I'm excited and must share

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Yes, they do and you get the cover credit on the copyright page and in the acknowledgements.

BTW, can I send you another photo to play with for the back cover? I'm hoping you might be able to duplicate the tinting of the cover shot.

I might also send you a little photoshop project if you are up to it. ;)YAY on all counts. :D Contact me regarding your PDF woes, too...

[Snowflake]

YAY on all counts. :D Contact me regarding your PDF woes, too...

I will send you email tonight with goods for fixing. :snap:

[Gemini Cricket]

Thanx for the update!
:)

[Snowflake]

Okay, except a slight change to the cover art, here is how it's going to be looking.

1201

1202

1203

1204

1205

[katiesue]

When can I order my copy?

[Ghoulish Delight]

It's lovely! I particularly like the dingbat on each page, nice touch. Oh, and the cover's pretty sweet too ;)

[Snowflake]

When can I order my copy?

Katiesue, MWAH!

I have a lot of work yet to do, it should be ready by just before Xmas.

Sorry for the crappy cell phone pics, as I said, excited and must share. It's very cool to have something tactile to hold in my hand. The layout looks good, the image reproduction is great, the DJ is nice and heavy, the size is fine (10x8).

A lot of work to do and my proofreader is busy!

[Snowflake]

It's lovely! I particularly like the dingbat on each page, nice touch. Oh, and the cover's pretty sweet too ;)

Ja!

I just want to try out one more version with a different font. CP has been too busy to send me the blank canvas.

[lashbear]

I hope I'm in the acknowledgements as being an inspiration, a friend, and a really nice guy from downunder.... :D

[bewitched]

Awesome. Seriously.

[Deebs]

It's beautiful! I can hardly wait to see it IRL!

[Prudence]

Very cool!

[Gemini Cricket]

Awesomeness!

[Not Afraid]

It is BEAUTIFUL!!! I can't wait to own one!

[cirquelover]

That looks amazing!

[wendybeth]

Snow, I'm so damned proud of you right now I can hardly stand it. It's beautiful!!!!!!!

[Strangler Lewis]

Yowie! You made a book! Congratulations!

[wolfy999]

Gorgeous! WTG!

[mousepod]

Looks great! Who's the guy on the cover?

Seriously... do we have a tentative release date?

[Snowflake]

I hope I'm in the acknowledgements as being an inspiration, a friend, and a really nice guy from downunder.... :D

:-)

From the Acknowledgements:

"No good deed goes unpunished, so they say. All my friends and acquaintances as well as various co-workers and bosses put up with me during this lengthy process deserve the lion's share of kudos. Fortunately, most of them did not have to witness the horrid spectacle of me writhing on the floor trying to form words on a blank canvas or screwing up my eyes trying to decide which photos to keep and which would not make the cut. They did, however, have to endure my endless prattle and musings about Valentino for years and years, and I am happy to say they survived the ordeal and I hope have forgiven me my excesses and I can still call them friends.....(bunches of names you might recognize and bunches not).....I must also give a shout to all of my friends at the Lounge of Tomorrow for their unfailing support, virtually and literally. Their support buoyed me up during the darkest hours."

On the front cover end flap of the DJ, Jen gets a special credit for the cover art design. :D

Kevy & Susan are in the portion under photo restoration. :D

[Snowflake]

Looks great! Who's the guy on the cover?

Seriously... do we have a tentative release date?

It's some schlemiel who made old creaky movies.

Tentative before Xmas is what I have. I've got the ISBN # and I hope by the end of October I will have it pretty well finalized, except the editor reviewing the text. Then will come the sticker shock of the price. Since, after seeing the sample, I've decided to scrap the PB edition and just do a HB (the HB is only a few bucks more than the PB). At approximately 200 pages, it will retail for close to $60. I do not expect to sell too many at this price in this economy. But, this is the limitation of self-publishing. I won't earn any $$ for this effort, really, but I'm not doing it for $$.

It's not a done deal, but, I've been invited to do a book signing at a certain venerable bookstore (Larry Edmunds) on Hollywood Blvd. I'll let you know if this does, in fact, happen. ;)

[Kevy Baby]

Kevy & Susan are in the portion under photo restoration. :DEven though we never finished that project?

Do you still need us to work on that? Would be happy to, it just fell off my radar for a while.

[3894]

This is huge!


It's not a done deal, but, I've been invited to do a book signing at a certain venerable bookstore (Larry Edmunds) on Hollywood Blvd. I'll let you know if this does, in fact, happen.

Post the date as soon as you can? I will do my absolute best to be at your signing.

[Snowflake]

Even though we never finished that project?

Do you still need us to work on that? Would be happy to, it just fell off my radar for a while.

I'd love it if you can. Listen, I know you are busy and it's not like I've paid for any of your hard work, so I totally appreciate what you have done. Anything else is gravy!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Looks awesome! How neat to see my work on a real book cover! :D

Ja!

I just want to try out one more version with a different font. CP has been too busy to send me the blank canvas.I sent that to you a week ago - let me know if you didn't get it.

[Snowflake]

Looks awesome! How neat to see my work on a real book cover! :D

I sent that to you a week ago - let me know if you didn't get it.

I didn't!!

rudyfan1926 email???

Oh, and CP, it is absolutely stunning in person, really!

here are some better pics I just posted on my website (http://www.rudolph-valentino.com/new-book.htm)

[Gemini Cricket]

VSM for using the word "schlemiel"!

I can't wait to get my copy!
:)
Do I make the check out to Snowflake, Donna or Rudolph's gal pal?
:D

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I didn't!!

rudyfan1926 email???I sent it to a diff rudyfan email. Ok, forwarded.

The book looks gorgeous, D. :) Can't wait to get my copy.

[Snowflake]

Thanks CP! Got it!

Also, thanks to everyone here on LoT for being so supportive, virtually and in other cases literally.

It's pretty exciting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

[Kevy Baby]

Also, thanks to everyone here on LoT for being so supportive, virtually and in other cases literally.We're here to be your brassiere.

