page 1 the pitch fall 2013

The Newsletter for the Association of Authors' Representatives

Contents Letter from the How can the $9.99 e-book be fair when we are trying to sell the new 1. Letter From The President President: The "New hardcover for $22.95? 3. From Bikes To Books To • What on earth is an “e-book” Blockbusters Normal" anyway?! How do we figure out 5. A “Small Claims” Proposal For what is a fair e-book royalty? Well, Copyright Infringement Claims maybe we don't have to worry too 5. Committee Report: Contracts ear AAR Members and Friends, much, because people like paper, D and the only people who read 6. Mark Your Calendars All of us of a certain age have electronically are probably those 7. The Buyers been looking backwards wistfully oddball nerds who are glued to 10. On Adaptations towards a calmer, earlier time, when their computers and stay up all an agent’s biggest fears might have night Googling various things and 11. New Members included: reading stuff on the Internet. 12. In Memoriam: Carl Brandt • Will I be able to manage a raise • How do I explain to my author 13. Committee Report: Digital for the fourth mystery novel in my that the publishing landscape Rights lovely client’s unsuccessful series? is becoming more corporate, 14. Behind The Scenes At • How far can I push the publisher and that there are no longer 35 Dealmakers to improve the paperback split? major houses to which we can send • How can we prevent our novels his manuscript? 15. Committee Report: Website from being snuck into big film 16. Up And Coming Editors studios, ruining our chances for And now, long-time agents are feeling 19. Prof ile Of A Small Press: City legitimate submissions to hand- the pinch of the “new normal:” Lights picked producers who might have • A four-million dollar author is 20. Committee Report: Royalties the clout to buy these properties? down to a $1.7 million advance, • Can I manage to get uptown to the and pouts; the author who gets 21. Big Moves King Cole Bar for lunch and back only rejections for a year and then 21. Alert in time for my 2:15 PM meeting? receives a $7,500 deal from a 23. Committee Report: modest-sized respected press also International Then there was a time when our worries pouts and claims this does not sounded like this: show that the publisher is really 24. Publicity Contact Sheet 2013 • There are fewer and fewer UK “committed” – does the publisher 29. Board Of Directors deals; foreign business is much even like the book, with such a slower; and while my author is busy low offer?! (And while I may be personally casting the movie, the toasting his success in this same film agents hardly want to take up deal, the author is consulting the properties because “nothing is all of his writer friends who selling.” commiserate and confirm the • My client is wondering why his author’s dismay.) book is available as an “e-book” and • An editor admits that he did on sale the same day as the hard not even read the whole partial copy publication date.... What is manuscript from a respected this, some kind of sub-rights deal author with whom he had that we forgot to explain to him? worked for years at a previous continued on page 2 page 2 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 1 job, because he fears this kind of people won’t guarantee any paper iPad and find yourself buried in work novel is not quite what the current edition – the format must be up yet again, airplane to hotel … hotel house really wants to be buying, to the publisher’s discretion, as back to airplane. and these days he hardly brings the contract has always said, and In cases where you are slow to read, any fiction to the bosses because who knows what the publishing or where you try hard but have not yet fiction now is so hard. marketplace will be like when the found a publisher, the author may send • Agents’ days are full of so many book is finally delivered, etc. So cookies, or brownies, but then calls a more time-consuming tasks now I have to tell my client, alas, week later to sweetly discuss the “next and details – new contract terms, sorry, this is the best we can do: step.” Or to ask where that money an overload of rejections, anxious publication within 18 months from China is already, which they calls from anxious authors – that in a format the publisher deems thought they would use to pay their there’s no way on earth we will find appropriate. taxes, which are due in 30 days. And the time to go through our decades somewhere in the middle of all this, of backlist to see what can be set I am hearing from my peers – your mother calls to ask if you would up as an e-book, and with which agents for decades and often the heads do an informational interview with her e-book company. of independent agencies – that just next-door neighbor’s granddaughter • How can I tell a beloved author, when they were hoping to delegate a – it won’t take very much time; or to who has become a personal friend, tad more, and take it a little easy, they say that her tennis partner’s nephew the nasty news that the new novel are busier than they have ever been in who never managed to hold a real job (which we have labored on together their lives. has written a novel, and your mother for years) is just not appealing to Reading piles are so high that volunteered that you would be willing anyone, that no one wants to buy it, you fantasize calling in sick – but it to take a look at it. “I know you are and that he may have to put it aside would take three weeks of sick leave busy, but just take an hour or two for now and totally reinvent himself to accomplish all this reading! Some for this, honey; do it for me, I would with some fresh new idea, emphasis of these manuscripts recommended by really appreciate it.” on fresh? editors or top writers may actually be (By the way, does anyone out there • I have a deal and the author needs good! But even if they were all Pulitzer still have a personal life?!) to get paid now, but the publisher Prize quality, you cannot take them all This, I fear, is the new normal for has totally revamped its boilerplate on. And of course they will not all be some of us. I have spoken to brilliant, and even after four to five weeks so worthy, but each writer needs to feel dedicated agents who sound ready to working on the document, there your special love, best demonstrated by throw in the towel. I have heard from are numerous sticking points I can’t a deep and quick response, and, they famous agents whose work has been resolve. Big corporate agencies are figure, how much time, really, does it their whole life for 30, 40 years, who refusing to sign contracts with this take to read a 240-page manuscript? just cannot keep up with the new house – and announcing they may (Why on earth would it take more than technologies and contract terms. I hear not do business with this house two or three weeks?!) from independent agents with excellent, until it is resolved – but how can I You prepare to go on vacation, curated lists who realize that the (and my client), with so much less finally, and figure this is the time to investment and selectivity that defined clout, afford to hold out? read that award-winning biography their work over the past many years will • At the very end of negotiating you’ve had your eyes on, or that novel not indeed yield strong enough backlist a contract for a nonfiction book everyone was talking about, or the latest revenue, and that the idea of retirement that is due in two and a half years, Booker Prize winner. You have loaded is really an elusive dream. I realize there is no guarantee your iPad so you don’t have to carry a How times have changed! I think of hardcover publication and juicy stack of “real” books. Then, an hour younger agents manage to maintain the editor has been unsure if before you clock out, there is an intense a brighter perspective, as they don’t they would do a hardcover or a call from a big client, or someone calls have the benefit of knowing a time paperback. My client wants a in a favor, or your colleague begs you to when things were so different; the guarantee so I push, but I realize do a quick read of something that came next generation is also much more ultimately that the contracts into the office ... and you reload the computer-literate and they have much continued on page 3 page 3 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 2 to contribute to the old guard and to From Bikes To Books day, “After you take this course, you’ll our clients on matters of digitization, have a harder time finding an apartment social media, and spreading the word To Blockbusters in New York City than finding a job.” in a new way to a new generation of And they were right. Within one month readers. By Matt McGowan I found a job at Clarkson Potter before I wish I had the answers. I still Martha Stewart’s books single-handedly want to believe those things we turned it into a lifestyle publisher. all believed when we first entered this I found publishing hardcover, business: duotone books of, for example, Louise • A really good manuscript will find Nevelson’s work to be slow for a kid a home and will reach its audience. just out of college. So, I left and became • An excellent work ethic – doing all a bike messenger while waiting for that you do most intensely – will a three-year hitch with the Peace Corps be most likely to yield gratifying building schools (one school in my results. case) in West Africa. On my return • “Let's wait for some really strong to New York, I was looking for reviews, and then we can talk about anything related to film or television doing an ad!” that might pay better than publishing • “That's what royalties are for!” Sean Daily and Jody Hotchkiss from Hotchkiss and found a job writing coverage for • Editors really are always starved for and Associates MGM, and then rose – very slowly – new voices, new talents, and fresh through the ranks to VP of East Coast ideas. production, desperately looking for books n this issue, The Pitch inaugurates a new and plays to turn into movies. I do believe the readers are out seriesI looking at book-to-film agents. From Next came Sterling Lord, who there, and will always be out there. I am independents around the country to the big asked, “Do you want to try selling books also willing to believe that publishing is Hollywood agencies, we’ll be getting a wide for film and TV, instead of buying cyclical and that there will be an upswing. perspective on this important and ever- them at MGM?” So, I happily became But I also believe that publishing as we shifting part of the business. an agent at Sterling Lord Literistic for have known it for 35 years is bracing We begin with Jody Hotchkiss, one of ten years until 9/11 when our next-door for big changes and that we are in the a handful of book-to-film agents operating neighbor in Connecticut died with 657 middle of a tsunami. I can only hope that in New York City, far from Hollywood but other Cantor Fitzgerald employees. He as content providers, we as agents will right in the heart of the book business where left a widow and two children under manage to hang in and keep our footing he works closely with literary agents. nine years old. We had two children until we get to the next new normal. I am Below he gives The Pitch a behind-the- under nine years old, and my wife and I willing to trust that the reading public scenes look at the career-defining moments decided to rethink our lives. She left will continually be eager to discover – that led to the creation of his boutique firm, The Wall Street Journal to become a high and to buy – fresh new material, whether Hotchkiss and Associates, while giving us school math teacher. I started Hotchkiss the next projects by their old favorites an idea of how he likes to work with agents, and Associates in Noho on January 2nd, or works by outstanding new voices, the evolving market for film and TV, and 2002, back when you could find a copy and whether they read it on paper, by the freedom and advantages that being an shop, a locksmith, and a shoe repair in the electronic device, or via whatever may be independent entity provides: neighborhood. invented in the future. And I also believe After graduating from college with My associate Sean Daily graduated – call me the eternal optimist – that I will a degree in art history, I was naively from the University of Chicago with a make it back uptown for my critical 2:45 determined to find a job in art book degree in Cinema and Media Studies PM meeting after lunch with Penguin all publishing. So, I took the Radcliffe in 2002. He worked in the film festival the way down on Hudson Street. Publishing Course in Cambridge, world and also in film production, but Massachusetts (now renamed the after a few too many 6 PM to 9 AM days – Gail Hochman Columbia Publishing Course in New on set, he was glad to come back to New President, AAR York City), where I was told on the first York City. He looked for a position in film continued on page 4 page 4 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 3 or publishing, unaware that there was a door policy; we’ve recently sold books Hollywood will option books pre- job that could perfectly bridge both of for film/TV with a new online publisher publication with the hope that the book his passions. In 2004, he had the choice and with a sports agency. breaks out. We have seen early options of a salaried position writing summary We usually like to start working on books help raise the pre-publication copy for the backs of DVDs, or an with a book the moment that the profile of a book in-house with the US internship at Hotchkiss and Associates. outline or manuscript sells to a publisher. publisher and increase foreign publishing He chose wisely. We co-represent individual books for rights sales at the same time. But pre- As a boutique agency co- agents (rather than a book agent’s list publication sales to film/TV are still agenting authors and journalists or agency) because we only want to more rare than they were in the past. for film and television, Sean and I represent a book when we think that So, how do we approach film and need to be eclectic in our taste to we can help a production to move television submissions with books work with the always-changing forward. The early involvement gives us today? One way is to consider television interests of Hollywood. We look time to think about the range of film/ as aggressively as feature film. The for strong stories and especially strong TV possibilities and the best time to biggest growth in traditional media in characters in narrative nonfiction, genre submit, which has changed drastically the last 15 years has been in TV. By and literary fiction, and horror/sci-fi/ over the past 15 years. In the 90s, studios television, we mean the format, which fantasy, as well as books for younger thought that almost any new “hot” book includes TV movies, mini-series, limited readers, from YA to picture books. project was a ticket to a successful movie. series, and open-ended series whether Some of the authors we co- In that golden age I remember many, they are for the networks (ABC, agent include Khaled Hosseini, many outlines and partial manuscripts NBC, CBS, FOX); the premium and Debbie Macomber, Joe Hill, James sold outright for between $500,000 basic cable companies (for example, Lee Burke, L. J. Smith, and the and $1,000,000 within days of the HBO, Showtime, USA, TNT, estate of Frank Herbert. Some other publishing submission. Few books were Lifetime, AMC, Starz, Hallmark authors whose books are currently being ever considered for television, which was Channel, The History Channel); or the adapted include Gilbert King, winner thought to be inferior to feature film in new, non-traditional buyers such as of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for “Devil every way. Netflix and Amazon. in the Grove;” Matthew Mather, the Hollywood has changed for In addition, we often look for author of “CyberStorm;” Christopher many reasons. Few of the fast, noisy value-added elements – producers, Healy, the author of “The Hero’s Guide book-to-movie sales ever became directors, screenwriters, actors – with to Saving Your Kingdom;” Jason Mott, films. At the same time, studios whom the buyers want to work. We author of “The Returned,” which will air were making fewer, safer (translation: make those approaches through personal as the TV series Resurrection on ABC in big franchise) movies; and, like relationships, and, unique to a boutique the spring of 2014; Dr. Eben Alexander, publishers, they were becoming more film/TV literary agency, we can go as the author of “Proof of Heaven;” Diana corporate and bottom-line driven. At the easily to WME clients as to CAA, B. Henriques, the author of “The Wizard same time, Hollywood became much ICM, UTA, Paradigm, Gersh, APA, and of Lies” about Bernie Madoff; Jeff more sophisticated about publishing; others. Greenfield, the author of “If Kennedy they suddenly knew the difference The day we started Hotchkiss and Lived;” Chris Gall, the author of between the various imprints, and Associates, I hung a framed front page “Dinotrux;” Jane O’Connor, the author became much more discriminating. from The New York Times with the of the “Fancy Nancy” books; and Alan We used to say that Hollywood banner headline “Titanic Sinks!” I told Snow, the author of “Here Be Monsters!” needed only two reasons to buy a the office that there were sure to be some which will be the animated feature book: it had a pretty good idea and bad days ahead, but nothing, I promised, film The Boxtrolls, to be released in the it was a “book.” Now we say that would be as bad as being on the Titanic. summer of 2014. Hollywood usually needs several reasons And I’ve kept my promise – I think. As for the way we work, we hear to buy a book, which often include a Let me leave you with one last from agents with whom we have worked newsworthy publishing sale, great thought. The secret to a successful before, and we’re always happy to hear reviews, and best-seller status. More agency? Easy. Pizza Fridays. from other agents looking to start a new recently, there has sometimes been a relationship. We like to keep an open- “wait and see” trend in which page 5 the pitch fall 2013

