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Jim Cox Report: November 2024
Dear Publisher Folk, Friends & Family:
I enjoy it when folks ask me questions about how, what and why we do things here at the Midwest Book Review in the way that we do them. Here's an example that was triggered when I declined the offer of a digital book for review as a substitute for its print (hardcover) edition:
In a message dated 10/28/2024 10:45:06 AM Central Daylight Time, Brad writes:
Hi James...
While I certainly understand and wish I could accommodate but cannot as stated, I do actually have a question.
In order to better understand who you are in today's digital world where in fact, most reviewers ABSOLUTELY DO NOT WANT HARD COPIES, why you still not only request Hard Copies but don't seem to care at all about digital.
As I said, not being critical at all, but just curious?
Warmly,
Brad
Authors Guild
https://authorsguild.org
Dear Brad,
I take no offense at your question and am pleased to answer it as best I can.
We do not charge for reviewing hardcover or paperback books as long as they are in print and available to librarians and the general public.
All of our reviewers (including me) are unpaid volunteers whose only compensation for their time, effort and expertise is that they get to keep the books they review. For many (if not most) of them they then sell them to local used bookstores as a supplement to whatever they earn from their day jobs. Hardcover & paperback editions work with this approach -- PDF files and digital books do not.
The primary audience for our reviews are community, school, academic, and governmental librarians and library systems who almost universally prefer print copies to digital copies when motivated to fill out purchase orders by the review.
Finally, at the age of 82 (on November 6, 2024) I don't want to sit in front of a screen to read a book I've assigned to myself to review. I want to sit back in my easy chair and hold an actual book in my hand, feel the pages as I turn them, and then the next day, when I'm back at my desk and computer, sit in front of a screen to write my review of what I had read. -- Now while that's just me, I've heard from a number of my reviewers that they feel the same.
Again, I take no offense at your question. I think its a good one. It also may well simply reflect the generational gap between mine and yours. I have no doubt that the future of publishing is going to be a digital one and print published books as we have known them from the time of the Guttenberg Press down to the present day will probably go the way of the papyri scroll and the cuneiform imprinted clay tablet.
Incidentally, I'm impressed by your Authors Guild website and its literary mission. This Q&A will go into the November issue of my monthly column for the publishing industry called the Jim Cox Report. One of the features of my column is "Website of the Month" and in November that will be your own Authors Guild.
Jim Cox
Midwest Book Review
Then this follow-up came in just as I was putting the finishing touches on the Jim Cox Report for November, 2024:
In a message dated 10/29/2024 12:08:09 PM Central Daylight Time, Brad writes:
Dear Jim...
Words matter. And as I sit here 16 years younger than you, I am touched by yours. I just felt a spark, maybe it's a kinship, because you represent a world that I often think is nearly gone... and I, for one, will miss it dearly.
Don't get me wrong, I am, as a promoter and believer in my author and her talents, financially grateful that I don't have to mortgage the house to get reviewers. The cost of physically purchasing the books off Amazon, then packaging them with a nice, signed note from the author, and then mailing them [even via media mail!] is close to $20. Versus zero. It's a no brainer.
And yet. You are right in so many respects. Holding the book, admiring the artwork, feeling the pages, and noticing their color, their texture. Literally not being able to put it down!. Debating at the end whether it is a book you want to pass on, donate or secretly squirrel away for another day, another time, for another return to a world where you know what's coming but can't wait nonetheless.
I have been there Jim. My wife is an author. My son is an author. I am an audiobook narrator with 60 plus books on Amazon. I understand. I really do. If you lived closer, I think I would deliver them myself!
So thank you for taking the time to respond. I feel honored to know you. I hope you won't mind terribly if I consider you a friend.
Warmly,
Brad
Dear Brad,
What a lovely response. I feel like we are sitting at a table in some book convention and enjoying a conversation about the publishing industry and our respective roles in it.
Yes, please, consider us to be cyber-space pen pals and friends.
I'm going to add this to the November Jim Cox Report along with our first email correspondence. My little column has a rather substantial following of authors, publishers, book publicists, booksellers, and dedicated bibliophiles who share my interest in the publishing and marketing of books.
In case you are interested, here is a link to my monthly Jim Cox Report is archived on the Midwest Book Review website:
https://midwestbookreview.com/bookbiz/jimcox.htm
Jim Cox
Midwest Book Review
Quote of the Month
"When they begin by burning books, they end by burning people" -- Anonymous
Website of the Month
Authors Guild
https://authorsguild.org
Here are reviews of new books that will be of special interest to authors, publishers and bibliophiles:
The Craft of Professional Writing: 2nd Edition
Michael S. Malone
Anthem Press
www.anthempress.com
9781839992100, $70.00, HC, 356pp
https://www.amazon.com/Craft-Professional-Writing-Second-Amateur/dp/1839992107
Synopsis: Now in a newly updated and expanded second edition, "The Craft of Professional Writing: A Guide for Amateur and Professional Writers" by Michael S. Malone is arguably the most complete manual ever written for every form of professional (and professional quality) writing.
the chapters comprising "The Craft of Professional Writing" range from toasts and captions to every form of journalism to novel writing, book authorship, and screenplays. This comprehensive instructional guide offers techniques for the writing of each form, sample templates, and the advice on navigating a career in each writing field, including public relations and commercial writing, journalism in all media, and self-employment as a freelancer.