[MouseWife]

This is so exciting! I do hope that I don't miss when you post your book signing!! I know someone who would LOVE to come with me, biggest Rudy fan I know {besides myself, that is!}

Congrats!

[Snowflake]

O-kay. Been a while since I updated and the projected Xmas completion date came, and, quietly went. To make a long story short, too much chi was sucked out of me by some insane (and I do mean insane) drama having to do with all of the sheer weirdness that are some of the factions of Valentino fans. My energy level sank and all through December I could not even look at the book. So the book sat, and so did I. Believe me, there is nothing more strange than fans of dead movie stars, I've spent the last several months silently screaming "Jane! Get me off this crazy thing!!!" I've now been able to put that all aside and on ignore, thank God. But, a crazy does have a giant red target on my back.

Well, the last few weeks have been very busy for me. I am, at this moment, PDF printing the semi-complete book for proofing/correction/layout adjustments and possible editing of any images. Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions on how to overcome the pdf freeware issue. Silly me, a 30 day trial download of Acrobat 9 is working peachy-keen.

If I do say so myself, I think the book looks really nice. While I originally thought I'd have 150-200 images tops, it looks like the final product will be 300-350 photos! The book file itself is huge, just shy of 3Gb. Once I get the guts (words) input, that may take it over the top. The next hurdle will be uploading the behemoth to blurb. I've already contacted them about the book size and they've assured me we'll find a way to get it uploaded.

In the end, blurb upped the price of HB again and in this cruddy economy I decided to opt for the PB edition. The boon for that was I was able to increase the actual page count and lower the price. It's still going to be more expensive than your average PB book of this ilk. I'm at the mercy of blurb with this. Their base price is $50.95 and I'm tacking an additional $2 as my commission. Not much, and in fact, I will have to sell 3 copies to make $1 as blurb also charges $5 month for having the book in their store. Ah well, I never was in this for the money or the glory.

That said, later this year, for the real Valentino geeks, I will offer a large scale blurb HB edition at a hefty price, signed, numbered and limited edition of 50 copies. That will take years to sell.

To make a long and drawn out story short. The PB should be done, live and on sale by March. :)

Now, I appreciate all the support from everyone on LoT and I want to say right now. Nobody, and I mean nobody is obliged to buy one. I'm not posting here trolling for sales. It's a niche book and I've always said, if I sell 100, I will consider it a job well done.

At this moment, the book signing at a certain Hollywood bookstore will probably be in late April to coincide with the TCM film festival. I will not be attending that (the expensive film fest), I can't afford it, alas. I'll post more about that once the details are ironed out.

Anyway, once this is all done, what am I going to do with all my spare time and the hundreds and hundreds of photos I've got? Maybe I'll treat myself to Disneyland, I think that's the ticket!

[katiesue]

I for one can't wait to have a copy. I've been following your progress and I'm so happy you're almost to the end. Hurray!

[Not Afraid]

I'm SUPER excited to own a "first edition"!

[Snowflake]

Rudolph Valentino The Silent Idol (http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1439029#)

The preview widget may not work yet. I've ordered the first 10 copies for my book signing at the SF Silent Film Festival. I'm in discussions for a possible event at Larry Edmunds in August.

Nobody here is obliged to buy, it's not exactly cheap. But, without your help and encouragement, this would not have made it.

Thanks!:snap: :snap:

[Kevy Baby]

The preview widget may not work yet.It works now.

If I order one, how do I get it signed?

[LSPoorEeyorick]

We are SO excited for you, and the book will have a special place in our film bookshelf. Will you sign it for us??

[Snowflake]

It works now.

If I order one, how do I get it signed?

I may well be doing a book signing at Larry Edmunds in August. Hoping to hear from them this week to schedule it. Then I'll be happy to sign one.

After all of this, I think I owe myself a trip to Disneyland.

[Snowflake]

We are SO excited for you, and the book will have a special place in our film bookshelf. Will you sign it for us??

Of course! :blush: :blush:

[Kevy Baby]

I may well be doing a book signing at Larry Edmunds...I assume this is in Southern California?


ETA: Answered my own question (http://larryedmunds.com/).

[Cadaverous Pallor]

:)

I'm so happy I could play a small part in your publishing adventure. Way to go!

[alphabassettgrrl]

WTG!!!

[lashbear]

When the $AU exchange reate cost came up, I was pleasantly surprised. We definately need to arrange a signed copy.

[Snowflake]

When the $AU exchange reate cost came up, I was pleasantly surprised. We definately need to arrange a signed copy.

Bear, you and Stoat need a vacation. I suggest you fly to LA for my Saturday, August 21, 2010 7:00 pm book event at Larry Edmunds. It's now been confirmed I will be signing copies of the book then. It would not be the same without you two being there.

Anyone else in LA area who wants to show up for the event is more than welcome! :D

[mousepod]

Book signing! Yipee!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Yay! We will be there!

[Snowflake]

Yay! We will be there!

Great!

In you all forget, I just added it to the calendar. :blush:

No obligations to show up or buy, though.

[innerSpaceman]

I'm so there!

[Snowflake]

OMG! I am almost halfway to my "I'll be totally satisfied if I sell 100 copies of this thing" 48 copies out the door. I can't believe it, the book is 6 days old.

:eek: :snap:

I'll hold it in my hands tomorrow, my copies arrive by Fedex. Hope it's as nice as the sample copy I ordered last year.

[Moonliner]

That's damn good for your first week! Bravo!

[lashbear]

What a coincidence - Edward Small's 1951 production of "Valentino" has just started on the telly. I need a TIVO. :(

[3894]

OMG! I am almost halfway to my "I'll be totally satisfied if I sell 100 copies of this thing" 48 copies out the door. I can't believe it, the book is 6 days old.


Wooo hooo, Snowflake! You're on your way. :snap:

[Snowflake]

I just received my copies. OMG! It's beautiful.

