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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-230514532014-03-19T05:36:47.587-04:00BookEnds, LLC — A Literary AgencyBookEnds, LLChttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-44166944472197252322012-04-12T08:00:00.001-04:002012-04-12T08:00:11.967-04:00And So We Say Good-ByeIn 2006 I had the idea to start a blog. Not a lot of thought went into this idea other than the fact that blogs were the hot new medium for marketing and it could help not only build our agency but our clients as well. At the same time I was cutting back on my conference speaking schedule and missed the interaction with authors and the ability to teach what I know. The blog seemed the perfect way to continue this.

It's been five years and a terrific ride, but after much thought and deliberation I've decided that it's time to say good-bye to the blog (obviously my work with BookEnds and the agency will continue). And while I can't promise I'll stay away forever (watch for the occasional blog post to pop up) I also can't promise those posts will pop up.

It doesn't seem like blogs have as much "power" as they used to, especially with the ease and speed of sources like Twitter and Facebook. Most important, however, I don't have the passion for the blog that I once did. While I will surely miss hearing from the authors I've learned so much from, I think I will find other ways to interact.

The blog and all posts will remain up indefinitely for those who are still learning or want to refer to previous posts and you can always fine all of the BookEnds agents on Twitter if you have questions or want to know what we're up to.

I can't thank you enough for all I've learned from you. Because of feedback and comments I've grown as an agent and changed a number of BookEnds policies. Because of you I've stayed connected with the writers and, hopefully, gained a better understanding of what this business is like from your end.

I'm going to miss the blog and all of you. I feel like I should have something grand and profound to say, but all I can come up with is a slight bow, a wave, and a heartfelt thank-you for joining me in this journey.

Jessica

BookEnds, LLChttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-79376042591345782132012-04-11T08:00:00.003-04:002012-04-11T08:00:09.320-04:00Publishers Taking RisksWe've heard so often the complaint that publishers never take risks, that agents never take risks, and of course there are some who will say those are the reasons we're seeing the "downfall of publishing" today. I don't necessarily believe that. I think given how many new authors are published each year and how many of those succeed as well as how many fail shows that publishers take risks every day. Every book is a risk, whether it's a debut or not. No matter how much experience we all have we're never quite sure what's going to grab the attention of the reader.

That being said, recently when I heard that lament it made me think back to a publisher I once worked for, and by publisher I mean the individual, not the company. This particular publisher was a dreamer and a believer in all the good ways. The publisher loved the business and was enthusiastic about all the things about it, especially the books. One of the things this publisher charged was that each editor was allowed to buy one "book of the heart" each year. What that meant was that even if everyone in-house had doubts about whether the book would sell or could sell, the editor was given the ability to make a modest go of it, meaning the editor couldn't spend a million dollars for a book no one thought the house could do justice, but the editor could take a chance on something everyone else felt a little on the fence about.

For a young editor like me this was a really exciting opportunity, and while I never was able to buy my "book of the heart" before the publisher went another way, I held that feeling of excitement and carry it with me as an agent today.

I can't begin to tell you how often I've offered representation to an author for a book that I honestly thought would be a challenge to sell, but one I was excited about. And before all of my clients get worried, upon making the offer I've always been up front with the author about my belief that the book might be a long shot, but one that I thought was worth the risk. Some have sold, others have not, but either way I've never regretted taking the chance.

One caveat to all of this is that, as a writer, if you have an agent or publisher taking a chance on your book you still want to make sure it's a place that has some knowledge of where they're taking the chance to. In other words, you probably don't want me to take a chance on your illustrated children's book since that's so outside of my knowledge base that it just wouldn't be a smart move. I wouldn't even begin to know where to sell it to. You probably wouldn't want a business publisher taking a chance on your romance novel. Again, do they have the sales force available to even talk to the right buyers?

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-13006524842696230842012-04-10T08:00:00.004-04:002012-04-10T08:00:11.661-04:00InternsThere's been a lot of discussion in small business circles about whether or not interns need to be paid for the work they are doing. The concern is that companies are "hiring" unpaid interns to do work that should be done by paid assistants. That an unpaid internship should be a learning experience. And I agree. I agree with much of what's being said. What I have concerns about, however, is what's defined as "learning."

When one gets a job in publishing you usually start out as an assistant of some kind, whether an agent assistant, an editorial assistant, publicity, etc. As an assistant you aren't expected to know the ins and outs of publishing, although some knowledge can be to your credit, but you are expected to do a whole bunch of menial tasks. As an editorial assistant I was in charge of all the filing. Lots and lots of filing, and my boss didn't check the files. It was my job to find a paper for her whenever she needed it, and quickly. I was also in charge of the Science Fiction library, which meant lugging boxes of books in and out of a small windowless room every month to stack, sort and rearrange, to make sure we had enough copies of each author and to find the space for them on the ever-crowded shelves. I spent a great deal of time faxing, collecting faxes, making photocopies, fixing the copy machine and sometimes, yes sometimes, I had to do things like run out for a cup of coffee or clean out the disgusting office refrigerator. Was it glamorous? No. Was it a job I loved? Absolutely. I also got to read and edit yet-to-be published books, meet famous authors, get autographed books for Christmas presents, and I got to read and discover new authors. It was my dream job, or would be once I jumped through the hoops.

These are exactly the kinds of jobs (minus running for coffee and cleaning out the fridge) I ask both my assistant and my interns to do. Because what I've sadly discovered is that learning how to file is something that a lot of interns need. I'm amazed at the number of people who have come through the BookEnds doors who don't seem to have a basic grasp of how to file or how to fax (or figure out for themselves how to fax) or even how to mail a package. I wonder if doing these tasks would be considered learning, because in my mind they should be.

I remember Kim telling me once about her own internship at Berkley and how one of her tasks was cleaning out and reorganizing all of the files of a huge NYT bestselling author. She said she loved it. She got to read revision letters and contracts and correspondence between the author and her editor. She learned a ton about the process of publishing. And that's something I've noticed with my interns. Filing is a huge part of this job and some of them will pull up a chair and spend the day filing and reading the files and papers and, yes, learning. Others just seem to chuck the files in any folder (and yes, this has caused us many a headache) and not bothered to use the experience to learn.

Another job I often give the interns is reading. We ask the interns to do a great deal of reading and write readers reports, and I think all of us make an effort to give feedback on the reports and show the intern how to write a stronger and better report (something they'll need to do when applying for any editorial job). What they do with that is up to them. They can learn from the feedback we give them or ignore it. Again, I'm amazed by how many ignore it.

I also ask interns to review contracts for me. These are typically contracts I've already reviewed and negotiated, but now I want a second set of eyes to compare it to the one I negotiated and make sure every "i" is dotted, "t" is crossed, and comma is in its place. Let's face it, for any of you who have ever read a publishing contract, there is a lot of "stuff" in that stack of papers, and yet I'm amazed by how few interns have ever asked me questions about the contract, even when I ask if they have any questions. Isn't this a huge opportunity to learn?

An internship is not like school. No matter whether you're paid or not you're not going to get written assignments, papers and tests. You're going to be given tasks that will help the agency or business move forward. How you decide to learn from these tasks is up to you. In my mind, it's a first step to adulthood and a career outside of school. If you want success in this world you have to be bold enough to take the steps to find it and to participate in it. That's how you're going to learn. Two of the assistants I've had were interns. They were the kind who read the files, asked the questions and made themselves invaluable in their short time here. In fact, the interns who learned the most were always the ones who spoke up and showed a desire to learn more. We were always happy to give them more to learn from.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-39134280780265744542012-04-09T08:00:00.002-04:002012-04-09T08:00:00.748-04:00SubmissionsThose of you who follow us on Twitter have probably seen the news already. All BookEnds agents have new email addresses that should be used for future submissions and queries.

All changes have been made accordingly to our website Submissions and About Us pages. And, in addition to telling you about our email addresses, we thought we'd use this opportunity to let you know what we're looking for these days.

Jessica

Jessica Faust
email@example.com

Jessica is currently accepting queries via referral only. There is an office rumor that she might open for a month or so at a time later in the year. If that occurs she'll be looking for cozy mysteries, contemporary romance, historical romance, steampunk (romance and otherwise), and a very limited amount of paranormal romance. She's also looking for women's fiction. In nonfiction Jessica is looking for business books only.

Kim Lionetti
email@example.com

Kim is currently closed to submissions. Please check the Submissions page of the BookEnds website periodically for an announcement about when she's open to queries again.

Jessica Alvarez
firstname.lastname@example.com

Not too much has changed in what I'm looking for since this post in September. I still have a fairly narrow focus—romance, women's fiction, and female-focused erotica—but I've decided to add cozy mysteries to the mix. In terms of romance, I'm looking for all types of adult romance (in other words, not YA). I had some success in 2011 with historical and inspirational romance, and would like plenty more of those, but I'd like to see contemporaries and books with high sensuality too. With my editorial background at Harlequin, I am open to category romance submissions. I will warn you now that I have been very tough on my romantic suspense and paranormal submissions. I'm still looking for books in both areas, but they have to be phenomenal to keep my attention. Please note that I'm not looking for fantasy, sci-fi, YA, novellas, or nonfiction.

