Day 2:
I have been told that every morning I have to ‘do the papers’. This involves taking the bundle that gets delivered every morning (Telegraph, Times, Guardian, Daily Express, Mirror, Mirror and the Independent) and dividing it between the publicity department. As two copies of all papers are delivered, one of each has to go to the editor Joy. I enjoy doing this, as it gives me a chance to look over the headlines and how differently they are portrayed by the different papers. Some famous publisher once said that he could find at least one story worthy of being turned into a book by scrutinizing over the papers on a daily basis. Not sure about that but there are many reasons why one should be doing it I guess.
After that I was given the assignment of writing some press releases for upcoming travel guides from Fodor’s. They are up-market and very American, but the hope is that after they have been repacked and re-branded for greater commercial viability they should be a success. I had an example to help me from Caroline and I used the system to access ‘title information sheets’ to get specific product descriptions. This was slightly intimidating but also very fun, as it was an assignment that involved responsibility.
Other than that I did some general mail outs, which have to be done pretty much every day, at least now when summer is just around the corner and a lot of books tend to get published. I also did a bit of work for the editorial department, which was linking pictures with texts. It was tedious but necessary. A lot of big publishing depends on a lot of small details.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Placement
Day One with Ebury (Random House)
I start at 10 this once to let everybody settle in after the weekend and actually get a chance to assign me tasks. It seems that Emma, Sarah and Caroline will be my main contacts throughout this stage. For now I will be working on publicity related material, especially as Edward Griffiths will be on holiday this week and I can use his desk.
My first assignments included photocopying some Press Releases and Book Jackets to send out to Caroline’s mailing list, which was helpful as it gave me an idea who to send what to. In this case it seems to have been the main newspapers, as well as some regional ones and magazines. I also send out some proofs along with press releases, this was a smaller number and I imagine is based on positive feedback from the mailings or a similar point of contact. I spend a few hours filing spare jackets and went through some of the weekend and Monday newspapers looking for Ebury related material. My last task was to find out information on a book due to be published after the summer some time. The book was the biography of Kevin Pietersen, one of England’s recent Ashes heroes, currently playing against India.
I really enjoyed the first day but unfortunately I did not get to meet everybody at Ebury first. I did meet the head of Rights where I hope to spend some time while I am here. I like the fact that I was given various tasks by the three above mentioned members of the publicity team and was left to get on with stuff by myself.
M.M.
I start at 10 this once to let everybody settle in after the weekend and actually get a chance to assign me tasks. It seems that Emma, Sarah and Caroline will be my main contacts throughout this stage. For now I will be working on publicity related material, especially as Edward Griffiths will be on holiday this week and I can use his desk.
My first assignments included photocopying some Press Releases and Book Jackets to send out to Caroline’s mailing list, which was helpful as it gave me an idea who to send what to. In this case it seems to have been the main newspapers, as well as some regional ones and magazines. I also send out some proofs along with press releases, this was a smaller number and I imagine is based on positive feedback from the mailings or a similar point of contact. I spend a few hours filing spare jackets and went through some of the weekend and Monday newspapers looking for Ebury related material. My last task was to find out information on a book due to be published after the summer some time. The book was the biography of Kevin Pietersen, one of England’s recent Ashes heroes, currently playing against India.
I really enjoyed the first day but unfortunately I did not get to meet everybody at Ebury first. I did meet the head of Rights where I hope to spend some time while I am here. I like the fact that I was given various tasks by the three above mentioned members of the publicity team and was left to get on with stuff by myself.
M.M.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Technology, Publishing and Guiness
At last a sunny day, it does indeed feel positive. Can't help but think about two things: lots of beer in a nice outside pub and sweaty bike rides. I guess the positives do really outweigh the negatives and I am secretly looking forward to summer. A lot of things will happen before then I am sure.
The technology buzz seems to be as strong as ever, if not more so. The BBC have been granted some sort of licensing fee, which they will use to improve their interactive media. The Guardian has launched the first ever "collective comment blog by a British Newspaper." Today they even had a contribution by Noam Chomsky. Not many comments yet but will be interesting to watch it develop.
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/index.html
Google also continues to make its usual news appearances. A few years ago estimated worth was around $27 billion I think. They have now been taking the publishing world by storm. Their so called "Google Print" has been renamed as "Google Book Search" and is a plan to have all books in the world available, for free, on the internet. Besides that it also plans to become the worlds "informational grid", containing everyone's information. Scary.