the Copyright Office’s report to Congress A “Small Claims” are copied below, with the caveat that the COMMITTEE proposed mechanism may not soon, if ever, REPORT: Proposal For become a reality. Introducing its Report, the Copyright CONTRACTS Copyright Office stated: “It appears beyond dispute that under the current federal system The Contracts Committee issued Infringement Claims small copyright claimants face formidable a Magazine Contracts Checklist challenges in seeking to enforce the exclusive for use by the membership. The By Ken Norwick/AAR rights to which they are entitled. The Committee continues to discuss General Counsel Copyright Office therefore recommends the Amazon Boilerplate with that Congress consider the creation of an Amazon, and has just sent its alternative forum that will enable copyright findings to the AAR membership. owners to pursue small infringement matters and related claims arising under the Copyright Act. “In light of the state court tradition of referring to claims of modest economic value surprisingly, a number of the commenting as ‘small claims,’ many have adopted that parties viewed the Copyright Office as the term to reference the nature of the claims logical and appropriate home for such a that are the focus of this Report, as does small claims system. the Report itself. Such claims, however, are “In recent years, many have emphasized not small to the individual creators who are the potential of voluntary solutions to certain opyright is, of course, the legal deprived of income or opportunity due to problems of copyright enforcement. In this protectionC that ostensibly enables all the misuse of their works, and the problem case, a voluntary approach necessarily will authors (and other creators) to control the of addressing lower-value infringements is fall short of a full-fledged judicial process, use of their work and to prevent others not a small one for our copyright system. offering the complete panoply of copyright from making unauthorized use of it. But, “But how would we structure an remedies, to which as virtually all creators come to learn, it alternative process? Concerns of pragmatism small-copyright claimants could turn reliably is not always so easy to stop – and seek and efficiency are core considerations, but and affordably to pursue infringers. Such compensation for – many infringements, they are not the only ones, and they must a process is what our legal system would even if you can identify the infringer. A be viewed in the larger context of federal provide in an ideal world. But in the real major reason for this is that the infringement powers. Our Constitution protects both the world of constitutional and institutional may be relatively “small” in nature – and role of the federal judiciary and the rights limitations, a voluntary system with strong potential recovery – and therefore may of those who participate in adjudicatory incentives for participation on both sides not be cost-effective to pursue, given the proceedings. These principles are enshrined seems more attainable, at least in the near cost, complexity, and other burdens of an in Article III and the Fifth and Seventh term. Importantly, such a voluntary approach infringement lawsuit in federal court, which Amendments, and in judicial interpretations would retain a mandatory backstop; parties is currently the only way a copyright owner of these and other constitutional provisions. who declined to consent to the alternative can seek redress for an infringement. Any alternative process must fit comfortably small-claims proceeding could still be But there is now at least a glimmer within the constitutional parameters. summoned to federal district court by a of a (limited) solution to this problem. “In light of the existing constitutional claimant who was able to take that path. Specifically, the United States Copyright landscape, the challenges of the current “In brief summary, the Report makes Office – the government agency responsible system, and the views and insights of those the following recommendations: for administering our copyright system – has who participated in this study, it appears that “– Congress should create a centralized recently sent a formal request to Congress the most promising option to address small tribunal within the Copyright Office, which that it enact a new streamlined mechanism copyright claims would be a streamlined would administer proceedings through for the resolution of “small” claims of adjudication process in which parties online and teleconferencing facilities without copyright infringement. Excerpts from would participate by consent. Perhaps not the requirement of personal appearances. continued on page 6 page 6 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 5 The tribunal would be staffed by three Respondents would be permitted to assert all to the parties and claims at issue and would adjudicators, two of whom would have relevant defenses, including fair use, as well have no precedential effect. They would be significant experience in copyright law – as limited counterclaims arising from the subject to limited administrative review for together having represented or presided over infringing conduct at issue. Certain DMCA- error and could be challenged in federal the interests of both owners and users of related matters relating to takedown notices district court for fraud, misconduct, or other copyrighted works – with the third to have a [to user-generated websites], including improprieties. Final determinations could be background in alternative dispute resolution. claims of misrepresentation, could also be filed in federal court, if necessary, to ensure “– The tribunal would be a voluntary considered, and parties threatened with an their enforceability.” alternative to federal court. Its focus would infringement action could seek a declaration • • • • • be on small-infringement cases valued at no of non-infringement. Although a promising first step, it must more than $30,000 in damages. Copyright “– Parties would provide written be remembered that to become a reality this owners would be required to have registered submissions and hearings would be proposal – which could well be amended, their works or filed an application before conducted through telecommunications perhaps dramatically – must be passed by bringing an action. They would be eligible to facilities. Proceedings would be streamlined, both houses of Congress and signed into law recover either actual or statutory damages up with limited discovery and no formal by the President. And, of course, it remains to the $30,000 cap, but statutory damages motion practice. A responding party’s to be seen whether many defendants – would be limited to $15,000 per work (or agreement to cease infringing activity could including those with the resources to deflect $7,500 for a work not registered by the be considered by the tribunal and reflected in and defend infringement claims in court normally applicable deadline for statutory its determination. The tribunal would retain – will agree to participate in this voluntary, damages). the discretion to dismiss without prejudice streamlined, out-of-court adjudication “– Claimants who initiated a proceeding any claim that it did not believe could fairly procedure. It will be interesting to see how would provide notice of the claim to be adjudicated through the small-claims this proposal is greeted by the copyright responding parties, who would need to agree process. community and by Congress. to the process, either through an opt-out “– Determinations of the small-claims mechanism or by affirmative written consent. tribunal would be binding only with respect

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR UPCOMING AAR PROGRAMS!

Wednesday, January 29th Lunchtime Toolbox, Website Tutorial—learn how to use and utilize the brand new AAR website, set to launch this January. At the Dramatists’ Guild, 1501 Broadway, 7th floor, from 12:30 – 2:00.

January/February Evening Program, Date TBA, Agent Safety—advice for agents on electronic, business, and personal safety. At the Society of Illustrators, 128 East 63rd Street (between Park and Lexington Avenues), from 5:45 – 7:00.

Wednesday, February 19th Lunchtime Toolbox, Small Business Accounting—Everything you need to know about small business accounting, but were too scared to ask, with Robert Pesce of Marcum LLP. At the Dramatists’ Guild, 1501 Broadway, 7th floor, from 12:30 – 2:00.

Wednesday, March 12th and Wednesday March, 26th Lunchtime Toolboxes, Meet the Young Editors Toolbox Series—a two-part program introducing an array of young editors from various houses, and the kinds of books they are hoping to acquire. At the Dramatists’ Guild, 1501 Broadway, 7th floor, from 12:30 – 2:00.

Wednesday, April 30th Lunchtime Toolbox, Inside the Copyright Clearance Center—including new rights opportunities with Common Core. At the Dramatists’ Guild, 1501 Broadway, 7th floor, from 12:30 – 2:00.

Monday, May 5th Evening Program, Meet the Producer—At the Society of Illustrators, 128 East 63rd Street (between Park and Lexington Avenues), from 5:45 – 7:00. page 7 the pitch fall 2013