The photos are a little darker than I thought they'd be, otherwise, it's spectacular if I do say so myself!

[lashbear]

:snap: :snap: :snap:

[Prudence]

Yay! I hope we can make the August event!

[3894]

Can you post ordering info or a link, Snowflake?

[Snowflake]

Can you post ordering info or a link, Snowflake?

Yes, 3894, I can! As I said, no obligations to anyone.

My book is here (http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1439029)

It's also 4th row down on the blurb best sellers page!

[katiesue]

My copy just arrived. It's beautiful. I know what I'm doing now for the rest of the day. Congratulations Snowflake!

[3894]

My book is here (http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1439029)



Gorgeous. You'll sell a bundle of these, Snowflake. What a marvellous-looking man. And you cracked me up with that back cover!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I know you mentioned Amazon before. Will you be able to sell it there?

[Snowflake]

I know you mentioned Amazon before. Will you be able to sell it there?

Blurb does not yet have distribution, so I may submit it myself. The problem being Amazon's pricing and how much they discount/take a cut. I'm investigating this option. Hopefully I will be able to soon, and increase sales!

[Not Afraid]

I have, in my hot little hands, one fine copy of a glorious book!

[Snowflake]

Ooh, thank you Lisa! Glorious, eh? :blush:

[Snowflake]

What.A.Hoot

I just googled the title and found my book at Barnes & Noble.

Link here (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Rudolph-Valentino-the-Silent-Idol/Donna-Hill/e/9780615309125)

They missed my middle initial and linked me to another author, with hilarious results (http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=book&ATH=Donna%20Hill).

[€uroMeinke]

What.A.Hoot

I just googled the title and found my book at Barnes & Noble.

Link here (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Rudolph-Valentino-the-Silent-Idol/Donna-Hill/e/9780615309125)

They missed my middle initial and linked me to another author, with hilarious results (http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=book&ATH=Donna%20Hill).

sure its not one of your secret lives?

[lashbear]

Our copy has now been purchased and is being shipped to the Author for signage on the 16th July. :cool: :cheers: :snap:

[lashbear]

They missed my middle initial and linked me to another author, with hilarious results (http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?store=book&ATH=Donna%20Hill).
Damn! them's some nice pecs !! :evil:

[Snowflake]

sure its not one of your secret lives?

That's what another friend said, who knew you were an African American romance novelist? Damn your makeup is excellent.

[Snowflake]

O-KAY..............:D

The book event at Larry Edmunds is going to happen on August 21st. I just talked to the owner and we're good. I'm providing the books and in this case, I will lose money on the deal. I can also tell you it won't be more than 15 copies on hand unless I can pull a fiscal rabbit out of my hat.

Anyone who wants to come is more than invited!

[innerSpaceman]

I'll be there, and spending my last ($ ?? ) on your cool book.

[Snowflake]

I'll be there, and spending my last ($ ?? ) on your cool book.

Bless you :iSm: :cool:

Retail is $52.95 It's not cheap, but I've had zero complaints on cost from anyone whose bought one.

[katiesue]

I hope to make it but I already have a copy - am I allowed to bring it?

[Snowflake]

I hope to make it but I already have a copy - am I allowed to bring it?

Don't see why not. Just make sure they know it's your copy.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Hmm, decisions.

On the one hand, I'm thinking we should order one now so as not to risk the 15 selling out.

On the other hand, it would be good to buy one at the store and support them for supporting you.

On the other hand, they DID make it difficult on you and are making you eat the costs.

And on the other hand, where did all these hands come from? And why is there so much blood in my backpack?

[LSPoorEeyorick]

So, D, would it be better for us to buy and bring our own copy? Buy a copy from you there? What should we do?

[Snowflake]

So, D, would it be better for us to buy and bring our own copy? Buy a copy from you there? What should we do?

I'd say go ahead and buy it from Larry Edmunds. It will show them there is a demand for it and hopefully they'll keep stocking it after August and Cinecon in September. In the long run it will be good for it to be available in the bookstore.

I'm working with my agent to possibly submit the book (now that it's done) to Chronicle Books and/or Da Capo Press to see if they'd like to pick it up. It would be a cheaper edition, I'd stand to make a little $$ on it and it would then be available on amazon and elsewhere. Could be a good thing. Who knew this self publishing thing could be so time consuming and something of a headache? ;)

[Snowflake]

Okay, I'm soon to be available on amazon.com with a hitch

http://www.amazon.com/Rudolph-Valentino-Silent-Idol-Photographs/dp/0615309127/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1280420649&sr=1-3

I registered with amazon advantage to list my product. Amazon demands a 55% discount on your product. I'm waiting on their first order which I hope is only a couple of copies. Then, once they've ordered and I've taken my lumps on those two sales, I can "suspend" availability of the product and I will list them myself under new/used at list price. Amazon will still get a small cut, but it won't be anywhere close to the 55% discount.

The upside is this (I hope) will increase sales or make them steady to a few copies a month. The downside is, I will have to keep some around the house tying up ready cash.

Now, if anyone who has a copy and would like to give it a review on amazon, I'd be further in your debt!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Seeing my cover on Amazon is craaaaazy. :D

[Snowflake]

Seeing my cover on Amazon is craaaaazy. :D


It's gorgeous!

[MouseWife]

Do you have the rights to sell them at other shows on your own? I ask because at the Hollywood show I went to some people were selling books and such.

If perhaps someone where there who worked with him you could be next to them or just promoting the book on its own?

I don't know. I have not a clue how this all works.

And...the show wasn't very crowded. If it cost a lot to have a booth it may not be worthwhile.

[Snowflake]

Do you have the rights to sell them at other shows on your own? I ask because at the Hollywood show I went to some people were selling books and such.

If perhaps someone where there who worked with him you could be next to them or just promoting the book on its own?

I don't know. I have not a clue how this all works.

And...the show wasn't very crowded. If it cost a lot to have a booth it may not be worthwhile.