Lauren Ruth
firstname.lastname@example.com

In fiction, Lauren is looking for: romance—all genres; literary fiction; commercial fiction, especially up-market urban fantasy with romantic elements; middle-grade—all subgenres; young adult—all subgenres; mystery, with a strong focus on cozies; women's fiction on the literary side; and smart chick lit, a la The Devil Wears Prada. On the nonfiction side, she's looking for memoir, parenting and family, relationships, food and lifestyle, business, popular science, popular culture, and popular psychology.BookEnds, LLChttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-29592163583072244842012-04-05T08:00:00.002-04:002012-04-05T08:00:13.832-04:00Updating Your WebsiteWebsites for published authors are becoming more and more important, not just for your readers but for the future of your career. I can't tell you how many times I go to an author's website to check out not just the author's books and career but for quotes and reviews. Which is why it's important to keep your site updated as much as possible. If you have a section for reviews but nothing is there, it looks like you've gotten no good reviews.

I know how hard it is to keep up a website, I know that there are plenty of things I've missed when I don't update enough, which is why, over time, I've simply removed those sections from my site. If you find you can't blog regularly or haven't blogged in months, then simply take down your blog. I think it looks better not to have one than to have a neglected one. The same holds true of reviews. If you can't remember to get in there once a month and update those sections, then simply remove them.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-71617116834401129302012-04-04T08:00:00.003-04:002012-04-04T08:00:10.443-04:00Bitter or Misunderstood?I've just had a disappointing experience. I'd joined a big writers' network in my state, hoping to find some community but also because they offer a critiquing service. "The Network's roster of critiquers is selected in accordance with the highest standards of excellence, including publication requirements and extensive mentoring and editing experience."

Yeah.

Well, I chose my critiquer and also began following her on Facebook. (She has an author's page.) Hours before I was going to send the manuscript to the administrator, who would then forward the Word doc. on to the critiquer, I needed a break from reading my novel for the 77th time and went on Facebook. A post from my chosen critiquer just happened to pop into my news feed: New ms for me to critique coming from the ... Writer's Network. Oh boy. My favorite job.
about an hour ago · Like · [Comment]

I did not hit "Like." That's my ms she's complaining about! Now, I know a lot of this work is f@#%ing tiresome. I'm not a professional writer, but I've taken a LOT of classes and reading bad writing is painful. But, then again, I SIGNED up for the class. If the woman, a published author, a teacher (for Gawd's sakes) doesn't want to participate in the critiquing service, why in blazes is she doing it? Why is this industry filled with so many damn bitter people? And I've read plenty of agents' and writers' blogs to know it to be true. (Not Bookends, of course.)

I guess my question, after the whinefest, is how does an unpublished author find someone to edit or critique their manuscript who will approach it with the best intentions, not already pissed off that they HAVE to read another novice's manuscript? How do we find someone who can help us improve? Who will not make us feel as though we're some stray dog showing up at the backdoor, begging for scraps.

I could sign up for another class, but, for one thing, I want my entire novel read, not just the first thirty pages. Also, I'd rather have a one-on-one with someone with skills, not, this time, participate in a big class.

I think this is one of the big problems with social networking. We all think every Tweet could be or is about us and we all read Tweets, blogs, statuses, etc., with our own anxieties in place. In other words, I can't even begin to tell you how many times a blog I've written has been misinterpreted by someone who came to it with their own experience and interpreted what I said in their own way, and in a way I never intended.

I'm sure everyone will have their own impression, but I did not read this in the same way you did. I read this as the status from someone who is enthusiastic about the critique she's about to be doing. I didn't see it as complaining at all.

I suppose it's easy to say that this industry is filled with bitter people, but I guess that also depends on how you see things. When I read the blogs, websites, Tweets and statuses of my colleagues I mostly see enthusiasm and excitement. Of course I'm in the mix too so I know that often the complaints aren't necessarily bitterness, just something to talk about since, honestly, most of us feel that about 80% of our actual day can't be talked about. I can't Tweet when I'm in the middle of contract negotiations. I can't Tweet about the specifics of phone calls I'm having daily with authors and editors, I can't Tweet about the painful revisions I just sent back to a client, etc. I think, based on the comments I see on my own blog, there's bitterness everywhere and, trust me, I know, it's easy for the negative to overpower the positive, but when I take a step back and really look at what people are saying I'll quickly realize that most people are happy and positive.

If you don't feel the person critiquing your book did a good job you can certainly look for someone new, and I suspect the best way to do that is to ask others who they've used or to form a group of your own. Honestly, I think some of the best learning experiences come not from the critiques we receive on our own work, but on what we see or don't see in the work of others. I would skip the classes and find a critique group and/or some beta readers.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-31441677414039270562012-04-03T08:00:00.002-04:002012-04-03T08:00:15.661-04:00Agent Contract ExpirationIf you sign with a literary agent and have no success placing your novel over the course of a year, what are your options after the official contract runs out? Can you search for a different agent and try again after some serious re-writes and editing? Is self-publishing worth considering? Is it time to give up, even if you believe the novel has potential?

Well, that depends on the contract. We don't have a contract that automatically expires so I'm not sure I'm the best one to answer this question. Our contract, in all jest, is for the rest of your life. What I mean by that is while we have a very easy termination clause, we hope to take on a client for a career and we don't want to be limited by time, either on our behalf or yours.

So I guess what I would ask you is what does that contract say. Does the expiration date mean automatic cancellation or does the expiration date only mean that you are now allowed to terminate? Once a contract is terminated, however that happens, you are allowed to do whatever you want. You are allowed to search for another agent, self-publish, or even quit and do something different. You know, you are also allowed to take a new project to your agent and continue with that. Many of my clients were signed with one project and first sold with another. Just because you sign with a project doesn't mean that's the one you're going to sell. Signing that contract should be a commitment on both sides to venture forth and build a career together, not just sell a book.

What I would say is that if the book has already been around, and a year has passed, I would hope that you have something new and fresh to take back to your old agent or to new agents. It never does a writer any good to spend a career focusing on just one book.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-62037316724949677602012-04-02T08:00:00.002-04:002012-04-02T08:00:03.605-04:00Permissions for QuotesI am revising the draft of my first novel, and part of it takes place in a school setting, where can see different inscriptions/quotes above doors and in various other places. These quotes are from works by well-known science fiction writers like Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov (such as "Violence is the last refuse of the incompetent" from Asimov's Foundation series). I am curious whether or not I need to approach these writers' estates and ask permission to use them, or if that falls under a caveat in copyright law.

Quotes are probably okay, but don't quote me on that. Whenever you use any material from other sources--quotes, song lyrics, poems, etc.--it is your responsibility as the author to obtain permission for use in whatever format the book will be published. That means use in print, ebook, possible audio, in the U.S. and probably around the world. It is also your responsibility to pay for those permissions should any fees be required.

I can't tell you specifically which quotes you will need permission for and which you won't. I can't say that without knowing exact details and I'm not going to give advice here for fear I might be wrong. That being said, what I can tell you is that you don't need to get the permissions prior to submitting the material. The publisher will require all necessary permissions prior to publication, but for submissions you'll be fine.

What I can also say is when in doubt, ask. In other words, there are definitely copyright laws and then there is the protectiveness of an estate, which can be two separate things. If you have concerns it never hurts to contact the estate to ask.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-32226884533536901302012-03-29T08:00:00.001-04:002012-03-29T08:00:04.826-04:00Episodic NonfictionReading your April 8, 2008, blog about narrative nonfiction, I wondered about the storyline for nonfiction, e.g. The Perfect Storm, In Cold Blood, Jon Krakauer's work, and other well-known stories.

Is there such a thing as "episodic" narrative nonfiction? Where the stories are short vignettes? So instead of one continuous long thread, a series of short threads that maybe by the end become a total memoir?

The reason I ask: I am a poet who also writes creative nonfiction, but they are not continuous chapters. They are episodes.

Well, I'm a believer that pretty much anything can be done if done well. Certainly there has been nonfiction published that's really a series of essays. Are you talking about something different from that? I think there's been a great deal of nonfiction published that's really a collection of stories that create a larger tale. If that makes sense.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-4368456428611759092012-03-28T08:00:00.002-04:002012-03-28T08:00:00.693-04:00Agent ShoppingI currently have an agent who has a good reputation and has a decent track record. I have done all the background checks I can and when I signed felt I would be well represented by this person. However, through a series of situations and over a six month period with 0 submissions to publishing houses despite a great deal of talk about multiple submissions, I am beginning to believe that this business relationship is not a good match.

What I would like to know from you is, is it bad protocol to start feeling out the waters with other agents (querying) while still under contract? I don't want to do anything unethical or something that would tarnish my reputation as a new author, however I also would like to have an agent that is doing their job asap. And if it is okay to start querying while under contract, do I mention that I am under contract and looking for a more suitable agent?

