it a lot. One of Brando's best performances, I think. I keep wishing Criterion would get a hold of it and release the extended version...