That's enough small talk for now. Shit Stories will probably from a lengthy delay. Excitement generally remains minimal but Guiness will be flowing come Friday.
Enjoy the light.
M.M.
The technology buzz seems to be as strong as ever, if not more so. The BBC have been granted some sort of licensing fee, which they will use to improve their interactive media. The Guardian has launched the first ever "collective comment blog by a British Newspaper." Today they even had a contribution by Noam Chomsky. Not many comments yet but will be interesting to watch it develop.
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/index.html
Google also continues to make its usual news appearances. A few years ago estimated worth was around $27 billion I think. They have now been taking the publishing world by storm. Their so called "Google Print" has been renamed as "Google Book Search" and is a plan to have all books in the world available, for free, on the internet. Besides that it also plans to become the worlds "informational grid", containing everyone's information. Scary.
That's enough small talk for now. Shit Stories will probably from a lengthy delay. Excitement generally remains minimal but Guiness will be flowing come Friday.
Enjoy the light.
M.M.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Shit Stories: Part 1 Introduction
First and foremost I would like to thank my W T C Dowling for his worthy contributions and I must say that I look forward to hearing something of a weekly unkown, useless but highly amusing word definition. That's the stuff we like to see. Maybe you can actually teach me a thing or two about my blog because I did not realize that you would be able to post blogs on my page.
It's all good though, I am glad.
I must say that your little series of 'shit' poetry has really inspired me and so here is a little Shit Introduction to a shit little story that hasn't really been thought through and is very likely to not develop into anything other than...yes, shit.
So thank you Will for your inspiration and I don't really mind if this shit makes anyone cry, laugh, twitch or whatever. I found it and decided to share. This is for all those anonyms to tear into. What a beautiful sunny day, I will drop the blinds now and hide in a corner.
A Tale of Vast and Promising Proportions: Part 1 Introduction by: M.M. Ayala
It all started a long time ago. I don’t know exactly when but I am quite sure that it was a long time ago. Back then things were different. Not wholly different from the way things are today, but quite different nonetheless. It reminded one of another world somehow; of something long gone and irrevocably lost. But not forgotten and that’s the important part. At least that’s what I always thought. In reality, what one remembers is what one chooses not to forget. That’s what he always said back in the days when things still seemed to matter, to contain some kind of meaning.
I can’t afford to be late again; it would be the second time this week and today is only Tuesday. Mr. W. already ridiculed me in front of the entire class last week for having the worst attendance imaginable. University. I didn’t think they took attendance or cared for what you did.
The bell rings. Damn. This university was different. I should have known. I should have known that this university has one course and one professor whose rules would be completely different. And I should have known that I would find myself in that class as the one student Mr. W. hated. The one professor that everybody loves.
“Mr. T. How nice of you to join us. I am gratefully put at ease that everything is in order and that you are unpunctual.”
I wince and force a sarcastic smile, looking at the floor the entire time. Never challenge Mr. W. Never. He will leave you reeling in self pity. To this day I will never forget how he embarrassed me in only the second week of the course.
“Thomas I don’t understand how you have managed to arrive late every day of this semester. If you have more important matter to attend to, which is hardly imaginable, then I suggest you don’t bother showing up at all.”
I start to answer, “At least four times I was late” by less than a minute and class hasn’t even…” but almost immediately I realized it was a mistake.
“I decide when class starts! You will hardly be successful in life if you can’t adhere to a simple schedule. Everybody else seems to manage just fine. Do you think you are special? Tell Mr. T. why did you join my writing class?”
I never got a real chance to explain myself and I don’t really remember the ensuing conversation. My face had gone bright red and I was facing the floor. I am not good at eye contact. He explained to the whole class why I would never succeed and why my first assignment – observing and describing a stationary object and making it the protagonist of a 250 word short short story – had so miserably failed.
My object had been a lamp. An omniscient observer able to turn night into day and day into night. Not only could it see everything at all times but it could decide who could see what when.
I had liked the idea at the time but have since developed something that might be considered a chronic fear of lamps and would revert to candles if my eye sight weren’t already terrible enough.