Oh sure, it is my book. Waiting on my copyright registration as we speak.

I'll be signing at Cinecon and that will pretty much be it for film festivals. I do have some contacts at the Library of Congress and hope to get an invite when the Packard Campus schedules a Valentino film. I'm more than content with a couple of sales a month via blurb direct or via me on amazon. It's such a niche book and hopefully for Valentino fans, an evergreen. Unless blurb goes belly up or is acquired by someone else.

[Kevy Baby]

Now, if anyone who has a copy and would like to give it a review on amazon, I'd be further in your debt!Well, you have one review already.

[Snowflake]

Well, you have one review already.

OMG! You're so right! :D

[Gemini Cricket]

Out of stock on Amazon.
??

[Snowflake]

Out of stock on Amazon.
??

Yes, they have not ordered any from me, yet.

Once they do, I will fullfill the first order, then the book will be "suspended" and I will offer them direct from me under the "new/used sell yours here."

As I mentioned before, amazon demands a 55% discount, which means I pay blurb full price and then sell it to amazon for about $29 and then they sell it for $52.95. Not sure what I will make on the deal for those that are fullfilled via amazon.

I'll take far less of a financial hit doing the sell yours here link than letting them sell it. It's good to have it up there.

As CP said, just seeing her cover there is craazy, it is! :snap:

[Cadaverous Pallor]

So, should we advertise the Amazon link?

[Ghoulish Delight]

I'm guessing we should wait. If too many people order from that link, she'll have to take the 55% hit on too many copies. Wait until she can list her own copies.

Incidentally, this has finally taught me why some products show up on Amazon like that ("unavailable" but with the "new&used" links active).

[lashbear]

Well, you have one review already.
and 1 out of 1 people found the review helpful ;)

[Snowflake]

Okay, it's official! :D

1497

[Kevy Baby]

CRAP - we're in Vegas for a friend's wedding that night.

Damn it!

[lashbear]

Sorry, I'm otherwise indisposed... ;)

[Snowflake]

Lashbear, you have a special copy coming soon in the mail!

OMG! On top of the overturning of Prop 8 today, I just found the following review posted on a silent film website. No, I do not know the reviewer, nor did I pay him! I'd love to give him a mega hug, though! He totally GOT the book on every level.

Fantastic Review Here (http://www.silentsaregolden.com/recommendedreading/valentinolifeinphotographs.html)

:blush: :D

[lashbear]

You should be proud - what a great review !!!

BTW: It lists a lot of situations, but I have one question (seriously, which is rare for me ;) ): Do you have any pic/s of Valentino at Hearst Castle?

[Snowflake]

You should be proud - what a great review !!!

BTW: It lists a lot of situations, but I have one question (seriously, which is rare for me ;) ): Do you have any pic/s of Valentino at Hearst Castle?

I've got pics several of RV at Marion Davies' Beverly House in 1925. He never went to San Simeon as it was not receiving guests until 1927. Ditto for the Ocean House in Santa Monica, not finished until after he passed away.

[Kevy Baby]

Give CP some time with Photoshop and she can probably create one!

[Snowflake]

OMFG! Leonard Maltin reviewed it (http://blogs.indiewire.com/leonardmaltin/archives/silent_stars_still_mesmerize)!

[Ghoulish Delight]

That. Is. AWESOME!

[DreadPirateRoberts]

wow!

[Not Afraid]

OMG! Awesome!!!!!

[Ghoulish Delight]

I sometimes decry the decline of professionalism in various disciplines—including publishing—but I can’t think of a better argument for breaking down the barriers of traditional publishing than these three exceptional books, which I doubt any commercial house would have taken on. They may be labors of love but they also convey a commitment to both scholarship and the esthetics of the printed page.
:snap: :snap:

[Snowflake]

I sometimes decry the decline of professionalism in various disciplines—including publishing—but I can’t think of a better argument for breaking down the barriers of traditional publishing than these three exceptional books, which I doubt any commercial house would have taken on. They may be labors of love but they also convey a commitment to both scholarship and the esthetics of the printed page.



The part that got my little ego racing was this:

The Internet era has seen many enthusiasts develop sites for their favorite performers, but some, like Wada and Donna L. Hill, aren’t so much fans as scholars.

Hey, I've finally crossed the line from Valentino crazy to a Valentino scholar.

It was a fabulous thing to wake up to an email from Maltin telling me he'd reviewed the book and to find this.

Thanks for letting me share this with you, I could not be prouder and never thought anything like this would be happening.

[Strangler Lewis]

Great stuff. Congratulations!

[JWBear]

Congratulations!

[katiesue]

Way to go Snowflake!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

:eek:

Wow.

For the first time in ages, I have saved a webpage onto my computer.

Sounds like getting a big publisher behind the book is getting more and more likely.

[Snowflake]

:eek:

Wow.

For the first time in ages, I have saved a webpage onto my computer.

Sounds like getting a big publisher behind the book is getting more and more likely.


Well, I printed it!

From your keyboard to some publisher! That would be great! :D

[flippyshark]

Buttons busting with pride for Donna!

Have you considered entering your book for an Ippy award (http://www.independentpublisher.com/ipland/IPAwards.php) or perhaps to the Writer's Digest self-Published Book Awards (http://www.writersdigest.com/selfpublished)? (That one has cash prizes, though it's done for the current year, but you'd be eligible for the next time it rolls around.)

Not as awesome as getting a major publisher contract, but clearly your book would qualify, and would stand out from the herd. (And a high profile rave review already to boot!)

[Alex]

Congratulations!

Now that you have a personal connection with him could you pass on to Leonard that I find him vaguely creepy and ask him to work on that? That isn't to say he's not a perfectly nice man (he was quite gracious both times I've met him) but in photographs I find myself averting my eyes.

Maybe shaving would help.

[Disneyphile]

WOW!!!! :D

:snap:

I am SO excited for you!

[Snowflake]

Congratulations!

