New Doug Preston book out today. Check it out.
Sorry to miss the party, guys...
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
How you fall in love with a copy editor
And now, for the other copy edit . . . as good as the first was bad. . . .
It's not just that this editor knows the nuances of tense, or actually improves things when suggesting changes. In today's pages, there's a note in the manuscript citing the Chicago Manual of Style chapter and section supporting my word choice . . .
Wow.
And now, for the other copy edit . . . as good as the first was bad. . . .
It's not just that this editor knows the nuances of tense, or actually improves things when suggesting changes. In today's pages, there's a note in the manuscript citing the Chicago Manual of Style chapter and section supporting my word choice . . .
Wow.
Deep Black in the news . . .
Item:
The story goes on to describe the high degree of control the educated virus has over the computers it infects. The Times story is here.
The operation is undoubted Chinese, though there are others around.
If you're looking for a partial description of how it works, check out the first Deep Black book I wrote.
After developing the series, it was always somewhat amusing to get notes from readers who thought the technology was pure fantasy.
Item:
Vast Spy System Loots Computers in 103 Countries
TORONTO — A vast electronic spying operation has infiltrated computers and has stolen documents from hundreds of government and private offices around the world, including those of the Dalai Lama, Canadian researchers have concluded.
The story goes on to describe the high degree of control the educated virus has over the computers it infects. The Times story is here.
The operation is undoubted Chinese, though there are others around.
If you're looking for a partial description of how it works, check out the first Deep Black book I wrote.
After developing the series, it was always somewhat amusing to get notes from readers who thought the technology was pure fantasy.
Vatican/Rogue postscript
Working with Richard Marcinko is not only an honor - he's an f'in' war hero, for christsakes - but it's also a pisser. He has one kick-ass sense of humor and you have to be on your toes, even at three and four in the morning. . . .
As for the Pope . . . well, let's just say that, in certain respects, his personality differs greatly from Demo Dick's. Not that you can afford to go to sleep in his presence either . . .
If you haven't read Holy Terror, grab it from the library or bookstore. And if you have - thanks. The next installment in the series, Dictator's Ransom, is due out soon. There's a website, or should be by the time I'm back: www.dictatorsransom.com
Working with Richard Marcinko is not only an honor - he's an f'in' war hero, for christsakes - but it's also a pisser. He has one kick-ass sense of humor and you have to be on your toes, even at three and four in the morning. . . .
As for the Pope . . . well, let's just say that, in certain respects, his personality differs greatly from Demo Dick's. Not that you can afford to go to sleep in his presence either . . .
If you haven't read Holy Terror, grab it from the library or bookstore. And if you have - thanks. The next installment in the series, Dictator's Ransom, is due out soon. There's a website, or should be by the time I'm back: www.dictatorsransom.com
Willie's bus . . .
So the Guru buttonholes me - in a nice way - and asks if I'd want to do this book signing charity thing he's putting together. Sure, I say, without waiting for the details, 'cause the Guru only has good causes, and, hell, he's the Guru.
"Oh, and by the way," he adds, "Willie Nelson may be there, too."
Which puts the request into a whole 'nother category, because Willie is The Man, and I should be begging to do this, not the other way around. I start thanking the Guru but all of a sudden he gets a worried look on his face.
"Now listen," he says, "this you have to promise me - if Willie invites you back on the bus. Don't go. Don't go. You got that? Don't. No."
I open my mouth to say something smart-ass, but I've never seen such a serious look on the Guru's face.
"If I thought you'd go on the bus," he says, "I wouldn't ask you to do this."
"No way, man," I tell him. "I'm good. I hate buses. I'm more a train guy."
"OK," says the Guru.
But as he walks away, I'm thinking if Willie invites you back to the bus, how can you say no? And what's on that bus, anyway . . .
So the Guru buttonholes me - in a nice way - and asks if I'd want to do this book signing charity thing he's putting together. Sure, I say, without waiting for the details, 'cause the Guru only has good causes, and, hell, he's the Guru.
"Oh, and by the way," he adds, "Willie Nelson may be there, too."
Which puts the request into a whole 'nother category, because Willie is The Man, and I should be begging to do this, not the other way around. I start thanking the Guru but all of a sudden he gets a worried look on his face.
"Now listen," he says, "this you have to promise me - if Willie invites you back on the bus. Don't go. Don't go. You got that? Don't. No."
I open my mouth to say something smart-ass, but I've never seen such a serious look on the Guru's face.
"If I thought you'd go on the bus," he says, "I wouldn't ask you to do this."
"No way, man," I tell him. "I'm good. I hate buses. I'm more a train guy."
"OK," says the Guru.
But as he walks away, I'm thinking if Willie invites you back to the bus, how can you say no? And what's on that bus, anyway . . .
Dick being Dick
People have been asking where they can hear (or read) more about Richard Marcinko, aka Rogue Warrior. The best source is always Dick, without the pr varnish and bs.
