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Monday, July 6, 2009
Guest Blog Week: Book Sales Demystified
I've followed Nathan's blog for close to two years now, and he has done an admirable—nay, outstanding—job of outlining, explaining, reiterating, and overall demystifying the somewhat byzantine method by which manuscripts (produced by you, the author) are acquired, auctioned, sold, &c, and eventually transformed into finished books (purchased by you, the consumer). So first of all, thank you, Nathan, for all you've done to make this business a little clearer to the rest of us.
The very last stage of this process, though—the sale of books from publisher to book store to consumer—isn't really the focus of the blog, and so has received relatively little treatment so far. With Nathan's permission, I'd like to shed a little light on this last leg of a book's journey.
I work as a sales assistant at a major trade book publisher (feel free to insert your favorite name here: Penguin, Random House, HarperCollins, &c), which means that my job mostly involves 1.) preparing sales materials for the sales reps who sell the books to a given account, and 2.) keeping track of the promotions we run at said account. Since the account I work on is a national chain (e.g. Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books-A-Million), this is a fairly involved process. How does this affect your book once it's already survived the gauntlet of critique group, literary agent, and editor?
First, the sales materials. Each book that we publish is grouped according to its on-sale date, usually by month but occasionally by span. (There are three spans: Spring, Summer, and Fall.) Within a certain month or span, different sales reps are responsible for selling different subsets of books to the account (for example, the two reps for whom I work divide the list of one imprint; one sells the hardcovers, the other sells the trade paperbacks and mass-markets). For each title in a subset, it's my job to create a sales kit. My sales kits generally consist of:
- A cover sheet, unique to the account, that breaks out basic information (author, title, ISBN, &c) and provides the book's subject code, which determines which buyer at the account is responsible for it and what section of the store the book will eventually live in. Each buyer usually specializes in just a couple of genres/categories.
- A kind of "fact sheet" that summarizes all the important information about the book: title, author, ISBN, &c, as well as marketing information, quotes/blurbs, copy, and "comp" information. Alas, yes, your book will be "comped" to a previously published title—either your last book, if you wrote one, or a book that is similar in content, format, and span/on-sale month, if you didn't—and the comp's sales figures factor into the account's initial buy.
- A full-color copy of the book's cover.
- Any other promotional materials (additional praise/quotes/blurbs, sell sheets, &c) that may be useful.
The sales reps then meet periodically with the buyers at their account and "pitch" them each title. (You thought the pitch was over with the editor's acquisition. You were wrong.) These meetings are referred to as "selling in" or "sales calls" and they are the meetings at which initial orders are decided. Simply put, the initial order is the number of copies the account's buyer wants to purchase in time for the on-sale date; any later orders are considered reorders and are used to replenish stock when it runs low. The sales kits are essential to these meetings—the rep uses them to get the buyers excited and to push them to order quantities that are in line with the publisher's expectations. This generally involves convincing buyers (via cover images, sales data, praise and quotes from famous critics or authors, &c) to purchase more copies than they otherwise would.
So let's say your book, I AM PRETTY AWESOME, a literary memoir, gets a 2,000-copy buy at a given account. Not bad! Your previous book, I GUESS I'M OKAY, sold 1,500 copies in its first four weeks and has experienced 80% life-to-date sell-through. (Sell-through is the percentage of books an account sells compared to how many it bought.) Not only that, but a couple of big-time authors have come out to praise it and it got a starred review in Publisher's Weekly. Both the rep and the buyer are confident that 2,000 is a good number based on this information.
After the sales call, the reps will either enter the orders into our computers themselves or ask me to do it. At this point, the order quantity is called an estimate, since we estimate this is how many copies of each title the account will initially order. (Keep in mind that we tend to sell books to our accounts about five months before they go on sale, so it's possible substantial changes can occur to the order quantity between the sales call and the placement of the actual initial order.) Once the order comes in, it is compared to the estimate, any discrepancies are worked out between the publisher and the account, and the books are shipped in time for their release date.
In summary: sales of your previous books, sales of "comp" titles, your platform as an author (as described on the fact sheets), the book's cover, the current economic climate, events in the news, &c all contribute to how many copies of your book a given account will buy. If you're lucky—either because you're a big shot or because you happened to write a book about the life and times of Michael Jackson a few months back—the orders for your book could be HUGE, say, 10,000 copies. This will qualify your title for promotion, e.g. placement on that magical table at the front of the store, and so brings us to the second half of my job: promotion, through a system we call co-op.
Co-op, in short, is the process by which we work with an account to determine which of our titles get special treatment: placement at the front of the store, on endcaps, in special displays, &c. The account is paid for running these promotions for a set amount of time, either flat amounts or a certain amount of money per book. Any time you see a title on a major front-of-store display, it's because that book's publisher paid the account for the promotion. Stephenie Meyer doesn't magically get her own table, and those "New Release" tables aren't populated by the store staff's personal favorites. The publisher and the account agree on time tables, promotions, and monetary reimbursement, and the account is paid upon completion of those promotions.
Of note: co-op is formalized through a legally binding contract process, so it's not treated lightly by either the publisher or the account. Once the deal is inked, titles are promoted, and once they're promoted, the account is paid.
Your next question, I imagine, is probably something along the lines of "holy hell, how do I make sure my book gets co-op? How can I help decide which titles it's comped to?"
Alas, I'm afraid the answer is: you can't. The vast majority of titles go to their section (science fiction, literary fiction, biography, &c) at on-sale, and the Grishams, Meyers, and Evanovichs receive co-op. To be sure, they're not the only ones; new authors do get co-op for their titles. It's relatively rare, though, so don't be disappointed if your book isn't front-of-store come release day, especially if it's your first one.
I hope I've helped dispel at least some of the mystery surrounding book sales without dismaying too many of you—the business side of publishing can seem remarkably dispassionate compared to the creative side. Please leave any questions you have in the comments, and I'll try to answer as best I can.
176 comments:
- Mira said...
Eric, wow.
This is so much information - and so helpful! Awesome - I hope Nathan adds this to the writing advice database....or well, somewhere.
I do have a question. You said that you're involved in 'pitching' books to buyers, in order to get them to buy more copies.
What works best? What tactics tend to influence a book store to make a larger order?
Thanks for all the information, I can totally see why Nathan selected you out of the 250!
- July 6, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Very informative.
Do you like your job?
- July 6, 2009 at 3:28 PM
- Rhonda said...
Thanks. I've actually wondered about all of that. I think maybe if I admitted that to most people I would be placed in the "nerds" section of the bookstore though.
- July 6, 2009 at 3:32 PM
- Meg Spencer said...
Interesting post - nice pick Nathan! As a former employee at a small town independent bookstore (sadly now out of business) it's interesting seeing how the process is different at the big chains. In addition to the owner we had one full time employee and three or four part timers, including myself. Our new displays worked much more like people probably imagine (ie. ooh, that looks cool, hey boss, can we put it up front?). It's not surprising that at a place like B&N this would be big business. I wonder, do coop agreements go down to the level of what books end up face out on shelves or on shelf ends?
- July 6, 2009 at 3:36 PM
- Maya / מיה said...
Great post! This is kind of discouraging... with so many people pitching a book in any sale, it feels kind of remarkable that books ever get to the reader. (Btw, I think this also partly explains why the percentages that authors get of the profits on a book are so small... a LOT of people are involved in selling a book. And I don't say that with much bitterness... more like awe.) However, this was a really great demystification and reality check-- I think I'm starting to understand why getting on Oprah and the NY Times bestseller list might not be quite as easy as it seems. ;)
I have a question... do you have any idea if the first book by Stephanie Meyer (or insert another breakout other) was originally a promoted co-op, or did it start out back in the stacks? I guess my real question is whether books that aren't co-ops regularly/ever make it out of those back shelves.
Thanks for taking the time to write such a great post when you weren't even sure it would be used! Do you have a blog?
- July 6, 2009 at 3:36 PM
- Victoria Dixon said...
This was so helpful and informative, Eric. Thank you! I plan on sending today's blog out to a lot of people!
- July 6, 2009 at 3:37 PM
- Cynthia said...
Great post--thanks Eric.
Question: What formula or relationship determines co op dollars for a given title?
- July 6, 2009 at 3:37 PM
- RW said...
You said that once bookstores are ordering a large # of books that "qualifies a book for promotion." That sounds like a discouraging Catch-22. I assume that publishers think the vast majority of the authors they've signed who don't get those big initial orders also qualify for promotion in some way.
Otherwise, I get the impression that there is some basis in reality for the reputation that publishers are getting for signing large numbers of writers they have no real commitment to and throwing it all at the wall to see what it sticks.
- July 6, 2009 at 3:37 PM
- Laura Martone said...
Thanks, Eric, for this extremely informative post - which is both demystifying and dismaying. So, what you're saying is that we should try to make friends with you and/or your bosses... or did I miss something? :-)
Seriously, thank you for the insights. It's frightening, though helpful, to know that making it past the "gauntlet" of critiquers, agents, and editors is not the end of our heart-stopping work. I realize that, nowadays, authors are responsible for their own marketing and promotion - whether online or otherwise - but it's scary to think that big decisions (about covers, comparisons, etc.) are being made without an author's input. Guess we just have to hope that a sales rep is really excited about our title (even a debut one) and is willing to do everything in his/her power to push it to the buyers.
- July 6, 2009 at 3:37 PM
- Bane of Anubis said...
Thanks Eric -- quite informative rundown.
- July 6, 2009 at 3:38 PM
- Eric said...
Hi Mira--
While there's a veritable arsenal of sales tactics that can be employed, some of the more effective (in my opinion) are:
1. Promise of major publicity (e.g. Oprah)--of course, only if it's true. It's also great to have existing interest for a book that happens to be timely (such as Ian Halperin's forthcoming "Michael Jackson: The Last Days").
2. Telling the account that their competitors are taking much stronger positions (i.e. buying many more copies) than they are--again, only it that's true--so that the account buys more in order to maintain or increase market share.
3. Excellent sell-through of previous/comp titles, which relies on striking a balance between faithful comps and comps that have good sales figures.
- July 6, 2009 at 3:44 PM
- Eric said...
Yes, I do. It can be frustrating at times, since my own tastes run toward literary fiction and sci-fi--neither of which sell as well as, for example, paranormal romance--and it's hard to see the books I love not making the kind of sales I think they deserve, but you've gotta give the people what they want.