from 5,000 copies to The Buyers 150,000.” Agents are familiar By Helen Breitwieser with ISBNs, but at the nation’s biggest stores, inventory is tracked using ith the closing of Borders a different identification Win 2011, and as calendars and games code – SKUs, or “stock claim ever more valuable shelf space keeping units.” A retailer at Barnes & Noble, publishers and assigns an SKU to the authors are keen to have their print book for the purpose titles on display at the big-box retailers, of tracking it within where high foot-traffic can lead to the store’s inventory discoverability and a high velocity among thousands of of sales. Several publishers and sales various products. As a directors spoke to The Pitch about how discretionary buy among three of the largest big-box retailers – necessary household Walmart, Costco and Target – differ, items like paper towels and how selling into them is unlike and diapers, a title has to selling into B&N or an independent grab a shopper’s attention bookseller. and seem just as essential Evan Schnittman, EVP and chief as the items on her marketing and sales officer at the shopping list. As Ivan Hachette Book Group, noted, “We Held, president of G. P. are very detailed in our presentations Putnam's Sons, observed, to B&N, and to the independents. In “At Costco we always hear those conversations, there’s more of a about making SKU, which Ursula Vernon is the author of the best-selling children’s focus on which authors are touring, and essentially means that the book series “Dragonbreath” and “Nurk: The Strange, where. The independent booksellers piece of real estate that Surprising Adventures of a (Somewhat) Brave Shrew.” She is also the writer and illustrator of the Hugo- may be buying four to five copies of a the book sits on has to Award winning web-comic Digger. book. At B&N, it can range from ten generate a certain amount copies of a manga book for certain of dollars per week or stores to over 250,000 copies of a you’re out! Costco has the giant tables becomes a key factor in determining James Patterson laydown. You’ll cover (which by the end of a busy Saturday placement. Too small a format and big promotion stuff all the way down can look a little wild). I once took my a book can easily be lost in the book to the deep backlist. It’s a varied and art department on a tour down Route display; if too big, it may take up the wide-ranging conversation with many 3 in New Jersey so they'd actually see space of two titles while not being able buyers about balancing your frontlist, how the books look at each of these to deliver the revenue of the extra book your backlist, and their placement in kinds of big-box stores. A jacket really displaced. At Sourcebooks, we once re- various sections of the bookstore. has to shine on those Costco tables – sized a series of books by just a quarter “At Target, all the books are plan- we need to be on our game in that sea of an inch so we could deliver one o-grammed, facing out, so it’s more of of books!” additional title into the same run space a conversation about how things work Chris Bauerle, director of sales and – and thus deliver both more sales for together in terms of color, shape, and marketing at Sourcebooks, explained our author and more dollars per inch what designs will catch the reader’s eye. just how important the size and price for our retailer. Price is also critical as How do all the books work together to of a title is when a store’s book display the retailers and the distributors have create a look? So we are very focused area may be just one of 150 sections ample data analysis to know when price on the visuals in our presentation to within that store: “Because space is resistance and revenue expectations are Target, where a buy could be anywhere limited in the mass merchants, size out of balance. The key here is value continued on page 8 page 8 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 7 proposition and revenue per linear approximately 126,000 square feet on “spining,” and the books are all face- foot. Both the format and price should average and SuperTarget stores, which out, their section looks most like a maximize sales.” As with any retailer, average 174,000 square feet. According bookstore and they will keep books square footage is used to calculate sales to their website, their typical shopper is longer than the other big boxes. There per square foot, a primary measurement 40, the youngest among major retailers; are various display schemes that can of the success of the selling space. But college-educated, and has an annual be paid for, but the most popular with in the hyper-competitive world of income of $64,000. publishers seems to be Target’s weekly the big-box stores, quarterly earnings The goal of big-box retailers sales-based “New Release” placement. reports to shareholders detail even the is to sell high volumes, with rapid A book can start in the “back bay” of most incremental growth or decline in inventory turnover. They seek to the section and move up (or down) sales in every product area. entice the consumer with the widest each week based on sales. “Emerging In 1962, Sam Walton opened the variety of goods, lowest prices, and Authors,” another paid-placement first Walmart in Rogers, Arkansas. In best experience. This, Held explained, program, are displayed on endcaps; 1990, the store achieved the status of creates more pressure for the publishers pitch those titles, always largest retailer in the US. It remains publisher. “The timeline for getting trade paperbacks, to Target’s buyers, so, with 4,135 stores and net sales of some sales traction is much shorter, who ultimately decide which books over $264 billion in 2012. It carries i.e., PR or socials really have to work they’ll carry. Every major publisher is an average 140,000 active SKUs per – and work quickly because they won’t allocated a certain number of slots each warehouse, with some locations as large keep the books for as long as B&N month to fill – there’s a total of 24 – as 260,000 square feet. or the indies…. Costco took a risk and titles get switched out every six to Costco originated in 1976 in a on ‘The Help’ at the very beginning eight weeks. converted airplane hangar in San and placed a nice order early. But If a particular title sells really Diego, under the name Price Club, sales the first three weeks there were well, its author gets moved into the serving only small businesses and not over the top. Most people might “Recommended Reading” section. charging a fee for membership. not remember that the book didn’t hit A book can sell for years at Target. The owners quickly realized that by the bestseller list ‘til around week 5 and For example, Paulo Coelho’s “The accepting non-business members, the they'd already sent the unsold copies Alchemist” has been selling in company’s revenue would increase back! Happily, our rep convinced them the store for three to four years. A along with its buying power and, thus, that the book was a runner and they “Recommended Reading” title that its ability to offer a vast number of should re-order, but that SKU system sells well will get moved into the products at competitive prices. The can be unforgiving.... Luckily, they have bestseller endcap. Target also has a new first Costco warehouse was opened excellent buyers who pushed the button paid-display program for bestsellers, the in 1983 in Seattle, with Price Club for a quick rebound.” “Feature Book Platform;” the featured and Costco merging in 1993. Today, Page Edmunds, associate publisher book gets a shelf talker – a sign or card Costco operates 457 warehouses in at Workman Publishing, noted that attached to a shelf that calls shoppers’ the US with plans to open 18 more some of their greatest successes have attention to the book – underneath it. stores domestically in 2014. Its net resulted from “impulse buys” rather A book chosen for the Target sales numbered a little over $97 billion than “destination titles.” A big, eye- Book Club will sell about 50‐60,000 in 2012, and its warehouses average catching package for an exercise book copies. Target chooses the title and the 143,000 square feet. The company with the added value of equipment publisher creates an edition exclusive carries an average of approximately included proved irresistible to Costco to Target, usually with a letter from the 4,000 SKUs per warehouse. shoppers, whereas a book targeted to a author inside. Sometimes the author Target, the nation’s third-largest specific reader like “What To Expect signs some of the books. Target devotes retailer, opened its first store in When You’re Expecting” would sell extra space on their website to the Roseville, Minnesota, in 1962. Today better in its designated section at a book club pick and features it in the it operates 1,790 stores in the US, and traditional bookstore. circular, and a sticker is placed on the had net sales of $72 billion in 2012. Target focuses on women book’s cover. Ten books are chosen each Target’s stores take one of two formats: readers and carries more titles than year by a four-person committee, and General Merchandise stores, which are its competitors. Although there’s no publishers are not allowed to pitch to continued on page 9 page 9 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 8 members of the committee. different authors – and combine them book club, on the condition that St. Walmart has the biggest brands under the same SKU at the register. So Martin’s change the packaging. Rather of the big boxes, yet less space devoted while each book’s sale still gets recorded than an Indian necklace on the cover, they to books than at Costco or Target. according to its ISBN number, the asked for a person. We gave them a new Their customer is looking for “value” or books combine as a unit to improve cover, and a letter from the author – their price. While they do sell hardcovers, the store’s metrics. This has allowed the own special edition. It went on to sell their real strength is at the paperback Costco buyers to take some chances on 160,000 copies at Target alone.” price point. lesser-known authors. All of the publishers and sales According to Brian Grogan, SVP Each publisher and sales director directors emphasized that the of sales at HarperCollins, the types that we spoke to mentioned Pennie big-box retailers are constantly of books that work well at big-box Clark Ianniciello, Costco’s book buyer, changing methods of selling to stores vary widely from the successes and her uncanny knack for choosing remain agile in an ever-changing at an independent retailer. “Certain titles that resonate with Costco’s marketplace. As Schnittman new releases in hardcover will sell well customers. Her “Pennie’s Pick” list in observed, even though B&N and at Walmart – such as true crime or The Costco Connection, a magazine that the independents have traditionally ‘Duck Dynasty.’ Walmart has been a is mailed to its 39 million members, been more focused on where and major player with mass-market titles, can create instant bestsellers. She when authors are touring, Target but across the board mass market is spotlights one title each month, as well recently hosted a book launch for struggling because of the increase in as titles chosen by her three assistant Nicholas Sparks at a store near digital sales. Children’s classics have buyers. Ianniciello credits her “great his home in New Bern, North always sold well at Walmart, and mentor,” Michael Brasky, for helping Carolina. The turnout? 5,000 now teen titles are big. Whether in her develop a sensibility to recognize people. hardcover or mass market, the titles titles with broad appeal. Brasky was have to be bestsellers or recognizable the head buyer for J.K. Gill’s, a book names because Walmart switches them and office supply store that began in Contributors out every month.” Sourcebooks’ Bauerle Oregon, and he and Ianniciello worked observed that religious titles are also at a local book distributor called Pacific strong sellers at Walmart stores. Pipeline for many years together. Hardcovers are the strongest She also has a social work degree, so, The Newsletter for the Association of Authors' Representatives category of book sales at Costco, who knows, perhaps that training especially thrillers, due to the large contributes to her instincts, too. number of male customers who shop Barnes & Noble and the The Pitch was put together by there on the weekends. Costco doesn’t independent bookstores consistently Sarah Lazin and Manuela Jessel like “small rings” at the cash register. stock an author’s backlist, but the of Sarah Lazin Books, Jody Klein That’s why the price of so-called “boy big boxes, limited by time and space, of Brandt & Hochman, Meredith books” went up to $9.99. Penguin tend to focus on current bestsellers. Kaffel and Adam Schear of DeFiore was the first publisher to do it and However, Jennifer Enderlin, SVP and and Company, Carrie Howland of the others followed suit, because publisher of St. Martin’s Press Griffin Donadio & Olson, Ellen Geiger Costco wanted a larger ring. Digital and St. Martin’s Press Paperbacks, and Matt McGowan of Frances publishing is eroding their sales, but shared an inspiring story about a Goldin Literary Agency, and Kate according to Grogan, Costco still has “a backlist title given a second life by McKean of Howard Morhaim monster market share.” He explained, Target. “Target told St. Martin’s Literary Agency. We are pleased “their sales can account for 20–30% sales team that they were looking for to work with editor Rayhané of a bestseller’s sales.” He noted that historical novels, and would consider Sanders of WSK Management, Costco is selling more trade paperbacks backlist titles as well as frontlist. The and designer Allison Zmishlany. now that they’ve created a strategy to sales reps pitched them ‘One Thousand We once again thank our friends improve the SKU count for paperback White Women’ by Jim Fergus, which at Publishing Trends for providing sales. They’ll take several similar items St. Martin’s Press originally published their Publicity Contact Sheet. – for example, four beach reads by four in March 1998. They chose it for their page 10 the pitch fall 2013

