Lessons From The Traditional-Publishing Model—The Genre’s The Thing!

By Susan Mary Malone

We talked last time about the first lesson from Traditional Publishing—focusing on the product, the book! Now we continue with the second—knowing your genre.

Often new writers tell me a big reason they want to self-publish is so they don’t have to conform to publishers’ specs. “I want to write my book how I want to write it!” is a common sentiment. Word count out the window. Structure? Who needs it! Novel editing services? Nope. “I don’t want to write formula,” comes into play.

But the genres, categories, and sub-categories are not really formulaic, except in the idea of what needs to happen, and what doesn’t. Some are of course, but the vast majority of specs exist sort of like a clothesline on which you pin your shirts and pants, blouses and jackets to make up the storyline.

Why on earth should someone intending to self-publish care about Traditional Publishing’s specs? That’s a huge reason you’re self-publishing, right?

Big fat wrong.

It’s very true that Traditional Publishers can’t spot trends. Just ask them! The standard line is always: “I’ll know the next trend when I see it.” Everyone in this business is always surprised (often shocked) at what takes off. As a developmental editor, I’ve seen it all. And then everybody wants that thing, with a different twist. Who saw Urban Lit coming? Or the resurgence of Vampires? And don’t you wish you did?

But it is in hindsight that the Traditional model shines. This really is a business of the tail wagging the dog. But what those publishers excel at is in analyzing what made the tail wag in the first place. In other words, they study the successes, and most importantly, who those readers are and what they expect from the books. They know their customers.

How often have you heard: “Write for your audience”? Again, that makes new writers quite squeamish. “I write for myself,” is often the response. Which, yeah, you have to. But you’re also writing for someone to actually read your work, no?

Your audience exists. If you know where to find it.

People come to me all the time saying, “I have written a romance.” Okay—what category and sub-category? There’s a reason that Harlequin Desire is 50K words, while Harlequin Romantic Suspense is 75K. And the reason is: That’s what those readers want and expect. A Desire reader doesn’t want the Suspense part. Period.

For a more stark contrast, let’s mix genres. There’s a reason that Cozy Mysteries are 70K words, with no graphic sex or violence. But if you’re writing Urban Lit, you better have both! Because, again, that’s what those readers are looking for in a book.

It’s not just word count, but what happens, and how it happens. Even the prose is different in a Mystery vs. a Thriller.

Often I see manuscripts that cross genres, which in the Traditional world is the kiss of death.

None of the agents I know will touch those, because of course, they can’t sell them. Writers get so frustrated by this. They’ve just doubled their audience, no? No. By crossing genres, you’ve just lost both audiences. Readers want what they want. Give it to them! They’re waiting for the next great book (in the genre they read, of course).

I often talk to readers, from people I know to strangers in airports. I’ll ask what they like to read, and they usually respond, “Oh, I read widely.” But when I press as to which authors they most read, those authors all line up in one specific genre (even though readers are unaware of the appellations.

Yes, you absolutely can throw all these specs to the wind, but go outside the lines at your own peril.

Recreating the wheel in publishing is akin to climbing Mt. Everest when your goal was actually to hike the Appalachian Trail. Man, don’t you hate when you do the former when the latter would have been so much more successful?

Go to the major publishing sites and peruse their categories and sub-categories and the specs for all, and discern where your book fits best. Listen to your manuscript editor. Editing a novel and revising it a bit to fit those specs is not at all difficult, and the results are powerful—you can target an audience that already exists, and is ready, willing, and wanting to buy the kind of books your write!

Now, go be that successful author you’ve always dreamed of being!
Susan Mary Malone (http://www.maloneeditorial.com), book editor, has gotten many authors published, edited books featured in Publishers Weekly & won numerous awards. See more writing tips at http://www.maloneeditorial.com/blog/editorial-tips/ & see her latest video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSM6ifeJxS4&index=4&list=UU7Q8OdBNjpnfvVCwVyymIjw

NEW Frosty Prince Takes Center Stage

Local Ballet Company, California Contemporary Ballet, Presents “The Legend of Jack Frost”; Original Story with New Choreography, Original Music, Sets and Costumes to Premiere at Glendale Community College Theater, December 20 and 21

LOS ANGELES, CA: There is much excitement at California DanceArts where auditions for roles have been cast and rehearsals are already under way for a new ballet. The school, nestled in the foothills of La Cañada, California, is the residence of California Contemporary Ballet (http://www.CalBallet.com/).

The dance company is preparing to launch one of its grandest full-scale ballets kicking off the winter holidays—The Legend of Jack Frost premiering December 20 and 21 at 2:00pm at Glendale Community College Theater.

The company is best known for its successful signature ballet, The Snow Queen, based on the beloved fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen. Until this year, the Snow Queen Ballet has been performed by the company annually for the past 16 years to sold-out audiences in Glendale. Now, the company is giving birth to a new original ballet, The Legend of Jack Frost. A ballet production about Jack Frost is a unique idea for a small company that strives to make its mark by producing original, fully orchestrated and full-scale productions.