- July 6, 2009 at 3:46 PM
- Eric said...
Yes, they do. Endcaps and in-section face-outs aren't as pricey or as common as front-of-store and BOGO (buy one, get one) table promotions, but they are very much a part of co-op.
- July 6, 2009 at 3:47 PM
- Margaret Yang said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- July 6, 2009 at 3:49 PM
- Anna said...
This is fantastic information Eric, thanks so much!!!
- July 6, 2009 at 3:49 PM
- Kristin Laughtin said...
Interesting post, thanks! We all seem more worried about the getting-an-agent stage, but it's good to be at least somewhat informed of the process after you get the deal.
- July 6, 2009 at 3:51 PM
- Eric said...
Hi Maya--
I don't know whether Stephenie Meyer's first book had co-op, but I'm willing to bet that it did. However, it's not uncommon for titles to move from their sections to FOS (front-of-store). This could happen if:
1. The author's title suddenly becomes hugely popular (either by word of mouth, i.e. the Rowling Effect, or due to events in the news that generate a lot of interest in the author, the book, or the book's general subject);
2. The author writes a second book that receives co-op, so the previous ("backlist") title is brought out with it;
3. The book's subject is seasonal (e.g. Christmas-themed titles going FOS in November).
- July 6, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Thanks for your answer Eric. Although I am still curious. What do you like about it? Are you a writer as well?
- July 6, 2009 at 3:55 PM
- Eric said...
Hi Cynthia--
I imagine it's different from house to house, but you might see something like:
$1.00/book for hardcovers;
$0.50/book for trade paperbacks;
$0.25/book for mass market editions.
- July 6, 2009 at 3:55 PM
- Eric said...
Also, Maya--
Yes, I have a blog of sorts, but it doesn't pertain to my job and would be very boring for anyone other than me to read. I could, however, be persuaded to start a blog pertaining to book sales, if there were enough interest.
- July 6, 2009 at 3:57 PM
- Kiersten said...
I had no idea about comp books. How...strangely terrifying. Thanks though, this was very interesting and helpful.
- July 6, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Amazing what goes down in the life of a book! Now I understand why that bookstore manager got his undies in such a twist when I sneakily set the copies of my book face outward. I obviously had no co-op! Yes, I truly did that, I admit with red face. Now I know better.
Eric, thanks for the great info. Nathan, excellent choice for Monday, can't wait for Tuesday's.
- July 6, 2009 at 4:03 PM
- Rick Daley said...
Ahhh...So this is why my entry did not get picked ;-)
Great post, this was useful insight into the "other side" of publishing.
- July 6, 2009 at 4:06 PM
- Fresh Water Mermaids said...
Hey Eric!
Thank you for this most fascinating blog post.
You have opened up a window into that world.
- July 6, 2009 at 4:09 PM
- Eric said...
Hi RW--
Sorry, I think I was unclear. The publisher formulates initial print runs and "pub goals"--estimates of how many copies it believes the account should buy--which are based on previous sales figures and various profit-and-loss analyses. The reps, therefore, already have an idea of what promotions they'll ask for when they go into their sales calls, assuming the account roughly agrees and buys enough copies--it's when the publisher and the account buyer(s) substantially disagree that promotions can get hairy.
- July 6, 2009 at 4:10 PM
- Eric said...
Hi Laura--
Haha yes, well, being friends with me will get you something--not much, but something. Being friends with my boss(es) will get you slightly more.
The real power, though, if you want to know, lies with the buyers at the accounts. While they can be persuaded, nudged, cajoled, &c, their final decisions are what determine how many copies go to the account. If they're convinced it won't sell well, the initial will be low.
The theory is that if the book surprises them and goes viral via word-of-mouth, reviews, &c, they'll run out of stock and will have to place several reorders, thus setting the stage for a much larger initial when the author's next book comes around.
- July 6, 2009 at 4:13 PM
Thanks, Eric,
I submitted a manuscript to an online publishing organization which outlined its procedures and policies clearly. The manuscript passed round one and I had to decide if this was the way I wanted to go. The organization required assistance from the author on the business end of selling the book and asked for a commitment to travel to stores and market my book. I decided against this. Is this kind of a publishing organization legit? They have honored their policies and procedures and not contacted me with any pesky emails. Seemed legit, but not for me. What do you know about this?
- July 6, 2009 at 4:19 PM
- nkrell said...
Wow. Thanks for all of the information. I can totally understand why Nathan picked you. This was very helpful and it sounds like you have an interesting job.
- July 6, 2009 at 4:20 PM
- allegory19 said...
Just when you think you know all about publishing... you realize you don't know much at all.
Thanks Eric for the post. I'd definitely be interested in following a blog about book sales. Anything that helps me understand this crazy industry is a plus. I find it all really fascinating. You really know your stuff.
- July 6, 2009 at 4:21 PM
Okay, so what happens if an author's first book has had good sales and continues, a year and a half later, to sell well, but with the second book the sell-through thus far, due to the economy, hasn't been what they hoped. It's time to sell the buyer on a third book, coming out in 2010, which should appeal to fans of the first book
How much will the second book sales vs. the first book sales come into play as they make their decisions?
- July 6, 2009 at 4:24 PM
- Margaret Yang said...
@thoughtful1, look up "author mill" on Wikipedia. It should answer your question.
- July 6, 2009 at 4:24 PM
- Lisa Schroeder said...
Eric, I'm SO glad Nathan chose you. As an author, this gives me a behind-the-scenes peek of a part of the process I've always wondered about.
Thanks for the great information!!
- July 6, 2009 at 4:25 PM
- Haste yee back ;-) said...
Good stuff, Eric...
When a book goes co-op, is that expense charged against author's royalty?
Haste yee back ;-)
- July 6, 2009 at 4:25 PM
Thank, Margaret.
- July 6, 2009 at 4:29 PM
- Eric said...
Great answer. Beat me to it.
thoughtful1, while this particular case sounds like a vanity press to me, it's not unusual for authors to do a fair amount of self-promoting; for example, last month I accompanied one of our authors while he signed stock at some of the local stores.
- July 6, 2009 at 4:36 PM
- Amanda J. said...
Wowzer. I learn something new every day!
This was a fantastic post, Eric. Thanks a bunch for writing it, I'm glad you got picked!
I know I'd definitely like to read more about the post-agent pre-publish process, even if it is a little daunting.
Thanks again for all the info!! :D
- July 6, 2009 at 4:37 PM
- Eric said...
Hi Anonymous @1:24 PM--
Sales are compared year-to-year, but they're also compared to general sales and market trends for the current year. The short answer: I think most publishers and account buyers will be more apt to attribute the second book's less-than-stellar sales to the general economic climate, meaning that if they expect economic rebound in 2010, the third book's initial will be more in line with the first book's sales.
- July 6, 2009 at 4:46 PM
- Keren David said...
I think Stephenie Meyer's agent had already sold the film rights before the first book was published. So that would help with orders and co ops I should think.
Thanks Eric for a really interesting post.
- July 6, 2009 at 4:52 PM
- Eric said...
Hi Jessie--
I really enjoy working in the industry, and while I never would have pegged myself as a "numbers guy," I have to admit I like knowing, numerically, exactly how our books are doing in stores.
While I would eventually prefer a move to the agenting or editorial side of things, I'm happy to be on the front lines for the time being. The experience is invaluable.
And yes, I am a writer, more or less.
- July 6, 2009 at 4:57 PM
- Eric said...
Haste yee back--
No, it's not. (I think I heard the collective sigh of relief!) The funds come from the house's marketing department, and the theory is that all money spent will be recouped by increased sales due to the promotion.
- July 6, 2009 at 5:00 PM
- allegory19 said...
Hey Eric,
What's your bosses names? Hahaha J/K
But seriously though, in your opinion, how much does networking influence buyers at the accounts?
I'm just curious. They always say it's who you know in the publishing business. I wonder if it's the same when it comes to buyers.
- July 6, 2009 at 5:04 PM
- Melanie Avila said...
Eric, this is amazing! Wonderful post -- thank you so much for the breakdown. I've read bits and pieces of some of this, but never all in one place.
- July 6, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Wonderful information!
- July 6, 2009 at 5:16 PM
- Victoria Dixon said...
Hi, Eric. I have a friend who just mentioned that she once had a book (early in her career) and when she talked with her store owner, she found out the rep hadn't alerted the area stores that she was local. Is that common and something writers should watch for? BTW, I think the amount of chatter over your entry today is evidence you should start a blog on this process. LOL!
- July 6, 2009 at 5:17 PM
- Elaine 'still writing' Smith said...
That was a fascinating read - but I'm possibly more mystified than before.
Perhaps hiring the services of a good astrologer might be the way to cut down the odds of getting a book published.
Concept - execution - agent - co-op .... OK
Thank you for the illuminating beam cast upon this, even more, shadowy state of Writerdom.
- July 6, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Thanks for the information! I appreciate any information regarding the business side of publishing.
Great job.
- July 6, 2009 at 5:34 PM
- Matilda McCloud said...
Thanks for the great post. When I worked in publishing, I had to prepare what we called tip sheets or book briefs for each title (children's books) for the sales dept. I think it would be a useful exercise to imagine what might be on a tip sheet for one's own book, ie what are comparable titles, how well have they sold, author platform etc. I'm having a hard time imagining this with at least one of my WIPs, so this is definitely something I need to think about....
- July 6, 2009 at 5:34 PM
- Eric said...
Absolutely. When I refer to a "fact sheet," I also mean "tip sheet" (as far as I know, the terms are interchangeable).
I'm thinking of fact/tip sheets now, and I know they list the author's hometown. Attentive reps will do everything they can to let book stores know if an author is local, but with the hundreds upon hundreds of titles reps sell each year, some of the smaller ones (in terms of initial buy) are bound to fall through the cracks when it comes to things like this. (I'm the first to admit it's embarrassing, though, especially if the author's hometown book store doesn't have the book in stock!)
And honestly, if the demand is there, I'd be happy to guest blog again--or even start my own.
- July 6, 2009 at 5:41 PM
- Elaine 'still writing' Smith said...
These are the problems we are aspiring to - worrying about product placement would be one worry I'd love to have.
Stop replying...go set up the blog already! :)
- July 6, 2009 at 5:45 PM
Great stuff, Eric.
Thanks for putting the effort into submitting this to Nathan.
- July 6, 2009 at 5:52 PM
- Victoria Mixon said...