On Adaptations: where the underlying material is a whole series of adaptations, each very popular in its own right, it can with a different name: it’s adapted A Talk With Isaac be helpful in drawing attention to from a successful Thornton Wilder the adaptation (though of course, play, The Matchmaker, which was a Robert Hurwitz all of the caveats and challenges revision of The Merchant of Yonkers, about audience expectations apply). Wilder’s earlier Americanized By Beth Blickers and Barbara Hogenson, But ultimately, I think adaptation of Austrian playwright Dramatic Branch successful musical adaptations Johann Nestroy’s 1842 Einen have to work on their own terms, Jux will er sich machen (a full- which is why it is often easier when length German adaptation of an everyone agrees the original work even earlier one-act play by John hile it’s common to bemoan is flawed; it gives the adaptors the Oxenford, A Day Well-Spent). theW lack of original stories making space needed to create something their way to the Broadway stage, that is organic to the time, place, It seems like the regionals has been we thought it would be interesting and medium for which they are awash in Austen adaptations in the to shine a positive light on the writing – and to their unique last few years. Why do you think world of adaptations. We sat down artistic perspectives. none of these musicals has come to with Isaac Robert Hurwitz, who Really great adaptations are New York City? co-founded the New York Musical transformational experiences Theatre Festival, and recently left even for people who know the Sometimes I wonder if we’re as head of that organization to underlying material, which is just oversaturated with Austen – in take on a new role as theatrical why over time they take on a addition to the standard page- consultant to 20th Century Fox, life of their own even when the to-stage adaptations, we’ve had where he oversees the development adaptation keeps the original title. modern-day adaptations on both of live stage projects based on the To use the example of Chicago: stage (I Love You Because, which studio’s films and helps guide Fox’s the underlying play by Maurine ran off-Broadway a few years ago, own stage production endeavors. Dallas Watkins (which was based was based on Pride and Prejudice) on then-recent real crimes) was and on film. But I also think it has What is one of your favorite a big enough hit in the 1920s to a lot to do with the economics of adaptations? inspire two 20th Century Fox Broadway – which just isn’t that film adaptations long before hospitable a place for exceedingly West Side Story is my all-time Bob Fosse acquired the rights literate adaptations or anything favorite musical adaptation of in 1969. I have no idea how that’s too genteel, unless it’s already Shakespeare. If we’re just talking conscious audiences were about the been branded as “must-see” in some book-to-musical adaptations, underlying material when Fosse, way ... and perhaps we just haven’t Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon’s Kander, and Ebb’s Chicago opened had that version that will give these The Secret Garden. on Broadway in 1975 – but their adaptations a sense of commercial work was so transformational urgency. Over time people forget that certain and so well-executed that, from musicals are adaptations – Chicago, today’s perspective, with the What do you think is the biggest Hello, Dolly!, Oklahoma! Is it show now being the longest- challenge in adapting source important to keep the underlying running Broadway revival of all material? material in view? time and having had inspired a film adaptation of its own, it’s I think overall, the biggest Where the adapted material understandable that audiences don’t challenge is knowing what it is is recent, it’s often the underlying always follow the trail all the way you love about the original but rights holder who is most back to Watkins. not being prisoner to elements concerned with how much the And to some extent, this has always that may not work in a theatrical original material is in view. And been the case. Hello Dolly! is based on continued on page 11 page 11 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 10 medium. A novel can be episodic, not necessarily an insurmountable New Members stitched together by the strength challenge, but it’s a hard one to of an interesting character or a address head-on. Some of the most Kasey Poserina writer’s unique voice, but that’s a successful adaptations succeed in this The Bent Agency lot harder to pull off in the theater. regard because they come at the original www.thebentagency.com Choosing which episodes to material from a new perspective. let go of and which to keep is only I don’t know Gregory Maguire’s Kasey Poserina works with part of the challenge; the bigger book “Wicked” well enough to tell the Bent Agency as well as other challenge with an episodic work you much about that adaptation, literary agencies and authors as a is restructuring the piece with a I’m slightly embarrassed to say. publishing consultant specializing in dramatic arc that is unified enough But most people know the world book publishing agreements. Prior and deep enough to provide a of Oz from the books of L. Frank to working as a contracts consultant, meaningful catharsis. Baum or the film The Wizard of Oz, she worked as a contracts director Films and other visual media and what’s brilliant about Wicked at Simon & Schuster where she provide other challenges for as an adaptation is that it subverts handled all aspects of contract adaptations – storytelling that the audience’s expectations of Oz drafting and negotiation for Free relies on close-ups, cross-cuts, by turning the traditional villain Press, Touchstone, Howard Books, and other visual tools isn’t easily into a sympathetic protagonist and and the audio division. Before joining replicable on stage. That’s why, subverting all we know about that Simon & Schuster, Kasey was the when someone manages to bridge world already so that we engage with associate director of business affairs at the gap between an utterly visual it anew. Trident Media Group, a large literary medium and the musical theater, agency in New York City. At Trident, like Fun Home, I’m particularly So with all of this being said, is there Kasey worked with over ten literary impressed. any space left for original musicals? agents reviewing and negotiating book publishing agreements, audio Do the challenges differ depending There’s no doubt that the publishing agreements, publishing upon how well-known the source economics and audience profile agreements with British and foreign- material is? Does this play into of Broadway have made it less language publishers, first-serial licenses, why Wicked is still playing but hospitable for unknown artists and film agreements, author-collaboration The Wedding Singer isn’t? original stories. The commercial agreements, and the like. Kasey worked sector is more driven by brand at Trident Media Group for almost six A lot of the time, people think names than it used to be, and a lot years. Kasey has a BA from Dowling that well-known works will provide more of the development of new College and a certificate in Intellectual a built-in audience. I think it’s musicals overall happens via a series Property Law from NYU. She is also more of a double-edged sword of regional theater productions than a notary public. Kasey can be reached when you’re adapting a well- used to be the case. But I think there at [email protected] known film (especially one which will always be space for original is focused on a performance that musicals that speak to contemporary Manuela Jessel is iconic). The stage adaptation has audiences. Sarah Lazin Books the added challenge of living up to www.lazinbooks.com the beloved and detailed memories audience members bring with them Manuela Jessel joined Sarah into the theater. Those expectations Lazin Books in August 2010, after are difficult to meet but difficult to attending the Columbia Publishing dismiss. Course. She assists Sarah Lazin and The Wedding Singer had the handles foreign, audio, and first serial added challenge of overcoming its rights for the agency. She received identification with Adam Sandler’s her BA in religion and French performance in the film. That’s literature from Swarthmore College. page 12 the pitch fall 2013

In Memoriam: got the partner kindness to them when they were he wanted, I got just starting out. Agent and editor Carl Brandt a fabulous friend friends sent anecdotes about the and mentor, and for tremendously thoughtful acts he By Gail Hochman thirty years we were undertook to help them through a loyal and cohesive their own personal hard times. team. Over time we I was so moved to see not expanded the office an empty chair or a dry eye at so that we now have the memorial service we held at four young agents in the Century in October. He was addition to our three remembered in glowing terms other senior agents, through spoken tributes from and we are fulfilling writers, colleagues, and one of his Carl’s dream for the three adult children. You could feel office – to continue the love for this distinguished friend to represent our and advocate, who never put himself solid, classic backlist first or stepped into the spotlight. while taking on Rarely asking for attention, credit, or Photo of Carl Brandt courtesy of the Brant Family new voices and new even a pat on the back, he gave his young talents. all so naturally that you barely saw ack in the days of the three- Not too long ago, Carl confided the heavy lifting. Carl may be one of Bmartini lunch, I met Carl Brandt, to me that he was undergoing the last of the old school – admired who was looking to hire an agent. treatment for a pre-cancerous by all of us who grew up learning “I want a partner,” he said. “I am condition, and his schedule changed at their feet. As a mentor, teacher, not looking for an employee.” Sure, to include various medical regimens, colleague, and friend, he was a role I thought, no one talks like this. more time with his grandchildren, model to his family (including three Maybe it was the martini talking…. and less time in the office. There were children and eight grandchildren!) But he did hire me, and I went some stretches of remission. Then and to his co-workers in the office. to work at Brandt & Brandt in in mid-August of this year, I So now when I go the Century January 1983, making a lateral move received the phone call I had been Club, I will be hard-pressed not to from my previous agency job. A dreading: my wonderful friend and think of lunching there with Carl, few years later, I found myself in colleague Carl Brandt had lost his over these many years. I will never the enviable position of handling a battle with cancer. We had so many forget that first drink with him, book which sold well to a publisher, tearful phone conversations when which set me on the path I am on went on to become a feature film, we called to relay this sad news to today. I only hope I can live up to his had big paperback sale, and was an his clients. Word spread quickly standards of excellence in his client international bestseller. I ventured through the publishing universe list, in his dedication to his friends, to ask Carl for a little raise, as we and we had e-mails and notes from and in the concept of an always- did not work on a commission editors, agents, and writers, all of evolving and friendly workplace. basis. Surely the office could now whom considered themselves Carl’s His values may be unusual in this afford to do this! He invited me to friends. The message was uniform – money- and success-obsessed world a drink at the Century Club. A bit Carl was a true gentleman, a rarity – but we hold these values dear. I apprehensive, I went…. Remember, in the modern world. He always read dare say that as folks filed out of his I didn’t want a drink, I wanted a his clients’ work carefully, and offered memorial service, they took away a raise! But while we were sipping our astute suggestions both on the text deep message about what is really Century Specials, he offered me a and on the writer’s professional valuable to stand for in one’s life. partnership in the firm. trajectory. He was reasonable in Here are just some of the Carl was calm, steady, deep. I was working out issues with publishers. comments we received from writers, high-energy, intense, analytic. He Many editors remarked to us on his friends, and editors: continued on page 13 page 13 the pitch fall 2013

continued from page 12

“Carl Brandt shepherded all six of my books into publication. I COMMITTEE REPORT: think it safe to say that without Carl I never would have been an author. DIGITAL RIGHTS I have, as have we all, lost a friend, a mentor, a wise and exemplary agent, a pillar of support whose confidence The Digital Rights Committee has been hard at work on the AARdvark in my abilities gave me confidence in blog (www.aardvarknow.us ) which you will be seeing soon in its new myself.” home on the updated AAR website and we hope you will follow and encourage others to follow. You can also follow the blog via the • • • • • @digitaar Twitter stream.

“I met Carl when I was 24 The Committee also organized and ran a panel of industry years old with a silly manuscript journalists to discuss how the agent community is treated in the media for a book under my arm and my and how publishing in general is reported within both the industry heart in my throat. He had a huge trades and the general media. We discussed how to improve the image lumberjack beard at that time and and coverage of publishing and received feedback that journalists would he scared me to death. After all, he love to have more connection and contact the agenting community to was a sophisticated New Yorker and hear both about the issues we face as well as help when verifying and I was a still-wet-behind-the-ears breaking stories. Californian…. That was 50 years ago. It was to be a friendship that The Committee is also compiling a list of e-publishers for our was made to last…. To say we will members, and we’d like your help. miss him is a gross understatement. But we will always have nearly half a We’re thinking of places like Byliner, Untreed Reads, The New century of rollicking memories.” York Review of Books (who knew?), and The Atavist. Clearly, this will be an ever-growing list. We’ll divide the publishers into rough • • • • • categories by genre. We’ll make the list available on our website, and we’ll regularly update it. “I had the idea that he would always be there, a kindly sort of Shana Cohen,[email protected], is the contact person Gibraltar, regardless of the changing for your suggestions. So send her an e-mail with the name of those tides of my writing and the unsettled e-publishers. And if you’ve got any information about contacts, e-mail currents of the book business. Here addresses, or their interests (i.e., nonfiction, fiction, backlist, mystery, among the mountains, I’ll burn a literary fiction), please include it. sprig of sage and spill a few drops of whisky in his honor.” page 14 the pitch fall 2013

Photos courtesy of the League of Assistant Editors

Behind The Scenes worried that the poor soul stuck next onto the list of tables for some future to me would be driven mad by it? restaurant ideas. I got a drink at the At Dealmakers: A Would the majority of conversations bar, and barely had a chance to say end with a comment on how difficult hello to a few people before Allyson Speed-Networking it is to sum yourself up in a minute and Meredith introduced themselves and a half? Would I start to question to the crowd and got everyone started Event my wardrobe choices? The short with a mock speed-networking answers: no; yes; well, maybe I am due session. The bell rang, business cards By Adam Schear to get a new pair of glasses. flew, and we were off. Walking into Housing Works, it “The Dealmakers event was the was quickly apparent that the hosts founding idea, not the professional n a brisk night in late for the evening, a new professional networking group,” Allyson and September,O I walked into the Housing networking group called the League Meredith told me later. Allyson had Works Bookstore Cafe in Soho, put of Assistant Editors led by Allyson been thinking for a while that the on a name tag sticker, found my Rudolph (assistant editor at Grand publishing industry needed speed assigned seat, and sat down in front of Central Publishing) and Meredith dating, but for editors and agents a stranger. We both attempted to sum Haggerty (who recently left instead of potential romantic partners. ourselves up in three minutes before publishing), had put a lot of thought Then she met Meredith, “who makes a bell rang, everyone shifted one seat and an endearing sense of humor into things happen.” Meredith got on the over, and we all repeated the process. the night. Each of the 37 tables was phone with Housing Works, and all Despite what it may seem like, this named after a popular lunch spot, and of a sudden they had a date and a was not speed dating. This was speed when viewed from above, the tables place and a terrifyingly large quantity networking. were even organized to mirror each of tickets to sell. They charged $15 a Before arriving, I wondered how restaurant’s actual location in the ticket, included a 10% discount on all similar to real speed dating the event city. I was seated at Hillstone, right books bought, and 100% of proceeds would feel. Would I find myself between Soba Nippon and Brasserie went to Housing Works’ mission to cracking the same joke over and over, Les Halles, and I made sure to hold fight homelessness and AIDS. What continued on page 15 page 15 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 14 they didn’t have was a name for the In total, 75 people participated Botanica, a bar around the corner to event, or a name for themselves for (38 editors and 37 agents) and the keep the networking going. It was that matter. Those things had to fall reaction has been almost entirely there that Meredith and Allyson were into place quickly. The goal of the positive. The League already has finally able to feel a bit less like the event was to speed up the pace of another one in the works for January, evening’s facilitators, and more like networking for young agents and and they hope to host one quarterly, participants, and I left thinking about editors, to make a networking event but that’s not all. They started a all the parallels between publishing that was more focused and goal- monthly newsletter in September, and and dating. I thought about the oriented than your average mixer, and they look forward to featuring any excitement when signing a new to hopefully, eventually, increase the deals that come out of a Dealmakers author, about the check dance around volume of submissions getting traded event, among other things. “We're who is paying for lunch, and about at the young agent and editor level toying with planning some small calling up an editor to pitch a new of the industry. “That mission has dinner parties in a format anyone can project to her for the first time. I’ve become the mission for the League, copy and host. We’ve also considered gone to lunch with a number of the and we’re trying to keep that in mind game nights. A poker league, so we editors I met that night, and I can as we grow.” can practice bidding, in case we find think of at least one clear advantage It turns out that Allyson was ourselves in a heated auction. Some that speed networking has over its inspired to create the event from sort of panel discussion. Google romantic counterpart. Unlike in the a real speed-dating experience she Hangouts to incorporate folks dating world, if I sell a book to an had years ago. She thought it was an outside of New York.” They recently editor down the road, nobody will ask awful framework for making romantic held “office hours” at Lulu’s, a bar in me “so, how did you two first meet?” connections but was inspired by Greenpoint where anyone could stop We won’t have to look at each other the laser-like focus of the men she by, talk, and bounce ideas off of each sheepishly and admit the truth. met there (“How soon do you think other. Speed networking may have its you'll be ready to get married?”) The future of The League remains awkward moments, but I will say, it and never shook the feeling that it to be seen. Meredith has recently left broke me out of my routine, it forced would be better for professionals publishing to become an associate me to meet some people I might than romantics. It seems like her features editor at HowAboutWe. not have met otherwise, and it made hunch has been vindicated. After A big part of her job will be book me question some of the categories being mentioned in Publishers coverage, so she remains active in the I place myself into. Just like in Lunch and featured in some of their group, and they have no plans to slow relationships, finding a great editor/ favorite publishing blogs and the down. As Allyson puts it, “she’s just agent match can involve more luck YPG (Young to Publishing Group) as involved with the League as she than we care to admit, but for those newsletter, the event sold out quickly. was when we were co-workers, but who want to be a bit more methodical her departure from the industry has in their search, I’ll see you at the next been a great reminder that we need speed-networking event. I’ll be the COMMITTEE to think carefully about structuring one with the name tag sticker, and this organization so it will persist possibly new glasses. REPORT: after its founders have moved on. We’ve been doing some very sexy For more information on the League WEBSITE strategic planning: mission and vision of Assistant Editors: statements, articulating what success Website: www. Ellen Geiger, Website Committee looks like in the years ahead, defining theleagueofassistanteditors.tumblr. chair, is pleased to announce that our constituents, etc. We have a lot com the AAR website is going into of steps to take, but the end goal is a E-mail: beta testing (a soft launch) shortly robust networking organization that TheLeagueofAssistantEditors@gmail. and should be up and running no longer has anything to do with us.” com before the holidays. When the final bell rang, a good Twitter: @AssistEdLeague number of attendees were off to page 16 the pitch fall 2013