Now that you have a personal connection with him could you pass on to Leonard that I find him vaguely creepy and ask him to work on that? That isn't to say he's not a perfectly nice man (he was quite gracious both times I've met him) but in photographs I find myself averting my eyes.

Maybe shaving would help.

Ha! I've had more facetime with Maltin's wife Alice than with Maltin himself. I did not get a chance to speak to him at the SF Fest at all in July.

Maybe he needs a new photographer?

In any case, a congrats from you Alex is a big deal, too! Thanks!

[cirquelover]

OMG! What a wonderful review he gave and of course it was all well deserved. Congratulations!

[flippyshark]

Congratulations!

Now that you have a personal connection with him could you pass on to Leonard that I find him vaguely creepy and ask him to work on that? That isn't to say he's not a perfectly nice man (he was quite gracious both times I've met him) but in photographs I find myself averting my eyes.

Maybe shaving would help.

I'm with Alex on this one.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Maltin is the biggest movie dork alive. The creepiness can't be helped.


(she said fondly)

[Kevy Baby]

I actually am on the verge of shedding a tear of joy for you Donna (being at work is all that is preventing an actual tear). You should be proud of the work you accomplished. I feel honored to call you my friend.

[lashbear]

OMFG! Leonard Maltin reviewed it (http://blogs.indiewire.com/leonardmaltin/archives/silent_stars_still_mesmerize)!
Stoat and I are both totally chuffed, and proud to say that we both knew you before you were famous. ;) :D :cheers: :coffee:

[Moonliner]

Stoat and I are both totally chuffed, and proud to say that we both knew you before you were famous. ;) :D :cheers: :coffee:

Is she famous enough that we can start mooching off her yet?

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Is she famous enough that we can start mooching off her yet?

Shhhh! ixnay on the oochingmay

[Cadaverous Pallor]

"oochingmay" is my new favorite word

[Snowflake]

Is she famous enough that we can start mooching off her yet?

Bwahahahahaaa. I'm not famous enough.

Also, not rich enough to be oochingmayed. This entire project is still very much running in the red. Absolutely in the black when it comes to positive feedback, way in the red for any hint of profit.

Kevin Brownlow is actually reading it, he emailed me with a found typo! :cool: You know, with the 8-10 people, excluding me, who read and combed through the damn thing, I am shocked at how many little nitpicks are in there. I'll be revising the file after Labor Day and uploading a corrected version.

2 copies are up on amazon to be had and we'll see how long they sit there.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Ooh, does that mean that, like baseball cards, anyone who as the "error" version will see the value of their copy skyrocket?

[Snowflake]

Ooh, does that mean that, like baseball cards, anyone who as the "error" version will see the value of their copy skyrocket?

No, I think like the Chrysler "K" car, devaluation begins immediately.

[Kevy Baby]

You know, with the 8-10 people, excluding me, who read and combed through the damn thing, I am shocked at how many little nitpicks are in there.I wished I had been able to proof read it for you (no way I could have: no time). I am cursed with finding typos and errors.

[lashbear]

I could poof read it for you.

[JWBear]

I could poof read it for you.

There are plenty of guys here who could do that.

[innerSpaceman]

You should have had Not Afraid proof it for typos. What were you thinking??





:p

[Kevy Baby]

There are plenty of guys here who could do that.Look at Lashies post carefully

[JWBear]

Look at Lashies post carefully

I did.

[Snowflake]

Well, blurb f*cked up the latest order of books. :mad: There was a printing error and the replacement books will not show up until mid-next week.

So, for the event tomorrow I will have 10 copies on hand. :(

I have no idea how many people will be at the store and I'm sick to death that people are going to show up and come away with nothing to show for it.

I know LSPE was planning on buying a copy at Larry Edmunds. Anyone else?

My only advice is to get there early, or not. I'm furious and there is nothing I can do about it.

I will be in LA again over Labor Day weekend with the other 10 or more books.

If you decide it's not worth the risk to show up I'm going to be totally OKAY with this. The last thing I want to do is waste people's time on a Saturday night when you can be doing something else.

Is mercury retrograde or something, it's been this kind of a week for me. The good part was not getting laid off, the bad part was now I am so overworked I'm going to have to start working late or weekends to keep up.

[innerSpaceman]

Oh good, I can use that as my excuse.


Truth is, I have a scheduling conflict that's preventing my attendance .... and well, i so can't afford a copy right now anyway. Severe cash flow problems at the moment. So more copies for others!

[Ghoulish Delight]

We are still planning on showing up, we'll take our chances (Theo's schedule means we'll be there early anyway). Besides, we can get a book any old time, it's more about seeing you!

[katiesue]

I already have my copy so I'll be there!

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

We will get a book another time - for sure. We hope to be there to support and check out the cool books and stuff at the store!! We can always get one signed by you another time!

[MouseWife]

I so very much wanted to be there...have to work a full shift.

When you raise a toast, I'll be there in spirit!!

[Ghoulish Delight]

So since things start at Theo's usual bed time, we have no idea how long we'll be able to stick around, it'll be up to the kiddo. We are planning on heading to Hollywood & Highland beforehand, hopefully around 6:30 for a quick bite to eat if anyone would like to join us. Whether that means food court or one of the actual restaurant remains to be seen.

[CoasterMatt]

Is anybody else heading there from the valley? I'm stuck rideless at the moment :(

[Ghoulish Delight]

Where in the valley? We'll actually be in Sherman Oaks before heading over.

[katiesue]

I'm heading out soon. Will call you if I get to Hollywood & Highland early enough. No idea what traffic will be like.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Though our visit seemed extremely brief it was awesome to show up and see everyone.

Seeing the book in the tree flesh was amazing, but giving Snowflake a hug and saying congrats and thank you in person was the best part.

[CoasterMatt]

What a wonderful evening!

[Kevy Baby]

So bummed we missed it, but scheduling conflicts prevented our participation (we actually had four things to be at that night!).

