Welcome back to the negotiation mini-series! Last week we took a look at how to create a pre-negotiation plan. To re-cap: — Read the contract; make a list of points you’d like to change. — Prioritize your list into deal breakers, important points, and “things to ask for.” — Consider the publisher’s potential responses to your requests. — Adjust your list, and strategy, to address potential publisher concerns. Now, let’s look at tips for increasing your chances of success in an actual publishing contract negotiation*: Publishers, like flies, prefer honey to vinegar: Be Polite. No matter how the negotiation opens, proceeds, or finishes,
Read moreMonth: August 2016
Enterprise Bridge Panels – Up Close and Personal
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I visited the Star Trek exhibit at Seattle’s EMP (Experience Music Project) museum over the weekend – and thoroughly enjoyed it. One of the more interesting exhibits I didn’t cover in yesterday’s post was a set of original bridge panels from the original (1960’s) Star Trek TV series. One thing that really stood out to me, seeing them in person: the set creators didn’t even bother to glue the pieces in a way that avoided smearing, or to keep the glue from showing on the finished pieces. TV cameras filmed with low enough resolution and detail
Read moreBoldly Going … To Star Trek at Seattle EMP
While in Seattle for a book signing over the weekend, I spent some time with a very good friend, during which we visited the Seattle EMP Museum and toured the special Star Trek exhibit currently on display. As a long-time Star Trek AND Star Wars geek. I enjoyed the exhibit thoroughly, and strongly recommend a visit if you’re in or near the Seattle area. For those who can’t make it in person, I thought I’d share some of the highlights on the blog this week. Even the stairs leading to the exhibit continue the theme: With mannequins wearing costumes originally worn by DeForest Kelley:
Read moreFriday & Saturday NINJA’S DAUGHTER Events!
TODAY – FRIDAY, AUGUST 26 (6:30pm): EL DORADO HILLS (SACRAMENTO) CALIFORNIA If you’re in the Sacramento area, I hope you’ll join me tonight (Friday, August 26) at 6:30pm at Face in a Book in El Dorado Hills (4359 Town Center Boulevard: more information here!) for a reading and signing of my newest Hiro Hattori mystery, The Ninja’s Daughter! I’m bringing some special Japanese treats to share, and a katana for a special weapons demonstration. I hope to see you there! TOMORROW – SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 (12pm): SEATTLE, WASHINGTON On Saturday at 12pm, I’ll be at Seattle Mystery Bookshop (117 Cherry Street, Seattle-more information here!) for a
Read moreCrawling Through the Buddha’s Nostril
I saw a lot of strange, and sometimes unbelievable, things and places in Japan. But watching my adult son squeeze through an 18″ hole in a massive pillar, while a crowd of Japanese visitors cheered him on, was among the strangest–and most fun–of all.
Read moreNegotiate Like a Pro (Part 2) – Preparing to Negotiate
Welcome back to the negotiation mini-series, here on the blog and on the Twitter #PubLaw feed. Last week’s post examined the difference between Zero-Sum and Mutual Benefit negotiation, and explained why it’s better to approach publishing contract negotiations (any negotiations, really) from a mutual-benefit point of view. Today we move on to preparation for a successful negotiation. SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATIONS REQUIRE PLANNING Preparing to negotiate a publishing contract requires more than making a list of the terms you want (or hope to change). Approaching negotiations with a solid plan increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. Here are the steps to creating that solid plan: STEP 1: Read the
Read moreThe Reconstructed Pagodas of Tōdaiji
The original structures at Nara’s Tōdaiji dated to the eighth century and included a pair of 300-foot pagodas which were subsequently destroyed in an earthquake. A wooden model inside the Great Buddha Hall shows the original temple structures, including the pagodas, all built to scale: Although not as impressive as the original pagodas, the golden reconstructions hearken back to the Indian Buddhist stupas from which pagoda architecture evolved upon its arrival in China and then Japan.
Read moreA Visit to Tōdaiji
Tōdaiji is a Buddhist temple located in Nara, Japan, and was founded in 728, when Emperor Shōmu established a predecessor temple on the spot to honor his son, Prince Motoi, who died while still a baby.
Read moreHow to Negotiate Like a Pro (Part 1)
I talk a lot about contracts, here and in my Twitter #PubLaw feed, but the publishing conversation doesn’t include nearly enough talk about how to negotiate changes to a publishing contract. Negotiation isn’t a topic most people learn in school, and many authors feel adrift when it comes to the negotiation process. In light of that, my next few Wednesday posts will offer some tips on negotiation strategies and tactics. Good negotiation doesn’t happen “by chance.” Successful negotiation requires proper planning, preparation, and execution. This week, we’ll look at how to prepare a negotiation strategy. Next week, I’ll detail strategies on how to prepare for negotiation, and the following
Read moreMy Journey to Becoming a Writer – a Guest Post from Gina Venturini
Please welcome talented poet and author (and my friend), Gina Venturini, author of Calling Love Home (2015) and the newly-released The Color of My Heart is You. Gina grew up in Nebraska, where she studied opera. After college Gina moved to the hotbed of Minneapolis and ended up singing backup vocals for an Elvis / Neil Diamond Impersonator. Wanting more she left with a suit case and took a train to Memphis, where she connected with a Marriott circuit band that toured all over the east coast and Wisconsin. Then, she was drawn to California for personal reasons and continued to pursue music. In
Read more