Up and Coming Editors By Adam Schear and Meredith Kaffel

Victoria Matsui Assistant Editor Little, Brown

Victoria Matsui grew up in Brooklyn and went to Vassar College where she studied sociology with a “The Yellow Birds” by Kevin Powers, his secret has disastrous effects for his minor in creative writing. There, she which she says occupies a special family and for our culture at large. She discovered that she loved working place in her heart. “An Iraq War says it’s brainy and wry; and at once with other writers and helping them veteran, Kevin writes about the darkest a comic satire, a family drama, and shape their work. Each summer human experiences and pulls it off an exploration of American culture – throughout college she interned in a with outrageously beautiful prose,” three of her favorite kinds of fiction. In different area of publishing – Foundry she said. She feels privileged to be general, she likes thought-provoking, Literary + Media; A Public Space editing Kevin’s next book, a poetry voice-driven writing. She’s a sucker for literary magazine; and Farrar, Straus collection titled “Letter Composed a contemplative first-person narrator, and Giroux. After graduating in 2010, During a Lull in the Fighting” (April as is the case with two of her favorite Victoria moved back to Brooklyn in 2014) – the first time Little, Brown books, “Leaving the Atocha Station” a state of near-lunacy, determined has published poetry in 30 years. She by Ben Lerner and “Remainder” by to do anything book-related. She also loved working on “The Sugar Tom McCarthy. More things she worked full-time at Poets & Writers Frosted Nutsack” by Mark Leyner, likes: literature in translation, unsettling magazine managing the classified whose humor and electric voice atmospheres, characters driven by ad section, while also working part- she says is unlike anyone else’s. She obsession, and foreign landscapes. In time at BookCourt (“my childhood was therefore thrilled to acquire his nonfiction, she’s drawn to cultural bookstore!”) and freelance copy-editing memoir, “Gone with the Mind,” histories and narratives about women, for literary magazines on the side. which will be written in the form food, comedy, TV and film, science, and In March of 2012, she was hired of a video game, and is sure to be technology. In anything she reads, she by Michael Pietsch (then publisher equal parts bizarre, fun, and thought- likes the feeling of uncovering secrets. of the imprint) to be his editorial provoking. Editing James Patterson’s Outside of books, Victoria’s greatest assistant at Little, Brown. He has been books has taught her an enormous loves are comedy, poker, and cats. an exceptionally generous mentor to amount about structure, pacing, and Victoria, and she says she’s lucky to suspense. If you want to read one Hannah Wood learn from him. Now that Michael is Patterson book, she recommends Associate Editor CEO of Hachette Book Group, she “Cross My Heart,” which is the next HarperCollins works with him on the few books he novel in his iconic Alex Cross series. edits (most recently, Donna Tartt’s Victoria is looking to acquire As an only child growing up “The Goldfinch”), and she also works literary fiction and narrative nonfiction. in rural England, Hannah Wood with Little, Brown publisher Reagan Her first acquisition was a debut novel realized at an early age that she was Arthur on all of James Patterson’s called “Sweetness #9” by Stephan responsible for her own entertainment. adult novels (“seven a year!”). She’s Eirik Clark (August 2014). The novel She found deliverance in books, and also been building her own eclectic is about a flavor scientist who fails continued to rely on them as she dealt list, which includes a debut novel, a to blow the whistle on an artificial with the culture shock of moving to poetry collection, and a memoir. sweetener after discovering its bad Washington, DC at age 11. But it was Victoria has loved working on side-effects – and how, 20 years later, during a creative writing class at Bryn continued on page 17 page 17 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 16 Mawr College that she awoke to the fiction with a dark, emotionally gothic she interned with Writers House and possibility of an editorial career because streak (not to be confused with abject cut her teeth tweaking manuscripts she realized she enjoyed the workshop/ misery). It can be contemporary or and pitch letters, reading submissions, critique portions of the class more than historical, literary or commercial, and taking on as many odd jobs as spending time on her original work. After but it has to be psychologically she was able. After graduation, she graduating with an English degree, she sophisticated and driven by a voice went to the Columbia Publishing interned at W. W. Norton where she was too compelling to ignore. She enjoys Course and landed her current job assigned to Bob Weil’s office. With his thrillers in this vein, too, and memoirs at Simon & Schuster, where she guidance and encouragement, she tried with these qualities also ring her bell. has worked since the summer of her hand at everything from writing flap She is also quick to point out that she 2012. Brit’s current bosses, Thomas copy to line-editing, and loved all of it, has a lighter side as well. She loves LeBien and Ben Loehnen, have been even the filing. She also read manuscripts wry humor and narrative nonfiction huge mentors to her, guiding her for Ellen Levine, who connected her about almost anything, as long it tells through the editing and acquisition with Irene Skolnick. Assisting Irene an unusual story. She’s particularly processes, and doling out reality gave her a thorough introduction to interested in “pop anthropology” – checks and support in equal doses. the agency side of the business and books that observe and analyze culture While at Simon & Schuster, instilled in her a profound respect or human behavior in original ways, she’s had the good fortune of working for the agent’s role in the publishing like Tom Vanderbilt’s “Traffic” and with some truly great nonfiction process, but the chance to work for Nikil Saval’s upcoming book “Cubed,” authors and books, including Gary Gerry Howard drew her back into about the history of the office. M. Pomerantz’s “Their Life’s Work,” the editorial fold. In the almost four Hannah is also a pop-culture Nolan Bushnell’s “Finding the Next years she spent at Doubleday under his fiend who loves to organize things, Steve Jobs,” and Clifton Leaf ’s “The auspices, she received a phenomenal take naps, and drink gin. She goes Truth in Small Doses.” Brit’s tastes editorial education that prepared her back to visit her family in the UK at are pretty widespread, but she’s drawn for a move to Harper that she made least once a year, but she also loves to quirky, heartfelt literary fiction just over six months ago. Now she has traveling to unique places; she’s been in the vein of “St. Lucy’s Home for the opportunity and support to acquire to Antarctica, spent a semester abroad Girls Raised by Wolves” and “The her own titles while working with at the American University in Cairo, Dog Stars;” whip-smart speculative Claire Wachtel on her incredible list. and on her last vacation she visited the fiction like “World War Z,” “Game Hannah says that it’s been so mountainside rainforests of Nicaragua. of Thrones,” and “Ready Player One;” much fun to work on big books from and narrative nonfiction with unusual established authors like David Rakoff, Brit Hvide characters à la “Behind the Beautiful Bill Bryson, Kate Christensen, and Editorial Assistant Forevers” and “The Lost City of Z.” Dennis Lehane. But there’s nothing Simon & Schuster She also has a not-so-secret passion for more thrilling to her than helping graphic novels. So far, she has acquired newer authors hatch into the world. Brit Hvide grew up in a pop-culture history of Batman, a She says that one of the most satisfying Singapore and went to college at graphic novel by Jeff Lemire, and a books to work on was “Heads in Beds,” Northwestern in Chicago. While science-fiction trilogy. When Brit a hilarious memoir that transformed at Northwestern, she studied pre- is not reading or editing, she’s busy hotel front-desk clerk Jacob Tomsky med and physics before switching to building an extensive video-game into a New York Times bestselling the more lucrative field of creative collection and wondering whether author. Doing her part to shepherd writing. She was the prose editor of Spider-Man or Batman would win Hanya Yanagihara’s mindblowing Northwestern’s literary magazine in a fight. She promises that she’s debut novel “The People in the Trees,” and a member of the sailing team. not as nerdy as she may seem. a Publishers Weekly Top 10 of 2013, After taking a few creative writing into existence was also unforgettable. courses, Brit realized that helping When asked what she’s looking for, other people with their stories was a she describes herself as an omnivore, lot more fun than writing her own. In but her drug of choice is cinematic 2011, after she’d made that realization, continued on page 18 page 18 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 17 Kaela Myers still “young enough to believe that from “Mad Women,” a frank and Associate Editor short story collections can work witty memoir by Jane Maas about Random House and that graphic stories can be just life as a woman in advertising during as literary as written ones.” And, of the Mad Men period; to “Capturing Kaela Myers grew up across the course, she maintains an outsized Camelot,” a gorgeous photo book by street from a library in a tiny town interest in writing from and about Kitty Kelley that captures the magic in rural Vermont. She attended the post-Soviet world, such as Caleb of the Kennedy presidency; to “The Brown University, where one Crain’s “Necessary Errors” and Headmaster’s Wife,” a haunting and outstanding course on Nikolai Gogol Vladimir Sorokin’s “Ice Trilogy.” deeply affecting portrait of one couple led her to begin learning Czech Kaela lives in Brooklyn where at their best and worst, written by and Russian and to study abroad she pursues various Brooklyn-y Thomas Christopher Greene. Recent in Prague and St. Petersburg. interests like eating doughnuts, having acquisitions include “The Perfume After graduating in 2010 with dinner parties, and talking about Garden,” a sensuously written story of a doubly-bankable degree in Slavic the weirder corners of the Internet. lost love and family secrets set between Studies and Literary Arts, Kaela Alas, she does not own a bicycle. modern-day Valencia and the Spanish enrolled in the Columbia Publishing Civil War, by Kate Lord Brown; “The Course in the hopes of pursuing an Anne Brewer Art of Not Having It All,” a hilarious editorial career. That fall, she was Associate Editor memoir by Melissa Kite, hailed as hired as an editorial assistant to Thomas Dunne Books “an endearing modern-day Bridget Andy Ward and Kendra Harpster Jones” (Easy Living); and a charming at Random House, and she loves “One of the best feelings in the cozy series beginning with “Rosemary working there now even more world is opening a book for the first and Crime” by Gail Oust, featuring than when she began three years time and being immediately enthralled a small-town Georgia spice shop. ago. During her time at Random as the first few pages plunge you into an In fiction, Anne finds herself House, Kaela has had the pleasure exciting new world, draw you in with an especially drawn to unique, fresh, of working with authors including intriguing mystery, or introduce you to a engaging voices combined with brisk, George Saunders, Mira Jacob, Michael compelling and original new voice – or, intelligent plotting and a strong Paterniti, and John Jeremiah Sullivan. even better, all of the above,” says Anne emotional pull. She’s eagerly seeking As for her own burgeoning list, Brewer, associate editor at Thomas nonfiction in the following categories: Kaela is actively seeking literary Dunne. In the five years she’s spent at fashion, pop culture, pop science/ fiction and narrative nonfiction St. Martin’s Press and Thomas Dunne psychology, animals (especially dogs!), from authors whose writing offers a Books, the pursuit of that electric narrative nonfiction, and memoir. But new perspective on the world. She feeling – when you know a particular she’s equally engrossed by clever writing especially likes writing that builds book is one that will cause you to miss that takes her “behind the scenes” on worlds for its readers to live in, that your subway stop because you can’t any topic she thought she knew well bends genres and subverts tropes; and stop turning the pages – has remained but turns out not to know at all. writing that has a big voice and an one of her favorite parts of the job. Anne’s “wish list” would include: interesting perspective, that’s not afraid Although Anne started out acquiring pacey female-oriented suspense; to take on questions about identity a great deal of crime fiction (her first emotionally-resonant book-club and society. But, above all, Kaela loves acquisition, “Purgatory Chasm” by fiction; women’s fiction with a tinge a good story, the kind that invades Steve Ulfelder, was nominated for the of magic (à la Paula Brackston, with your thoughts and changes the tenor Best First Mystery Edgar Award), whom she works alongside Pete of the world you live in, if only for a since coming to Thomas Dunne Books Wolverton); smart, engaging popular while. Some recently-read favorites she has expanded her list to include history and science (particularly include Kelly Link’s new collection, women’s fiction, historical fiction, exploring little-known but fascinating “Get in Trouble,” Edmund de Waal’s and general nonfiction as well. Under histories or the story behind something “The Hare with Amber Eyes,” and Tom Dunne, she’s had the great you’d think you know); warm pet Elaine Dundy’s “The Dud Avocado.” pleasure of working on a wide range narratives (again, especially dogs); and As Kaela puts it, she is also of commercial fiction and nonfiction, style guides (particularly fashion). page 19 the pitch fall 2013

