Thursday, January 12, 2006

The Dope

"So I bought this novel recently: a foreign publisher gave me a tip, long story short, the agent and the author and me, it's one of those love-at-first-sight things..." --Mar. 24, 2005

Hi, it's me. Max.

Long ago and in a land far, far away, I wrote in this space about editing a novel I'd acquired, and of the singular satisfactions that came from that experience. Of the dozens of posts I wrote during the six or seven months of BookAngst 101, "What makes it all worthwhile" was my favorite, the one that best captured the myriad rewards that the editorial life can provide when the stars allign.

It seemed to strike a nerve with readers too--perhaps because it was about the joy of the process, as opposed (for once) to the innumerable frustrations and disappointments experienced so frequently on all sides of the writing/publishing/bookselling universe. Or maybe it was because it was a story with a happy ending. An editor fairly in awe of his talented author, and grateful to have been granted such access and trust; an author, it might be inferred, who gets the editor she deserves.

Whatever the case, that "report" seems to have represented the high-water mark in the short, happy life of Mad Max Perkins. I gauge this both by the nature of the comments that it elicited, and by the fact that so many of you expressed interest in finding out more about the author and the book.

That interest was both gratifying and encouraging; for me it had the effect of making a little bit less preposterous the preposterous notion that's at the core of every author/editor partnership. Not just that we might be able to make a great book, but also that, somehow, this great book might wind up being embraced to some reasonable degree beyond the walls of our little two-seat incubator.

* * *
Ten months later, that book now exists. It's got a handsome cover, blurbs from a number of generous authors whose work I admire, and handful of pre-pub reviews (including a starred Kirkus, sez he proudly). A second printing is already in the works. Sometime in the next week or two, I'm going to have the experience of walking into a bookstore and seeing this book "live" for the very first time. (A special feeling, that.) One thing that I know for sure: if the books aren't where I want them to be when I arrive, they'll be there by the time I leave. Another thing: I'll linger in a semi-predatory fashion. On two prior such occasions that I know about for sure, my innocent comments to a book-in-hand browser have resulted in confirmed, watched-'em-all-the-way-to-the-cash-register sales. I'll be gunning for more this time around.

* * *
Back in March, a lot of people sent me comments to the effect of

Wow. I want to read this book. How are we going to know to run out and get it when it hits the shelves?

If you're still interested? The novel--DOPE--goes on sale any day now. The author--Sara Gran--has a website, and a blog, and two previous novels. And an editor who, though he should know better, can't help but be excited about what might unfold in the weeks ahead.

70 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dope sounds like an offbeat, good book, but then "offbeat" usually equals "good" to me. Is there an excerpt posted somewhere? I can't seem to find one.

Quite a few moons ago, I worked on two nonfiction books (for Da Capo--I didn't get name credit or anything, nor did I work with the authors directly, but I did all the line-by-line work and analysis on the initial proofs). I've never read the published versions. I enjoyed working on one book so much, sometimes I think about buying a copy; other times I cringe at that thought. When I was in-the-moment editing something or am in-the-moment writing something, I could and can easily look at that something. But once that moment's done, I usually see too much stuff I'd like to change. Guess I'm like those actors who can't easily view the final results of their own film acting.

Anonymous said...

Nice to see you back, Max.

M Harold Page said...

Welcome back!

Jayme Lynn Blaschke said...

Despite some niggling annoyances he points out, Bill Crider has generally positive things to say about DOPE. And Crider's a fellow with high standards (weird standards, sure. But high nonetheless). Here's the link to his blog entry:
http://billcrider.blogspot.com/2006/01/dope-sara-gran.html

Buffy said...

Checking Amazon now......

Anonymous said...

Your enthusiasm is infectious and that alone is enough to peak my curiosity. But what really sold me on buying the book is the relationship between editor (you) and writer (Sara) – and how the creative process of two minds can create a masterpiece. I don’t know that DOPE is a masterpiece. What I know is that you think it’s a masterpiece and you gave me a look into your process as an editor and how you work with writers, and in turn, you gave me a small glance at the author.

As a side note: I came here today because I am doing a write-up about this blog, which I happened upon a few weeks ago, maybe as long as month ago. I have a small writing resource directory attached to my blog and I’m writing about some of the sites I have listed in the directory. When I last visited this blog, the last post was your good-by speech, so I was a little surprised to see this post. It would be great if you continue posting – I love your writing style and the information is exceptional. I would have been in writers heaven had something like this been around when I was actively pursuing a writing career.