First let me congratulate you on making the decision early on that this might not be the right relationship. Too often I see authors flounder with an agent who they don't feel is a good fit, but out of fear they won't find another. Taking control of your career from the beginning is a smart move.

I'm going to assume that you've talked with your agent about your concerns. Often I find that assumptions are made about what others are doing without really knowing the facts. For example, I'm constantly shopping books, talking to editors about the work my clients do, hounding publishers for money and contracts, etc., but I'm not always filling my clients in on every step I'm taking for them. For all you know, the agent could be talking you up to editors.

Okay, on to your question. Yes, it's bad protocol to shop for an agent while you're under contract. Honestly, it's a breach of contract and puts all parties, including the agents you're talking to, in a very uncomfortable position. What if your agent happens to be best friends with one of the other agents you're talking to? How does it make you look to other agents if they know you're the kind of author who might go behind their backs when unhappy? That being said, it does happen all the time. While certainly some agents will feel "protocol be damned," others might tell you to get back in touch after your relationship has been dissolved.

The smart and easy thing to do is quit the relationship and then query. After all, what if you're querying at about the same time your agent decides to start talking to editors about your book? Suddenly you're not going to have much of a project to talk to agents about since by that time it will have been shopped.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-22228486797839861012012-03-27T08:00:00.002-04:002012-03-27T08:00:01.045-04:00Handling a ReferralI sent a query, synopsis and 10 pages to a popular agent who is no reply = no. Two weeks later, I received an amazingly sweet letter in which she gave compliments, made suggestions and then told me she'd already sent an email to a colleague of hers (the VP of their agency) and really thought she'd like it so would I send it to the colleague as well, with the referring agent's name in the subject header. Firstly, wow - because this was based on the 10 pages and synopsis, which I know because she referred to plot points. That was in [6-8 weeks ago]. My first assumption is that a referral will at least garner a rejection letter, even from an agency that doesn't reply if not interested. (Is this a bad assumption?) I don't intend to nudge, since it's just a query, but I also think it was awesome for the first agent to go through the trouble and would hate to not be diligent about the opportunity she sort of created. After getting writer feedback that insists I should nudge, I thought I'd better ask an agent (I trust). :)

This is really exciting. Congratulations!

According to the dates you are giving me the agent has had the material, which I assume is a full manuscript, for 6-8 weeks. At this point you're probably on the early edge of hearing back on a full submission, even if the material was requested. My suggestion is give it about 10 weeks or so (while some agents are really fast, it's not uncommon for agents to take an average of three months to respond to full submissions), and then I would send an email to check the status.

I agree that you should definitely receive a response on requested material, but I don't have insight to this agency's exact policy either.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-88683185927831996032012-03-26T08:00:00.002-04:002012-03-26T08:00:01.206-04:00Making Twitter PersonalI'm no Twitter expert and have never claimed to be. That being said, I always have plenty of ideas about what works and doesn't work in social networking, primarily because I use it.

A lot of the people I follow on Twitter I follow because I'm a fan. Sure, I follow other industry experts and friends, but I also follow a lot of chefs (in my case). People I admire for their culinary skills. Some of my favorites are those I've gotten to "know" through various food competitions like Top Chef, Food Network or even their cookbooks or blogs. Not too long ago I was leaving Atlanta after a great conference with the Georgia Romance Writers. While waiting at the airport I Tweeted that I was leaving ATL and was bummed I didn't have the chance to visit Flip Burger and I included chef and owner Richard Blais (@RichardBlais) in my Tweet. Just a few short hours later @RichardBlais tweeted back "not as bummed as we are."

Okay, call me a fan geek, food geek, whatever, but I was on cloud 9 all day over this silly tweet. Over the fact that one of my chef heroes tweeted me back and actually seemed bummed that he wasn't able to see me. Does it matter how truly bummed he was? No. Not to a fan. When you admire and respect someone you're excited to be acknowledged by that person. And you should be. Life is too short not to get excited over the little things.

So here's my question to you writers. Are you giving your fans the little thrills that make their days, that give them reason to spend hours, heck days, talking about you? After my Tweet from Richard Blais (which by the way resulted in a number of people asking about this Flip Burger) I went to my personal Facebook to tell my friends and then I told everyone who would listen and now I'm telling all of you. That's buzz and that's the sort of thing that sells a product. It has nothing to do with the Tweets @RichardBlais himself has made, but everything about the "retweeting," so to speak. It's about the connection.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-46251560722336707312012-03-22T08:00:00.003-04:002012-03-22T08:00:03.524-04:00Defining "Unsolicited Manuscripts"When a publisher doesn't except "unsolicited manuscripts", does that mean they will only except an ms or query from an agent?

Below is some information I've found. Can you verify if it's true or not?

"No unsolicited manuscripts" does not mean you can't send something to these publishers. (Those who are truly closed will say something like "Not accepting submissions.") "No unsolicited" just means you must send them a one-page QUERY first. If they like your idea and feel your book is a possible fit for their list, they will reply to your letter inviting you to send your manuscript. Then, WHEE! Suddenly you're sending a solicited manuscript.

This is one of those questions that's hard to answer without more specifics, but I'll do what I can. Unsolicited manuscripts would mean specifically that you don't send any manuscript unless it's been requested. That could mean that the publisher accepts queries first and will request manuscripts, or it could mean that they don't want anything unsolicited.

Most publishers (and I say most because I suppose there are some smaller publishers that might not like working with agents) will accept submissions from agents, but even agents tend to contact editors first before simply sending off a manuscript.

If the publisher has submission guidelines on their website, but they say "no unsolicited manuscripts," then they will expect a query first. If they have no guidelines for submissions it's likely they aren't accepting unsolicited submissions of any kind, and that includes queries.

***

On a related topic, please note that Kim Lionetti has closed to all queries in an effort to catch up on submissions and any unanswered queries she's received to date. This is only temporary. Kim will be opening again once she's all caught up. We apologize for the inconvenience. Please see our submission guidelines if you'd like to submit to one of our other agents.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-20754015690354697932012-03-21T08:00:00.003-04:002012-03-21T08:00:04.352-04:00Keeping It Real in YAI'm writing on YA fantasy novel (for want of a loose description) and I'm wondering about the use of profanity and drinking in a YA novel.

While swearing is not a massive part of the story there is the odd bit of what would be described in a movie as 'low level' language and I also have a fairly major party scene (it all goes wrong).

My initial instinct is to write what I want to write and worry about censoring it later as at this stage I'm part way my first draft especially as I hate reading YA where the characters say 'oh drat' or the equivalent. What are your thoughts on teens drinking and swearing?

Back in another lifetime I edited YA. I loved it and wanted to do more, but quickly became frustrated with what was popular at the time and what I was limited to doing based on what was supposedly selling. Now, keep in mind I was not working at a YA house and I imagine if I was I might have had a different experience, but still, what I was seeing published were not YA novels I would have ever been interesting in reading. In my opinion, they talked down to the reader, were written to appease adults, and didn't at all reflect the real life of teens.

Thank goodness times have changed.

The reason, in my mind, YA works so well today and has become so popular is that we are no longer afraid of adults. We are actually writing and publishing books that truly speak to kids. There is drinking, swearing, sex, abuse, love, hate, and bullies. We are no longer just writing about jocks and cheerleaders, but also about geeks and freaks and the one in between who is easily forgotten. Today we are writing about real kids and the real worlds they inhabit (sometimes).

I think your frame of mind on this is perfect. Write what you want to write and keep it real. When you've finished the book, read and edit and make sure that it sounds real. That the words your characters are using are fitting to the situation and to them. If there needs to be drinking and swearing, leave it in there. If it seems gratuitous, take it out. But don't take it out because you're afraid of what an editor or agent might think. Take it out only because it no longer suits the book (if that's the case).

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-82162302251312247782012-03-20T08:00:00.005-04:002012-03-20T08:00:01.307-04:00Choosing a TitleI am in the process of finishing my first book. I believe the title I have chosen is a real eye-catcher but I'm concerned it may be too dark. My book is nonfiction or should I try to come up with something softer. I don't want the title to scare people off.

This question actually came as a comment to the previous blog post I did of the same title, but since I thought it was an important question, I thought it deserved its own post.

If there's one thing I've learned in life it's that you should go with your gut. In other words, if you're questioning something about your book, your plot, your title, your submission plan, your characters, whatever it is, you're probably right. If there's a niggling feeling that something isn't working, it's probably not working. It's amazing to me how often I'll give revision suggestions to a client and the client will turn around to say that she had the same concerns, but wasn't sure how to fix it. Hopefully at that point we've figured out how to make the fix.

It's hard to know if your title works without knowing anything about the book or specifics about the title; however, if you think it's too dark and doesn't properly represent the tone and voice of the book, no matter how eye-catching, the title probably isn't working.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-16874696795115069112012-03-19T08:00:00.001-04:002012-03-19T08:00:06.472-04:00Blind Book Date Follow-UpGrab a cup of coffee or tea and curl up on the couch because it's time to find out the dirt on your blind date with a book.