This is wonderful stuff. Thanks for writing it! You absolutely should do a blog on it. I'll link to you!
Great post--
Victoria Mixon
- July 6, 2009 at 5:57 PM
- abc said...
That was awesome! Also, how did you know my book was titled I AM AWESOME? Also, thank you, Eric!
This is fun!
- July 6, 2009 at 6:01 PM
- JJ said...
All things I did not know. Thanks so much.
Here's to all of us experiencing this first-hand someday soon...
- July 6, 2009 at 6:04 PM
- Carolyn said...
Thank you for your most informative blog post. I would love it if you started a blog on this topic.
I think most authors, myself included, wish we knew if there was anything we can do that actually works with respect to promotion. For example, is it worthwhile to send our own promotion kits to the buyers? Would sending you cookies do any good?
Suppose a book is released and gets stellar reviews -- does it make sense to get those reviews to the buyers as well as one's agent and editor?
- July 6, 2009 at 6:05 PM
- Etiquette Bitch said...
Informational, and hilarious! I love the "titles" of the example books. I can think of a certain whiny "memoirist" who probably wants to title all her books "I AM WAY AWESOME!!!"
Thanks for my afternoon chuckle!
- July 6, 2009 at 6:12 PM
Question: I know for Non-fiction, when you submit the proposal, you need to show you will promote the book. I tend to mention things like in-store appearances, seminars + talks, etc. Does the author get any say in doing anything like that, or should I just stop mentioning it in my proposals altogether?
- July 6, 2009 at 6:16 PM
- Dawn Maria said...
Thank you so much Eric! Very interesting information. It really is an amazing process.
I'm curious (and apologize if this got covered in an earlier comment) about how author websites and blogs factor into the sales fact sheet. Do you look more appealing to the account if you're actively involved with promotion?
- July 6, 2009 at 6:19 PM
- Casey McCormick said...
Thank you so much for the informative post, Eric. Your post definitely meets the Nathan Bransford standard.
A book sales blog sound fascinating!
: )
- July 6, 2009 at 6:21 PM
- Rogue Novelist said...
WOW! Thank you for the in-depth info. I'm glad I've completely avoided that scenario. It's all so CORPORATE and completely discounts/ignores the important and intelligent writers and novelists. Personally, I go the Book Club route; promoting my books to book clubs and in turn the club members promote my books to their friends and neighbors who belong to other book clubs. My books have sold well over the past two years, which keeps me in $$$ so I can continue to write more novels.
Thanks again for reaffirming that corporate America defines what the general public likes to read.
- July 6, 2009 at 6:21 PM
- Christy Raedeke said...
Based on this feedback I think you'd get a large blog following right away! This is great stuff. Thanks for sharing your knowledge - I hope to see even more on a dedicated blog.
- July 6, 2009 at 6:36 PM
- Sara Tribble said...
Wow this is a great post! No wonder you were picked! =D
You did a great job of breaking it down to simple terms for all of us to understand and it's cool to see this part of publishing industry. Thanks so much for the info!
- July 6, 2009 at 6:37 PM
- Eric said...
Hi Carolyn,
Once your book is acquired and marketing/publicity are under way, I think it's certainly appropriate to approach your agent and ask if working on your own promotional materials would be helpful. I imagine this is different from agent to agent and house to house, but it certainly doesn't hurt to ask. I know several of our authors contribute enormously to their own promotional material.
As for stellar reviews--always, always, always bring these to your agent/editor's attention. Nine times out of ten these have been picked up by the reps and are already included in the sales kits, but on the off chance they're not, you've just added one more voice advocating your book to the buyer(s).
- July 6, 2009 at 6:59 PM
- Eric said...
Caveat--don't drive your agent/editor insane. Starred reviews in PW, yes: panegyrical tweets by your mom, no.
- July 6, 2009 at 7:01 PM
- Eric said...
Ms. S--
I'm not sure how agents treat this (Nathan?), but from what I've heard in my department, the more willing an author is to market him/herself, the better.
As long as you're not impolite or needy, it's really difficult to be too enthusiastic.
- July 6, 2009 at 7:04 PM
- Jen C said...
Awesome post, thanks Eric! I'm always fascinated by processes, and doubly so when it comes to publishing.
I'm with a few others here that I'm a bit surprised that there is so much riding on things that the author has so little control over, i.e. the cover, comps etc. I wouldn't think it would hurt to give the author more of a say over these things.
I guess you just have to hope that your rep is really on your side!
- July 6, 2009 at 7:07 PM
- Eric said...
Hi Dawn Maria--
Blogs and author websites are viewed as a plus, but I'm not sure how much of an impact this has on the buyers. With so many authors now blogging, tweeting, and maintaining their own web sites/RSS feeds/message boards/Facebook events/who knows what, I think it won't be long before having these things is considered a given, and not having them is considered a detriment or a sign that the author is some kind of Luddite.
In short: it can't hurt and probably helps, but I don't think it's a major factor.
- July 6, 2009 at 7:09 PM
Thanks for the post, Eric. I appreciate how highly informative it is, as well as how thorough your answers to previous comments/questions are.
- July 6, 2009 at 7:09 PM
- Strange Fiction said...
Thanks for the good info! Scary--but good.
- July 6, 2009 at 7:10 PM
- careann said...
Excellent information, Eric. Thanks! The more we know about all aspects of the publishing industry the better prepared we'll be when our time comes.
Careann/Carol Garvin
- July 6, 2009 at 7:12 PM
- Robert A Meacham said...
Thank you for writing such an informative piece. I would guess that most people did not have a clue about this step in the life of a book.
I am involved with buying for a major retailer in Texas and you are spot on with a book's journey. I am the fellow that determines what spot a book or series gets showcase and which gets a normal setting. I suppose that could be another blog.
Thank you for an interesting blog. Nathan has to be pleased.
- July 6, 2009 at 7:19 PM
- Eric said...
Hi Rogue Novelist & Jen C--
You both have good points. Being a fan of literary & science fiction, I'm consistently frustrated by the weaker sales they generally exhibit (when compared to genres like thriller, romance, &c).
The important thing to realize, though, is that the account buyers are attempting to buy what they believe will sell based on previous sales; this tends to limit the marketplace and produce a lot of books that are very similar. Consumers then pick from this limited selection, generating new sales numbers that are used for future titles. Yes, chains like Borders and Barnes & Noble determine what the public reads, but the public, in turn, more or less determines what the chains buy. It's a vicious cycle.
Moreover, individual consumers tend to buy the same thing over and over, exhibiting terrific author and genre loyalty (see the comments on Jessica Faust's latest post at http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2009/07/meaning-of-different.html for confirmation) and, among other things, really do judge a book by its cover.
So, yes, many aspects of book sales seem rather terrible, but they're firmly rooted in what the public, in general, is willing to spend money on.
- July 6, 2009 at 7:20 PM
- marye.ulrich said...
Thanks Eric, great information.
Wondering, what is the difference between trade paperbacks and mass-markets?
- July 6, 2009 at 7:22 PM
- Michelle Moran said...
Wonderful guest post, Eric!
Incredibly insightful!
- July 6, 2009 at 7:29 PM
- Tomas said...
Thank you for taking the time to write this lucid and informative essay. It's esp. interesting to me since my first (novel) book will - in a few months - be put through its paces.
I have four questions:
- if only name writers receive coop placement, how do new writers ever break out and become name writers?
- I've noticed at "my" bookstore (Book Soup, in L.A.) there are multiple tables around the store ie., YA in the back, non-fiction off to the side, art/photo books to the other side. Is the exact definition of coop only the entrance / register area?
- what sort of weight i.e., reputation, does a publishing house bear on the order process?
- and, given the entry of bloggers into the handselling of books, how is their anticipated participation calculated with MSM into the order process?
& all said, at the end of the day, I'm amazed any books are sold, ever ...
- July 6, 2009 at 7:30 PM
- CKHB said...
What does $1/hardcover in co-op costs MEAN? Is that $1 per sold copy of each book that is put on the table/faced outwards? I don't understand how these costs play out.
Thanks! This is great stuff.
- July 6, 2009 at 7:38 PM
- Leona said...
Thank y ou for this insight into the world of 'after' publishing. My book is a science fiction (Rebellion on Piza 7) book that may or may not have made it on your list. However, locally, it's doing well :)
I appreciate the knowledge given about the lifecycle of the book's placement, but feel as others here have already expressed - how in tarnation are we supposed to get on your sales lists as new authors? I make a mean chocolate chip cookie... *big grin*
And to Robert A Meacham, I have a very good friend (since fifth grade kind of best friend) who lives in San Antonio TX and really wants my book and would promote the heck out of any place that carried it since she's my unofficial publicist for the southern states. I wouldn't mind being placed in any of your retail sites :) (It's easily found on Ingram...)
- July 6, 2009 at 8:10 PM
- Leona said...
OOPS Forgot to add that I would be very interested in reading any blog you started regarding the business, Eric. I spend a large portion of my time learning about any end of the business I can because I don't like being ignorant :)
- July 6, 2009 at 8:12 PM
Wow. Thank you. Your post was so helpful! Would you like to be my sales rep? :)
- July 6, 2009 at 8:18 PM
- Kristin Tubb said...
Thank you for sharing, Eric. Great post.
- July 6, 2009 at 8:23 PM
- Nancy Coffelt said...
Okay, now I don't feel bad at all over not being picked.
I'm all about info over ego. Thanks for an interesting and very informative post.
- July 6, 2009 at 8:31 PM
Eric, nice article, but could you have kissed a little more Nathan ass? Are all these entries going to begin with a tribute paragraph from his sycophants?
- July 6, 2009 at 8:34 PM
Great post Eric - thanks so much! I'm curious if you think author tours (or especially pre pub tours for debut authors) meeting with the buyers of these chains or big indies makes a difference? Seems like it can be so hard to stand out as an author!
- July 6, 2009 at 8:35 PM
- Eric said...
Hi Marye (Mary E? Sorry)--
Trade paperbacks are the "quality" paperbacks, usually priced in the $10-15 range, and have a trim size that isn't much smaller than a traditional paperback. Think paperbacks by Michael Chabon, Junot Diaz, &c.
Mass markets are the "rack-size" or "airport" paperbacks, usually very thick and much smaller than hardcovers, priced in the $4 - 8 range. Genre fiction (romance, sci-fi, &c) is usually published in mass market form when it goes to paperback.
