15 Comments

Thanks for the heads-up on publishing. I’m self-publishing on Amazon in a month or so. Book sequel in my editors hands. Book cover designer working on the cover. I suppose the same goes for self-publishers as trad. Elections have consequences, no matter who wins. I’d just like to be able to live within my means as a retired nurse practitioner. Look at where the economy is today! Starting to write late in life is not going to be a moneymaker. I’ll persist and work through the chaos. 📚🎶 Christine

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Hi Kathleen! Do you think that all of publishing is basically holding its breath to see what happens with the election? By which I mean should we expect radio silence from agents and editors for another few weeks? Or do they keep doing their thing, regardless.

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We all keep doing our thing.

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I agree with the Twitter point and the fact that I should put my focus on what works. I think I just stick around because it's easy but easy doesn't mean effective.

I'm worried about how politics has seeped so toxicly into consumerism that an endorsement could cripple a company. But this is the world we live in, sigh.

Concerning Amazon, do other booksellers have the capacity to bring down? I mean Apple Books or B&N, from my perspective, don't seem to have a plan to really go after market share.

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Very insightful observations. Rome had its Nero, the USA has Trump. What Rome did not have was democracy, but both have the mob.

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Trump's marketing strategy seems to be working. Ask 70 million+ supporters

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Great points as always.

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Your posts are always interesting and informative. You probably know that Maureen Dowd recently went back to grad school at Columbia. She may be finished by now.

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Thank you! I did not know that—I finished my MBA in May, and decided to get another degree. I appreciate school so much more at this age.

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Thanks for sharing all of this insight.

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I adored THE INTERESTINGS! I’m sorta jealous you get to read it for the first time. It was one of my favorite reads this year (along with DEMON COPPERHEAD). Books like these help me keep the faith that reading, literature, and publishing have a bright future.

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Thanks for suggesting Ina Garten’s memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens. I'm listening (and learning) via Audible and she keeps me good company while gardening or walking my dog. Excellent suggestion!

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You are very welcome! I found it fascinating. What a life she has led.

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Me, too. She's a wonderful inspiration and role model. I'm trying to figure out how I could possible get invited over to hers for cake & coffee ☺️

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SO MUCH THIS: "Investing in author audience development is a better bet than the continuous practice of publicists sending hundreds of email pitches to which they never get a response." (Also, thanks for the Ina Garten rec)!

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