I was really excited about this idea and even more excited to see the unique list of books everyone came up with.

Up to the point of the blind book date I had been reading a lot of romance and women's fiction. Previous titles on my just-read list included Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Yours Until Dawn by Teresa Madeiros, and Every Last One by Anna Quindlen (all of which I'd recommend, by the way). So when I first met my date and discovered that it was The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker, I was excited. Not only was this something very different from what I had been reading (which is what I'd hoped for in this exercise), but I had also never read Alice Walker.

There's no doubt this book is very different from what I had been reading, and while I can certainly agree with the many who will say Alice Walker is an amazing writer, I have to confess that I just didn't love this book. In fact, I didn't finish the book. I gave myself permission long ago to not finish books I'm not enjoying. Life is too short and there are too many books I will enjoy to force myself to finish something, and while I didn't find this painful it was ultimately not my cup of tea. I suppose someone is going to say that it's not a romance and that's why I didn't enjoy it. I don't think that's the case. I think I'm savvy enough to recognize when I'm not liking something because it's not in the genre I'm in the mood to read vs. when I'm not liking something because I'm not connecting with it, and in this case I just didn't connect.

Will I read something from Alice Walker again? Probably not, but never say never.

Was I happy to have tried? Thrilled that I was given the opportunity to experience this iconic author.

Did this open up new reading possibilities for me? I'm not sure. It's not really classified as a genre and therefore not something I've never experienced (like a SF book for someone who has never read SF, for example), but it also didn't close any doors.

Would I participate in something like this again? Absolutely. My to-be-read list has grown exponentially thanks to the suggestions on the blog.

Now it's your turn. What book did you read (or attempt to read) and how was the experience for you?

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-81036957700554427052012-03-15T08:00:00.002-04:002012-03-15T08:00:07.052-04:00Random QuestionsDo you automatically reject a query if the author does not have a college degree?

No. I don't know of any agency who would. Unless you're an expert writing nonfiction on a subject that would require a degree of some sort, I don't care if you've never been to school.

Is "mainstream literary fiction" an appropriate term/genre to describe a novel in a query letter? I'm getting ready to submit a book that doesn't fit easily into either category. Bret Easton Ellis would be an example of an author that writes this type of fiction.

Yes, mainstream literary fiction is fine.

Do you work with authors from other countries?

Absolutely! We don't care where you're from, only that you've written a good book. We have authors from all over the world.

I have two nonfiction books published (under my married name) and am now working on a novel. I may be taking back my maiden name in the future and am wondering if pursuing publication using a different last name will affect the career I hope I can have as a novelist.

Since nonfiction and fiction are two different markets, it shouldn't matter at all which name you publish under. Of course, there's always an "it depends," in this case based on what kind of nonfiction you wrote (memoir, for example) or how successful your nonfiction was, but ultimately writing under two different names should be fine.

When an agent requests pages, are they referring to the physical pages in a word document, or is the referring to 250-word pages?

I assume you mean page count. These days I think you can go by the word count in your Word document. However, if you feel more comfortable with the 250-word per page count, go with that. Honestly, it doesn't make that much of a difference to the agent. If you mean how many actual pages, the agent will look at the number on the bottom of the Word document, so go with that.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-74501127460129100522012-03-14T08:00:00.002-04:002012-03-14T08:00:02.885-04:00Workshop WednesdayThanks to all of your contributions, Workshop Wednesday has been a success. We're going to continue on with it for as long as we have entries and the energy to comment on them. If you haven't yet submitted but are still interested, don't be afraid to participate as per the guidelines in our original post.

For anyone wanting to comment, we ask that you comment in a polite and respectful manner, and we ask that you be as constructive as possible. If you can be useful to the brave souls who submitted their query and comment on the query, that's great. Please keep any anonymous tirades on publishing or other snarky comments to yourself. This is and should remain an open and safe forum for people to put themselves and their queries out there so that everyone can learn. I'm leaving comments open and open to anonymous posters, as I always have; don't make me feel the need to change that policy.

And for those who have never "met" Query Shark, get over there and do that. She's the originator of the query critique, the queen, if you will.

Dear Ms. Faust:

Thank you for the opportunity to submit to the BookEnds Literary Agency query workshop. Don't Mess with Mick is a completed Romantic Suspense of 75,000 words.

This is a great opening. Succinct and respectful.

Amateur photographer, Rachel Copeland, is in trouble. An early morning wildlife shoot at the deserted Salton Sea, soon becomes a shoot-em-up. And she is the one being fired at. Held at gunpoint, and her male attacker demanding her camera, she fights back and escapes.

Newly transferred detective, Michael Delaney, is on surveillance at the sea. Rumors have circulated that a Mexican Kingpin and his brother, who evaded capture when their drug compound was toppled by a U.S. DEA agent, are out for revenge. It's Michael's assignment to find them before they can identify the agent who has turned civilian and resides in one of the California desert cities.

Hearing gunfire, Michael gives chase. He apprehends the guy only to find an angry, but very sexy, redheaded woman. She tells him she was shot at, had her camera stolen, was subjected to a harrowing highway chase (by him), and she is grieving the recent disappearance of Grandpa Henry, a wildlife photographer and her only living relative.

The above paragraphs read like a synopsis of the beginning of your manuscript. We don't need to know exactly what happens, play by play. Instead, we want to know who the characters are, what their conflict is, what is standing in their way and how they might get around it. We need the larger scope of your story.

Michael learns Henry's isolated cabin is at the edge of the Salton Sea, and that he has a dark room. He's convinced that photographs might hold a clue to the whereabouts of Henry, and the Saurez brothers. Rachel is sure that Henry is not dead, and Michael begins to believe her. While they uncover clues, and their mutual attraction grows, someone is waiting for them to produce what he needs, and then he has a plan of his own: to extinguish them both.

This last paragraph comes the closest to telling me the gist of the story, but it should be expanded to the size of the whole query and should absorb pieces of (but not all) of the paragraphs above it. The skeleton of the story here is that two people need to find the same guy—Grandpa Henry—for different reasons and they come together to make that happen. But we don't learn this information until the last paragraph and by that point, you seem to be wrapping up.

I am a member of RWA and the Los Angeles chapter, LARA, and have attended many of your panels at the national RWA conference, and also enjoy your daily blog. Should you wish to read more of Don't Mess with Mick, it is completed.

Sincerely,
[redacted]

Although I think there is an intriguing story here, I would reject this query because it takes some time to get to the point and I worry that would continue in the full manuscript. I wish you the best of luck!

LaurenBookEnds, LLChttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-44186888662288133792012-03-13T08:00:00.003-04:002012-03-13T08:00:06.454-04:00Switching Agents within an AgencyWhat would happen if the author, after due time with one of the new agents, felt one of the other agents would be a better fit? Do authors ever move to a different agent at the same agency?

This question actually came as part of another question, but it's something I've often wondered about myself so I thought it deserved its own post. If you like the agency you're with, but over time maybe you or your agent has changed directions, would it make sense to request that you be transferred to a new agent within the agency. I guess it depends on the agency and how that agency operates, but I think it's a very reasonable request. After all, we've made the request on behalf of our authors that they switch editors within a publishing house, so why couldn't you ask the same of your agency?

We've never done this at BookEnds, unless of course an agent has left, but I know I'd be willing to do it if the author felt it was best for her. First of all, why would I want the agency to lose good talent, and secondly, I wouldn't necessarily see it as a slight against the agent. What if you've decided that you want to write mysteries instead of romance and the agent you're working with said that she has no real interest in mystery, but another within the agency does? Wouldn't it make sense for you to switch if that other agent would have you? I think it's worth asking.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-89024182814345030012012-03-12T08:00:00.002-04:002012-03-12T08:00:00.675-04:00New Agents at BookEndsWhen an author is considering Bookends LLC, should the disparity between levels of experience between the agents play a major part, or can she trust that even a new agent at your agency will have the support and expertise of the other more experienced agents behind her? Is it all right to query the new acquiring agents even if you have already queried other agents at Bookends LLC, since that agent was not available to query (or have the query referred to them) at the time of the original query?

As someone who, at one time, was just starting out, either as an editorial assistant or a new agent, I'm a strong believer in "new blood." In fact, even today I seek out smart new assistants to submit to. They are hungry, they have time on their hands, and they are excited to work with new authors and promote those new authors to the people who make the decisions. The same holds true of new agents. They are excited to build a list, hungry to add new authors to their list and, if I can be so bold as to speak for the "new" people at BookEnds, incredibly smart.

I think there's no doubt that experience can play a role in how an agent operates, but so can an agent's personality. When selecting an agent at any agency I think it's more important to look at how that agent works and how well you communicate. A new agent at any agency has the backing of the agency's name and the experience of the other agents to rely on. We work very closely at BookEnds. We discuss proposals, manuscripts, submission strategies, editors, authors, and even revision suggestions with each other. I have a ton of faith in the people I work with and each of them has their own set of strengths. It's amazing how the opinion of one, and the experiences of one, can help all of us.