Profile Of A Small stimulate thinking in new ways.” for over 50 years and many of the City Lights, nonetheless, struggles editors have had long careers there, Press: City Lights against preconceptions about its so a good deal of new authors historical nature from time to time come via existing networks in the By Matt McGowan (i.e., that it is primarily a “Beat local, national, and international Generation” publisher). But most community of writers. Katzenberger, people, according to Katzenberger, though, says submissions from agents understand its contemporary are very welcome: “Agents do bring relevance: “that we are a completely work to us as well, and we have current and vital institution, with successfully worked with a number a history and legacy that is both of them. We pay modest advances, quite impressive and foundational which vary according to the but which is also being created and perceived potential of each project. added to with each book we publish.” Some of our authors have gone on an Francisco’s City Lights is These days, City Lights to publish with larger houses, and Sperhaps the most iconic “small publishes approximately 16 titles some of them have come from larger press” in America. Founded in 1955, each year: a mix of poetry, works houses to us. In a few instances, Lawrence Ferlinghetti launched the in translation, contemporary they’ve been launched here and gone publisher with the Pocket Poets Series literary fiction, and progressive on to publish with larger houses, and it is through poetry, in particular cultural studies and contemporary only to return to us later, seeking out Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl and Other political commentary. Recent and the kind of relationship that only a Poems,” that the press rose to national forthcoming works include a reprint smaller press can offer.” prominence. According to current of the 1938 Nigerian novel “Forest The City Lights acquisitions executive director and publisher Elaine of a Thousand Daemons” by D.O. team consists of Katzenberger, Katzenberger, Ferlinghetti’s original Fagunwa; “Yokohama Threeway and who looks for fiction in translation, idea was “to avoid both the provincial Other Small Shames” by writer/ challenging contemporary American and the academic, and to participate in performance artist Beth Lisick; fiction, cultural studies, creative and publish an international ferment in “Spying on Democracy” by Heidi nonfiction, politics, and spiritual a single, supranational cultural voice.” Boghosian, executive director of traditions, as well as gay & lesbian While Ferlinghetti, at 94, is no longer the National Lawyers Guild; and fiction and nonfiction; Greg very actively involved in the press, “he “Nan Domi: An Initiate’s Journey Ruggiero, acquiring editor and will always be the guiding force of City into Haitian Vodou” by Mimerose editor of the City Lights Open Lights.” Beaubrun. “We are always on the Media Series, who looks for politics, City Lights, of course, has gone lookout for new and exciting fiction current affairs, and books about on to publish much more than poetry and poetry,” says Katzenberger, Mexico and spiritual traditions; with a backlist that includes a range “though, as a ‘for-profit’ press, we Garrett Caples, acquiring editor and of genres and such authors as Charles do need to perceive a reasonable editor of the City Lights Spotlight Bukowski, Denise Levertov, Noam readership for any author we take on. Series, looks for poetry and histories Chomsky, Howard Zinn, Gregory Creative nonfiction is a genre that of literary movements, especially Corso, and Jack Kerouac. “The would be exciting to expand further poetry movements; Robert Sharrard, objective of the press,” Katzenberger into. This is a broad category, but acquiring editor and foreign rights maintains, “continues to be the generally I’d say that our intention director, looks for fiction and poetry publication of vanguard works. is to provide new insights into in translation, gay and lesbian fiction We are a politically progressive culture and/or the writing/studying/ and nonfiction, literary fiction in organization with populist, pacifist, teaching/creative life. A progressive English, and cultural studies; and and anarchist roots, and we are politics could and possibly should Michelle Tea, editor of the City committed to making books inform writing in this genre for Lights Sister Spit imprint, who is available that question the status submission to our press.” looking for contemporary, queer, quo, defy conventional wisdom, and City Lights has been publishing feminist writing. continued on page 20 page 20 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 19 position as a publisher with its own store, City Lights does everything COMMITTEE that any major or independent house would do to widely market REPORT: and promote each book they ROYALTIES acquire: “We are actively involved in keeping current with new ideas and strategies. I suppose what The Royalties Committee might set us apart from some other continues to stay in touch with houses is that we pay attention to Simon & Schuster as they every book on our list, and we try develop the capabilities of their to maximize the potential for each online Agent Portal. They and every author as far as we are are working on two issues: able. We work closely with authors providing separate PDFs for (and sometimes with agents) to each proprietor so that agents craft our marketing and publicity will not have to create their strategies, and we remain actively own, and implementing an ACH payment system. In the Elaine Katzenberger involved with that aspect of each interim, they provide guidance book throughout the ‘life’ of the on free software that agents You can’t discuss City Lights launch (pre-publication and post- can use to create separate Publishing without talking about publication). While our fiscal royalty statements for each the City Lights Bookstore, founded resources might be limited in terms client (in the Portal, click on in 1953, two years before the press. of money paid for advertisements “Frequently Asked Questions”). City Lights achieved landmark and vendor promotions, we are status in 2001. The San Francisco experienced and adept at using Other ongoing projects include Board of Supervisors cited the every bit of network we have at updating the royalty chart organization for “playing a seminal our (and our authors’) disposal – with new contact details and role in the literary and cultural and after many years of building information about online development of San Francisco relationships (our marketing access to royalty data. And and the nation.” San Francisco and publicity director has been we continue to nag Amazon attracts people from all over on the job for us for 15+ years, to improve their royalty the world, and many of them, for example), our network, and statements. according to Katzenberger, “come our reputation, is quite strong. to our bookstore to see what’s on Additionally, we have someone Following the merger of offer – naturally, we feature all of in-house who was hired two years Random House and Penguin, our own publications prominently ago and is specifically tasked we have had confirmation that throughout the store.” She goes with digital/social marketing all statements from Penguin on to explain, “this is invaluable and publicity strategies. This Random House will eventually bookstore ‘real estate’ and very wide- combination of longtime experience follow the Random House ranging exposure for any author and new thinking gives us a range format. we feature. We have found that the of tools to contemplate and apply to project of City Lights itself means each project under consideration.” The Committee will begin something special for many, many When asked to describe the vibe to look at how publishers people – and while we do loom of City Lights, Katzenberger says: report income from digital large locally, this is also true on a “Funky, as in, it’s an old, interesting subscription programs, such as national and international basis, so building and we’ve worked here for Harper’s arrangement with our reach is really quite broad from a long time! Full of history. Most Scribd. our perch on the Left Coast.” people enjoy a visit.” Make sure you While enjoying its unique do next time you’re in North Beach. page 221 the pitch fall 2013

Big Moves: Spotlight both print and e-books, so it’s a big What's the next big thing, from your job. vantage point? On Editors’ Recent What new challenges has your new We’re seeing a lot of new New Positions role presented? opportunities opening – types of stories in New Adult and erotic By Kate McKean The aforementioned scheduling romance that never would have can start to feel a bit like solving a made it to market two years ago are Rubik’s Cube, but I love strategizing burning up the bestseller charts. It’s cross-promotional opportunities and exciting to me to see a genre evolve eah Hultenschmidt made a potential marketing advantages tied and I’m eager to see how some of Lbig jump this fall from respected and to release dates while still making these trends will translate over into innovative independent publisher sure our art, managing editorial, and more mainstream romance. Sourcebooks (in their New York production teams have the time they offices) to Big Six publisher Grand need to produce a beautiful book (or Central Publishing, on top of e-book as the case may be). I’m also Nancy Mercado joined Scholastic moving from YA to adult lists. more highly involved in cover and Press this fall as their new editorial Learn more below in this interview copy approval. director. She had been executive about her new challenges and editor at Roaring Brook Press. opportunities. What new skill or muscle does this new position allow you to exercise? Where are you now and where have you Where are you now and where have you been? been? (hat tip, Joyce Carol Oates) Well, speaking of muscles, approving models for covers comes I’ve come full circle in terms In September, I started with to mind. But that’s hardly a chore. of my office address: I began my Grand Central Publishing as editorial It’s nice to have the chance to go career at 557 Broadway (Scholastic), director of the Forever and Forever back to more strategic involvement then moved a few blocks over to Yours romance lines. Before that, I in marketing and PR. 345 Hudson Street (Dial Books was with Sourcebooks, heading the for Young Readers), and then a few YA imprint and working on half What aspect of your past position did subway stops north to reside in the of the romance list. And way back you wish you could take with you to Flatiron (Macmillan/Roaring Brook when, I spent ten years at Dorchester your new one? Press) for five years. Now I’m back at Publishing, where I did editorial, then 557 Broadway and I’m thrilled to be publicity and marketing, and then For any editor, it’s hard to leave walking these hallways again. went back to editorial. authors or a line you’ve worked so hard to develop and grow. How have your areas of acquisition ALERT changed in your new role? Are there What part of publishing do you wish any additional administrative duties? would just sit down and not change Over the past six months the again already? AAR contract committee In my new position, I’m no has distributed two alerts longer acquiring Young Adult. What fun would it be if we for members, the Magazine But I’m still actively looking for weren’t constantly changing? Though Contract Checklist alert romance of every kind. I’m also if there were a way to pick one social and the Amazon Publishing now responsible for scheduling the media outlet and make that the most Contract alert. This is a roughly 175 titles a year across the popular one across all demographics reminder that both alerts can Forever and Forever Yours lists. for all time, I’d take it. be found on our website. We’ve been rapidly expanding in

continued on page 22 page 22 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 21