[Snowflake]

WOW! Thanks to everyone from LoT who showed up, showed support and even bought or brought books. It was GREAT to see each one of you and give and get hugs. It was a fun evening (for me) and I hope for you too. You saw me in full geek mode.

Twas great to meet and see Theo at last in person, though I never got the chance to hold him and truly make an introduction. Great to meet Mindy (and be hugged by Borneo, where you stay hugged). To see Momma CP and Poppa GD, ABG, Katie Sue, the mousepods, Lindyhop, CoasterMatt, Goonie, NA and Euro...God, am I forgetting anyone????? It was beyond fabulous for everyone who was able to show up, did. Means a LOT to me.

Got to also mention that I saw CoasterMatt's tester book of his Disney Photo Impressions and it is GORGEOUS.

It was a fun time, hopefully I did not sound like an idiot. I also put in an sppearence at the annual memorial thing. I was not looking forward to that fearing (1) stagefright and (2) it's just not my thing. I was proud to say I suffered no nerves whatsoever (and I have a fear of public speaking) and the whole thing was fun, interesting and nicely done.

All in all a fabulous weekend for me. Thanks to all of you for being part if it, too! :snap:

[Disneyphile]

Aw, crap. Had it marked on my calendar for this Saturday, and just made arrangements to make it.

Pardon my scrambled brain which led to a scrambled schedule. :(

However, I know there will be more future signings, since the book is taking off, and will continue to sell like crazy. So, I will be there for the next appearance.

[Snowflake]

I can't remember what we were laughing about, but, here's a report (http://blog.allanellenberger.com/book-flm-news/author-donna-hill-at-larry-edmunds-bookshop/) on the Larry Edmunds gig. You will recognize the LoTer getting her book signed.

[katiesue]

I feel all famous :) It was a wonderful event and I'm glad you had such a great turnout. I really enjoyed the presentation.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I wish we could have shown up in time for the presentation. It was a miracle of baby-management that we were able to be present at all. There was just no way to have been there without stopping to feed Theo (and ourselves) first :(

[Kevy Baby]

You will recognize the LoTer getting her book signed.I feel all famous :)KS: when did you cut your hair so short and did it turn all gray? And what is with that green shirt and gray sweater?

[Snowflake]

KS: when did you cut your hair so short and did it turn all gray? And what is with that green shirt and gray sweater?

VKBM

SNORT!

[lashbear]

I was there too, but when i saw you'd sold out I came back home.

It also occurred to me, now that you're another LoT Author, should we call you 3895?

[Snowflake]

Please fire up that good old LoT mojo if you don't mind. A copy of my book is going to be submitted to the Univ. of California Press for consideration very shortly. If (and this is a helluva big ol' IF) they decide to pick it up for publication, I might actually see a check, money, semolians, beans (i.e., profit of a sort) for this enterprise.

I'm trying not to jinx it nor get my hopes up. This is a longshot but would be very cool.

It's also not the least bit academic, but pictures are nice, too. I will bet it would sell way better than the Doug Fairbanks book they published a couple of years back and they paid that author $20,000 for it.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Good luck!!!

[cirquelover]

Good, positive mojo headed your way! I'm sure it has a great chance considering the wonderful reviews it has received so far, Good luck!!

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Spreading the mojo!

[flippyshark]

Doing my Super Publication Mojo Sharkflip Dance for Donna!

[Kevy Baby]

my Super Publication Mojo Sharkflip DanceThat's been outlawed in some states hasn't it?

[Snowflake]

This should be in the vent thread, but better to put it here.

Bad news: blurb is upping the price of the book as of September 30 and it will increase to $60.

Possible good news: if this gets picked up by another publisher, this will be moot and the PB edition will be collectible.

If you want it, have not bought it, might want to do it before 9-30 as the possible good news is such a longshot.

:( :mad:

[Kevy Baby]

...the PB edition will be collectible.There's a peanut butter edition?

Seriously, are they raising pricing on all books or just yours?

One other thing to look at: your goal was to sell 100 books and you have already exceeded that by close to 50%. Your book is a tremendous success and you should be proud. Anything else from here on out is gravy!

[Snowflake]

Across the board on most books. It's all based on page counts. The smaller books (by number of pages I think up to 40) are not changing. The HB editions in some sizes are not changing (not honey butter Kevy, hard back) ;)

I'll re-upload a corrected edition of the book on October 1. There were some edits to be made and I've also since learned the name of a previously unknown person in a couple of the photos. :)

I'm extremely happy with the sales, how can I possibly complain? I never though 100 of them would sell, not at this price. If the sales slow down, I can live with that. As you pointed out, I've sold well over 100 copies. For a book that is word of mouth, I think it's pretty good. With the price increase I do expect Larry Edmunds to stop carrying them, they're not making much profit on them.

I also need to keep positive that the efforts to get another publisher to pick the book up will bear fruit. If not UC Press, I'm all set to pitch it to Chronicle Books and I may even pitch it to Rizzoli. There are a couple of LA publishing houses that might be interested, as well. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[Kevy Baby]

Rather than starting a new thread, I wanted to post here a story (http://www.ibj.com/ag-files-more-complaints-against-vanity-publisher/PARAMS/article/22886) about a different company than Blurb (the outfit that Donna used) that promoted self-published books. Seems that they are not as reputable as Blurb.

State files more complaints against vanity publisher (http://www.ibj.com/ag-files-more-complaints-against-vanity-publisher/PARAMS/article/22886)

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Snowflake, I just KNOW this is going to bear fruit for your publishing career, in one awesome way or another. It's already such a smash!

[Snowflake]

Snowflake, I just KNOW this is going to bear fruit for your publishing career, in one awesome way or another. It's already such a smash!

Thank you Heidi.

To give you an update, the emails back and forth between the UC Press editor and myself have been very positive. She'll have a copy of the book this week and we shall see how it goes from there.

If this miracle happens, there will be rewrites as they will want more text. I guess I should not have been so generous to send almost all of my research paperwork to NY to the Valentino family biographer. :blush: It's okay, it's not hard to find the stuff I utilized. We need to get past step one and get something in writing.