When sending out your submission to any agent I wouldn't discount the new or the younger agents. In fact, I would look at them first. They are the people who have the time to take chances and are looking to grow a list. Agents who have been around for a long time tend to be pickier because they can be. They don't have as much time to take a rough project and spend time working to build on the potential they see. And yes, they will always have the support of the others within the agency.

And yes, feel free to query other agents within the agency even if you've already queried someone. The worst that can happen is a pass.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-57592190820390862852012-03-08T08:00:00.002-05:002012-03-08T08:00:13.983-05:00Do I Really Need an Agenti just recently signed with a publisher... on their website, it said submissions only accepted by agents etc

i ignored that and it turned out okay! (i didnt have an agent and still dont)

my question is.... ive already signed the contract with them.... should i still look into getting an agent?

It's a tricky situation because it sounds like you really don't want an agent, however it's important to note that an agent does a lot more than simply submit a work. Sure, negotiating a strong contract is a huge part of what an agent does, but so is career management and guidance. An agent will also help you understand the business and learn what you can expect from the publisher, she can answer your questions and explain things you might not understand, and she can help spot trends and see where you might fit when it comes to building a career.

I think at this point it's going to be difficult to get an agent until you're getting ready for your next contract. At this point, there's not a lot in it for the agent. You've already negotiated and signed the contract so she's coming in to help manage something she's never going to get paid for, but of course I would suggest that you consider getting an agent for your future works. There's a lot an agent can and will do for you, and submitting to the publisher is the least of it.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-50589832430306304602012-03-07T08:00:00.002-05:002012-03-07T08:00:08.706-05:00Workshop WednesdayThanks to all of your contributions, Workshop Wednesday has been a success. We're going to continue on with it for as long as we have entries and the energy to comment on them. If you haven't yet submitted but are still interested, don't be afraid to participate as per the guidelines in our original post.

For anyone wanting to comment, we ask that you comment in a polite and respectful manner, and we ask that you be as constructive as possible. If you can be useful to the brave souls who submitted their query and comment on the query, that's great. Please keep any anonymous tirades on publishing or other snarky comments to yourself. This is and should remain an open and safe forum for people to put themselves and their queries out there so that everyone can learn. I'm leaving comments open and open to anonymous posters, as I always have; don't make me feel the need to change that policy.

And for those who have never "met" Query Shark, get over there and do that. She's the originator of the query critique, the queen, if you will.

Dear Ms Faust

Every 100 years there comes upon this planet a writer whose work enlightens that generation and those that will follow. Until that person arrives you'll have to make do with me.

While I did chuckle a bit at your opening line I wonder if the self-defeating tone might hurt you in the end? It didn't bother me, but I'm not sure other agents wouldn't have a different reaction.

Mae Clarke is a nineteen year old girl who's been alive for six months after being created in a test tube having been brought up by robots and an insane non-scientist. Her mother, Carla Neill, is on the starship Dravid (currently patrolling the Colonial side of the Zone), trying to avoid everyone and who everyone tries to avoid. Her father, Alan Radford, is passing the rest of his life on early twenty-first century Earth hoping that he won't be kidnapped and sent into the future again.

I'm having some trouble following this. Your first sentence was one I had to read twice and I guess the introduction, this entire paragraph, doesn't grab me. Nothing about this feels particularly riveting or different.

All three are destined to meet (there wouldn't be a novel in it if they didn't) at least that's what Harold, the insane non-scientist obsessed with his and their destiny, thinks is their destiny. Aided, abetted and obstructed in his plans are two robots, a seven foot reptilian doctor, the commander of the Dravid and a dictatorial Dagon who is determined to resurrect her military career by breaking as many rules as she can without her rusting brick of a ship falling apart.

I like how your humor comes through. I think that's my favorite part of your query, your asides, however since I doubt you do that in the novel I'm not sure it's going to be enough to make me want to request the book. I think part of the problem with this is that you're so focused on trying to put the comedic elements into your query that I'm getting no sense of what the book is about or the story. When querying a humorous story the humor needs to come through in the showing of the story, not trying purposely to be funny.

A Stitch In Time is a Science Fiction comedy written by [redacted] (that's me) and has some vague similarities to Blonde Bombshell by Tom Holt and the Space Captain Smith Trilogy by Toby Frost.

Good comparisons.

I have had two short stories published in failed ezines, two on failed websites and two non-fiction articles for succesful magazines as well as being a regular book/film/tv reviewer for the irregularly published SFF ezine Hub. I have three teenage boys, an old car, a rented flat and act out my fantasies for the Knebworth Amateur Theatrical Society twice a year, as well as being the author of this stunning query.

I think this is funny. Obviously I appreciate your humor, I only wish I could get it in the blurb of the book, without you trying to be so in-your-face about it.

I look forward to hearing from at your earliest convenience.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-77911799387570272292012-03-06T08:00:00.002-05:002012-03-06T08:00:02.839-05:00The Evolution of My Rejection LetterAll of the talk lately about whether "no means no" is an appropriate response for agents to give to query letters had me thinking about my own rejection letters over the years. I agree with Janet Reid when she says that a response is not only important, but pretty easy. It's something we've always done at BookEnds--responded to all queries and submissions--and something I think we all agree is important and plan to continue to do.

That being said, it's amazing how things have changed in the past 12 years and how much my queries, submissions, and responses have changed. When we first opened the agency we were hungry agents looking for great authors. Everything in those days (2001) was done by snail mail, so we had an open policy to unsolicited partials. That meant that without even getting a request you could snail mail us a copy of your query/cover letter, the first three chapters of your book, and a synopsis. Man, you should have seen the piles of mail. More often than not it took multiple armloads just to get from the mailbox to our desks. That was every day.

At that time, because we were hungry, I somewhat personalized every rejection. I had several forms, sure, but I actually took the time to type into each letter the name and address of each person I was rejecting. I'd love to know how much time that took me each week.

Over time, within probably 3 to 5 years, we were getting busier and busier, actually tending to our clients, because we actually had clients. So instead of the personalized rejection, we started to go the way of the "Dear Author" form. Away went the address and name and instead we had a stack of letters printed out that we could just stick into envelopes and send off. This was for unsolicited material. For solicited proposals we were still writing in the names and addresses.

And then email really took hold, at least for submissions. Agents became less afraid of being inundated with queries in their email inbox and opened to email submissions. We were right there with the rest. By this time we had done away with the unsolicited partials and were accepting queries only via email and we came up with a very clever way to reply to those queries. That magical signature line. Most email programs allow you to have multiple signatures to choose from. Maybe you have your business standard and another for personal use. Well, we have somewhere around 10. I have my standard signature that goes on the bottom of all email, and then I have the "letter" signatures or the form rejection signatures. I have one that says I'm closed to queries, one that requests material, one that rejects material, one I can easily modify to make more personal, and those that give some specific information (like the book is too short or too much like a magazine article).

I've found it's never hard to pop on that signature and hit send, and hopefully it allows me to keep networking with authors and helps them to keep thinking of me.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-39777713261303508342012-03-05T08:00:00.000-05:002012-03-05T08:00:09.828-05:00Gifts 101I love my agent. I think she's fabulous, and I never want her to doubt for an instant that I think she's fabulous.

Are there "rules" governing gifts from the writer to the agent? I figure it's okay to send cookies just 'cuz, but what about a gift when the agent sells your manuscript? Is it okay to send flowers? A bottle of the agent's favorite wine? (I've recently found out you can have anything delivered in Manhattan.)

For the record, my agent has never asked me for anything other than a splendid manuscript.

You sound like a sweet and fabulous client, and what I love most about this post is that I don't often get questions from readers telling me they love their agent. Yay for you and yay for your agent. It sounds like you're a good match.

There are no "rules" when it comes to giving gifts to your agent. Of course no agent expects gifts (editors don't either) and certainly they aren't required, but sometimes we just like giving gifts to show our appreciation and some of us are just natural gift givers.

When it comes to giving gifts I think it's about the giving and not the gift. If you want specific ideas, though, get to know your agent a little and see what she likes or just think about what you see from Tweets and blogs. For most agents, anyway, you can never go wrong with food or booze. I think any of the thoughts you have on what you send your agent will be touching and greatly appreciated. Heck, I'll tear up over a thank-you email from a client. Sometimes that's the best gift I can get.

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-27414349746681220852012-03-01T08:00:00.001-05:002012-03-01T08:00:00.074-05:00An Agent's AcknowledgmentI think on a number of agent blogs you've read how much an acknowledgment or a dedication to an agent in a client's book can mean to an agent. I never get tired of reading them and I never feel anything less than humbled that the author would consider me when writing this most public of thank-yous. But today I'm feeling a very special appreciation for all of my clients. I don't have a book in which to acknowledge them, but I do have this blog.