Since I believe the information here is a valuable resource for writers and since some of your old posts have been spammed by slimy spammers and since you are probably too busy to keep up with old posts and remove the comment spam and since I’d hate to see something good ruined by low-life-spammers, I’d like to offer you a possible alternative; one that I can guarantee zero comment spam. Drop me a note at glo (at) wild-mind.net, if you’re interested.

Anonymous said...

Missed you.

Anonymous said...

Dude, you gotta come back and start posting again on a regular basis. The posts don't have to be long. They don't have to be heavily researched. Just put some things on here that happen to be on your mind (about the book business).

I really miss your blog posts.

mb at reference said...

I think things must be going well for the book. I just checked our catalog: we've ordered Dope and there several library patrons are lined up waiting for its arrival. Yaay for you, and for Sara Gran. Keep posting.

sufferwords said...

Talk about Dope. I just stumbled on your site. Nice to see how the big fish swim.

Sufferwords

King Wenclas said...

It's still just another conglomerate product. No real literary excitement has come out of your skyscrapers in decades-- which is why literature is marginalized in this culture.
A lot of precious bourgeois wannabes who don't understand the essence of literature; well-trained robots lacking any idea of the authentic. My two cents.
Have a good day!

Anonymous said...

I think things must be going well for the book. I just checked and there several library patrons are lined up waiting for its arrival. Can't wait.

Anonymous said...

this is hot

Live Sex Cams
Girls Gone Wild

Anonymous said...

Hello

This is a good Article

MfG

Pagerankservice | Online Marketing | Singlebörse

The Dolphin Smiles said...

Max, thank God your back, love the details about watching your book make it to the cash register. It's a shame that the publishing world is as hard as it is and your blog makes it better! I invite you to mine-- davidsalvage.blogspot.com -- I write about a variety of current writers but if you've got a book and would like me to review it I'm seeking to expand in that direction. I also run a reading series on literture for a psychoanalytic society in New York and am always interested in putting events together for people. It can be great exposure to a readership! Cheers, David Salvage

Jenna said...

Congratulations to both you and Sara. Hope the book soars!

Anonymous said...

Hope the book does great. Waiting to see it in Video Book Review!

Unknown said...

this site is really cool.good blogs.i work for a book publishing company.hope i'll be a frequent visitor of this site

Gary Dobbs/Jack Martin said...

welcome back dude

jeffrey ho said...

jeffreydi2u

krsuicide said...

Nice post

Malaysia Celebs

Anonymous said...

(法新社a倫敦二B十WE四日電) 「情色二零零七」情趣產品大產自二十三日起在倫敦的肯辛頓奧林匹亞展覽館舉成人電影行,倫敦成人電影人擺脫對性的保守態度踴躍參觀,許多穿皮衣與塑膠緊身衣的好色之徒擠進這項成人網站世界規模最大的成人生活展,估計三天展期可吸引八萬多好奇民眾參觀。色情

活動計畫負責人a片下載米里根承諾:「要搞浪漫、誘惑人、玩虐待,你渴望的我們都有。」
成人網站
他說:「時髦的設計成人影片與華麗女裝,從吊飾到束腹到真人大小的雕塑,是我們由a片今年展出的數千件產品精av選出的一部分,A片下載參展產品還包括時尚服飾、貼身女用內在美、鞋子、珠寶、玩具、影片、藝術av女優成人影片圖書及遊戲,更不要說性愛輔具及馬術裝備。」
色情
參觀民眾遊覽情色電影A片百五十多個攤位,有性感服AV裝、玩具a片及情色食品,迎合各種品味。

情色大舞台上表演的是美國野蠻搖滾歌手瑪莉蓮曼森的前妻─情色電影全世色情影片界頭牌脫衣舞孃黛塔范提思,這是她今年在英情色國唯一一場表演。

以一九四零年代風格演出的黛塔范提思表演性感的天堂鳥、旋轉木馬及羽扇等舞蹈AV女優

參展攤位有的推廣情趣用品,有的公開展示人體藝術和人體雕塑,也有情色藝術家工會成員提供建議。

Anonymous said...