Jack Frost, that mischievous spirit of winter ice, snow, sleet and frosty weather, who is responsible for “nipping at your nose,” will be the subject of the latest ballet created by Aerin Holt, the company’s artistic director and choreographer. “Our ballet of The Snow Queen was virtually ignored by ballet companies before we started to develop it. No template existed for the story as a ballet. It was created and conceived with new choreography, newly composed music, newly designed costumes, set designs etc. We are attempting to do it again with a character whose time is long overdue.”

Jack Frost has made guest appearances in numerous ballets, stories and movies. With a few exceptions, he is usually seen in cameo or supporting roles. The Frost character was recently featured in the popular children’s animated movie “The Rise of the Guardians”. Holt is attempting to give Frost not only his own moment in the spotlight but also the opportunity to tell his own story. Holt began by researching and examining various folklore stories about Jack Frost. “He is often seen as a spirit or as a mischievous elfish pixie or imp. Some legends and old sketches depict him more as a giant and a hero. Our Jack Frost is a combination of many of these myths and legends”, Holt explained.

The specific storyline of the ballet was further developed with her collaborator, Dwight B. Mikkelsen, who is also the ballet’s composer. Previously, in the spring of 2013, Mikkelsen composed the music for the company’s successful original ballet of Thumbelina, with a reprised performance the following year. The pair seem to have found a successful formula. Holt says, “Dwight and I share a vision for each project which we express through our respective disciplines of music and dance. He creates music that articulates the exact harmonic of my movements.”

The new ballet focuses on Jack Frost as the protagonist who will take center stage of the mythical Frosty underworld and who is invisible to human kind. The role of Jack Frost is performed by Nicholas Zerman from Los Angeles. Jaclyn Stryker, a professional dancer from La Crescenta, performs the role of his human love interest. The ballet is performed by a cast of pre-professional youth supporting a company of professional career dancers who will command the principal roles.

Professional dancer and aerialist, Alyssa Thompson from Canyon Country, will perform as The Phoenix, who will fly and perform on an aerial hoop. A guest appearance by her majesty, the Snow Queen, will be danced by professional ballerina Natalie Grina, from North Hollywood, giving a nice nod to the Company’s previous Snow Queen Ballet while positioning Jack Frost as a prequel in the Company’s Snow Queen saga. Fire Dancers attempt to melt Jack Frost in a scene with professional dancer Daniel Tran, from Los Angeles, who performs the role of The Dragon and who is soundly defeated by Jack in battle. The fight takes place in order to save the village full of good folk.

The ballet is performed with originally designed and handmade costumes. Details such as trim on the skirts and buttons on jackets will be done last minute while the ballet is produced with little time left to spare. “Creating our own version of all the characters with costumes that the dancers feel comfortable in and allow them to move freely, along with getting everything done on time is always our challenge”, say costumers, Christine Morrison and Nancy Scott. The two costume designers have been making costumes for the company for the past 15 years, “We love the company and all of the dancers”.

The Legend of Jack Frost, a frosty wintertime fantasy, will premier in celebration of Winter Solstice which falls directly on the days of the performance, December 20 & 21st at 2:00pm. Fun for the entire family, the ballet will be performed at Glendale Community College Theater. Advanced Reserved Seating Tickets are $20 and $25 at http://www.CalBallet.com. At the door tickets $25 & $30. Tickets are also sold by calling 818-583-7406.

Mold Remediation Company Warns of Dangers of Mold in Schools

Building Cleaning Services Warns of Health Risks to Children from Unhandled Mold in Schools

LOS ANGELES, CA: Building Cleaning Services (BCS), (http://buildingcleaningservices.net/) a Los Angeles mold remediation and water damage restoration company is warning school boards, parents and teachers about the possible dangers posed to children by mold in schools. With heavy rains during the winter season, the company says that water damage should be addressed expeditiously to prevent mold.

Last October an Eyewitness News investigation in the Orange County school district found that parents had not been notified after mold was discovered in dozens of schools. (http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/orange-county-schools-didnt-notify-parents-mold-is/nhssm/#sthash.2oNVKjAc.dpuf)

Garrison Clarke, VP Operations for Building Cleaning Services, stated “If there is a mold problem in a school, it may pose health dangers to children. Any parents who suspect their child might be exhibiting signs of mold allergies, could request the school get an inspection. We recommend that any school officials that suspect a mold problem get a mold inspection right away. The potential for mold intensifies in the winter months when kids tend to spend more time indoors.”

The non-profit group, California Center for Electrosmog Prevention also says, “Many schools have water damage and mold due to leaky roofs and improper construction. Evidence is often found by viewing stained ceiling tiles or walls showing water damage, or musty air quality.”

A fact sheet on mold in schools by the EPA states:
• “Potential health effects associated with mold exposure may include irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs of both mold allergic and non-allergic people.
• “In sensitive individuals allergic reactions can be caused by breathing in or touching mold.
• “Dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is not enough to simply kill the mold and leave it there, the mold must be removed.

