Publishing Insider

Size of the pellota

There’s an old saying that, in sports writing, the smaller the ball, the better the writing. At least in terms of writing about soccer, that is changing. Witness Franklin Foer’s bestselling book last year, How Soccer Explains the World. And see Peter Berlin’s writing this week for the International Herald Trib. Two great passages: “John Carew's high, wild shot was a danger only to fans sitting in the upper deck... the gangling, awkward Carew induced small frissons of Milanese uncertainty as he caromed around the penalty area.”  And: “After Alessandro Costacurta, who turns 40 in April, received a yellow card for a foul on Florent Malouda, the Milan coach, Carlo Ancelotti, opted to go with callow youth. He replaced Costacurta with Paolo Maldini, who is 37.”

Workmanlike

I know it's a small thing, but I smiled last night reading the latest PW. There was something I hadn't seen in awhile: the single column Workman ad in which they just list the latest reprints of their big backlist books. It is such a smart ad, and one they've been doing off and on for years and years. Such a subtle, simple message: We have bestselling backlist and a lot of it, and we are always printing more. Well done, Workman.

Hot books in hot hands

A buyer at Tower Books, Scott, has been felled by whatever spring bug is going around, and sent this email to one of our sales reps: "I just finished ASK THE DUST, a fantastic book to read when you’re running a fever. That got me thinking about a new category of recommended reading: best fever reads. What do you think? THE BIG BAMBOO by Tim Dorsey comes to mind. When I was in the store, my rec card for Tim Dorsey said 'his books are vulgar, disgusting, and socially irresponsible. I can’t recommend them highly enough.' That always sold the customer!" Anyway, this theme really might be fun for cold & flu season.”

Better living thru chemistry

So, I grow up in a small town and don't sniffle once. Move to NYC and been sneezing ever since. A tree blooms in Brooklyn. And Central Park. And E. 53rd. But, I have finally conquered it, thanks to Patinol eye drops. After years of Sudafed and Claritin, and then insomnia, I don't dread April anymore. I don't feel like ripping my eyes out. If you are a fellow sufferer, try and get a prescription for Patinol, and no, this is not a paid ad. I'm just so thankful.

Strange bookfellows

Whenever I visit a store, I play the "biography section makes strange bedfellows" game. Seen side-by-side: The Prince of Wales and Sylvia Plath. Woodrow Wilson and Oscar Wilde. Phyllis Diller and Annie Dillard. John Adams and Douglas Adams.

Full moon

One of my favorite booksellers of all time, Carla at Inkwood Books in Tampa, writes to say that the J. Demme film of Neil Young in concert - Heart of Gold - is fantastic. Still in some theaters; dvd date unknown. Next time you're in Tampa, pls stop and say hi to Carla and her equally book-expertish co-owner, Leslie. Their store is housed in a delightful house about 10 minutes from the airport and just a short drive from the food and music area of Tampa, Ybor City, where the old cigar factories used to be. (And forgive Tampa for being the spring home of the stinkin' Yankees. Go Mets!)

Free book

Hee Haw had to be one of my least favorite tv shows of all time, but still, Buck Owens' passing was sad. And I didn't know that he penned Act Naturally. And me, a self-appointed Beatles expert. I need to get back and reread the compulsively readable Hard Day's Write - the story behind every song the Beatles wrote. I'll send out a copy to any interested parties..while supplies last, as they say.

Long tail

We do love our furry animals in literature, from hobbits to the mice of Redwall. Newest on the scene are the cats of the Warriors series, which is selling like crazy. (I was secretly hoping that Hyperion's upcoming book on the Long Tail was actually a Watership Down sequel. I'm such a loser.)

Hope springs eternal

Hector at the deli is in a much better mood today. His Real Madrid finally won a game convincingly -- 4-0 over Deportivo. He still thinks the team is overpaid and the coach on the way out. But Hector's already in World Cup mode, lining up his top picks. More on that to come. (And note that English team, Reading, will move up to the Premier League for the first time in 135 years! Take heart, Cubs fans!)

Book Thief

Received a copy of The Book Thief in the mail at home from a publishing friend of mine who is always right on with her book picks. Yes, she is working on the book at Knopf's Children's imprint, but she - her name is Joan deMayo - never, ever recommends something she doesn't love love love. I started this seemingly YA novel, and it is appropriate and important for all ages. See what USA Today says about this potential classic.