Purple Papaya

Kimberley's client, D.P. Lyle, sent us a link to a company by the name of Purple Papaya, which specializes in helping authors with social media platforms. We thought we'd pass along the link.

In today's publishing climate, it's important for authors of both fiction and nonfiction to put focus on author branding and self or book promotion.

In addition, for any published author (traditional, e-book or self-published), it's in your best interest to co-promote your work since 1) you may only have a publicist for a limited time 2) publishers will look at your past sales when considering your future works 3) you may secure a traditional publishing deal if your e-book or self-published sales are good, and 4) money is nice.

Taking time to focus on the business side of writing is important.

Check out Purple Papaya by clicking here.

Walmart Canada Orders THE CHOCOLATE THIEF

We received great news that Walmart Canada has placed an order for Laura Florand's THE CHOCOLATE THIEF. We have our fingers crossed that they'll do the same for the next two books in the chocolate series: THE CHOCOLATE KING and THE CHOCOLATE KISS (working titles).

The 2012 San Francisco Writer's Conference

Good afternoon all - I just attended the San Francisco Writer's Conference last weekend. This is one of the best conferences in the country, and I was very pleased to moderate a panel and meet hundreds of writers. Many excellent agents and editors also attended the conference and participated in what was a great environment for opportunity. Publishing is changing and we are adapting to new paradigms, but the bottom line is, the deals are happening and there is always a need for great writers. So polish your skills and make your work the best it can be, and we'll be there to seriously consider and advise, to the best of our ability. Bon chance!

Kimberley

The Inevitable Sh*t Agents and Editors Say

One of our readers turned me on to this video, put together by two NY agents and an editor. It's a classic.

KILLING THE MESSENGER Book Events in SF Bay Area

Thomas Peele, author of KILLING THE MESSENGER: A STORY OF RADICAL FAITH, RACISM'S BACKLASH, AND THE ASSASSINATION OF A JOURNALIST (Crown), will be in the San Francisco Bay Area for book signings and Q&As about his recently released book.

New York Times bestselling author Nina Burleigh writes:

"Killing the Messenger is a crackling work of nonfiction, impossible to put down. Like Krakauer's Under the Banner of Heaven, Thomas Peele unpacks a tale of extremism and evil..."

Thursday, February 9th (7:00 p.m.)

Oakland, CA

Diesel Bookstore

5433 College Avenue

Oakland, CA 94618

Monday, February 13th (5:30 p.m.)

Berkeley, CA

Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism

121 North Gate Hall, Library

Berkeley, CA 94720

Friday, February 17th (7:00 p.m.)

San Francisco, CA

Books Inc., Opera Plaza

601 Van Ness

San Francisco, CA 94107

Saturday, February 18th (7:00 p.m.)

Corte Madera, CA

Book Passage

51 Tamal Vista

Corte Madera, CA 94925

The Chocolate Series Continues

Kimberley made another two-book deal for Laura Florand, author of THE CHOCOLATE THIEF and BLAME IT ON PARIS, to continue the chocolate series, to Alicia Condon at Kensington for publication in 2013. The two books for publication are titled THE CHOCOLATE REBEL and THE CHOCOLATE KING.

Congratulations, Laura and Kimberley!

Jay Parini Reviews ALIVE INSIDE THE WRECK by Joe Woodward

Jay Parini reviewed Joe Woodward's ALIVE INSIDE THE WRECK: A BIOGRAPHY OF NATHANAEL WEST for Literary Review magazine's February issue. The article is titled "California Nightmares."

Parini says, "This is a remarkably good and succinct biography, well worth reading. It adds considerably to our understanding of West, taking on the fabled machinery of Hollywood itself, which often seems more of a troubled state of mind than an actual place or industry."

To read Parini's full review, click here.