More information can be found here:
- July 6, 2009 at 8:46 PM
- Kristi said...
I can attest that the FOS placement works, as I happened to be browsing in a "major chain" bookstore today and bought the first book that I saw at the front of the display table (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo).
Thanks for the great info, Eric.
- July 6, 2009 at 9:22 PM
- Lucy said...
@ Phil
Now, I know why I didn't make it: I mocked him mercilessly. (Note sarcasm here.)
Seriously, Eric, that was a great post, and I really appreciated all the information. Nathan was quite right when he said that he was leaving the blog in good hands. :-)
- July 6, 2009 at 9:24 PM
- Eric said...
Hi Tomas--
1. Name writers receive the bulk of co-op placement, but they don't receive all of it; many titles by debut authors are selected each year for promotion. Also keep in mind that reviews, word-of-mouth recommendation, Oprah, &c also get a book "out there," and so co-op isn't necessarily the be-all and end-all of advertisement.
2. Co-op includes, but is not limited to, front-of-store promotions. (It's just the one that comes most easily to my mind.) Virtually any display placement that isn't regular, spine-facing-out in-section placement is co-op at work.
3. I think the reputation of the house only factors into the initial buy insofar as that name has a certain amount of money and advertising clout behind it; while the buy primarily reflects the book's market viability on its own, the house's ability to pay for co-op, marketing, attract publicity, &c is also considered.
4. The book industry is something of a dinosaur; I'm not sure the pressure of blogs (aside from blogs run by publications that already have something of a monolithic presence) factors in that heavily--yet.
- July 6, 2009 at 9:36 PM
- Eric said...
Hi CKHB--
In the example of $1.00/book, the amount of money paid for the promotion would be one dollar for each copy in the initial buy, generally under certain conditions (e.g. the book must be promoted front-of-store for at least two weeks). So if the account buys 2,000 copies before on-sale, they get $2,000 as long as they meet the house's conditions.
- July 6, 2009 at 9:38 PM
- Eric said...
Hi Phil--
It was a mixture of genuine gratitude and an attempt at humor. Sorry if it didn't read as such.
I work in book publishing. We are a socially awkward folk.
- July 6, 2009 at 9:40 PM
- Eric said...
Hi Mike--
Yes, this certainly makes a difference. The catch is that buyers don't generally meet with authors unless the author is receiving a major push (that is, alas, already has some kind of co-op placement). 99% of authors who meet buyers are:
1. Already hot shots, like Meyer or Grisham;
2. Not necessarily established authors, but are celebrities (politicians, actors, athletes, &c);
3. Debut authors whose titles have attracted so much enthusiasm in-house that the house is devoting a larger-than-average percentage of resources to them. (I imagine THE GUERNSEY LITERARY & POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY is one such title, judging from the Nielsen Bookscan numbers.)
Again, unfortunately, the vast majority of published authors never have direct contact with their sales rep or any of the buyers at the major chains.
- July 6, 2009 at 9:45 PM
- Happy said...
This was an interesting post and as a buyer for a successful independent bookstore it was a little sad as well. Do I need to wonder how often when publishers try and buy their way to strong sales they fail?
Hey Authors! Independent bookstores sell books too and they often times are able to make those books into bestsellers.
Want to know how we do it? By reading. Go figure. Sales reps call on us too and they show us flashy sales material, but we buy what we believe in and what we think our custoimers (who we spend a lot of time with) will like. When the titles come in we decide where they going to go in our stores. Yea us!
So write lots of good books and we'll sell them for you.
- July 6, 2009 at 9:46 PM
- D. G. Hudson said...
Interesting post, Eric. Your clarification of the sales process is appreciated.
In light of your experience in the sales arena, would you say that sales of books by new authors are declining any more than sales of books by established authors? I'm seeing a lot of well-known authors in the sales bins too.
- July 6, 2009 at 9:57 PM
- annerallen said...
So much important information here that most writers (and readers) don't have a clue about. Book sales have changed so much with the demise of the indie stores. The "comp" system explains why thousands of identical books get published while innovative, exciting stuff languishes.
A book rep. blog. Yes. You must do one. You've got a whole community out here who need you.
Thanks Nathan, wherever you are, for choosing Eric's great post!
- July 6, 2009 at 9:57 PM
- Victoria Dixon said...
And since I now see that there really was a Victoria Dixon AND a Victoria Mixon in this competition, I will post my blog address and encourage you all to drop in sometime this week anyway. I'm at http://ronempress.blogspot.com. The entry I sent was actually something I'd already blogged on. It's a Writing Quiz titled "Are You Getting Started As A Writer?". It's really pretty simple and I was surprised it might have won when I saw how good Eric's blog was today. I look forward to the rest of this week's entries and congratulations, Victoria!
- July 6, 2009 at 10:33 PM
- Mira said...
Victoria - I'm so sorry. That mix-up really sucks. But I am so impressed by your gracefulness. I will definitely check out your entry!
- July 6, 2009 at 10:41 PM
Eric, I'd read your blog!
- July 7, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Bookscan doesn't track ALL booksales. Are sales from other avenues considered when determining how well a book has sold?
- July 7, 2009 at 1:10 AM
- Miss Mabel said...
As someone who's worked in a large format bookstore (in Canada) for 12 years, I'd just like to add:
- Believe it or not, booksellers in chain stores read too! ;-) We handsell our favourite titles like mad, make sure our faves are reordered in large quantities, and face them. I check on my "babies" regularly. So yes--it is possible to by-pass coop. When I saw Twilight first start to take off, it was being driven purely by word of mouth amongst booksellers. We also listen to customer recommendations, and promote those too.
- The entire book industry is filled with book lovers. If your agent LOVES your book, she'll champion it to editors; if an editor LOVES your book, she'll champion it to her company; and so on through the reps, the buyers, etc. Chances are the cooped books contain a lot of loved titles.
- Books faced in the section are rarely cooped in Canada, though it works out to the same thing since larger quantities are the ones to get faced first (and the larger buys are based on the system Eric has described.) But, speaking as a manager, I would never get mad at an author for facing her book! Heavens. I'd stick some "local author" stickers on it instead, and more power to her.
- July 7, 2009 at 1:18 AM
This is an awesome, awesome post. I think you have definitely created a following.
Thanks to Nathan for picking such a great one.
- July 7, 2009 at 1:41 AM
- Elaine 'still writing' Smith said...
Doesn't this new information make you want to find the book that is upside down and back to front on the bottom shelf just to see?!
- July 7, 2009 at 2:41 AM
- Kia said...
Hi Eric,
Thanks for a great post.
I have two questions I was hoping you/other readers may be able to help me with.
1. Is it a good idea to release a non-seasonal book in December? I'm not expecting it to get a lot of co-op for my psychological crime thriller (I'm being published by a small press) so I'm wondering if it will drown among the Christmas releases. I've been told by a literary editor friend that it's 50-50 as there are fewer books being released in December so the likelihood of getting press (over shelf space) is greater. Any advice/opinions would be helpful.
2. How far in advance should we revamp my website? This is obviously a more general question but any opinions would help. Say the book is being released in December, if we revamp my site now, complete with new author images, book jacket cover etc, will people lose interest by the time the reviews etc are solicitied (say October) or is it a good idea to start early? I'm planning a mini-revamp now and a big revamp in October.
- July 7, 2009 at 4:32 AM
- Emily Cross said...
Eric - really interesting post, well done!! and i would be very interesting in a blog which deals with this end of the publishing chain.
I was wondering in regards to promotion, for deput books etc. would suggest authors hire their own PR if the publisher isn't going to shelve out the money?
- July 7, 2009 at 4:35 AM
- Eric said...
Hi Layne--
You're correct. Although Bookscan has been continually improving since its inception, it still doesn't capture 100% of industry sales. (It's probably more like 75%. On a good day.)
My company does solicit daily sales information from its accounts, so for any title we've published, I can look up daily, weekly, and yearly POS (point of sale) and market share information. This can even be broken down to the level of individual stores.
However, for titles we have not published, Bookscan is the best tool we've got—although I believe an editor will consider royalty statements from an author whose books have been published by other houses as proof of sales, assuming the author believes Bookscan isn't a fair representation of his/her sales.
- July 7, 2009 at 7:19 AM
- Roger S. Williams said...
Good discussion here. As a former sales director for a major publishing house, it would actually be interesting to run through the steps that are really involved in coming up with the print and goal numbers. Eric mentions that the numbers are derived from prior sell through and P&L models. However, there can be some interesting variations which are determined in a series of meetings that begin over year before the final print date.
Also, if any of you think this whole process seems daunting. Wait until you hear about the returns process! Yuck.
- July 7, 2009 at 7:30 AM
- A misinterpreted wave said...
A really interesting read. I am with a few of the others, that it was a bit disheartening to read that some parts of the process are so clinical (for want of a better word. However, I think that ignorance was not bliss, and it is certainly better to know what is happening out there.
Eric my question is about the process. Does it differ very much from country to country? Or is this pretty much standard practice in the big companies, no matter what country the company is working in?
- July 7, 2009 at 7:31 AM
Thank you for writing this great post. Reading information like this makes me less surprised how long it can take from getting signed with a publishing house to seeing a book on the shelf.
- July 7, 2009 at 8:30 AM
- Eric said...
Hi Roger--
Exactly. If I do decide to write a blog--and it looks like there'd be an audience for it--I'd definitely touch on print meetings, the back-and-forth between publisher, rep, and account, and the convuluted return system (among other things).
- July 7, 2009 at 9:07 AM
- Eric said...
Hi Kia--
1. Non-seasonal books are released all the time in December, so I wouldn't worry about seasonality in particular. Be aware, however, that this fall is something of a "hail Mary pass" for many of the big publishers, so you'll be in direct competition with the likes of Dave Eggers, Jonathan Safran Foer, and Dan Brown.
2. I actually have no idea on this one. If someone with experience in this arena could leave a comment, that would be great.
- July 7, 2009 at 9:14 AM
- Eric said...
Miss Mabel--
Good points all. It's worth noting that (at least in the US) as long as, say, an in-section face-out doesn't subtract from space allocated to another title with paid co-op, I think the staff (particularly in independent stores) is more or less free to face-out whatever they choose.
The display tables, though, are pretty strictly controlled.
- July 7, 2009 at 9:21 AM
- Joseph L. Selby said...
Thank you very much for your comments, Eric.
- July 7, 2009 at 9:32 AM
- Eric said...