Each day my clients make me better at what I do. They provide me with information on the industry, hot topics among authors, and information that I can use to become better at what I do.

They humble me with their combined and individual talents. I'm continually amazed by the ideas they come up with, the skill it takes to write a book, and the perseverance each of them has to succeed and excel in this industry.

I'm thankful to know them both professionally and personally. I'm thankful for the support they give me in my job and I'm thankful that they are willing to listen to my ideas and sometimes take them without laughing.

So while I won't list you all by name, you know who you are. Published or unpublished I appreciate every single one of you. Skol!

JessicaBookEnds, LLChttp://email@example.com


text:
Police "arrested 55 people in a raid on an Occupy San Francisco encampment in front of a Federal Reserve building early Sunday morning, days after clearing the protesters' main site about a block away." The arrests follow the eviction of protesters from their long-time encampment on Wednesday.
Police Arrest 55 At Occupy San Francisco
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
I found this very dry & lacking flavor. Also, even though I only cooked for approx. 8 hrs instead of the recommended 10 my eggs were rubbery. One one of the other reviews mentioned adding a can of cream o chicken or cream o shroom, maybe that would help. I also think that perhaps a full dozen eggs may be a little much.. either way, I didn't find it at all appealing.
Slow-Cooker Hashbrown Casserole
shancull Posted: 11/18/13
nancyrj Posted: 07/04/13
This is a good base and starter but needs a bit of doctoring for us. Made exactly as written but next time I'll use a bit more sausage, no peppers (don't like them) and add a can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup to milk and egg mixture. It was a bit on the dry side and I think the soup would add some creaminess to it. Not exactly sure what it all needs but again, it's a good base with plenty of room to customize. It certainly was nice to wake up to the smell of breakfast being ready!
RZytnik Posted: 08/19/13
Made this the first time for a potluck and it was a hit - it did need a bit more seasoning and I replaced the sausage with turkey. Made it a second time for home - what a wonderful smell to wake up too! I have had requests to make it every weekend. Still needs more salt.


text:
Business Ideas in the News / December 23, 2012
If you want to be prepared for tax season next year, now is the time to absorb all the information you'll need and make a few changes.
Several of the enhanced deductions available to business owners and the self-employed have to do with the purchase and depreciation of assets. And currently, the IRS designates different categories of depreciation of assets: there is what we refer to as "regular depreciation," there is "bonus depreciation," and there is what is known as "Section 179 depreciation." Business owners and the self-employed must allow for careful consideration and planning with their tax preparation professional, to determine which type of depreciation is appropriate for their circumstances.
Also, if you own or lease property and make upgrades or improvements on that property, under Section 179 Depreciation provisions the IRS will allow you to deduct up to $250,000, all within year 2011. Yet this is a one-year, one time policy from the IRS – in 2012 the deduction will essentially go away.
Photo by Chris Tolworthy
Originally posted by Angela Shupe on December 23, 2012 in News.
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text:
Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Center
Arthritis Test Results
X-rays of the joints can be useful in diagnosing and monitoring many forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and osteoarthritis. In people with ankylosing spondylitis, X-rays of the sacroiliac joint can help confirm a diagnosis early on. In rheumatoid arthritis, the early development of bony erosions is associated with more severe disease.
Limitations: Although X-rays are useful in the evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis, they lack the sensitivity to show damage early in the course of the disease when treatment to prevent further damage is critical. Also, X-rays only show joint and bony damage; other imaging tests are needed to examine soft tissues.
WebMD Medical Reference


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text:
Join 500,000+ Artists
Its' free and it takes less than 10 seconds!
Hi all, i'm new here and i am french.
Some months ago i tried to do some children's illustrations. they are here : http://laureduthe.ultra-book.com/portfolio
Some days after i made them, i felt depressed. i didn't like them anymore, there was so much missing from what i would like to do, and i didn't really know what.
After a while i realized there was big lack of composition, values, narration, anatomy, gesture, movement, expressions, research of reference, etc...
So i have to work all that... have to study seriously !
i'm really happy i found concept art with full of ressources.
to keep motivation i start my sketchbook here
some studies from bridgman, bammes, hultgren, and an exercise : i tried to draw severals heads from one reference (the one at the right) for the light and expression.
Similar Threads
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Here a re some fold studies
i only begin to understand how the knowledge of the principal types of folds help to fear less all those combinations on the complicated ones.
studies are looking good, and don't be afraid to just draw, honestly, the illustrations looked good, they could be pushed, but let's face it, we could always do better. learning to be happy with your output is just as rewarding.
keep it up!
...the imperfections make it interesting...
[sketchbook] [deviantart]
I know that we can always do better and sometimes underestimate our work.
But i feel honestly that my previous illustrations lack so much things because i did'nt make enough studies.
In fact i made some before, but not seriously enough, like doing a lot but not very trying to understand what i studied because i wanted to go fast (and finally it was a waste of time )
Now i redo all from the beginning and take my time to really understand and assimilate all the things i can.
And of course, i will continue to be happy by drawing
Thank you for your post Dope Fiend !
More fold studies. I quite struggle but keep working !
Some quick sketches from Daumier's caricatures to train about head and corporal expression
More studies from Bammes
Many cool studies! keep them up. Your lines look really good!
lots of good studies you got, in the couple days you are drawing I see already a bit evolution in your drawings, keep the good work coming
Valyavande, deadlyhamster, thank you !
Here are some 30 seconds sketch from the gesture tool.
It's very hard for me but i'll train again
Some hands studies from bridgman
Developed Actively by vBSocial.com
The Art Department
SpringOfSea's Sketchbook


text:
Thornbury People has all the Skip Hire businesses in Thornbury listed, many with reviews and star ratings; select one of the local Skip Hire companies from the list below to hire the skip you need for your job be it mini skip hire, midi skip hire or builders skip hire - be sure to return to Thornbury People and leave a review.
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There is 1 business
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Little Mill, Oldbury Lane
very good service they deliver and collect at short notice. the prices are also at a reasonable price. i have used them before and would certainly use them again the next time i need a skip.
Start your Autumn off with a huge saving on leaflet distribution.
Contact: 0117 934 3741
Valid until: Friday, October 31 2014


text:
Spain's Alberto Contador virtually secured his third yellow jersey victory in the Tour de France Saturday following the penultimate stage time trial won by Swiss Fabian Cancellara.
Astana leader Contador went into the 52-kilometer race against the clock with only an eight-second lead on Andy Schleck and the Luxembourger pushed him all the way before having to settle for second place overall. Despite the threat of Schleck in the early stages, when he took his deficit down to almost two seconds, the Spaniard kept his composure to finish 31sec ahead of his closest rival.
Contador will now go into Sunday's 20th and final stage, which is not usually contended by the yellow jersey rivals, with a 39sec lead on Schleck. It means Schleck is set to finish runner-up for the second consecutive year, although after finishing 4min 11sec behind Contador in 2009, the Saxo Bank climbing specialist has set out his stall for next year's challenge.
If Contador and Schleck respect the final stage tradition the Spaniard's winning margin will be among the smallest in the history of the race. "It was a very hard day," said Contador, who won the race in 2007 and 2009. "I've worked so hard for so many years but today it really came right down to the wire. That's why I'm so emotional. In fact, I think it's the first Tour I've won where I've been so emotional. I want to thank all the people who have been there for me these last years."
Schleck had promised to give every last drop of energy in a bid to overturn his tiny deficit to Contador, whom he has yet to beat in a time trial. Despite his defeat he admitted he still has work to do. "I always said I was going to give it everything till the end and I think I did that," said Schleck. "I've made some progress in the time trial in the past year, but to beat Contador is not easy."
Russian Denis Menchov won the battle for the third and final place on the Paris podium after outclassing Spaniard Samuel Sanchez. Menchov started the stage with a 21sec deficit to the Euskaltel climbing specialist but the Rabobank rider's superior time trialling skills paid off handsomely. Menchov will now start Sunday's final stage third overall at 2:01 with Sanchez in fourth at 3:40. Completing the top five will be promising young Belgian Jurgen van den Broeck of Pharma Lotto, who is at 6:34 behind Contador.
Schleck's teammate Cancellara capped his campaign the way he started it, having won the opening prologue in Rotterdam to take the race's yellow jersey. Olympic time trial champion Cancellara clocked a winning time of 1hr 00min 56sec for the largely flat 52km course between Bordeaux and Pauillac to push German Tony Martin into second place.
HTC-Columbia rider Martin finished 17secs adrift with compatriot and teammate Bert Grabsch in third at 1min 48sec.
[1] http://www.bicycling.com/
[2] http://www.bicycling.com/news
[3] http://www.bicycling.com/news/2010-tour-de-france
[4] http://www.bicycling.com/tools
[5] http://traininglog.bicycling.com/landingpage.aspx
[6] http://www.bicycling.com/gearfinder
[7] http://www.bicycling.com/whattowear
[8] http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?iu=/3899/bicycling&sz=300x250%7C300x600%7C300x1050&c=1411489358514&tile=&t=atf%3Dtrue
[9] http://www.bicycling.com/print/6891?quicktabs_3=0#quicktabs-3
[10] http://www.bicycling.com/print/6891?quicktabs_3=1#quicktabs-3
[11] http://www.bicycling.com/print/6891?quicktabs_3=2#quicktabs-3
[12] http://www.bicycling.com/news/advocacy/when-cop-says-stop
[13] http://www.bicycling.com/news/pro-cycling/lance-armstrongs-endgame
[14] http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbikecom/bikes-gear/2011-best-mountain-bikes
[15] http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/core
[16] http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/nutrition-weight-loss/big-fat-lies
[17] http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/bicyclings-50-golden-rules
[18] http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/nutrition-weight-loss/your-ideal-cycling-weight
[19] http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/training-fitness/9-cross-training-tips-cyclists
[20] http://www.bicycling.com/news/featured-stories/riding-my-ritalin
[21] http://www.bicycling.com/training-nutrition/nutrition-weight-loss/i-lost-320-pounds-riding-bike
[22] http://www.pricepoint.com/?utm_source=BICYCLING&utm_medium=Banner&utm_content=145382&utm_campaign=BicyclingNews
[23] http://www.bikeyourbuttoff.com/bke?cm_mmc=bke.com-_-website-_-sfeature-_-bybo&keycode=242653
[24] http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?iu=/3899/bicycling&sz=120x30%7C120x31&c=1411489358649&tile=&t=
[25] http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?iu=/3899/bicycling&sz=120x30%7C120x32&c=1411489358394&tile=&t=
[26] http://pubads.g.doubleclick.net/gampad/jump?iu=/3899/bicycling&sz=120x30%7C120x33&c=1411489358877&tile=&t=
[27] http://www.stumbleupon.com/submit?url=http://www.bicycling.com/news/2010-tour-de-france/contador-secures-yellow
[28] http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php
[29] http://www.bicycling.com/print/6891
[30] http://www.bicycling.com/tour-de-france/expert-analysis/sprinters-going-green
[31] https://secure.rodale.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/OaeEntryPage?storeId=10057&mktOfferId=BKE55313&keycode=I3AW0D10&cm_mmc=Bicycling.com-_-Text%20Link-_-BKE%20Text%20Link%20Jan-_-OfferId_BKE55313_keycode_I3AW0D10