There's an interview on the Barnes and Noble website that apparently few people know about, but it's great because it's just Dick and readers talking, no journalists or mouthpieces to get in the way.
You can get there in two clicks. First click here.
Then click the features tab under the book cover.
The way it's set up I can't get a direct link. If the url doesn't work, paste this into the browser:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Dictators-Ransom/Richard-Marcinko/e/9780765317933/?itm=1
People have been asking where they can hear (or read) more about Richard Marcinko, aka Rogue Warrior. The best source is always Dick, without the pr varnish and bs.
There's an interview on the Barnes and Noble website that apparently few people know about, but it's great because it's just Dick and readers talking, no journalists or mouthpieces to get in the way.
You can get there in two clicks. First click here.
Then click the features tab under the book cover.
The way it's set up I can't get a direct link. If the url doesn't work, paste this into the browser:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Dictators-Ransom/Richard-Marcinko/e/9780765317933/?itm=1
Dictator's Ransom
Should have linked, huh?
Here's the book on the B&N website...
Dictator's Ransom.
And the url if that doesn't work:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Dictators-Ransom/Richard-Marcinko/e/9780765317933/?itm=1
Should have linked, huh?
Here's the book on the B&N website...
Dictator's Ransom.
And the url if that doesn't work:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Dictators-Ransom/Richard-Marcinko/e/9780765317933/?itm=1
Another Rogue trailer
Here's another version of the Fact or Fiction book vid trailer for the new Rogue Warrior book coming this fall. The only real difference from the earlier version is that the music track starts at the top.
(There are some other technical differences, but they won't be visible in the playback. The vid is just a concept rough, not a finished product, if that matters.)
The vid probably isn't going to be used as a real promo piece because the lawyer suits thinks the script is too "controversial," whatever the hell that's supposed to mean. But I like it. Sets up the book pretty well.
Latest rumor (7/13) on Dictator's Ransom is that there's been a bigger pre-order response than expected and if demand continues to build they may release it to the stores or at least to people who have ordered it a few weeks early. Keep those cards and letters coming; we appreciate it.
Now watch me get in trouble for this, too...
Here's another version of the Fact or Fiction book vid trailer for the new Rogue Warrior book coming this fall. The only real difference from the earlier version is that the music track starts at the top.
(There are some other technical differences, but they won't be visible in the playback. The vid is just a concept rough, not a finished product, if that matters.)
The vid probably isn't going to be used as a real promo piece because the lawyer suits thinks the script is too "controversial," whatever the hell that's supposed to mean. But I like it. Sets up the book pretty well.
Latest rumor (7/13) on Dictator's Ransom is that there's been a bigger pre-order response than expected and if demand continues to build they may release it to the stores or at least to people who have ordered it a few weeks early. Keep those cards and letters coming; we appreciate it.
Now watch me get in trouble for this, too...
Thrillerfest
The International Thriller Writers Association held its annual dinner and group therapy session last night in New York. The Guru was there, of course, holding court in a corner of the Hyatt bar, a place where more books have been inspired and brain cells killed than any other place in Manhattan.
My only disappointment was that David Hagberg wasn't wearing a tux. On the other hand, he did have some clothes on, so I should count my blessings.
Prior to the real start of festivities downstairs, ITW gave out awards:
But Jim Rollins' recounting of the "best" Amazon reviews ever received by members was what stuck with me. A couple (paraphrasing):
"All your books really suck, but this latest one was by far the worst..."
"This book is so bad I'd un-read it if I could . . ."
Amazing how mothers can turn on their children...
The International Thriller Writers Association held its annual dinner and group therapy session last night in New York. The Guru was there, of course, holding court in a corner of the Hyatt bar, a place where more books have been inspired and brain cells killed than any other place in Manhattan.
My only disappointment was that David Hagberg wasn't wearing a tux. On the other hand, he did have some clothes on, so I should count my blessings.
Prior to the real start of festivities downstairs, ITW gave out awards:
BEST NOVEL
The Ghost by Robert Harris (Simon & Schuster)
BEST FIRST NOVEL
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill (William Morrow)
BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL
The Midnight Road byTom Piccirilli (Bantam)
2008 ThrillerMaster Award for recognition of her illustrious body of work and many contributions to the field was granted to Sandra Brown.
The Ghost by Robert Harris (Simon & Schuster)
BEST FIRST NOVEL
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill (William Morrow)
BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL
The Midnight Road byTom Piccirilli (Bantam)
2008 ThrillerMaster Award for recognition of her illustrious body of work and many contributions to the field was granted to Sandra Brown.
But Jim Rollins' recounting of the "best" Amazon reviews ever received by members was what stuck with me. A couple (paraphrasing):
"All your books really suck, but this latest one was by far the worst..."
"This book is so bad I'd un-read it if I could . . ."
Amazing how mothers can turn on their children...
Closer . . .