How have your areas of acquisition that can work in the Scholastic book Not sure yet, but I do wish I changed in your new role? Are there clubs and book fairs, but agents could have taken my old office with any additional administrative duties? shouldn’t hesitate to send me “edgy” me. (It had windows!) and “unusual” material as well. My areas of interest are similar What part of publishing do you wish to what I’ve acquired in the past. What new challenges has your new role would just sit down and not change I’m hoping to acquire great stories presented? again already? that will stand the test of time and become part of the literary canon of I just started three weeks ago, so Honestly, I think the changes in children’s books; diverse voices that I’m not sure! I’ll have to get back to the industry are good. It means that have been typically underrepresented you on that. we are continuing to grow. I never in children’s books; humorous, quirky, want to be one of those editors who light-hearted stories that happen to What new skill or muscle does this new claim that everything was better back feature characters of color; realistic, position allow you to exercise? in the day. I am, however, tired of contemporary, middle-grade and people declaring the death of [insert YA novels; and books like the books Scholastic Press is a much bigger genre here]. I devoured when I was a kid. group, so this new position will Some examples: the “Anastasia allow me the opportunity to mentor What’s the next big thing, from your Krupnik” series, “The Tillerman Saga,” younger staff and to help shape the vantage point? “The Austin Family Chronicles,” overall list. the “Great Brain” series, the “Shoes” I have no idea, but I would hope books by Noel Streatfeild, every YA What aspect of your past position did that the next big thing would be a novel ever written by Paul Zindel you wish you could take with you to bestselling middle-grade series that and Paula Danziger, etc. I will your new one? features a protagonist of color. definitely be looking for books page 23 the pitch fall 2013

COMMITTEE is concern and resignation in some Sally Wofford-Girand of Union countries that digital is not taking REPORT: Literary identified the overall off. For places like Italy and Japan, international mood as good, despite the fact that there is also concern that younger people were steeling themselves for people are not taking up the habit of tough times. More than one foreign reading books at all, either paper or The AAR International Committee publisher mentioned to her that they digital. is busy on a number of fronts, with are where US publishing was in plans to survey the membership 2009. They think that their markets As always, the Nobel Prize for about foreign rights activity and historically trail the US market, Literature was announced on interest so as to better focus the so the fact that US publishing has Thursday morning of the Fair, and Committee’s agenda. bounced back from the depths of there was much rejoicing throughout ‘09 seems to give them hope. Chris the halls for all the publishers of We have plans to expand the Lotts of The Lotts Agency reported Alice Munro. Tax Exemption Chart to include that the overall mood was business- information concerning UK, like. There was not a great spirit The schedule has definitely shifted at Canadian, Australian, and of risk-taking, exactly, but people least a day earlier: Tuesday is now other foreign clients, as more of seemed to be handling the situation a full day of meetings (although the our membership seems to have in the Euro-zone with more Rights Center is open, the publishers’ international clients and questions acceptance and patience. There was halls are not), primarily at the about their tax status. the feeling that no one is out of the Frankfurter Hof, with Wednesday woods yet, but neither has it been and Thursday being the busiest days, We initiated a new Book Fair lottery completely catastrophic; they are as Brits and Europeans – editors in with the Sharjah International Book operating with more knowledge and particular – who see each other more Fair in the UAE, and are looking less fear. Many countries feel they are often during the year and prefer forward to the report from the first at the bottom of a situation, and that shorter fairs begin to leave by Friday year’s winner, Linda Konner. things will gradually improve. morning. Asian publishers and agents who travel farther tend to Along with the AAP’s International Italy seems very lively, as do the stay longer, but energy really drains Committee and at their invitation, UK and Eastern Europe, despite out of the Rights Center by Friday we’ll be meeting in December with economic woes and shrinking afternoon; and Saturday, when the BEA to discuss early plans for BEA territories; and Latin America and German public can attend and visit 2015 in New York when China will China are strong, while in Europe, the publishers’ halls, feels more like be the guest country. BEA expects France and Spain still seem quite an odds-and-ends day, now lacking, this to be by far the largest foreign sober. Ginger Clark of Curtis Brown as is the case with Friday, any major contingent to ever attend BEA. noted anecdotal evidence that the evening parties. American presence seemed lighter, We continue to review various specifically at the key Bertelsmann contract issues that arise in foreign party. agreements, and to monitor digital publishing developments overseas. In genre activity, there is some curiosity over New Adult and Young Three Committee members attended Adult thrillers, but as for digital, it is the Frankfurt Book Fair this year, still early days for foreign territories, the week of October 7th, and here is and Wofford-Girand reported that their report: e-books are not moving the needle sales-wise yet. Lotts added that there page 24 the pitch fall 2013

Publicity Contact Sheet 2013 Once again we are grateful to Publishing Trends for sharing this helpful chart.

PT's Publicity Contact Sheet 2013 {Asterick * denotes nonfiction only} Name Contact Information Specialites Lifestyle book publicity. Specializing in food, (650) 207-0917 parenting, children’s, fashion, beauty, design, Andrea Burnett Public Relations* www.andreaburnett.com mind/body/spirit. Press materials, national media [email protected] outreach, and more. Specializing in both fiction and nonfiction titles (866) 713-2318 Author Marketing Experts with targeted outreach to broadcast, book www.amarketingexpert.com (Penny Sansevieri) reviews, national and regional print, blogger [email protected] outreach, and online author tours. (619) 938-3193 Exclusively for children's/YA books. Strong Blue Slip Media www.blueslipmedia.com relationships with online and print media, (Barbara Fisch, Sarah Shealy) [email protected] retailers, educational markets. Curriculum guides/ [email protected] activity kits. Blog outreach. Specializes in literary fiction (English and in translation) and academic nonfiction, also trade Buxus PR (646) 770-0328 nonfiction and poetry. Innovative campaigns (David Bukszpan) [email protected] aiming beyond traditional print reviews for national profiles and features in print, public and commercial radio and TV. The Carriere Company (413) 243-6767 Traditional media PR for illustrated, nonfiction, (David Carriere)* [email protected] and children’s. Specializes in customized traditional PR for (212) 579-5215 Danzig Communications serious nonfiction books with a message www.jilldanzig.com (Jill Danzig)* (including social issues, current events, history, [email protected] health, science and more). Publicity, marketing, and strategic consult for authors all genres. Develop customized (617) 320-0556 promotional campaigns based on goals, needs, David Ratner Publicity & Publishing Consulting www.ratnerpr.com and budgets. Assist aspiring authors with book [email protected] development projects and work with corporate entities interested on books as brand equity. (212) 496-5808 PR, marketing, media services and consulting Deb Shapiro & Company www.debshapiroandcompany.com focusing on authors and books for all ages. [email protected] Specializing in adult nonfiction and fiction, and (360) 608-6409 would consider children and YA for the right book; Eleanor Van Natta Publicity www.eleanorvannatta.com primary services include press releases, media [email protected] pitches, book trailers. (212) 255-2034 Full media and marketing campaigns; platform/ February Partners www.februarypartners.com image development, events, tours, speaking (Dee Dee DeBartlo, Gretchen Crary) [email protected] engagements. Targeted publicity campaigns specializing in (646) 489-0300 music, pop-culture, photography, art, high-profile Franklin Public Relations www.franklin-PR.com authors and special events. National, local, (Amy Franklin) [email protected] online, radio, television, print and social media strategy. (781) 648-1658 Emphasis on progressive social change books Gail Leondar Public Relations* www.glprbooks.com as well as serious academic and non-academic [email protected] nonfiction; heavily focused on public radio.

continued on page 25 page 25 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 24 PT's Publicity Contact Sheet 2013 {Asterick * denotes nonfiction only} Name Contact Information Specialites Strategic publicity campaigns, through traditional and digital media, for business, politics, fiction, Goldberg McDuffie Communications (Lynn (212) 705-4226 pop culture, children’s, and YA titles. Coordinates Goldberg, Camille McDuffie, Angela Baggetta, www.goldbergmcduffie.com review outreach, off-the-book-page coverage, Megan Beatie, Kathleen Zrelak, Jeff Umbro) [email protected] local market tours, special events, author social media platforms, online advertising, and website development. (519) 342-3703 Publicity, social media marketing, and strategic Graf-Martin Communications www.grafmartin.com marketing services to publishers, small (Tim Underwood)* [email protected] businesses, nonprofits, and authors. (503) 477-4832 Book publicist, author of cookbook review blog, Greg Mowery Public Relations www.stovetopreadings.com and specialist in promoting cookbooks. [email protected] (301) 593-0766 GT/PR Straightforward publicity, specializing in politics, www.genetaftpr.com (Gene Taft)* current events, history, and pop culture. [email protected] A full-service pr and consulting firm in every aspect of national, regional, and local public (718) 622-3232 The Hendra Agency Inc. relations, marketing, publicity and promotion. [email protected] Emphasis on business, finance, serious nonfiction and literary fiction. Brand awareness, book awareness campaigns; (212) 725-7707 organizes press kits, book tours, publication Hilsinger-Mendelson www.hilsinger-mendelson.com parties, annual events/galas, satellite media, (Sandi Mendelson) [email protected] internet campaigns, VNRs, product launch, publicity (305) 864-5521 Creates traditional and viral publicity campaigns Jessica Jonap PR www.jessicajonap.com that include print, broadcast, and online media. [email protected] Full-service children’s and young adult book mar- (914) 980-5108 JSA Kids Marketing keting and public relations firm. We do traditional www.jsakidsmarketing.com (Joyce Stein) media outreach, social media outreach, and out- [email protected] of-the-box marketing. (914) 575-8736 Book tours, press materials, media escorting, Kat Purcell www.pigtailpublicrelations.com byline articles, media training, content marketing [email protected] and social media marketing. (773) 878-0722 A full-service public relations agency specializing Kaye Publicity kayepublicity.com in publishing and entertainment. [email protected] Full service publicity and marketing firm that offers publishing consultation, national media (617) 680-1976 outreach, branding strategies, social media Kelley and Hall Book Publicity www.kelleyandhall.com campaigns and press kit development. Tradition- (Jocelyn Kelley) [email protected] ally published as well as self-published authors. Experienced in all genres: fiction, nonfiction, young adult, and children’s. Targeted national publicity campaigns for authors (212) 226-0981 and publishers of narrative nonfiction, memoir, Kimberly Burns Literary Publicity www.KimberlyBurnsPR.com short story collections and literary fiction. Contact [email protected] 4 to 6 months before publication date (212) 886-6700 Media relations with producers, editors, reporters; Krupp Kommunications www.kruppkommunications.com consulting and strategic partnerships; high-profile (Heidi Krupp) [email protected] projects. (413) 247-9325 All culinary; serves as publicist and agent, pro- The Lisa Ekus Group* www.lisaekus.com vides media training, career development, and [email protected] spokesperson development.