The fact sheet goes on to list reasons why mold could be growing in a school, the typical places where it could grow, and how schools could manage any mold problem that exists. The fact sheet can be found here: www.epa.gov/iaq/schools/pdfs/publications/moldfactsheet.pdf

Building Cleaning Services has assisted concerned schools with mold issues that ensured neither child or teacher was adversely impacted. The company comes with many favorable reviews because of its ability to take the worry out of mold infestation. One clients helped by BCS said, the company “helped me remediate mold at my house, and then dry out a huge water leak before mold could form at my wife's family's house--in the span of about a month. Their service was responsive, fast, professional, and courteous. They answered any question that I had, and the pricing was transparent and understandable. I really couldn't have been happier. They made the best out of two dicey situations.” Wes S. from Torrance (Source: Yelp.com)

Building Cleaning Services' other reviews on Yelp can be seen at http://www.yelp.com/biz/building-cleaning-services-glendale

BCS provides water damage handling and Los Angeles mold remediation services, as well as water damage services for Los Angeles, and office cleaning in Los Angeles. Established in 1997, they have over a decade of experience as a company with fast service, high professionalism and work ethic. BCS is certified by the Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration and Environmental Testing & Technology. To learn more, visit http://www.BuildingCleaningServices.net, or call 818-953-7100 or e-mail bcs@buildingcleaningservices.net.

Al Jazeera America Reports On OriginOil

Published on Nov 5, 2014
OriginOil (OOil) – Breakthrough Water Cleanup Technology for Oil and Gas
http://www.originoil.com
TechKnow’s reporter Crystal Dilworth visits OriginOil for an in-depth report. The report will air on 22 November, broadcasting to over 250 million homes worldwide. California’s Proposition 1, the Water Bond, which allocates over seven billion dollars to improve California’s water supply, passed by a two-thirds majority. Large budgets for water recycling and groundwater remediation offer an immediate opportunity for OriginOil’s large-scale, cost-effective cleanup technology.
OriginOil CEO, Riggs Eckelberry with Bob “Sully” Sullivan on the Big Biz Show:
0:40 Sully: Riggs Eckelberry, good to have you pal. This is a good time for OriginOil isn’t it?
Riggs: It is a great time for OriginOil. And we are not only selling but we’re also being media darlings!
Sully: Yeah, this is big news. Now I want to get to the Gulf Energy deal and I want to get to the sale, but something very large happened yesterday. I know you’re on national television every week with us, but this is small potatoes compared to what happened yesterday. Because, as Riggs said to me this morning, the brainiac showed up to their offices with cameras. What happened?
Riggs: Well, yeah, a small network with about 250 million households worldwide decided to show up and spend a few hours. It was actually last week. And it was amazing because Al Jazeera America really does in-depth reporting. They have a TechKnow program—there’s the beautiful Crystal who is actually a CalTech PhD, so watch out guys! And there we are being clappered away. They spent hours there and they covered the process both in the small system and also the big one that’s seen behind us.
Sully: Yes, and of course, this gives you some international coverage here. And I think one of the reasons is the Gulf Energy deal. Let’s talk about that.
2:12 Riggs: Yes, well the Gulf Energy deal is about $1.5 million dollars and it’s great that Al Jazeera is going to be covering this because, of course, it’s really going to help our business development in the Middle East region. But, you know, it’s a big machine, bigger than the one you see there in those pictures that will do 5,000 barrels per day. And they are excited as can be; it’s just amazing.
Sully: You know Riggs—by the way Riggs Eckelberry is CEO of OriginOil, stock symbol OOil, http://www.OriginOil.com is their website. You know, we did talk about the fact that only 5 months ago you showcased that Clean-Frac system and know you’ve got one of your first sales. I think it’s important to maybe uncover how that whole thing came about. What was the inception to fruition on that—how long did that take to get done; what was the sales cycle; what was the educational cycle?
3:11 Riggs: You know, it’s pretty much how you’d expect. It took Bill about 9 months to bring it through. He first showed up at a major oil conference in the Middle East in January and followed it up from there. And it’s interesting because we’re seeing a lot of uptake in both the Middle East and in East Asia. I’ll mention the fact that Nicholas and John Louis just came back from a major trip to China and Japan; will be reporting on that next week. But even more importantly, the U.S. is actually starting to catch up and in California we just had Proposition 1, the water bill passed, which is huge for us.
Sully: Let’s talk about that because I think it’s important—if you think about the propositions yesterday, and of course, there was Proposition 1 yesterday here in the state of California. And it talked about…well it was strongly backed by Gov. Jerry Brown…it authorizes the state to borrow $7.5 billion dollars to make some comprehensive improvements in the water storage and water supply, and it represents California’s very first major investment in water and the infrastructure. So that passed yesterday resoundingly. What does that mean to you guys Riggs?
(Show break)
7:12 Riggs: Well, it helps us. There’s two major pieces. The first piece is…of course, the dams, forget about the dams, we’re not building dams, but the state will need a lot more before they’re done, as the snow pack goes away. But there’s a major piece for water recycling and reusing water and there’s another one for ground water remediation. Now our technology makes it possible to decontaminate vast quantities of water in a way that could not be done before. So people no longer have to throw up their hands and go “well the aquifers are ruined.” No, the actually can be fixed at the point of usage, cleaning it up in real-time and that’s a huge promise for rescuing California’s water supply.