Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Location: Books & Such Main Office, Santa Rosa, Calif.
I like the idea that, nestled in 2009’s calendar pages, we find newfangledness–the surprise of what’s to come; the anticipation of the unsought good news; the opportunities we can’t see as we crack open the new year’s door.
The word “newfangled” finds its roots in two words: “new” (as if we couldn’t guess that part) and “to take or seize.” Isn’t that what a new year should be about? Seizing the new and pushing forward into uncharted territory?
That’s the stance we’re taking at Books & Such Literary Agency. We’re seizing on technology–twittering, blogging, and other newfangled social networking–to stay connected with those who want to know more about trends in book publishing, the writing life, and sundry other topics such as how to organize your desk, your office, or your life. (I’m eager to read that blog!)
As we launch our “Between the Lines” blog this week, I’ll write a bit about our agency’s distinctives and introduce you to our staff, each of whom will chime in so you can meet them personally. Then I’ll close out the week with tips on how to keep your ’09 writing resolutions, since the year is bound to be full of newfangled ways to avoid what you really want to do.
Each week of the month one of the four agents in our agency will lead the blog conversation, introducing a new topic on Monday. Feel free to dive in with your opinions! After all, the goal is to stay connected. Once a week our in-house publicist will write a blog on Marketing Matters. She’ll offer insights on how to stay in touch with your readers, find new readers, and think about new ways to develop a fan base.
In developing Between the Lines, we thought of it as a sort of magazine. So you’ll find “columns” on the right-hand side as you scroll down. These will include a running commentary on the books we’re each reading; Newsflash, where we’ll keep you up-to-date on publishing news and some of our authors’ accomplishments; the latest twitters from each of us who are involved in that newfangled way to connect; flicker photos of our staff and some of our clients; and even a weather report from our main office’s location in Santa Rosa, Calif.
Welcome to Between the Lines. And remember: Seize the new opportunities inherent in this new year!
WooHoo! Your new blog is here to kick off the “newfangled year” and it’s a beaut!
May God’s hand of blessing be on this virtual gathering place and may all who visit be filled with wit, wisdom and good words for the writing journey.
Welcome to the blogosphere, O excellent agent o’ mine. Love that word, “newfangledness.” Can’t wait to read what you ladies have to say.
Love the blog. Thanks for all the great info. Bless you. – Donna
How utterly cool, modern, informative! Thanks!
I’ve been waiting for this ever since you mentioned it on Twitter. I enjoyed meeting you at Mt. Hermon last spring.
Welcome to the blogiverse! You’ve just increased the number of blogging Christian agents by 50%, I believe. Is there any way to subscribe or follow the blog automatically? Happy new year to all of you…
Congratulations on the launch your new blog! I wait in eager anticipation of the morsels that will fall from your table!
Great question, Rachelle!
Anyone can subscribe to this blog by clicking the subscribe button on the bottom right corner of the blog sidebar:)
Kelli
Welcome to the blogosphere! Sounds like a great format and I’ll look forward to checking back often. Many Blessings in the New Year!
Let me add my congrats on your new blog. I’m looking forward to following your thoughts and activities. Kudos to your designer. Very nice.
Wow! I’m looking forward to reading your posts.
” . . . the year is bound to be full of newfangled ways to avoid what you really want to do.”
Maybe you can offer us some newfangled ways to beat this “old-fangled” problem. 😉
Congratulations on the new blog.
Great site and I’m looking forward to the discussions. Keep the good stuff coming.
Great idea–great blog! Looking forward to what’s to come!
BJ
Wonderful! I will so enjoy your words of wit and wisdom. Gorgeous site, too. Great start for the new year.
A blog well-suited to our agents–classy, beautiful, warm-hearted, professional, and full of wisdom! One more reason to be grateful for Books & Such.
Very cool. I’m looking forward to keeping up with you all this way and learning lots!–Diane
Blog? What’s a blog?
Just kidding. Congrats on the new blog, and may it be the source of lots of stuff for me to plagiarize onto my blog.
So, did I get offered any new book deals this week? 🙂
Rachelle: there should be an RSS button at the top of your screen, next to the Books & Such address line in your browser. Click that to subscribe…
Bill Giovannetti
How to Keep Your Inner Mess from Trashing Your Outer World.
What fun to read comments and see so many friends popping in. We’re hoping BETWEEN THE LINES sparks many an interesting conversation.
Love this concept. I look forward to reading the various posts/interaction!
Oh, you fabulous babes! Thanks for making the blogosphere such a welcoming and insightful place. Eager to travel through this newfangled year with you.
Goodness! This is no mere blog – it will be a treasure trove for the publishing industry. You are all so generous with your time, knowledge, and expertise.
Many blessings!
Consider me subscribed. Looking forward to it, ladies. Let’s carpe some diem! 😉
Those will be coming up, m’dear.
Congratulations on your new venture! This blog is beautiful, informative, and captures the heart of Books & Such. BTW, the librarian in me loves your book recommendations! I’m looking forward to exploring “newfangled” things and “old” with you. Thank you for the gift of your time and expertise.
Welcome to the blog world. I’ll certainly check for all the new information.
Looks great, I can’t wait for more!
I’m so glad to know you’re blogging! Can’t wait to read your thoughts and insights.
Bill: No book offers so far, but it is only Monday…
GREAT site! I’m so glad you all are doing this. What FUN!
Cheryl Wyatt
Congratulations on an awesome blog. I clicked the subscribe button before I even finished reading! I met you ladies last year at the Writing for the Soul conference. I’m still working on the revisions you wanted. I can’t wait to read all that you have to offer us here on the blog.
I’m so totally psyched about this blog! (Sorry… as the youngest member of Books & Such I had to put on my youthful lingo.) Here’s a shout-out to our incredibly awesome agents. Thanks for all you do!
B.J.: Sorry to bump you up this way, but we actually have two clients younger than you are. But it’s still okay to be psyched.
I love this blog! Great ideas!
I’m especially interested in the books you’re all reading. It gives me ideas for new reads.
I’m looking forward to what’s next.
Blessings,
Bonnie
Well, I’m not young, but I’m psyched about this blog, too. 🙂
Congratulations on the new site. Very well done!
Janet: *Sigh* It’s tough getting old. 😉 But I’m still psyched. You guys rock!
So, who is the youngest client here at Books and Such? I’m boasting a long 23 years myself.
The blog is excellent. I’m looking forward to seeing posts from each of you ladies.
James, our youngest client is Sondra Clark, who is 18. I believe she was 14 when her first book was published. She makes me feel like a slug.
Even I feel old now.