I took my seat towards the back of the class. Ever since that day I always sat in the back. “Only the rebels, and rebels without a cause I may add, willingly sit in the back of the class Mr. W. proudly declared to the class.”
Giggles ensued.
I hate hate this class. I despise these students. How did I end up here?
Only five guys in a class of thirty. One gay, two nerds, one zombie and me. The girls worshipped Mr. W. and he knew it. That fat ass. That over eaten gravy stuffed fatsoe.
The sun was shining, the leaves were wet. Reflections danced on the windows and even the trees that rustled in the soft breeze seemed amused by misery. “Today we will discuss what I refer to as pre post-modernism and narratives traces of the self in…”
M.M.
It's all good though, I am glad.
I must say that your little series of 'shit' poetry has really inspired me and so here is a little Shit Introduction to a shit little story that hasn't really been thought through and is very likely to not develop into anything other than...yes, shit.
So thank you Will for your inspiration and I don't really mind if this shit makes anyone cry, laugh, twitch or whatever. I found it and decided to share. This is for all those anonyms to tear into. What a beautiful sunny day, I will drop the blinds now and hide in a corner.
A Tale of Vast and Promising Proportions: Part 1 Introduction by: M.M. Ayala
It all started a long time ago. I don’t know exactly when but I am quite sure that it was a long time ago. Back then things were different. Not wholly different from the way things are today, but quite different nonetheless. It reminded one of another world somehow; of something long gone and irrevocably lost. But not forgotten and that’s the important part. At least that’s what I always thought. In reality, what one remembers is what one chooses not to forget. That’s what he always said back in the days when things still seemed to matter, to contain some kind of meaning.
I can’t afford to be late again; it would be the second time this week and today is only Tuesday. Mr. W. already ridiculed me in front of the entire class last week for having the worst attendance imaginable. University. I didn’t think they took attendance or cared for what you did.
The bell rings. Damn. This university was different. I should have known. I should have known that this university has one course and one professor whose rules would be completely different. And I should have known that I would find myself in that class as the one student Mr. W. hated. The one professor that everybody loves.
“Mr. T. How nice of you to join us. I am gratefully put at ease that everything is in order and that you are unpunctual.”
I wince and force a sarcastic smile, looking at the floor the entire time. Never challenge Mr. W. Never. He will leave you reeling in self pity. To this day I will never forget how he embarrassed me in only the second week of the course.
“Thomas I don’t understand how you have managed to arrive late every day of this semester. If you have more important matter to attend to, which is hardly imaginable, then I suggest you don’t bother showing up at all.”
I start to answer, “At least four times I was late” by less than a minute and class hasn’t even…” but almost immediately I realized it was a mistake.
“I decide when class starts! You will hardly be successful in life if you can’t adhere to a simple schedule. Everybody else seems to manage just fine. Do you think you are special? Tell Mr. T. why did you join my writing class?”
I never got a real chance to explain myself and I don’t really remember the ensuing conversation. My face had gone bright red and I was facing the floor. I am not good at eye contact. He explained to the whole class why I would never succeed and why my first assignment – observing and describing a stationary object and making it the protagonist of a 250 word short short story – had so miserably failed.
My object had been a lamp. An omniscient observer able to turn night into day and day into night. Not only could it see everything at all times but it could decide who could see what when.
I had liked the idea at the time but have since developed something that might be considered a chronic fear of lamps and would revert to candles if my eye sight weren’t already terrible enough.
I took my seat towards the back of the class. Ever since that day I always sat in the back. “Only the rebels, and rebels without a cause I may add, willingly sit in the back of the class Mr. W. proudly declared to the class.”
Giggles ensued.
I hate hate this class. I despise these students. How did I end up here?
Only five guys in a class of thirty. One gay, two nerds, one zombie and me. The girls worshipped Mr. W. and he knew it. That fat ass. That over eaten gravy stuffed fatsoe.