翻譯翻譯社熱水器外遇抓姦徵信徵信社網頁設計網站設計公司

Yellow Pages Oregon said...

i love the style, i have several similar one, i usually wear them to work or shopping. Please come visit my site Yellow Pages Oregon when you got time.

Anonymous said...

sorry to ask this here but… I really love your theme, would it happen to be a free one i can download somewhere, or is it a custom theme you had made? Soon i will be launching my own blog, however i’m not great with designs but i do like the style of your site so it would be excellent if i could find (or buy) something with a similar look as my last designer cannot finish my site. Thanks! Please come visit my site Omaha Business Directory when you got time.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, you just earned yourself an entry in my feed reader, great blog. Please come visit my site Tampa Business Directory when you got time.

Richmond Virginia said...

I was thinking of looking up some of them newspaper websites, but am glad I came here instead. Although glad is not quite the right word… let me just say I needed this after the incessant chatter in the media, and am grateful to you for articulating something many of us are feeling - even from distant shores. Please come visit my site Richmond Virginia Business Directory when you got time.

Gynecology said...

Excellent article , i just share it with my friend of Italy. I Stumble UP your blog post , you will notice an increase of traffic within 24 hours for targeted people. Cheers . Please come visit my site Obstetrician when you got time.

Health Food Stores said...

Nice, I think it could be interesting to add some more entries following this one, and probably it's not only me having this opinion. Cheers! Please come visit my site Healthy Diet and give me any valuable feedbacks.

Mr E said...

Great info. I found this blog very informative. I learned a lot of new things here!


cheers!!
cari duit
belajar seo

Melanie said...

love your blog!

Maria said...

yes, i like it, too!

cari duit said...

I just found this blog. It's great info.

Anonymous said...

I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. Please come visit my site Jacksonville Web Link when you got time.

Anonymous said...

I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. Please come visit my site Directory Jacksonville City when you got time.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Thank you! I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog? Please come visit my site Plano Business Phone Listing when you got time.

Anonymous said...

Wow! Thank you! I always wanted to write in my site something like that. Can I take part of your post to my blog? Please come visit my site Plano Business Directory Forum Blog Classifieds when you got time.

Anonymous said...

Really great work. Congrats to everyone who are involved with this project. The website layout and graphics are really cool. Please come visit my site Raleigh Business Services And Classifieds when you got time.

Anonymous said...

Really great work. Congrats to everyone who are involved with this project. The website layout and graphics are really cool. Please come visit my site Business Trade Guide of Raleigh North Carolina NC when you got time.

Altius Directory said...

Buy fiction & non-fiction books, children books, arts & crafts books, science books, business books, comics at low price. Visit below website.
Buy Cheap Books Online

Anonymous said...

I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. Please come visit my site Dallas Directory Business Navigator when you got time.

Anonymous said...

I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. Please come visit my site Dallas Directory Business Navigator when you got time.

rr8004 said...

What a facinating article. I’m looking for a marketing expert to help with a project, could you help? Please come visit my site Phoenix Phone Book when you got time.

rr8004 said...

What a facinating article. I’m looking for a marketing expert to help with a project, could you help? Please come visit my site Phoenix Business Search Engine when you got time.

rr8004 said...

I really liked your blog! You have some great content. Please come visit my site City Guide Nashville y when you got time.

The Razors Edge said...

Sounds like an interesting book to read will it be available at major book stores like Chapters?

ispomyju said...

The tribe standard is very good oh ~ to support your Europe ^^≧▽≦"..................................................

Anonymous said...

钢托盘
仓储笼
托盘
钢托盘
折叠式仓储笼
钢托盘
折叠式仓储笼
钢托盘
折叠式仓储笼
塑料托盘,塑料栈板
湖南塑料托盘,塑料栈板
长沙塑料托盘,塑料栈板
仓储笼
托盘
仓储笼
托盘
仓储笼
钢托盘
仓储笼
钢托盘
仓储笼
仓储笼
托盘
仓库货架
仓储货架
塑料托盘
钢托盘
折叠式仓储笼
仓储笼
钢托盘
手动液压托盘搬运车
货架
托盘
仓储笼
货架
货架
货架
横梁式货架
托盘
仓储笼
手动液压托盘搬运车
仓库货架
仓库货架
货架
仓储货架
仓库货架
库房货架

Blogger said...