Hi Emily--
That's certainly your option, although I don't know how many of our debut authors go that route. It's something you'd want to discuss with your agent, probably five or six months before on-sale (although earlier can't really hurt).
- July 7, 2009 at 9:34 AM
- Eric said...
I'd like to second Miss Mabel's comments. I've worked in a bookstore and there's always a square-peg/round-hole problem with co-ops--not every store has the same tables and endcaps.
Stop in your local stores and sign copies, and call ahead to stores in places where you'll be traveling and ask if they'll order a few copies for you to stop in and sign.
If a hole opens up, your book may get put there. Sometimes we even put the books up at the information desk with us.
The most important thing is to not be a jerk. Even the celebrity authors need to treat the book floor sales staff like fellow human beings if they want anyone to mention their titles. You don't have to bake them cookies, just be friendly and understanding if they don't have any copies of your title in stock. If you're cool, they'll probably order some.
It won't get you the broad coverage the marketing department can get you, but it will get the word out and your agent and publisher will know you're serious about the business end. I'll let Nathan and other-Eric speak to that.
- July 7, 2009 at 9:41 AM
- Eric said...
*Convoluted. Ugh.
A misinterpreted wave--
I believe the system is fairly uniform across North America and the UK, but I'm not 100% sure. I really don't know how the system is run elsewhere. I imagine it's fairly similar in any country where there are national chains.
- July 7, 2009 at 9:42 AM
- Eric said...
Other Eric--
Well said!
- July 7, 2009 at 9:43 AM
- Jeff said...
Great post! I always wondered how that part of the business worked. Thanks!
- July 7, 2009 at 9:51 AM
- KLRomo said...
Well, Eric, it looks like you spent your entire day answering the comments to your blog - thanks! And thanks for the informative post. I would be interested in your blog, if you choose to start one. BTW, since you like literary fiction, I have a wonderful literary novel for you, if you'd like to read it!:o)
- July 7, 2009 at 9:58 AM
- Jenny said...
I love that you pointed out THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY. Barnes and Noble had that heavily FOS because it was a Barnes and Noble Recommends title. Big signs. Lots of front space. Many ARCs for booksellers so that they could talk intelligently about it.
And the Recommends display is really interesting because it also tries to keep the focus on new/not-as-popular yet authors.
- July 7, 2009 at 10:01 AM
- Eric said...
True! I should also point out that there is some co-op placement, like Borders' Original Voices, that is geared toward emerging/debut authors.
- July 7, 2009 at 10:23 AM
- wendy said...
Amen to what Mira said, Victoria D. In fact, on my way now...
Thanks for this information, Eric. Great, but slightly alarming, stuff.
- July 7, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Awesome post, Eric.
When are you starting the blog?
- July 7, 2009 at 11:46 AM
- Jolie said...
Question for the comments or for another blog post:
In your experience, how much difference does it make for books to be signed if the author isn't already well known? Do signed book sell better/faster simply by virtue of being signed?
- July 7, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Thanks so much, Eric. I've been wondering about the whole process and you pretty much answered every question I had. Good stuff to know!!!!
- July 7, 2009 at 1:04 PM
- allegory19 said...
I'm heading over Victoria D - thanks for the link.
- July 7, 2009 at 1:12 PM
- Eric said...
Hi Jolie--
Signed copies rely on name recognition to really move stock, so if you're not already a known author, you probably won't see large-scale sales improvement by signing copies--most of the people who will buy your signed book will be members of a loyal, niche audience who probably would have bought it anyway.
However, you should never underestimate the ability of a sticker to attract attention, and that "Signed Copy" sticker can get a lot of people to give your book a second look. (Coming in to sign copies at your local bookstore is also great PR.) My advice? Sign away--it can't hurt and can only help. Just don't get too optimistic about how it will impact overall sales (at least, not yet).
- July 7, 2009 at 1:44 PM
- Eric said...
Also, last comment on this post--
I'd never really considered writing a blog, but if would help any of you, then I'd be glad to do it. I can't promise the same kind of regularity and energy as Nathan, but I'll aim for a five-a-week (Mon - Fri) posting schedule and see how that works.
The blog is totally bare bones now, but should be up and running in the next couple of days. Check it out at http://pimpmynovel.blogspot.com.
Thanks to everyone for your great questions and appreciation! I'm looking forward to today's guest post.
- July 7, 2009 at 1:48 PM
- Vacuum Queen said...
So, when it's Valentine's day or some other holiday, and the kids' section at B&N has a rounder full of Valentine books (which I assume would normally never really sell), does that mean that those are NOT just pulled at random for a "shot of pink and red" on the table? There's actually a method to it, even for something like that?
- July 7, 2009 at 2:15 PM
- Vacuum Queen said...
OK< nevermind. I just read through the comments and read about "FOS" for seasonal stuff. Ignore me. :)
- July 7, 2009 at 2:16 PM
- TKA said...
Ditto many of above comments. Very interesting. Great info. Thanks, Eric.
- July 7, 2009 at 2:44 PM
- Laura Martone said...
Thanks, Eric, for the link (BTW, love the name of your blog). I just signed up as a follower!
- July 7, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Wonderful post Eric. Thanks for sharing!
And thanks so much for giving your readers this space, Nathan.
- July 7, 2009 at 3:50 PM
- A J Hawke said...
I can never enter Borders or Barnes & Noble with the same attitude again. The veil has been lifted on the mysterious placement of books and how they got there.
I appreciated the blog post and the comments.
- July 7, 2009 at 4:08 PM
- AM said...
Excellent Post. I will be checking back on your blog.
Thanks again.
- July 7, 2009 at 4:19 PM
- Laura Martone said...
Okay, I'll say it. Where, oh where, is Tuesday's guest post? I'm itching to read it! :-(
- July 7, 2009 at 6:59 PM
Bloody Bransford.
Can't rely on anyone in publishing these days!
- July 7, 2009 at 7:59 PM
- Elaine 'still writing' Smith said...
Perhaps an 'anti-winner' could post a subversive mini-post here so we'd have something to think about?!
- July 7, 2009 at 9:23 PM
- Victoria Dixon said...
Thanks so much to all of you for visiting ronempress.blogspot and especially to Wendy for signing up to follow the blog! I realize I probably get more hits than I'll ever know, but it's nice to see a new name or two as well. :)
- July 7, 2009 at 9:30 PM
- Mira said...
Oh. Eric, sorry to hijack your thread, but I also want to express weigh in on the missing blog post. I guess Nathan must be having trouble with internet access in South America.
I feel for the person who was scheduled for today. I'm sure it will happen soon though - hopefully!
- July 7, 2009 at 10:27 PM
If you look at the top of the comments section in last Friday's post, Nathan writes that the auto-publish function wasn't working and that if there were gaps in the postings, that's the reason.
- July 8, 2009 at 12:17 AM
- Kimberly Lynn said...
Lots of great info, Eric.
- July 8, 2009 at 12:46 AM
- Renee Collins said...
Oh . . . so just technical difficulties? That's understandable I guess.
*walks away whistling, hiding torch and pitchfork behind back*
- July 8, 2009 at 1:08 AM
- Kiersten said...
I'll admit to being the tiniest bit disappointed that my post didn't show up today.
Still, you can always visit my blog for similar wit and sarcasm.
Oh! But, since no one's read it yet, I can pretend like it was BRILLIANT. And every bit as informative as Eric's post! Yes, that's what it was. Pure genius. I've no doubt that if you'd all read it each and every one of you would have a publishing deal within the week.
Such a pity.
- July 8, 2009 at 2:04 AM
- Alisa said...
I see you have been flooded with questions already, but I am curious: why does it matter how many books a store orders initially? Surely they will just return the ones they don't sell and order more if they run out?
- July 8, 2009 at 3:49 AM
- Kia said...
Thanks for your reply. It's definitely reassured me (ignoring the Eggers/Safran/Brown part :).
- July 8, 2009 at 5:13 AM
- AM said...
I hope we can still read your blog when Nathan gets back.
BTW: Where is the URL for your blog?
- July 8, 2009 at 9:41 AM
- Mira said...
Oh, I would imagine that Nathan will still post all five.....the question is when...?
Do you think they just decided to wait until Nathan got back?
That's a shame - we're more trustworthy than that. Truly. No joke.
- July 8, 2009 at 9:56 AM
- Laura Martone said...
Of course, we're still not certain Kiersten's post was next... Nathan told us that the names were in no particular order...
Guess we just have to hope that a new one appears today.
Course, if all five don't post this week, blog links would definitely be appreciated. :-)
- July 8, 2009 at 9:56 AM
- Laura Martone said...
Mira -
I think Nathan will honor all five postings... there just might not be anyone minding the store at the moment, while Nathan's away. We can be patient - after all, everyone deserves an uninterrupted vacation, and I'd hate to think he's checking in on the blog when he should be playing with the kids!
- July 8, 2009 at 10:00 AM
- Kiersten said...
Oh, I absolutely agree that Nathan's got better things to do right now. If, however, you don't, my url is http://kierstenwrites.blogspot.com.
I'm sure they'll all show up eventually.
- July 8, 2009 at 10:02 AM
- AM said...
Kiersten --
I really enjoyed your blog!
It's so nice to know I'm not alone in my procrastination - I mean writer's block.
- July 8, 2009 at 10:30 AM
- Laura Martone said...
I read it, too, Kiersten. Funny stuff - and, sadly, true. Thanks for posting the link.
- July 8, 2009 at 10:43 AM
While everyone is waiting for the next post, take a minute to check out a new, innovative publisher: www.arnobooks.com. Arno's accepting queries for fiction now!
- July 8, 2009 at 11:01 AM
- Mira said...
Well, it may just be that this Nathan's responsiblity and he is having trouble with internet access.
But on the off chance that this blog is being supervised, and a decision was made to hold off for Nathan: I will make a personal vow, that I, at least, I, Mira, will be just as restrained as if Nathan was hovering over me with that delete button.
It's so exciting for the people who were chosen. It would be great if they didn't have to wait a week.
- July 8, 2009 at 12:02 PM
- ElanaJ said...
Eric, this is an amazing post. Thank you so much for taking the time to spell it all out for us!
- July 8, 2009 at 12:05 PM
- Chris Eldin said...
Has anyone else participated in the "Travel for Good" program, or something similar? It looks quite amazing.
- July 8, 2009 at 12:52 PM
- Steve Fuller said...