Of special note is that "The Craft of Professional Writing" also offers sections on the tools of writing, including pacing, editing, pitching, invoicing, and managing the highs and lows of the different writing careers.
Critique: It is interesting to note that Michael S. Malone has dedicated his book "To every person wo ever wrote a sentence and wondered if they could make a living from it."
An absolutely essential addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Fiction Writing Instructional Reference and Study Guide collections, it should be noted for aspiring and experienced writers, authors, and novelists alike that this new second edition of "The Craft of Professional Writing: A Guide for Amateur and Professional Writers" from Anthem Press is an ideal textbook for creative writing workshops and curriculums and also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $35.00) as well.
Editorial Note: Michael S. Malone is Dean's Professor of Professional Writing at Santa Clara University and Distinguished Friend of Oxford University. He is one of the world's best-known technology writers.
Seven Secrets to the Perfect Personal Essay
Nancy Slonim Aronie
New World Library
www.newworldlibrary.com
9781608689309, $18.95, PB, 240pp
https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Secrets-Perfect-Personal-Essay/dp/1608689301
Synopsis: Everyone has a story, and helping people tell their stories has been the life mission of Nancy Slonim Aronie. Building on her acclaimed "Memoir as Medicine", the publication of her latest literary 'how to' guide, "Seven Secrets to the Perfect Personal Essay: Crafting the Story Only You Can Write" from New World Library tackles the short personal essay.
With warmth and humor, Nancy provides prompts, inspiration, and hard-won wisdom to empower you to write an unforgettable narrative. You will learn to begin with an irresistible hook ("kill 'em with the first line") and employ compelling direct quotes, drama, vulnerability, universal themes, and self-reflection to get readers into your corner.
Nancy illustrates her advice with remarkable examples of her own and others' essays. You will read about actor Tony Shalhoub's unlikely canine savior, Kate Taylor's collaboration with Peter Asher and Elton John in the musical crucible of Los Angeles in 1970, Nancy and her beloved husband's adventures in polyamory, and much more.
In a culture increasingly inundated with generic AI-generated text, a well-crafted personal narrative is more important than ever, a declaration of human connection and meaning. Use Nancy's secrets to stand out from the crowd and get your one-of-a-kind story onto the page.
Critique: Impressively exceptional, informatively instructive, inspirationally motivating, "Seven Secrets to the Perfect Personal Essay: Crafting the Story Only You Can Write" by Nancy Slonim Aronie is an ideal and comprehensive course in the art and craft of the personal essay and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, highschool, and college/university library Writing & Essay Storytelling collections. It should be noted for students, academia, writer workshop members, aspiring authors, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in rhetoric and literary creativity that "Seven Secrets to the Perfect Personal Essay: Crafting the Story Only You Can Write" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) as well.
Editorial Note: Nancy Slonim Aronie (ChilmarkWritingWorkshop.com) is the founder of the Chilmark Writing Workshop on Martha's Vineyard, where she lives. She has been a regular contributor to National Public Radio's All Things Considered as well as a columnist for multiple newspapers. She has taught writing at such venues as Kripalu, Omega, Esalen, and Harvard. She is also the author of :Memoir as Medicine" and "Writing from the Heart".
Write and Publish Organically
Catherine Lawton
Cladach Publishing
https://cladach.com
9781945099366, $15.99, PB, 164pp
https://www.amazon.com/Write-Publish-Organically-Newness-Emerge/dp/1945099364
Synopsis: How do faith-based writers communicate the presence and love of God to a postmodern, increasingly secular and technological world? How do they maintain a commitment to their truth tradition while orienting toward unfolding future possibilities? How do they keep their writing fresh and healthy?
Using garden metaphors and a narrative storytelling style, with the publication of "Write and Publish Organically: Dig Deep, Tend the Soil, Help Newness Emerge" by Catherine Lawton explores answers to these questions and more. Catherine is herself is a seasoned writer and publisher -- and an avid gardener. Deftly written in a blend of memoir, research, and poetic styles, "Write and Publish Organically" will inspire both novice and experienced writers alike.
The chapters comprising "Write and Publish Organically" discuss five aspects of what Lawton calls "organic writing and publishing":
SOAK. Both writer and reader are part of ecosystems. Does the water deaden or enliven?
SPOKE. Experiment, learn, communicate with postmodern techniques. Words have power!
EVOKE. Enchant with imagination, invoke the transcendent in the imminent and earthy.
PROVOKE. Surprise and awaken readers. Write to prompt healthy thought, faith and action.
STOKE. How to stoke "fires" of awareness by taking your "produce" to market.
