Elizabeth, enjoyed reading about your time in publishing past. Reminds me of the days when AT&T held the phone monopoly in the US. I think publishing has become more democratic, more open. For better or worse in terms of storytelling. For worse perhaps in new talent getting noticed and an over-reliance on old. For better in terms of word of mouth as to book recommendations.
Interesting thought. I have to admit that I trust word of mouth, face to face, but less so with online reviews. I have never read an online review that drove me to buy a book. I do read them when I am considering buying a book but I’m always a little leery of them…five stars? A friend of the writer?
Any review has to hook, with character, plot, etc. Somebody saying they liked the book, without more, doesn’t generate interest. Like you said, they’re likely a backscratcher.
Oh, the good old days... We are fortunate to have had them, and I am sorry that younger writers do not. I remember when publishers actually took me out to lunch!
As Harriet’s nanny Ole Golly, tells her young charge: “Gone is gone. Don’t try to hold on to people or lie down in your memories. Make stories from them.”
Sadly, I tell myself the same about the good old days of publishing. Gone is gone.
But I am still making stories. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT...AND THERAPEUTIC!
Yes, Fuff❣️ Those good old days are gone, gone, gone. Yet, with a forum like Substack, we can preserve a community of writers who respect and honor one another’s creative work. Adelante! Ginger
Oh Elizabeth, your postings lift my spirits each and every time, even when you’re describing your frustrations. You are excellent company and I especially appreciate your references to works you cherish. The picture of your silver spy book moved me beyond description because Your publisher let you know how much they valued your work. That’s rare, I’m guessing.
What a great column! I’m adding Dear Genius to my tbr pile. You know what else I miss about the olden days? Book parties! HarperCollins once took over places like Limelight. In the late 80’s, things got quiet and I thought: What did I do wrong, no one is inviting me anymore?? An editor, Peternelle, said, basically: Oh Carol, that was then, this is now.
Yes, Carol, thanks for reminding me of those book parties. They were fun…and the editorial lunches…no martinis but a red pencil and two heads hovering over a paper manuscript.
Elizabeth, enjoyed reading about your time in publishing past. Reminds me of the days when AT&T held the phone monopoly in the US. I think publishing has become more democratic, more open. For better or worse in terms of storytelling. For worse perhaps in new talent getting noticed and an over-reliance on old. For better in terms of word of mouth as to book recommendations.
Interesting thought. I have to admit that I trust word of mouth, face to face, but less so with online reviews. I have never read an online review that drove me to buy a book. I do read them when I am considering buying a book but I’m always a little leery of them…five stars? A friend of the writer?
Any review has to hook, with character, plot, etc. Somebody saying they liked the book, without more, doesn’t generate interest. Like you said, they’re likely a backscratcher.
Oh, the good old days... We are fortunate to have had them, and I am sorry that younger writers do not. I remember when publishers actually took me out to lunch!
Me too, Rosalind. And another writer friend reminded me of the book parties. Now we have to throw our own.
As Harriet’s nanny Ole Golly, tells her young charge: “Gone is gone. Don’t try to hold on to people or lie down in your memories. Make stories from them.”
Sadly, I tell myself the same about the good old days of publishing. Gone is gone.
But I am still making stories. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT...AND THERAPEUTIC!
Yes, Fuff❣️ Those good old days are gone, gone, gone. Yet, with a forum like Substack, we can preserve a community of writers who respect and honor one another’s creative work. Adelante! Ginger
Oh Elizabeth, your postings lift my spirits each and every time, even when you’re describing your frustrations. You are excellent company and I especially appreciate your references to works you cherish. The picture of your silver spy book moved me beyond description because Your publisher let you know how much they valued your work. That’s rare, I’m guessing.
So happy you are still making stories! I thoroughly enjoy reading every offering in Table of Contents…always intriguing and beautifully written.
What a great column! I’m adding Dear Genius to my tbr pile. You know what else I miss about the olden days? Book parties! HarperCollins once took over places like Limelight. In the late 80’s, things got quiet and I thought: What did I do wrong, no one is inviting me anymore?? An editor, Peternelle, said, basically: Oh Carol, that was then, this is now.
Fun to have been part of the heyday, sigh…
Yes, Carol, thanks for reminding me of those book parties. They were fun…and the editorial lunches…no martinis but a red pencil and two heads hovering over a paper manuscript.
To be fair, not so long ago when I was published by Lake Union, they gave me a Kindle, sent Christmas cards and were super-friendly
Good for them. A little whisper of the past…