I feel like setting cars on fire and flipping them over.
Who wants to riot with me until we get more guest posts?
- July 8, 2009 at 1:02 PM
I'm with you, Steve!
- July 8, 2009 at 1:11 PM
Let's call Curtis Brown.
- July 8, 2009 at 1:15 PM
- Ink said...
Damn orphans getting all the attention...
So who has the first Sacramento Kings joke? Reality television is also clearly available for mockery at this point. Cormac McCarthy... no, that's going too far. Plus the Kings provide so many opportunities all on their own...
- July 8, 2009 at 1:19 PM
- Laura Martone said...
Ooh, Steve, I'm a pyro for sure! So, count me in!
- July 8, 2009 at 1:22 PM
- Bane of Anubis said...
Oooh -- Bryan -- an anti-McCarthy thread -- I like it... :)
- July 8, 2009 at 1:31 PM
- Steve Fuller said...
I feel like just mentioning the Sacramento Kings is enough of a joke on its own.
And where is Scott? I know he's flipped over a few cars in his day.
- July 8, 2009 at 1:48 PM
- Mira said...
I am absolutely positive that somehow this is all my fault.
But why? Why is everything always about me?
Why am I always the one to break the blog? Why can't one of you break the blog once in awhile.
Anon - I like your idea of calling Curtis Brown. I'm thinking of doing that. I'll introduce myself as Laura Martone and demand the blog be posted.
- July 8, 2009 at 2:11 PM
- Jordan McCollum said...
Cars, Steve? Come on.
I have a couch that we could burn, though. They are most flammable.
(DH set fire to a couch on campus in college. One of the many reasons I was under the impression that he thought himself a bad boy.)
I'll patiently wait (on pins and needles!) for my entry to post. Sigh. Until then, feel free to visit my blog at JordanMcCollum.com . I'm doing a series on deep POV this month, and we'd love more voices in the conversation!
- July 8, 2009 at 2:11 PM
- Ink said...
Sacramento Kings...
Yeah, you're right, Steve, that is a pretty good joke.
- July 8, 2009 at 2:20 PM
- Steve Fuller said...
Maybe even a truck.
- July 8, 2009 at 2:20 PM
- Endless Secrets said...
Hey Eric, great post!
I had the opportunity to work in a small independand bookstore in my town for a few months and even had the chance to speak with a few reps from different publishers, some of which included simon and schuster, harper collins and H.B Fenn, it was a great experience and its even more interesting to read your post and I understand the whole process a lot more.
Anyways on to my question, if the publisher decides that your book is not 'good enough' for co-op or advertising, can the author contribute to the cost of the co-op to help promote themselves?
- July 8, 2009 at 2:25 PM
- Laura Martone said...
I walk away from Nathan's blog for a little while... and somehow, I get roped into Mira's grand scheme to harass his agency. Why do I get the blame?
And, here, sniff, sniff, I thought you were my pal. :-(
Well, poop on you. And I mean that. Sincerely.
- July 8, 2009 at 3:41 PM
- Mira said...
What do you mean Laura?
I just thought they'd rather hear from you than from me.
But honestly, just teasing. Nothing to take seriously. Really. If I ever call Nathan's agency, I promise I'll identify myself as Ink or Steve Fuller instead.
- July 8, 2009 at 4:25 PM
- Laura Martone said...
You're a real hoot, Mira girl, a real hoot. Harumph! ;-)
- July 8, 2009 at 4:39 PM
- Mira said...
- July 8, 2009 at 5:07 PM
- Hugh Howey said...
My response: http://www.hughhowey.com/?p=406
- July 9, 2009 at 11:17 AM
- Jordan McCollum said...
Steve—Oh, well, of course trucks. Who brought the C4?
(I'm missing my favorite show right now, Burn Notice, and I'm obviously going through explosion withdrawal.)
- July 10, 2009 at 1:03 AM
- Mandy Hubbard said...
wow, super interesting post! I'd definitely read a blog based on this side of the industry-- it's like the man behind the curtain.
I'm a debut author (my book dropped last month). Curious, though, about whether the "new for teens" would be considered co-op. Most of the debut authors I know were put in this section for a least a few weeks...I can't imagine ALL of our publishers paid for that. Perhaps the teen section runs a little differently than some of the others.
- July 17, 2009 at 4:04 PM
- Michelle Zink said...
Great, GREAT post, Eric. And A LOT of pertinent information.
It's especially interesting to me since my book is set to release in two weeks. All of this really gave me a bigger view on the process behind the scenes and also made me extremely grateful for the in-house support my book has received from its publisher.
To those who say Publishing is about who you know, I can honestly say that while it might be true in some cases, it's not ALWAYS the case. I'm a veritable nobody who found an agent via the slush pile and then went on to sell a three-book YA series. My book has received tremendous support from the publisher, and I'm continually amazed at the number of talented, passionate people involved in getting it - and others - to market. Clearly you are one of them, Eric!
Thanks for the wonderful post!
- July 17, 2009 at 4:38 PM
- Donna said...
I'm starting to think publishing in adult family drama is a dying genre. Everyone wants YA now adays. My one foray into youth turned out to be more likeable to adults than children, or adolescents. I see more people posting that agents picked them up faster for their YA novels than any other fiction category.
And I have five children for God's sake!
- July 17, 2009 at 11:55 PM
Thanks for the great post!
But pretty please don't use Stephenie Meyer for an example? I know she's a bestselling author, but there are many many many more better ones out there.
- July 31, 2009 at 4:33 PM
- Leona james said...
You guys allow it to be quite simple for all your folks available.northern virginia houses for sale
- February 20, 2014 at 12:48 AM


text:
.br Domain Names
Origin: Brazil
Description: The .BR extension is the official ccTLD for Brazil
Whois: www.whois.registro.br
(updated in real time)
Important note: This extension is only available for customers that have subscribed to a Gandi Corporate contract. For more information please contact our Corporate team.
- Rules
.BR domains at Gandi.netPrice: see the .BR domain prices
Associated Gandi Contract: https://www.gandi.net/contracts
RulesAttribution: You cannot register a .BR domain directly. .COM.BR are open to individuals and companies that are legally located or established in Brazil. Gandi can provide you with a local contact if you do not have one
Syntax: from 3 to 63 alphanumeric characters or hyphens (except in first or last position)
IDN: no
Registration period: 1 year minimum
Third-level domain: yes
- Dates
- Prices
- News

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Yoga Dei: Launch Event
Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 3:00 PM (PDT)
Who's Going
San Francisco, California
London, United Kingdom
Florence, Italy
Event Details
Ilan Dei Venice is excited to launch it's first community engagement event, Yoga Dei, located at Ilan Dei Venice's flagship store at 1650 Abbot Kinney Boulevard.
The debut event will treat a group of Angelenos to a one hour, all-level yoga class taught by Rachel Jackson, who is an incredible LA-based instructor with serious studio experience, a following of dedicated practitioners, and a rocking playlist. Class will be followed by a delicious meal, with a menu curated by Bomb Foods, serving interestingly-cut vegetables, balanced, zesty, delicious salads, soups and juices where plants are center-stage.
Yoga Dei is for spending time in good company with a growing circle of individuals interested in building an ongoing relationship with the community through outdoor fitness, food and fun!
*Guests will receive a gift bag from Studio Surya Yoga filled with goodies from our friends and partners!
*A portion of the event's proceeds will be donated to
Off The Mat Into The World, a non profit program dedicated to using the power of yoga to inspire conscious, sustainable activism and to ignite grass roots social change.
Thank you Yoga Dei supporting sponsors:
And our gift bag sponsors:
Go Raw Real Live Food Snacks, Keen-Wah Decadence Bars,
Facials by Jamie, Narayan Sacred Healing Beauty, Yogaworks
When & Where
1650 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 3:00 PM (PDT)
Add to my calendar


text: Close to Home Animals Who Know The Pain Of Accidentally Opening The Front Camera Don't worry, this happens to EVERYONE. By Maggie McCarthy November 14, 2016 Share on Facebook Tweet this article Pin it Email Comments Animals Who Know The Pain Of Accidentally Opening The Front Camera Share on Facebook Tweet this article View the Comments UP NEXT Close to Home Corgi Just Wants To Learn How To Fly This corgi knows how to dream big 🌠 Close to Home Meet The Most Pampered Dog In NYC Happy National Puppy Day! Here's the puppyhood of one of the world's most pampered dogs 🐶💅💕 Close to Home These Dogs Sniff Out Drugs These dogs know exactly what to do when they smell meth 🐶👏👏👏 In the Wild Buffalo Fights Off Lions To Protect Her Baby This mama buffalo just showed some lions why you should NEVER mess with a mom 💪 Close to Home Adorable Basset Hound Always Makes His Family Laugh This dog has HUGE ears — and an even bigger personality! In the Wild Dolphin Would Do Anything To Escape These Hunters This terrified dolphin threw himself at a man's feet asking to be saved. Subscribe to The Dodo Oops! Hooray! Sign up for your daily dose of animals Looks like that's not a valid email address Looks like something went wrong. Please try again later. Looks like this e-mail is subscribed already. Try other one. You've been added to our list, you'll be hearing from us soon Subscribe


text:
CLAREMONT - The Claremont Unified School District learned last week up to one-fifth of its students in three grades had struggled with depression or contemplated suicide.
It also showed a reduction in marijuana use by district students.
The conclusion came from a required state survey of students in the 7th, 9th and 11th grades.
"I'm very concerned about the depression and suicide rate. Twenty percent. That's a lot of kids at San Antonio and the (Claremont) high school," said school board member Hilary LaConte at the district's regular meeting.
The report was part of a 2012 California Healthy Kids Survey, required by the state Department of Education until 2010. To continue to monitor student behaviors, the district administered and funded the spring survey, according to a school district report.
The survey is a confidential, anonymous, voluntary school staff report that reflects health-risk behaviors, attitudes and protective factors, according to the report.
Some of the numbers showed improvement over 2010 figures/
In the past 12 months, according to the survey, 17 percent of 9th graders seriously attempted considering suicide within the previous year and 20 percent of the 11th graders considered the act.
The statistics for 9th graders were down from 19 percent in 2010 while the 11th graders were up from 16 percent.
For San Antonio High School and Community Day School, the number was 14 percent, sharply down from 26 percent in 2010.
The numbers for feeling sad and hopeless within the past 12 months ranged from 24 percent for 7th graders to 29 percent for 9th graders. The numbers were down from 2008 but an increase since 2010.