continued on page 26 page 26 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 25 PT's Publicity Contact Sheet 2013 {Asterick * denotes nonfiction only} Name Contact Information Specialites Campaigns with broadcast, print, and online (917) 546-6866 media; branding strategy; sponsorships and cor- Little Bird www.littlebirdpublicity.com porate partnerships; web platform development; (Sarah Burningham) [email protected] media training; blog and radio tours; national event and speaking tours; press kit development. Individual authors and with independent and (510) 280-5397 corporate publishing houses nonfiction, including Lorna Garano* www.lornagarano.com politics, memoir, women’s interests, psychology, [email protected] self-help, health, and history. Nonfiction and lifestyle topics; health and fitness. (917) 679-6945 Author tours, national talk shows and regional Margo Donohue [email protected] media. Established health & fitness blogger with strong contacts in social media. Traditional media campaigns; social media cam- (917) 541-5814 paigns; blog tours; general publishing consult- Marian Brown PR www.marianbrownpr.com ing; creative event planning; strong networking [email protected] support; website consultation. Willing to work with self-published authors if material is strong. Traditional publicity campaigns for celebrity, (718) 680-6483 women’s issues, politics, health, parenting, Maryann Palumbo Marketing Concepts [email protected] children’s and YA books, among others. Strategy, press kit preparation, media outreach. (860) 435-6464 Full-service public relations firm specializing in [email protected] national media relations, public relations counsel- McCartin | Daniels PR (702) 450-6464 ing, and strategic planning to provide clients with [email protected] both short-term coverage and long-term visibility. Customized service to publishers and authors of (212) 593-5847 all genres. Interviews/reviews with national and lo- [email protected] cal TV, magazines, newspapers, newswires, radio, Media Connect [email protected] blogs, and online reviewers. Road tours, website [email protected] development, press kit writing, media coaching, [email protected] satellite TV tours, strategic social media consulta- tion, and speaking engagements. Specializes in nonfiction and lifestyle book public- 212-932-0688 ity. Customized, targeted publicity campaigns. Meghan Phillips Public Relations* www.meghanphillips.com National, local, print, online, radio, television, and [email protected] social media outreach. Straightforward marketing; print and electronic Michele Karlsberg Marketing and (917) 359-2803 media for the mainstream, lesbian, gay, and Management [email protected] feminist market. Strategizes publicity campaigns for nonfiction (646) 373-0382 Miracle Worker PR titles with targeted outreach to national and www.miracleworkerpr.com (Anne Sullivan)* regional print, broadcast, online, and review me- [email protected] dia. Coordinates author tours and special events. Traditional media, internet marketing (websites, SEO, iPhone apps, and more), promotional video, (212) 260-7576 Mouth Public Relations media training; publicity boot camp, B2B, brand- www.mouthpublicrelations.com (Justin Loeber) building, parties/special events, crisis manage- [email protected] ment, book proposal prep, and agent/ publisher introductions. Specializes in targeted and strategic public- ity campaigns. National/local radio, television, (212) 353-3478 print and online media campaigns; social media One Potata Productions, Inc. www.onepotata.com (Facebook & Twitter) content providers; special (Diane Mancher) [email protected] events/publication parties; consultations with self-published authors. Primarily handle nonfiction and commercial fiction titles.

continued on page 27 page 27 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 26 PT's Publicity Contact Sheet 2013 {Asterick * denotes nonfiction only} Name Contact Information Specialites Consultations, pre-pub marketing plans, galley letters and press kits, print media campaigns, (201) 503-1321 Over the River Public Relations reading group discussion guides, internet cam- www.overtheriverpr.com (Rachel Tarlow Gul, Jennifer Richards)* paigns, social networking, appearances & speak- [email protected] ing venues, newsletters, awards nomina- tions, op-ed submission. Specializes in traditional, online & social media (512) 501-4399 campaigns for authors, publishers & experts. PR by the Book www.prbythebook.com Books in nearly every genre; publishers to [email protected] self-published. Focus is on building a long-term brand. Full service publicity and public relations agency for adult nonfiction titles, traditional publish- (631) 539-4558 ers and self-published. Business, leadership, The PR Freelancer* www.theprfreelancer.com entrepreneurship, workplace, personal finance, (Lori Ames) [email protected] health, current affairs, etc. Magazine, newspaper, national and local television, online, ezines, blog- gers, radio, podcasts. Works closely with bestselling and debut authors, major and independent publishers, media and (213) 623-1773 booksellers on all promotional platforms: book Rare Bird Lit www.rarebirdlit.com tours, events, radio, television, print, sponsor- (Tyson Cornell) [email protected] ships, B2B, branding, social networking, new media, creative campaigning, and guerrilla marketing. Campaign strategy and execution, media rela- tions, marketing communications, branding, (212) 260-2244 corporate communications, corporate social rhalee hughes public relations + marketing www.rhalee.com responsibility initiatives, press kit development, [email protected] special events planning, national tours, online strategy. Top-tier national, regional, and local media campaigns. Press material development; review coverage and feature interviews; author tours; (817) 453-6166 Richards Public Relations radio phoners; special events; cross-promotion www.richardspr.com (Tammy Richards-LeSure) via social media. Special interest in: Politics & [email protected] Current Events, Health/Medical/Science, Religion, African-American, Mystery/Suspense, Parenting, Sports, Humor, Food, and Business. (917) 627-5993 Publicity, social media, tours and strategic con- Sarah Russo Public Relations www.sarahrusso.com sulting for authors and publishers with a focus on [email protected] nonfiction and literary fiction. Publicity and marketing consulting; media place- 646-517-2825 ment via long-standing contacts with print and Scott Manning & Associates www.scottmanningpr.com online journalists, book reviewers and broadcast [email protected] producers; social media strategy and implemen- tation. National, regional, and local broadcast media, (908) 375-8159 (NY) review and feature print coverage, author tours, (202) 362-0770 (DC) Shreve Williams Public Relations and radio phoner campaigns. Focus on serious www.shrevewilliams.com (Suzanne Williams, NY; Elizabeth Shreve, DC) nonfiction (current events, history, biography, [email protected] etc.), health and lifestyle, memoir, and literary [email protected] fiction. Children’s and YA; author tours, online cam- paigns, media coverage, target special markets, (619) 334-7164 schedules appearances, author coaching, media SoCal Public Relations (Rebecca Grose) www.socalpr.net escorting in Southern California, and consulta- [email protected] tion services for self-published/print-on-demand books.

continued on page 28 page 28 the pitch fall 2013 continued from page 27 PT's Publicity Contact Sheet 2013 {Asterick * denotes nonfiction only} Name Contact Information Specialites Nonfiction & historical fiction book endorse- (512) 291-6188 ment, book reviews, interviews, social network- Stephanie Barko, Literary Publicist www.stephaniebarko.com ing, literary platform, book promo, virtual tour, [email protected] press release, book blog optimization, online media kit, book groups, webinar, consulting. (212) 629-1990 Press materials, review & feature coverage, Tandem Literary www.tandemliterary.com national & local broadcast media, radio phoner (Gretchen Koss, Meghan Walker) [email protected] campaigns, online media, social networking, third [email protected] party cross-promotion, author tours & events. Indie authors and publishers: traditional mar- keting & promotion; blog tours; social media campaigns; national press release campaigns; re- (805) 898-9941 gional media campaigns, radio, TV & print. Brand To Press and Beyond (Gail Kearns) www.topressandbeyond.com development. Consult on all aspects of publish- [email protected] ing independently. Specialties include children’s picture books and adult fiction and nonfiction. (We work 4-6 months prior to publication date for best results.) Book publicity for literary fiction, memoir, and VM / PR (212) 242-0866 serious nonfiction (history, biography, current (Victoria Meyer) [email protected] events, social issues). Tailored publicity campaigns for authors and pub- (917) 400-4346 lishers, nonfiction only with a focus on science, Whitney Peeling Public Relations* www.whitneypeeling.com business, policy, foreign affairs and humanitarian [email protected] issues as well as mission-driven businesses and nonprofits Marketing/publicity outreach and consultation (646) 896-9960 services, specializing in the online promotion of Wiley Saichek, Marketing & Publicity http://publishersmarketplace.com/members/Wi- women’s fiction, mysteries, thrillers, memoirs, Consultant leySaichek historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, horror, [email protected] YA, and children’s books. A full service marketing firm. Clients are publish- ers, agents, and authors of adult and children's books. Provides marketing, publicity (strategic as well as implementation), websites, and social Your Expert Nation www.yourexpertnation.com media support at all levels. Offers Social Media (Bridget Marmion) [email protected] Coaching, a Premier Author Plan for bestselling authors trying to finish their next book, and pre- sentations on Food & Branding, Word of Mouth Marketing, and the Common Core Curriculum, and Your List. Digital social media publicity strategies for au- Brand New Brand You Inc www.cindyratzlaff.com thors and publishers; branding and building social (Cindy Ratzlaff) [email protected] online communities. (908) 204-9340 Online book publicity, author branding, ebook FSB Associates www.fsbassociates.com marketing, website development, consulting, and (Fauzia Burke) [email protected] speaking. Specializes in platform building through public- (512) 206-0229 ity, social media & digital marketing, web & print Shelton Interactive www.sheltoninteractive.com design, and strategic public relations services [email protected] to publishers, authors, businesses and a broad range of experts page 29 the pitch fall 2013

ASSOCIATION OF AUTHORS’ REPRESENTATIVES, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS – 2013-2014

Gail Hochman Jennifer Weltz (’15 end of first term) Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, Inc. 1501 Broadway, Suite 2310 216 East 75th Street, Suite 1E New York, NY 10036 New York, NY 10021 (212) 840-5760/ Fax (212) 840-5776 212.794.1082 [email protected] [email protected] President Liaison: Digital Rights Committee

Ginger Clark (’14 end of first term) Ellen Geiger (’14 end of second term) Curtis Brown, Ltd. Frances Goldin Literary Agency Ten Astor Place 57 East Eleventh Street, 5B New York, NY 10003 New York, NY 10003 (212) 473-5400 212-777-0047 [email protected] [email protected] Liaison: Contracts Committee; Liaison: Website Committee International Committee Zoe Pagnamenta (’15 end of first term) Cynthia Cannell (’15 end of first term) The Zoe Pagnamenta Agency Cynthia Cannell Literary Agency 20 West 22nd Street, Suite 1603 833 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10010 New York, NY 10021 (212) 253-1074 (212) 396-9595 [email protected]  [email protected] Liaison: Newsletter Committee Barbara Hogenson (’13 end of first term) Barbara Hogenson Agency Wendy Sherman (’15 end of first term) 165 West End Avenue, Suite 19-C Wendy Sherman Associates, Inc. New York, NY 10023 27 West 24th Street, Suite 700B (212) 874-8084/Fax (212) 362-3011 New York, NY 10010 [email protected] (212) 279-9027 [email protected] Marta Praeger (’15 end of first term) Liaison: Membership Committee Robert A. Freedman Dramatic Agency, Inc. 1501 Broadway, Suite 2310 Beth Blickers (’14 end of second term) New York, NY 10036 Abrams Artists Agency (212) 840-5766 275 Seventh Avenue, 26th Floor [email protected]  New York, NY 10001 (646) 461-9322/Fax (646) 486-2358 Jody Klein (Administrative Sec’y) [email protected] Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents, Inc. Liaison: Dramatic Committee 1501 Broadway, Suite 2310 New York, NY 10036 Dan Lazar (’14 end of first term) (212) 840-5770/ Fax (212) 840-5776 Writers House, LLC [email protected]; 21 West 26th Street [email protected] New York, NY 10010 (212) 685-2400 Ken Norwick, Esq. (Attorney-Literary) [email protected] Norwick, Schad & Goering 110 E. 59th Street, 23rd Floor Jim Rutman (’14 end of second term) New York, NY 10022 Sterling Lord Literistic (212) 751-4440/ Fax (212) 604-9997 65 Bleecker Street, 12th Floor [email protected] New York, NY 10012 (212) 780-6098 Elliot H. Brown, Esq. (Attorney-Dramatic) [email protected] Franklin Weinrib Rudell Vassallo Liaison: Program Committee 488 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10022 Gina Maccoby (’14 end of first term) (212) 935-5500 Gina Macobby Literary Agency [email protected] P.O. Box 60 Chappaqua, NY 10514 Jeff Gerecke (OFF THE BOARD POSITION) 914-238-5630 Gina Maccoby Literary Agency [email protected] P.O. Box 60 Liaison: Royalties Committee Chappaqua, NY 10514 (718)664-4504 [email protected] Treasurer