The sun was shining, the leaves were wet. Reflections danced on the windows and even the trees that rustled in the soft breeze seemed amused by misery. “Today we will discuss what I refer to as pre post-modernism and narratives traces of the self in…”
M.M.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Bloggy Hell: Discombobulate
Weird Word of the Week: DISCOMBOBULATE
OED definition: "disconcert or confuse"
How to use it:
Try throwing this puppy in at cocktail parties, or when conversing with drunks on the street. For example, a sex-on-the-beach slurping bimbo approaches you, asks for your thoughts on the Iran situation; you could respond with: "I don't know. The world is a discombobulating place. This is a discombobulating party. Your eyes, they discombobulate me." She will, of course, make her excuses and mingle elsewhere. But remember this: you discombobulated that bimbo, and you did it with the weirdness of a word. Be proud. When it comes to chatting with alcoholics on the street, it always helps to speak loudly, with confidence. For example, a fellow approaches you clutching a half empty bottle of Frosty Jack's Extra Strong White Cider. He asks you for some money. What he doesn't know is, you're penniless yourself; you've spent your last £3.50 on half a lager in some West End toss-hole and you're in no mood for doling out charity. Try this: "I'm sorry my good man," and then, with vigour; "DISCOMBOBULATE!" He won't ask you anything ever again. You deflected his advances by the skilful wielding of a weird word. Be proud. But remember: if you do have extra money to dole out to drunks, don't be tight; get them in.
NEXT WEEK (or when I can be bothered): TRANSMOGRIFICATION
OED definition: "disconcert or confuse"
How to use it:
Try throwing this puppy in at cocktail parties, or when conversing with drunks on the street. For example, a sex-on-the-beach slurping bimbo approaches you, asks for your thoughts on the Iran situation; you could respond with: "I don't know. The world is a discombobulating place. This is a discombobulating party. Your eyes, they discombobulate me." She will, of course, make her excuses and mingle elsewhere. But remember this: you discombobulated that bimbo, and you did it with the weirdness of a word. Be proud. When it comes to chatting with alcoholics on the street, it always helps to speak loudly, with confidence. For example, a fellow approaches you clutching a half empty bottle of Frosty Jack's Extra Strong White Cider. He asks you for some money. What he doesn't know is, you're penniless yourself; you've spent your last £3.50 on half a lager in some West End toss-hole and you're in no mood for doling out charity. Try this: "I'm sorry my good man," and then, with vigour; "DISCOMBOBULATE!" He won't ask you anything ever again. You deflected his advances by the skilful wielding of a weird word. Be proud. But remember: if you do have extra money to dole out to drunks, don't be tight; get them in.
NEXT WEEK (or when I can be bothered): TRANSMOGRIFICATION
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Spiked Books
The London Book fair is a great place to visit. Today on its last day it was open to the public and that could be noticed in the increased amount of people wearing jeans and hovering around stands in the hope of getting a freebie. I was of course in the throngs of things as I managed to get DBC Pierre’s latest book. Having said that, the manic people interaction had shown no sign of giving up.
Apparently Canongate had their famous party last night and an empty Canongate stand at around 9.30 am seems to have suggested that the party was successful. Later on, glimpsing at the Best Stand Shell Award 2006, which yes was Canongate, the crowd of publishers, agents and god know who else, were queuing to chat with Jamie Byng (known for his revival of the company.)
I however was just roaming through this place. It would easily take almost 20 minutes to go from one end of the hall to the other. Over 450 over some of the rarest publishers you could ever imagine. The only reason I go on about Canongate is because I think they are coming out with some of the best stuff at the moment. And they are independent. I might add some of their homepages actually.
In terms of adding links. You can read some of the finest blogs from Ronaldinho to Owen. Michael Owen the great. Yup. I have not for a second, considered these guys to be actually writing their own stuff. It could be a good lesson in ghost writing though.
A picture of the Canongate stand, complete with pierced books to follow.
M.M.
Apparently Canongate had their famous party last night and an empty Canongate stand at around 9.30 am seems to have suggested that the party was successful. Later on, glimpsing at the Best Stand Shell Award 2006, which yes was Canongate, the crowd of publishers, agents and god know who else, were queuing to chat with Jamie Byng (known for his revival of the company.)
I however was just roaming through this place. It would easily take almost 20 minutes to go from one end of the hall to the other. Over 450 over some of the rarest publishers you could ever imagine. The only reason I go on about Canongate is because I think they are coming out with some of the best stuff at the moment. And they are independent. I might add some of their homepages actually.
In terms of adding links. You can read some of the finest blogs from Ronaldinho to Owen. Michael Owen the great. Yup. I have not for a second, considered these guys to be actually writing their own stuff. It could be a good lesson in ghost writing though.
A picture of the Canongate stand, complete with pierced books to follow.
M.M.
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