Meanwhile, 11th graders were at 34 percent while the San Antonio/day school youths were at 40 percent.
The 11th graders were at 30 percent in 2010 and 34 percent in 2008. The San Antonio/day school kids were at 51 percent in 2010 and 41 percent in 2008.
District officials told LaConte they were going to use teachers and parents as allies to try to recognize early signs of depression or suicidal feelings and also form different partnerships to combat the findings.
Outside of the depression/suicide portion of the presentation, officials said the majority of the numbers for the district showed overall decreases in the the use of marijuana from previous years and even spreading hurtful among 7th, 9th and 11th graders.
"I'm very pleased that most of the data is positive," LaConte said, adding she was glad the survey showed most students felt safe at the district schools.
Board president Jeff Stark added that "I'm glad we do this survey. I think it's really important for the community to know."
Additionally, an early item on professional standards for district employees was pulled off the agenda.
Former Claremont Faculty Association president Joe Tonan, who teaches 6th grade at Sumner Elementary School, discussed the item during the public comment portion of the meeting.
"We have a situation where these policies are drafted with little to no input from the very teachers who are affected by the directives that come from these policies," Tonan said.
Tonan said he wanted the district to build "formal relationships" with teachers and set up times to meet and talk but not bargain or do anything to violate the state Brown Act.
"We would like to know that you are open to listening to us and we would like you to feel that we are hearing you," Tonan said.
Reach Wes at via email, call him at 909-483-8549, or find him on Twitter @ClaremontNow.


text:
SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced that it once again is the premium sponsor of Kieler Woche, the world's largest sailing regatta. The event takes place from June 22-30, 2013, in the Kiel Bay. Using SAP solutions, spectators on site and online will be able to experience events on the water firsthand. Athletes will also benefit from the use of the SAP software; with the interactive ranking "Sailing Analytics Leaderboard," the position of all competitors may be displayed at any time. And in daily sailor debriefs, the athletes will evaluate in detail and analyze all races flexibly and via mobile by iPad and other devices.
"We would like to offer a significant value for all: spectators, race officers, athletes. In order to achieve this, we have optimized our solutions and products for the sport of sailing further," said Stefan Lacher, head of the sailing projects at SAP. "Along with sailor debriefs, we will offer an English live broadcast this year so that international viewers from anywhere in the world will be able to participate in the events. For the race officers, there is the mobile solution 'Race Committee' app, which helps to ensure optimal competitive conditions for the sailors."
SAP solutions at Kieler Woche analyze data transmitted from boats, cameras and sensors along the routes, and were developed in conjunction with providers of GPS tracking and 2-D and 3-D visualization. Even more live data about the race will be transmitted, such as average speed, already sailed distance, estimated time of arrival at the next tons circumvention and distance to the leading boat, as well as gains and losses for each stage. With the "Race Committee" app, race officers can interpret the courses with GPS support and convey the racing on the relevant course on land. With this techology, SAP and Kieler Woche remain pioneers in the field of sailing innovations.
With 3 million visitors annually, Kieler Woche is the largest summer festival in Northern Europe. The supporting program on land covers more than 2,000 events on various topics and more than 4,500 sailors from 50 countries have registered for the regatta, with over 450 races on 11 race tracks. To find out more about the event, visit the Kieler Woche website.
To learn more about SAP sponsorships, see www.sapsponsorships.com. For more information, visit the SAP Newsroom. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.
Media Contact:
Iris Eidling-Kasper, +49 (6227) 7-65797, email@example.com, CET


text:
Oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) alloys are a clаsѕ of materials that exhibit goοd mechаnical рropertieѕ аnd corrоsion oppositіon аt temperаtures ѕurpasѕing 1 000 lеνels Celsiυѕ. Such allоуs аre produced by the mechanical alloуing of powders and are well-suited for еnеrgy generation. However, there are a quаntity of eсоnomіc and tеchnical prοblems that рosе imрortant оbstaclеs to manufacturing elements from ODS alloys.
Оn the one pаrt, рrocessing ODS alloys wіth thе рresentlу avаilаble meсhanicаl alloying equipment is time eating and maуbe not effectiνe, leading to high production expenses. On the other side, they are dіfficult to repair and prodυсe with traditional machining strаtegieѕ because of thеir superior prоperties.
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The target iѕ tо achiеve υp tο a 30 % incrеase in motor рerformance at еxhaust temperatures abovе 615 degreeѕ Celsiυѕ.
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text:
Rent Arthropods of Tropical Forests 1st edition today, or search our site for other textbooks by Yves Basset. Every textbook comes with a 21-day "Any Reason" guarantee. Published by Cambridge University Press.
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text:
The Center for the Study of Citizenship is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2013. For our anniversary conference we invite you to submit an abstract for a paper that discusses how your scholarship deepens understandings of the meaning of citizenship – membership in communities.
The perspective of the conference, as always, is global, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary and proposals on any aspect of citizenship studies are welcome from scholars working in any discipline or interdisciplinary field. Preference will be given to those papers that address the conference theme.
Abstracts of no more than 500 words are welcomed for consideration. Proposals should be submitted to the Center's Research Associate, Helen Callow (email@example.com) along with a short biography (50 words) no later than October 15, 2012. Both panel proposals and individual submissions are welcome. Those interested in submitting panel proposals can use H-Citizenship (http://www.h-net.org/~citizen) to locate scholars with compatible interests.


text:
Related Story: A sampling of greenhouse gas emissions from California companies
A major piece of former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will kick into gear Wednesday when regulated businesses throughout the state will be required to cut their pollution, or pay the price.
Under the state's new cap and trade program - the first of its kind in the nation - at 10 a.m. Wednesday, businesses such as refineries and industrial facilities will for the first time either bid on carbon credits to allow them to pollute more, or sell credits for having polluted less, under the California Air Resources Board (CARB) first pollution allowance auction.
The idea is simple: The state sets a limit - a "cap" - on the amount of greenhouse gases each business or utility is allowed to emit. Companies that exceed their limits must buy additional allowances in the system. Companies that reduce their emissions below their cap can sell or "trade" their unused allowances.
"For the first time, business will begin to understand what it means to put a price on carbon," said Stanley Young, a spokesman for the California Air Resources Board. "The program rewards efficiency. It will help move California away from its dependence on fossil fuels and toward a clean-energy economy."
"It's the largest carbon market in the United States," Young added.
The program is a major component of AB32, the law signed by Schwarzenegger in 2006 that required California to lower its greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 to 1990 levels - the equivalent of a 17 percent reduction.
AB32 includes many provisions - from increasing renewable energy production in the state to requiring decreased emissions from cars. But among the most controversial is the cap and trade program, which requires companies that emit more than 25,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent to address those emissions in one of several ways.
For each metric ton of emissions, companies must have one allowance. To begin, the companies have been given 90 percent of their allowances. They must make up the remaining 10 percent by the end of the year by either buying additional allowances on the open market, buying them at Wednesday's auction or by installing more efficient technology to reduce pollution.
For example: If an oil refinery that emits 100,000 tons of carbon has been given credits for 90,000 tons, it either has to go on the market and buy credits for the extra 10,000 tons or lower the emissions. If it reduces its emissions, say to 80,000, then it could sell the unused allowances to someone else.
Each year, CARB issues a set number of allowances, but that number will be reduced each year by 2 to 3 percent, so by 2020, emissions will be reduced to 1990 levels.
The program targets major sources of greenhouse gas emissions, including refineries, power plants and major factories. After 2015, the law also will include transportation fuels, meaning that oil refineries will need permits to account for the emissions from all the vehicles in the state.
Wednesday's auction will be conducted using an Internet-based auction platform that allows bidders to submit their bids electronically and in secret. More than 23.1 million allowances for 2013 will be up for grabs at Wednesday's auction, as well as 39.5 million advanced auction allowances for 2015.
Money from the state auctions, which is expected to total more than $1 billion a year, must fund climate-related programs, such as making public buildings more energy efficient, providing rebates for efficient appliances or vehicles, or funding public transit projects such as high-speed rail.
Environmentalists are hailing the auction as the moment America finally got serious about addressing global warming.
"People from around the country are watching it closely," said Alex Jackson, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental group in San Francisco.
Some business groups, however, particularly those representing oil companies, power plants and large factories that burn vast amounts of fossil fuels, call the process a hidden tax that will result in higher utility bills and gasoline prices.
"It's going to really hurt consumers. It is going to hurt small business," said Dorothy Rothrock, vice president of the California Manufacturers and Technology Association, in Sacramento.
The association asked Gov. Jerry Brown to delay the auction, but his office has declined.
The California Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday filed a lawsuit seeking to stop Wednesday's auction, arguing that CARB went beyond the authority granted under AB32.
According to the complaint, AB32 does not allow CARB to generate revenues from the cap and trade program by allocating itself emissions allowances and profiting by selling them to emitters.
"Under a legitimate `cap-and-trade' system, the cap reduces the amount of carbon emitted, while the trading mechanism allows for the most cost-effective technology to be used," chamber president and CEO Allan Zaremberg said in a recent statement. "The auction is nothing more than a revenue-generating component so its supporters can finance their pet projects."
Zaremberg figures the auction will add $20 billion to $40 billion in new taxes on electricity and gasoline over the next eight years.
Still, the program attempts to address concerns of growing energy costs.
While most companies will initially be provided 90 percent of their allowances, utilities across the state will get all of their allowances for free, CARB spokesman David Clegern said.
However, that doesn't mean they don't have to reduce their emissions. Rather than having the allowances count towards their emissions, they must sell them, explained Clegern.
"So they can return that value to their ratepayers. It's a buffer to prevent large price increases," he said.
CARB estimates the regulation will add 10 cents per gallon to the price of gas for every $10 per ton that industry pays for allowances. The futures market has lately been pegging the price at around $12 a ton, which could result in a 12-cent per gallon increase.
Each utility's compliance obligation is based on how much power they generate using fossil fuels, which includes coal and natural gas, Clegern said.
Gary Stern, director of market strategy and resource planning for Southern California Edison, said 15 percent of the allowances utilities sell off are earmarked for programs to expand the state's effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as incentives to buy solar systems.
"The California Public Utilities Commission will be determining that," he said. "There is a proceeding before them that will fill out the details about where those revenues will go."
The other 85 percent will go back to utility customers in the form of rebates, he said.