The Appendices offer practical, useful tips for:
Publishing Models
The Publishing Process
Marketing for Introverts
Critique: Informative, insightful, inspiring, and thoroughly 'user friendly' for anyone aspiring to become an author or to honing their craft as practicing writers, "Write and Publish Organically: Dig Deep, Tend the Soil, Help Newness Emerge" by Catherine Lawton is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, writer workshop, community, and college/university library Writing Instructional Reference collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "Write and Publish Organically: Dig Deep, Tend the Soil, Help Newness Emerge" from Cladach Publishing is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $7.99) as well.
Editorial Note: Catherine Lawton writes poetry, fiction, nonfiction and essays, many of which have been published in print periodicals, online journals, and books. In her writing she explores the adventure of relating to God, others, and nature. Her previous books include, Remembering Softly: A Life In Poems and Glimpsing Glory: Poems of Living & Dying, Praying & Playing, Belonging & Longing. She has a BA in English from Point Loma Nazarene University and an MSM in Faith-Based Publishing from Northwind Theological Seminary. There is a listing of her books on: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4405056.Catherine_Lawton
The One Week Writing Workshop: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel
Karin Adams
Author in Your Corner
https://www.authorinyourcorner.com
c/o Indigo Rose Corporation
www.indigorose.com
9781896711249, $27.99, 212pp
9781896711232, $16.99 PB, $9.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/One-Week-Writing-Workshop-Revive/dp/1896711235
Suzie Housley
Reviewer
Synopsis: Have you ever daydreamed about writing a novel, only to feel daunted by the blank page ahead of you? Perhaps you've jotted down notes or even penned a few chapters, but when it comes time to weave your ideas into a cohesive narrative, the words just seem to slip away. You're not alone - many aspiring writers encounter that daunting gap between their vivid imagination and the pages of their manuscript. But here's the good news: it doesn't have to be this way!
Join us for The One Week Writing Workshop, an interactive experience where the talented author Karin Adams will guide you through a transformative journey of creativity and self-discovery. Karin's workshop turns your writing aspirations into reality. Her proven seven-step method simplifies the writing process into manageable, bite-sized tasks that will empower you to take action and make progress - no matter where you are in your writing journey.
Whether you're just penning your first novel, feeling stuck in the middle of your story, or dusting off an old draft, this workshop is your opportunity to break through the barriers that have held you back. Karin's supportive and encouraging approach will not only ensure that you feel inspired and motivated every step of the way, but also empower you to grow as a writer.
Critique: Imagine a week when your dreams of being a writer are not just wishes but a reality waiting to unfold. The One Week Writing Workshop is your golden ticket to embark on this transformative journey. Designed for aspiring writers of all backgrounds, it offers a nurturing environment where creativity can flourish.
Karin Adams stands out as a guiding light for aspiring authors in a world brimming with untold stories and unfulfilled dreams. Her latest work is not just a book; it is a heartfelt invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience.
As writers, we often face myriad challenges - self-doubt, fear of rejection, and the daunting path to publication. Karin's insightful storytelling resonates deeply with these struggles, offering solace and inspiration. She provides a roadmap with each page, illuminating the way through the fog of uncertainty. Her words remind us that the writing journey is not a solitary endeavor.
"The Midwest Book Review Postage Stamp Hall Of Fame & Appreciation" is a monthly roster of well-wishers and supporters. These are the generous folk who decided to say 'thank you' and 'support the cause' that is the Midwest Book Review by donating to our postage stamp fund.
Carol Dukes Hamilton
Jim Frazee -- "Anemone"
Darlene Corbett -- "UnStuck"
John Chase MD -- "You What?!"
Nimrod Vromen -- "Prompting Happiness"
Laura Pashley -- "Dodging Cupcakes"
Larry Ackerman -- "Jones of the Old Shoes"
Gregory Fletcher -- "Tom and Huck Sitting in a Tree"
Christina Waldman -- "The Voice of the Wooden Dragon"
Elizabeth Frazier -- Waldmania! PR
In lieu of (or in addition to!) postage stamp donations, we also accept PayPal gifts of support to our postage stamp fund for what we try to accomplish in behalf of the small press community.
Simply log onto your PayPal account and direct your kindness (in any amount and at your discretion) to the Midwest Book Review at: SupportMBR [at] aol.com (The @ is replaced by "[at]" in the above email address, in an attempt to avoid email-harvesting spambots.)
If you have postage stamps to donate, or if you have a book you'd like considered for review, then send those postage stamps (always appreciated, never required), or a published copy of that book (no galleys, uncorrected proofs, or Advance Reading Copies), accompanied by a cover letter and some form of publicity release to my attention at the address below.
All of the previous issues of the "Jim Cox Report" are archived on the Midwest Book Review website at www.midwestbookreview.com/bookbiz/jimcox.htm. If you'd like to receive the "Jim Cox Report" directly (and for free), just send me an email asking to be signed up for it.
So until next time -- goodbye, good luck, and good reading!
Jim Cox
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive, Oregon, WI, 53575
www.midwestbookreview.com
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
www.midwestbookreview.com
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