Hi,

Good info and very interesting post. Not much blogger can write/post this valuable content. Nice sharing with all the readers. Thanks..

Cheers,
Make your dreams become true with the best male enhancement pill.

About Me said...

eg:-

Hi,

Nice post and very informative. thanks for the great sharing.

Cheers

Unknown said...

DepositPhotos: #1 resource for buying and selling Royalty-free photographs and vector images, Stock Images from 0.1$ (it is very cheap) and Subscription plans from 19$ so visit now by clicking- stock photos | stock images | royalty-free images

Fewo Tegel said...

Good info and very interesting post. Not much blogger can write/post this valuable content. Nice sharing with all the readers. Thanks..

Unknown said...

I would love to read "Dope"!! Where can I get it??

Here's wishing Sara all the best!!

This is Nancy from Israeli Uncensored News

クレジットカード現金化 said...

クレジットカードのショッピング枠を現金化
クレジットカード 現金化 ショッピング枠現金化
ショッピング枠 現金化 クレジットカード現金化
クレジットカード 現金化 ショッピング枠現金化
クレジットカード 現金化 ショッピング枠現金化
クレジットカード 現金化 ショッピング枠現金化
クレジットカード 現金化 ショッピング枠現金化
ショッピング枠 現金化 クレジットカード現金化
クレジットカード 現金化 ショッピング枠現金化
クレジットカード 現金化 ショッピング枠現金化
クレジットカード 現金化 ショッピング枠現金化
クレジットカード 現金化 ショッピング枠現金化
クレジットカード 現金化 ショッピング枠現金化

rental mobil jakarta said...

Nice article, thanks for sharing.

nesh said...

Hi,
I recently came across your site and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. Great post, concise and easy to understand. I like this post.

I found out that this site is very interesting and informative.
Best of luck to you!

Cheers,
Top up Prepaid

Unknown said...

sdfdsf

iwasaki said...

http://bookangst.blogspot.jp/2006/01/dope_12.html

Plastic Business cards said...

Simple tot the point and informative enhances my knowledge a lot...

Theme Parties in Gurgaon said...

Hi, Really great effort. Everyone must read this article. Thanks for sharing.

Places to visit in Delhi-NCR said...

Hey keep posting such good and meaningful articles.

Cool Places in Gurgaon said...

That is an extremely smart written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to learn extra of your useful information. Thank you for the post. I will certainly return.

Place for birthday parties said...

very informative post for me as I am always looking for new content that can help me and my knowledge grow better.

Start Business in Delhi said...

Amazing blog and very interesting stuff you got here! I definitely learned a lot from reading through some of your earlier posts as well and decided to drop a comment on this one!

Unknown said...

hi thanks for information Template blog simple

Susan Afnisa said...

Situs poker indonesia
Daftar Situs Poker
Poker Online Terpercaya
Poker Online uang asli
Situs Judi Online
Agen Poker
Bandar Poker Online
Agen Ceme Online
Situs Judi

Anonymous said...

yeezy shoes
yeezy boost 350
hermes birkin
jordan shoes
adidas yeezy
golden goose
bape
yeezy boost 350 v2
fear of god essentials
kobe shoes

casinosite777top.JDS said...


This post is really astounding one!

casinositeone.JDS said...

I was delighted to read this, very much useful.

outlookindiacom-JS said...

Please let me know if this okay with you.

A VOCATION OF UNHAPPINESS [Courtesy Georges Simenon (1903-1985)]

"Writing is considered a profession, and I don't think it is a profession. I think that everyone who does not need to be a writer, who thinks he can do something else, ought to do something else. Writing is not a profession but a vocation of unhappiness. I don't think an artist can ever be happy."


PRACTICAL MARKETING [Courtesy Zornhau, 2005]

"They should put the 1st couple of pages up in subway adverts. Having read them several times, you'd feel compelled to try the book - if it was any good."


PLATE OF SHRIMP [Courtesy Alex Cox’s REPO MAN, circa 1984]

"A lot of people don't realize what's really going on. They view life as a bunch of unconnected incidences and things. They don't realize that there's this like lattice of coincidence that lays on top of everything. I'll give you an example, show you what I mean. Suppose you're thinking about a plate of shrimp. Suddenly somebody will say like "plate" or "shrimp" or "plate of shrimp" out of the blue, no explanation. No point in looking for one either. It's all part of a cosmic unconsciousness."