"It could be a bill credit, a rebate check ... those details are at the discretion of the California Public Utilities Commission."
Stern said rebates could be used to offset rate increases that might otherwise occur as a result of greenhouse gas-related obligations placed on utility companies.
"Edison feels that an offset to the rates is the best way to go," he said. "It would be the least impactful to customers, and it's the preferred way to give the money back."
Among the biggest greenhouse gas emitters in the state are Shell Oil Products US, a petroleum refinery in Martinez, the ExxonMobil refinery in Torrance and the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power-Haynes Generating Station in Long Beach.
One affected emitter, CalPortland, which manufactures cement and is headquartered in Glendora, may not participate in Wednesday's auction, according to Steve Regis, a representative with the company. He will instead have to choose one of the other two options to comply.
"Sixty percent of our emissions come from the chemical process of making cement, so there's no way to reduce that," he said. "The other 40 percent comes from fuel emissions, but bio-fuels don't burn as well."
While no one believes California's cap-and-trade program alone will remedy climate change, the system is designed to show it can be done in the world's ninth-largest economy and provide a blueprint for other governments, according to CARB.
Officials believe the re-election of President Barack Obama, who in his acceptance speech voiced support for battling climate change, will embolden states to follow California's lead.
"With the election, we expect states that had dropped their own climate efforts to take a new look at what they can do, and some of these ideas will be adapted or adopted elsewhere," Mary Nichols, CARB's chairman, said.
Innovative or destructive? Staff writer Steve Scauzillo, the San Jose Mercury News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Access to broadband internet is vital for economic innovation and growth, therefore ensuring the highest levels of competition and access are key to the future of the economy. Recently several high profile studies have examined the state of broadband competition in the United States and reached different conclusions. Please join ISOC-DC and our distinguished panel for a substantative discussion on broadband access and competition issues in the US: What is the state of broadband competition in the US? Do American consumers really pay more for slower speeds? What is the best way to get to universal access? What objectives should national broadband policy try to achieve? The Panel Robert D. Atkinson, Ph.D. - President, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation Jeffrey A. Eisenach, Ph.D. - Managing Director, Navigant Economics, Visiting Scholar, American Enterprise Institute Jodie Griffin - Staff Attorney, Public Knowledge Robert C. Atkinson - Director of Policy Research, CITI Moderator - Dave Burstein, Editor, DSL Prime Schedule 8:30 - 9:00 Breakfast and Networking 9:00 - 10:20 Panel Discussion 10:20 - 11:00 Question and Answer
on dc-broadband


text: ×Close Product Image 1 of 2 Flood! See all 2 images Flood! (Part of Natural Disasters) By Marion Dane Bauer Illustrated by: John Wallace For Ages: 4 - 6 common core All living things need water to survive. But when there is too much rain, a flood can happen. Learn how floods form and how we try to avoid them. × Added to Cart List Price $3.99 Your Cart ( items) Cart total Continue Shopping CHECKOUT NOW Choose a format: Trade Paperback Enhanced eBook Choose a format: Trade Paperback Trade Paperback Enhanced eBook Simon Spotlight | 32 pages | ISBN 9781416925538 | September 2008 | Grades P - 1 | Lexile ® 450L Add to Cart Buy Simon & Schuster Add to Cart Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million IndieBound List Price $3.99 In Stock: Usually ships within 1 business day Browse Related Books Pre-Kindergarten | Kindergarten | 1st Grade Age 4 - 8 Lexile ® 391 - 490 Children's Non-Fiction > Science & Technology > Earth SciencesChildren's Non-Fiction > Readers > BeginnerChildren's Non-Fiction > Nature > Weather Buy from another retailer Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million IndieBound Get a FREE eBook when you join our mailing list. Plus, receive updates on new releases, recommended reads and more from Simon & Schuster. Email Address Free eBook available to NEW subscribers only. Offer redeemable at Simon & Schuster's ebook fulfillment partner.Offer expires in three months, unless otherwise indicated.See full terms and conditions and this month's choices. More Books from this Author Little Cat's Luck Little Cat's Luck By Marion Dane BauerBy Marion Dane Bauer The Wonders of America Collector's Set The Wonders of America Collector's Set By Marion Dane BauerBy Marion Dane Bauer The Wonderful Weather Collector's Set The Wonderful Weather Collector's Set By Marion Dane BauerBy Marion Dane Bauer Weather Ready-to-Read Value Pack Weather Ready-to-Read Value Pack By Marion Dane BauerBy Marion Dane Bauer See more by Marion Dane Bauer About the Author Photograph © Marion Dane Bauer Marion Dane Bauer Marion Dane Bauer is the author of many books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor book On My Honor and the New York Times bestseller My Mother Is Mine. Her other titles include A Mama for Owen, If You Were Born a Kitten, Grandmother's Song, and Thank You for Me! She has retired from the faculty of the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program in Writing for Children and Young Adults where she was the first Faculty Chair. She lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and can be reached at MarionDaneBauer.com. BECOME A FAN BOOKSVIDEOSAUTHOR REVEALEDAUTHOR VOICES Related Websites Marion Dane Bauer website www.mariondanebauer.com/


text: The players to go in the first round have a higher pedigree than those taken later. But my question is, and despite the variation of how deep a position may be year to year in each draft, which one on average are you more likely to find starters or moderate contributors later in the draft? If this is to broad of a question, then specifically apply that question to this year, specifically these positions. NT OT OG S OLB RB C


text:
Fox Guest's Membership In Anti-Health Care Reform Group Goes Undisclosed
Blog ››› ››› EMILY ARROWOOD
Fox & Friends Sunday hosted a small business owner to disparage the Affordable Care Act without disclosing his membership in the anti-health care reform group National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).
Co-hosts Clayton Morris and Tucker Carlson identified their guest David McArthur only as a "small business owner" while interviewing him about the impact the Affordable Care Act might have on his small bakery in St. Louis. Morris asked, "Do you feel that these plans, Obamacare specifically, limit growth in this country and [are] holding back the economy, because small business owners like yourself are afraid to hire and afraid to grow?" McArthur replied, "Well, certainly it does."
Fox News never disclosed that McArthur, who has repeatedly appeared on the network, is a member of the NFIB, a group that has spent millions to overturn the Affordable Care Act.
The NFIB was the lead plaintiff suing to overturn the Affordable Care Act before the Supreme Court. In a post titled "The Group Trying To Kill Obamacare," Salon.com's Alex Seitz-Wald reported that the group spent at least $2.9 million in 2010 alone working to overturn the law. The Huffington Post reported that the NFIB "received 10 donations totaling more than $10 million from anonymous donors" in 2010 and 2011, in addition to $3.7 million in funding from Karl Rove's Crossroads Grassroots Policy Strategies. The Huffington Post also reported that the organization's "multimillion-dollar independent expenditures and campaign donations have benefited almost exclusively Republicans."
This is not the first time Fox has hosted undisclosed NFIB members to criticize the Affordable Care Act.
In July 2012, Fox & Friends hosted small business owner Mike Paine to attack the health care reform law without disclosing his membership in the organization. Prior to that, NFIB member and small business owner Joe Olivo appeared on Fox News and Fox Business at least six times to criticize the Affordable Care Act, without disclosure of his membership.
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text: I know you have them set already. The three picks, regardless of the time in which their predicted in the draft now, you would like Ole Jerry to pick to be on our team next year. Mine are... Ezekial Ansah- This guy has only touched his potential. I truly envy those defenses that have a dominant DE; Watt, Smith, Pierre-Paul. I think this guy can be that. Not downgrading Ware, I think he can be as dominant with his hand on the ground. I just want two of them. D.J. Swearinger - This guy is mean. I mean, real mean!! I think a duty of a Safety, especially a Strong Safety, should be to apply fear into any receiver who dares take a deeper route or break into the middle; the Polomalus and the Reeds. Makes the Corners in coverage look better, makes the Defense look better. I don't believe we have that. This guy can change that in a hurry. Picked as a 5th rounder in Draftek, his stock will rise. I would take him in the 3rd if we behaved ourselves and got a DL and OL in the first 2. Joseph Randall - I personally feel that a RB is not necessary in the draft and that a better Oline is the key for success; then I watch footage of this guy. He's that feeling you had when you watched game film of Demarco Murray in college after Dallas used a 3rd on him and thought "ok, I can see this working." To me he's better, and with an improved Oline, would make a great duo with Murray. Like Deangelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart, only good. I Personally like him better than Lacy as well. What's yours???


text:
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Look for cards of Jurickson Profar, Bryce Harper, Jorge Soler, Bubba Starling, Xander Bogaerts, Trevor Bauer, Manny Machado, Matt Barnes, Billy Hamilton. David Dahl, Nick Castellanos, Jose Fernandez, Kyle Zimmer, Mike Trout, Jameson Taillon,
Yu Darvish, Joey Gallo, Francisco Lindor, and many more!!
1 Pack Per Box, 5-7 Cards Per Pack


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The 10 Essential Truths of Men's Style
Why it matters what you wear, how to pull yourself together right, and 8 other rules to start following nowPlus: Follow Us on Twitter for Rules from Esquire Every Day
1. Most people, most of the time, judge you by what you're wearing, and if you care what people think, you should care about what you wear. Life doesn't get much simpler than that.
2. If you like something, respect it. Hang your pants. Roll your ties. Put shoe trees in your shoes. Oh, and wire hangers? The instruments of Beelzebub and, coincidentally, dry cleaners. Stick with wooden ones.
3. Pull yourself together. Always. Everywhere. Whether you're going to the deli or on a date, every occasion has minimum standards. Try to meet them.
4. People who are slaves to matching (e.g., belts to shoes, socks to trousers) are shallow and tend to lack in the friends department. Anyone points out that something doesn't match? Punch him. That'll teach him.
5. Learn to sew a button. It's a life-changing skill that teaches you patience and the value of self-sufficiency. We cannot say the same about knitting.
6. Never attempt maintenance, home improvement, house moving, or gardening in any of your best pieces of clothing. You are only asking for trouble.
7. The best way to look effortless is to work hard at it.
8. Your posture is half the investment in buying a new suit. If you're not going to stand up straight, you might as well wear a Hefty bag.
9. Fit is the other half. Money is only a minor consideration.
10. Check your fly.
Are You the Best Dressed Real Man in America? Enter our Contest now


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40 Free Retro Photoshop Brushes
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