At least all the images used are hi-res and on my external. I'll be backing them up on DVD as well!

[Gn2Dlnd]

What bear fruit might look like.

[Snowflake]

It's my pleasure and a real honor to announce that Board of Hollywood Heritage has invited me to do a presentation on my favorite silent star Rudolph Valentino. I will be preparing a shortish Powerpoint presentation and there will be a screening. Film is tba at this point.

I understand it will be the second Wednesday of the month, May 11th. Mark your calendars!

This should be fun! :D

I know you're all really surprised I'm stepping so far outside my comfort zone...

[alphabassettgrrl]

Awesome!

[SzczerbiakManiac]

High-five to Snowflake!

[JWBear]

YAY!

[Kevy Baby]

I didn't know you like Valentino - this is a surprise to me.

[lashbear]

A Big Hurrah to Snowflake from your favourite Bear-Fruit ! (thanks, Cheeseman ! :p )

Hey - the commodore and I should get together for a Cheese & Fruit Platter !!.

[Not Afraid]

You go girl!

[CoasterMatt]

Yay Snowflake! :cheers:

[Cadaverous Pallor]

You rule. :snap:

[LSPoorEeyorick]

SO AWESOME!!!!

We have our calendars marked, marked, marked - we'll be there!

It's my pleasure and a real honor to announce that Board of Hollywood Heritage has invited me to do a presentation on my favorite silent star Rudolph Valentino. I will be preparing a shortish Powerpoint presentation and there will be a screening. Film is tba at this point.

I understand it will be the second Wednesday of the month, May 11th. Mark your calendars!

This should be fun! :D

I know you're all really surprised I'm stepping so far outside my comfort zone...

[Snowflake]

The barn event is definitely ON in May. At their website (http://www.hollywoodheritage.org/) it's still listed as an upcoming event with no details. The event is (sadly) not free, but $10, proceeds go to the Heritage Museum which is a good thing.

The evening will have about a 20 minute powerpoint presentation I'm working on Valentino Behind the Screen and there will be a Valentino film (tba). I'll have books to sign and expect there will be a Q&A, too.

Lastly, blurb has just updated their booksmart software and it now allows me to actually change the size of the book (HOORAY). This will save endless hours of recreation of a new book in the large, true coffee table size. Won't be cheap, but it will be a nice 11x13 HB image wrap, signed and numbered edtion of 50 copies. $150. If anyone wants to be on the list for a copy, shoot me a message. Don't worry, I won't care one way or the other, my LoT friends have done more than their share!

[Snowflake]

So, they got it wrong or changed their minds....

1611

[Kevy Baby]

So which is it? Changed date or wrong date on the flyer?

[Snowflake]

So which is it? Changed date or wrong date on the flyer?

Changed to May 18th, sorry!

[Snowflake]

Changed to May 18th, sorry!

&#%@()@^@!!!

They screwed it up, yes. The real supposedly correct date of the barn even is May 11th.

Watch this space for further cockups!

[Kevy Baby]

I know that this is not the publisher that Snowflake used, but it seemed like the best place to post this (without starting a new thread):

Hinesburg police uncover alleged publishing fraud
Each complaint centered on an offer to edit, print and market books for authors who wanted books published. The website for Historical Pages has more than a dozen books that are short stories, memoirs, history and one coloring book.The whole story (http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20110607/NEWS02/110606026/Hinesburg-police-uncover-alleged-publishing-fraud?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE)

The bad guy's web site (http://www.historicalpages.com/)

[3894]

The bad guy's web site (http://www.historicalpages.com/)

That is sickening.

[Kevy Baby]

And to put a more positive angle into this thread:

John Locke is First Independently Published Author in ‘Kindle Million Club’

SEATTLE—Jun 20, 2011—Amazon.com announced that John Locke has become the eighth author to sell over 1 million Kindle books, becoming the newest member of the “Kindle Million Club,” and the first independently published author to receive this distinction. As of Sunday, John Locke has sold 1,010,370 Kindle books using Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).The story (http://www.piworld.com/article/john-locke-first-independently-published-author-kindle-million-ebook-club/1?=#utm_source=today-on-piworld&utm_medium=enewsletter_headline&utm_campaign=2011-06-20) (ironically, in a printing trade magazine)

[Snowflake]

And to put a more positive angle into this thread:

John Locke is First Independently Published Author in ‘Kindle Million Club’

The story (http://www.piworld.com/article/john-locke-first-independently-published-author-kindle-million-ebook-club/1?=#utm_source=today-on-piworld&utm_medium=enewsletter_headline&utm_campaign=2011-06-20) (ironically, in a printing trade magazine)

I'd love to kindle mine, but the formatting of it does not work well with photos. blurb is hinting at iBook publishing, and for distribution (we hope SOON).

[Kevy Baby]

Sorry for using your thread for the story: I was just piggy-backing a story about a self-published book success story.

[Strangler Lewis]

And to put a more positive angle into this thread:

John Locke is First Independently Published Author in ‘Kindle Million Club’

The story (http://www.piworld.com/article/john-locke-first-independently-published-author-kindle-million-ebook-club/1?=#utm_source=today-on-piworld&utm_medium=enewsletter_headline&utm_campaign=2011-06-20) (ironically, in a printing trade magazine)

In this polarizing time, it's good to see Americans educating themselves on some of the philosophical underpinnings of the republic.

[flippyshark]

Not the same John Locke. (Which is good, since the old public domain Locke can be downloaded for free from many places.)

[Snowflake]

Sorry for using your thread for the story: I was just piggy-backing a story about a self-published book success story.

Kevy
No worries!

It's the write place to put it!

[Snowflake]

Well, if you look at my sig counter, we're 2 copies away form 300. Pretty fabulous results. The large scale HB edition is now in print, about 3/4 are spoken for. It's spendy but looks really nice. So I will finally own a copy!