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|Medical (Non-Surgical) Abortion
Pennsylvania's Abortion Control Act
Prior to your procedure visit, the state of Pennsylvania requires you to comply with the Abortion Control Act. Under this law, each patient must receive state-mandated information from a physician at least 24 hours before the procedure starts. There are three ways to get this information: at a consultation visit in the office; speaking with one of our physicians by phone; or by asking your own doctor or clinic to give you the information.
When you call to make an appointment, our telephone counselors will give you more information about this process.
Screening & Eligibility
Because a medical abortion is a more involved process than a traditional surgical abortion, it is important for AWC to complete a careful screening with each interested patient. This includes a brief medical history and the determination that you will be less than 9 weeks (63 days) pregnant on the day of your appointment. Patients who wish to pursue a non-surgical abortion must meet the following criteria:
- Understand how the medical abortion process works. This includes an accurate expectation of bleeding and pain, as well
Explanation of the Procedure
At your procedure visit, a technician will peform a transvaginal ultrasound. You will discuss your decision and options with a counselor and talk more about the medications, side effects, and risks outlined in the Medication Guide. You will read and sign the Patient Agreement and consents for medical abortion.
Next, a nurse or assistant will take your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature) and you will meet the physician. The physician will ask you about your decision and answer any questions you may have. The physician will then give you one Mifeprex™ tablet (200 mg mifepristone) that you will take orally. If your blood type is Rh negative, a nurse will administer an injection of Rhogam in the recovery room. You will be given prescriptions for pain medication, antibiotics, and reminded about how to contact us in case of an emergency. The physician will also dispense a packet containing 800mcg of misoprotol to take home.
The misoprostol should be taken 24-36 hours after swallowing Mifeprex™ at AWC. Make sure you have plenty of maxi pads on hand. One half hour before you plan to take the misoprostol tablets, take 800mg of Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, etc.). The misoprostol is administered by inserting two tablets into your mouth, between your gum and cheek, on the left side and two tablets, between your gum and cheek, on the right side. All four pills should be left in the mouth for approximately 30 minutes to dissolve. You may not eat or drink anything while the pills are dissolving. Anything left in the mouth after 30 minutes should be swallowed. Contractions and bleeding will begin between 20 minutes and 4 hours after taking misoprostol. Occasionally cramping and bleeding will start before inserting the tablets.
What To Expect After Taking Misoprostol:
Fever: A temperature of 101°F or higher can be normal after taking misoprostol. Your temperature should return to normal about one hour after the bleeding starts. Monitor your temperature each hour over the next three hours. Drink lots of fluids. If your fever does not return to normal in three hours, call the clinic.
Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea: Sometimes these symptoms can be a side effect of the·misoprostol tablets. If these symptoms occur 24 hours or more after you have taken misoprostol, it could be a sign of something more serious, such as Toxic Shock or infection. Call our office immediately if you experience flu-like·symptoms, with or without abdominal pain, and with or without fever, more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol.
Heavy Bleeding: You should expect very heavy bleeding and you may pass some large clots. Clots may look bigger in the toilet, so do not panic. If you are soaking* through 2 or more pads per hour for 2 hours in a row, call AWC immediately. Bleeding may continue off and on for several days or weeks and can range from a light flow or spotting to heavier, like a period. Your bleeding should slow down after you pass the pregnancy. If you do not begin bleeding within 24 hours, please call AWC immediately.
Significant Cramping: Cramping is an indication that the medical abortion is working and is normal with this type of abortion. Cramping can range from mild / moderate menstrual-type cramps to intense, early labor-like contractions. Please remember that all women's bodies are different and not everyone has the same experience with this method.
If you received a prescription for Tylenol with Codeine #3, you may take one when cramping begins and one every 4 hours thereafter. This medication may cause constipation and drowsiness. You may take 800mg of Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, etc.) every 6-8 hours. Please do not·take any additional medications without speaking to us first and do not take asprin.
About 90% of women complete the abortion within 4 - 24 hours of insertiing the misoprostol tablets, although for some women it may take longer. The embryo may be embedded in a blood clot or it may be more recognizable as a small white form about the size of a grain of rice.
Note: AWC uses a treatment regimen that differs from the FDA protocol. The FDA approved regimen consists of 600mg of mifepristone taken orally, followed by 400mcg misoprostol taken orally in the office 48 hours after mifepristone up to 49 days LMP. Evidence-based research has shown that 200mg of mifepristone taken orally followed by 800mcg misoprostol taken buccally at home 24 to 36 hours after mifepristone up to 63 days LMP is as safe and as effective as the FDA approved regimen, with fewer side effects.
The Follow-up Visit:
Approximately 10-14 days after your first visit you will return to AWC for a repeat vaginal ultrasound. Approximately 1% of women using this method will not end their pregnancies and 2-3% will have remaining prenancy tissue in the uterus at the time of the follow-up appointment. It is very important to understand that once Mifeprex™ is taken, the pregnancy termination must be completed. If the abortion is complete, you will discuss birth control options and future care. If you are still pregnant, you will most likely need surgery to complete the abortion. If you need surgery, there is a $100 additional charge and you will need to return for another follow-up exam in 3 - 4 weeks.
Do not take aspirin because it will increase bleeding.