It figures that a Romance publisher would get it:
Won't be long now until it all comes together.
It figures that a Romance publisher would get it:
Harlequin is the first publisher to release entirely enriched eBooks
TORONTO, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Harlequin Enterprises Limited (http://www.eharlequin.com/), the global leader in series romance and one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction, announced today the launch of their Enriched Edition eBooks. With this launch, Harlequin becomes the first publisher to offer entire eBooks that are enriched with interactive buttons that hyperlink to Web sites with more information about the content.
Won't be long now until it all comes together.
The Rogue speaks (YouTube version)
The marketing suits asked Dick why he didn't feel the need to be politically correct. He gave a calm, reasoned answer... before clearing the room.
The book can be pre-ordered here:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Dictators-Ransom/Richard-Marcinko/e/9780765317933/?itm=1
among other places...
The marketing suits asked Dick why he didn't feel the need to be politically correct. He gave a calm, reasoned answer... before clearing the room.
The book can be pre-ordered here:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Dictators-Ransom/Richard-Marcinko/e/9780765317933/?itm=1
among other places...
Prince's party
I was always under the impression that Dogboy could barely read, and that the closest he came to the book world was the display of porn behind the gas station where he buys his smokes and ammo. Then yesterday he calls up and says he was at the year's biggest literary bash - Prince's party out at BEA in LA Friday night... and Saturday, and Sunday . . .
Me: Why were you at Prince's?
Dogboy: He parties, bro. He was rockin'.
Me: Yeah, but how'd you get an invite?
Dogboy: P Diddy invited me.
Me: The rapper?
Dogboy: He's a lot more than a rapper, dude. Now he's a literary impresario.
Me: You're white trailer trash. Why was he hangin' with you?
Dogboy: Because he knows cool. And hey, Guru was looking for you.
Me: Guru? My editor? He was there?
Dogboy: No shit. He was like, where is DeFelice? Why the hell isn't he here? But I covered for you.
Me: How?
Dogboy: I told him you were too stuck up to be at a party like this. I mean, Vana White's old house? Come on.
Me: Thanks.
Dogboy: From now on I'll just say you're in jail. Better?
I was always under the impression that Dogboy could barely read, and that the closest he came to the book world was the display of porn behind the gas station where he buys his smokes and ammo. Then yesterday he calls up and says he was at the year's biggest literary bash - Prince's party out at BEA in LA Friday night... and Saturday, and Sunday . . .
Me: Why were you at Prince's?
Dogboy: He parties, bro. He was rockin'.
Me: Yeah, but how'd you get an invite?
Dogboy: P Diddy invited me.
Me: The rapper?
Dogboy: He's a lot more than a rapper, dude. Now he's a literary impresario.
Me: You're white trailer trash. Why was he hangin' with you?
Dogboy: Because he knows cool. And hey, Guru was looking for you.
Me: Guru? My editor? He was there?
Dogboy: No shit. He was like, where is DeFelice? Why the hell isn't he here? But I covered for you.
Me: How?
Dogboy: I told him you were too stuck up to be at a party like this. I mean, Vana White's old house? Come on.
Me: Thanks.
Dogboy: From now on I'll just say you're in jail. Better?
Great sub book
And now, a shameless plug, but not for myself . . .
If you like submarine stories, nonfiction that reads like a Tom Clancy novel, or twisted tales of Cold War intrigue, this book's for you. Jerome's a friend of mine, but I'd recommend it anyway.
Here's an interview he did:
http://www.mpbn.net/radio/mainenews/080509preisler.htm
Among other things, the book reminds us all of how dangerous serving your country can be, even in a time of "peace."
And now, a shameless plug, but not for myself . . .
If you like submarine stories, nonfiction that reads like a Tom Clancy novel, or twisted tales of Cold War intrigue, this book's for you. Jerome's a friend of mine, but I'd recommend it anyway.
Here's an interview he did:
http://www.mpbn.net/radio/mainenews/080509preisler.htm
Among other things, the book reminds us all of how dangerous serving your country can be, even in a time of "peace."
Reviewers
This was in Publishers Marketplace today:
I'll kick in another fifty on the reviews of my books . . . maybe even more . . .
This was in Publishers Marketplace today:
PW Cuts Reviewers Pay
The price of gold has risen sharply in commodities market, but the "gold standard" for book reviewers is headed in the other direction. The NBCC blog posts this letter received by a member from the Publishers Weekly reviews editor:
"Dear Reviewer,
We are under constraints to reduce our expenses and must reduce the fee we pay to reviewers. Any reviews assigned after June 15 will be billed at $25 per review. However, you will be credited as a contributor in issues where your reviews appear. Please know that we value the work you do for us. Your astute reading and writing are what make our magazine so valuable in the industry and we regret this necessary action. All of us here are also experiencing change but we expect that we will continue to be the gold standard in book reviewing."
I'll kick in another fifty on the reviews of my books . . . maybe even more . . .
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