1647

You can see the difference in size, I'm gonna need a bigger coffee table! CP's cover art looks really nice in humungo size! :snap:

[alphabassettgrrl]

Nice!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I can't find the hardcover on blurb - link?

[Snowflake]

I can't find the hardcover on blurb - link?

No link, must be ordered from me. It's a numbered edition. I'll PM details if you want one.

[Snowflake]

If you're on Facebook you've seen my shameless flogging (more Kevy please). I've moved Rudy into the digital age with an iBook edition for iPhone and iPad (http://store.blurb.com/ebooks/51894-rudolph-valentino-the-silent-idol).

Significantly less expensive than the print edition and, go figure, an actual opportunity for some profit for me.

No word when blurb will get it together and list the books in the Apple iTunes store. Of course, Apple would get a cut then, too. I'm good with that, might increase some sales.

Anyway, onward to the kindle edition which will look crappy in comparison since kindle is really not designed for picture/graphic books. Also a PITA to format, or clean up the format.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Yay profit! :D

[katiesue]

Maddie's doing a report for history on Mr. Valentino and using your book extensively in her research. Her teacher did her dissertation on him and was quite impressed with the book as well.

Tomorrow she dresses up as him for extra credit.

She's also quite impressed that CP did the cover. She knows her. OMG!

[Moonliner]

Maddie's doing a report for history on Mr. Valentino and using your book extensively in her research. Her teacher did her dissertation on him and was quite impressed with the book as well.

Tomorrow she dresses up as him for extra credit.

Sure she gets extra credit, but just one time I dressed as Shirley Temple and the Principal made a federal case out of it.....

[Kevy Baby]

What kind of weirdo dresses up in girls clothes?!?









Please don't post any pictures

[Cadaverous Pallor]

She's also quite impressed that CP did the cover. She knows her. OMG!:D I think I'll rest on my laurels for another few years.

[Snowflake]

Maddie's doing a report for history on Mr. Valentino and using your book extensively in her research. Her teacher did her dissertation on him and was quite impressed with the book as well.

Tomorrow she dresses up as him for extra credit.

She's also quite impressed that CP did the cover. She knows her. OMG!


Wow! Who is her teacher? I'd love to read her dissertation.

How is she dressing? In tango drag?

I'm happy the book helped! CP's cover is Fab!

[katiesue]

She's not got much of an outfit. She was all for shopping for something. Uh no not for extra credit you can scrounge from the closets.

I'll PM you her teachers name. It was regarding his sexuality apparently.

[Snowflake]

She's not got much of an outfit. She was all for shopping for something. Uh no not for extra credit you can scrounge from the closets.

I'll PM you her teachers name. It was regarding his sexuality apparently.

Heh, always a hotly discussed topic. Although on the RV yahoo board, this weeks it's the revelation of his contraction of VD at 15. Some of the newbies are all in a twist that "his reputation has been ruined" and "we're tearing down the idols."

Snort is all I can say. He's dead, does he care that his great-grand niece is revealing this? I think not.

[Snowflake]

1807

After 3.5 years of absolute raves, here's the first negative. I'd take it more seriously if he could (1) type or (2) spell. Since I struggle with both myself, I'll give him a pass. That and I guess he was crabby on December 15th, the other product he reviewed he was not happy about either.

Snort!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

3.5 years is quite the record! Everything has dumb reviews like this one. One out of 20 is stellar.

[katiesue]

Maybe he needs glasses to see the microscopic photos :) I'm at work so I don't have my copy handy but as I recall they were all one or two per page.

[Ghoulish Delight]

What an insensitive asshat. Octadecaphobia is a crippling affliction that ruins lives. It's outrageous that he would exploit the legacy of those who suffer and their families for his own glory.

[lashbear]

"I gave this book one star 'cos I dropped it in the bath when reason' it and now none of them pitchers looks like him anymore. he's all swolled up and dee-faced."

[RStar]

I always discount reviews like that when reviewing products. There's always a few (as GD put it "asshats") out there that don't know what they are talking about.

[Snowflake]

I'm not collecting much in the way of Valentino lately, there was a fabulous signed photo I dearly wanted, placed a bid and was overbid. I know who won it, so at least I know where that is. Today, however, I scored a bargain and a cool item, a copy of Valentino's book Day Dreams, the copy he gave to his sister. My cheese is happy!

How this left the family collections is anyone's guess.

1817

[RStar]

Very nice! :snap:

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Wow, that's crazy! Must have been worth a pretty penny.

[Alex]

I think I'd hate to have penmanship that good. So much pressure to make the words worthy of it.

[Strangler Lewis]

Some of the best handwriting I've ever seen has come fellows in prison.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Oooh, how cool to have something he owned!

I love looking at the writing.

[Snowflake]

The book arrived today, nice clean signature, looks like he inscribed it yesterday. It was, CP, in reality, a good price and a pretty penny. :D Consider the rarity ('ve seen 3 signed copies of this book in 30+ years), it was given by him to his sister and in pretty good to very good condition for the age. It was a nice investment and I could probably sell it for twice what I paid.

[Alex]

Some of the best handwriting I've ever seen has come fellows in prison.

Were the words worthy of the penmanship?

Lani used to know a woman who's writing was like the output of a caligraphy machine. Every time I saw some random jotting I just thought "this is so unworthy of it." Made me want to give her important tasks just to counteract that.

[Snowflake]

Were the words worthy of the penmanship?

Lani used to know a woman who's writing was like the output of a caligraphy machine. Every time I saw some random jotting I just thought "this is so unworthy of it." Made me want to give her important tasks just to counteract that.

My penmanship is not worthy of any fine words, it's really quite terrible.

[lashbear]

That is a marvellous acquisition, and one you should be very proud of. And he even knew foreign languages ;) I'm chuffed for you.

[Strangler Lewis]

Something a little different. (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=590314074387070&set=pb.163598367058645.-2207520000.1391820964.&type=3&theater)

[Ghoulish Delight]

Mazel tov