text:
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Found March 21, 2013 on BlackSportsOnline:
PLAYERS: Patrick Ewing, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James
TEAMS: New York Knicks, Miami Heat
TEAMS: New York Knicks, Miami Heat
Patrick Ewing never won an NBA title as a New York Knick in large part to the presence of Michael Jordan. Ewing who still follows his former franchise closely, thinks Carmelo Anthony will suffer the same fate because of LeBron James. Ewing told ESPN New York that the Knicks are not good enough to beat and dethrone the Heat for an NBA championship. "I don't think anybody's good enough to beat Miami," Ewing told ESPNNewYork.com. "Miami's on a roll; you've got three bona fide superstars on that team who are used to playing with each other, who are playing at a very high level. I don't think anybody right now can challenge Miami in the East. I don't really think anyone can challenge them in the West, either." Ewing who now works as an analyst for the MSG Network, said he initially believed Carmelo Anthony and Amare' Stoudemire would be able to get over the hump. "When I looked at that team on paper, the duo of Amar'e and Melo, I liked it a lot as an inside-outside punch," Ewing said. "Even though they were both similar in a lot of ways where they both need the ball, I thought you could post Amar'e up, you could run pick-and-roll, you could hit him on the dive. And Melo can shoot the long ball, put it on the floor, and you could also post him up. "I thought it was good, but then it's about the pieces you put around them. I like the team. It's just unfortunate that Amar'e got hurt, and then when you're playing in New York, everything is put under a microscope."
Original Story: http://blacksportsonline.com/home/201...
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text:
Vote of the week: Which theme park's Halloween event do you want to attend?
Written by Robert Niles
Theme Park Insider's Domenik Jost has been covering the build-up to this year's top Halloween events at major theme parks around the country. Today, in this week's vote, I'd like to hear from you which events you'd most be looking forward to attend.Tweet
I'm breaking this vote into two parts - one for Orlando and one for Southern California, since those are the two markets which host multiple events. (Everywhere else, there's basically just one game in town.)
Busch Gardens, Disney, Universal and Knott's host "hard ticket" events, where you have to pay an extra fee for a special event that runs after normal park hours. The events at Legoland, SeaWorld and Six Flags are part of a normal admission. Busch Gardens', Knott's and Universal's events are strictly for grown-ups, while Disney, Legoland and SeaWorld are for the kiddies (or young at heart). Six Flags' event is a mix, with more family-friendly stuff during the day and adults-only scare zones at night.
Pick one event in each market that sounds most like what you'd like - or pick the one that you're most looking forward to attending, if you'll actually be going to one or more of these events.
Update #2: Okay, you don't like voting disclaimers in the article, since most folks are seeing them *before* they vote. And the voting tool for this part of the vote is just wacked, anyway. The poll's supposed to be open until Tuesday morning. If it shuts down again before that, blame an escaped evil spirit from Knott's, or something.]
Let's hear your thoughts on this year's theme park Halloween events, in the comments. And thanks again for reading Theme Park Insider.
Readers' Opinions
From Amanda Jenkins on September 10, 2010 at 9:57 AM
Next week, I will be in Orlando for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. I WISH that I had the guts to try Universal's Horror Nights (no pun intended), but I am too big of a wennie. For the last few years I have watched the behind the scenes of their creation for each year's theme and it just blows me away with their attention to every detail. I loved being able to see the last twenty years online and wish I could take it in person. I suffer from so many Halloween related phobias, that it used to ruin the night for me as a child. I even stopped trick or treating at the age of seven. My heart just can't take it.
From Tiffany J. L. Alfonso on September 10, 2010 at 11:30 AM
I went to HHN in '08 and had a lot of fun. It tickles my terror bone a lot, but it was worth it! I really, really, really want to go to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party so I can dress as a bum!
From Anthony Murphy on September 10, 2010 at 11:47 AM
No shock here: Disney and Universal
From 220.127.116.11 on September 10, 2010 at 12:35 PM
I go to Busch and Kings Dominion each year but my number one is not really Halloween but rather a Harvest Festival and it is held at Dollywood. We spend 3 full days at that event each year and see it as a Highlight in our theme park visits each year.
From Tracie Sheldon on September 10, 2010 at 3:44 PM
So let me get this straight because Legoland promoted your poll, and therefore promoting your site you took it down? Disneyland also has a FB page and is just as able to promote you also, but looks like are chosing not to. Guess they already know how the poll is going to go.
[Editor note: Poll was down for several minutes, but is back up now.]
From Nick Markham on September 10, 2010 at 1:39 PM
Roob Alvey being in the Knott's Scary Farm almost makes me want to fly out to SoCal just to see it!
From 220.127.116.11 on September 10, 2010 at 1:54 PM
Brick or treat is great fun for the younf ones and adults as well. I have been to brick or treat for 3 years in a row and there is a lot to look at and it is just a lot of fun.
From 188.8.131.52 on September 10, 2010 at 3:30 PM
Ummm, I was directed here by way of Legoland's post, but didn't vote for them...so your 'warning' isn't justified.
From Robert Niles on September 10, 2010 at 3:43 PM
It's a tough balance, but I'm trying a new policy of letting readers know when I know that parks are directing people to the site for polls. If people think that helps provide context for the poll results, I'll stick with the policy. If folks think it a distraction, I'll junk it.
From 184.108.40.206 on September 10, 2010 at 3:52 PM
I agree with the others, just because I was directed here by way of one park, doesn't mean I am going to vote for that theme park. I will vote exactly as the question asks 'what I want to attend' not what I want to attend because Legoland told me so.
From 126.96.36.199 on September 10, 2010 at 4:08 PM
When I came to this site, for the first time, I saw a huge Disney add. No bias against Legoland here. There are only really two legitimate Halloween options in So Cal. Knott's if you're older and Legoland if you're younger. Just my informed opinion. (Be warned: I do not get endorsements from Disney) When Disney or Sea World put in the same energy and really turn their parks into spooky options, they can be in the conversation. They are still great places to visit all year!
From 184.108.40.206 on September 10, 2010 at 5:15 PM
We have gone to Legoland the last 3 years and don't plan on doing anything different this year. Next year we will have our Disneyland passes back and may try to visit theirs... but for now.. Brick or Treat is the place for us!
From Mitchell Sentinella on September 10, 2010 at 7:11 PM
All of theses events you pay for admission. So think of this, are you getting your money's worth. Disney is just later hours, fun atmosphere and a few special opportunities. LEGOLAND is a place for 2 -12 year olds to have a Halloween party event. Knott's and Universal are for those for the suspense and thrills. Six flags park is more of late nights and spooky atmosphere and entertainment. So keep that in mind and look at the different event websites to see what is happening and how much it is.
From 126.96.36.199 on September 10, 2010 at 8:01 PM
We attend Mickey's at least once each year, but Halloween for us is all about HHN. This year we're doing a three night run from Oct. 29th thru Halloween. If we lived in Florida, we'd probably go at least once a week during it's run!
From Charles Reichley on September 10, 2010 at 8:15 PM
Hey, I'm working at Kings Dominion!! :-)
Anyway, I object to the notion that in other markets, there is only one choice. It's just a bit further to drive.
I live in Manassas, Virginia. I have 5 haunts I know of to choose from within 4 hours:
Kings Dominion
I'm thinking there are a few other places in the country that might more than one choice; I know Ohio has two choices, maybe 3 if Kennywood has something (don't know).
Anyway, I'm going to Dorney Park and Busch Gardens, and of course Kings Dominion (where I am also working this year). I'm also going to Hershey Park, but not on a halloween day. I've never been to HerheyPark's halloween, but we did do Six Flags America one year.
From 188.8.131.52 on September 10, 2010 at 9:38 PM
If you really want scares? If you want to live in a horror movie? Go to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. I love the movie "Saw" and went last year to see all the traps from the movie. USH is having it again as well as Freddy Kreuger, House of a 1000 Corpses, and La Llrona from Mexican Folklore.
From Anthony Murphy on September 11, 2010 at 8:35 AM
I like the disclaimer if a park promotes a poll. Polls are a tricky thing since they are not always "scientific".
From Joshua Counsil on September 11, 2010 at 10:40 AM
I'm shocked that Halloween Horror Nights isn't swamping the competition. Personally, the choice is Universal for both votes, hands-down.
From 188.8.131.52 on September 11, 2010 at 4:26 PM
You should let the people vote freely the way they want to. If someone suggest their park it is still the voters decision who they want to vote for. Your company should not manipulate votes.
From 22.214.171.124 on September 12, 2010 at 6:33 PM
I'm going to Orlando Halloween Horror Nights and Busch Tampa's Howl O Scream in early October - I didn't consider going to any of the other events as I prefer the really scary ones.
This will be my first time at these events and I'm going with the VIP options and also doing the upcharge Alone maze at HOS. On the same trip I'm doing Hollywood HHN and Knotts Scary Farm (which I did for the first time last year) before Orlando.
I love the Halloween events (based on last year's experience) and consider it well worth the trip from Australia.
From Anthony Murphy on September 13, 2010 at 7:57 AM
BTW, Disney pays for their ads on the site (along with others- I think!)
From Crystal A on September 13, 2010 at 10:41 AM
This Saturday we are going to Mickey's NSSHP and next weekend to HOS in Tampa for the passholder's weekend. Not going to HHN until the middle of October. I like HOS just for fun, but for serious Halloween lovers HHN beats it year after year hands down.
I remember a few years ago there was a Vampire house at HHN that was set up like one of the scenes from the 1st Blade movie with the all white tile room. It was one of the best houses they have ever had. I think it was the last year that the event was held in both IOA and US. I also remember from that same year there was a show at the entrance to IOA that was set up like a sacrifice. They "picked" a plant from the audience to be in on it. It was fantastic.
From Amianne Moore on September 15, 2010 at 5:52 PM
I love Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party especially for the fact that it is not so scary and the parade is top notch. I love seeing everyone dressed up in cute costumes, not seeing who can more creepy or gross. I am too much of a chicken to attend Halloween Horror Nights or Hallo-Scream. Besides, the only party adults can dress up in costumes is at Magic Kingdom!
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Omw this is awesome can't wait for the extended version to come so HURRY up and come already btw Bella looks like she's showing her baby bump here in this pic!!! Cute!
I think this scene is before she finds out she is pregnant. I really wanted this scene in the movie so i'm glad they have included this is the extended version. I wonder if they will include the scene with Rosalie and Jacob fighting?
I forgot about that scene too!!
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