I'm excited and must share

[Snowflake]

feel free to move this to the parking lot, but I'm really excited. Some of you know I am writing a book on my lifelong obsession. the field with regard to Valentino has been very busy in the last couple of years, but I crossed a major obstacle today. It's official, I have a literary agent who is going to shop my book around. I do not harbor any illusions that this is not going to be anything other than very steep uphill climb to publication. For today I will be happy to have made it to base camp with an agent on my side who is excited about my project.

Secondly, I've had the most amazing coup pretty much drop right into my lap. One of Valentino's close friends was a cameraman and photographer. His (the photographer's) personal scrapbook of photos, candid, never published before photos, has just come to light and there is a very good chance I will have free access to use them in my project. Half that deal has been set already. :eek: :D

Wow, it's been quite a day!

[Tref]

Congratulations, SF ... and Valentino, no less. Verygood!

[CoasterMatt]

Very cool!

:snap:

[wendybeth]

Very cool! It's a hell of a lot easier to get published if you have an agent, and if you do score on the photog friend all the better! Wtg, Snow!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Fabulous! Congrats, and here's to continued good news :cheers:"

[blueerica]

Awesome, and congrats!

[Not Afraid]

FANTASTIC! I'm so excited for you!!!!!!

[Strangler Lewis]

Wonderful news. Good luck with it.

[katiesue]

Wow - congratulations. I'm so happy for you.

[Gemini Cricket]

Great news! Congrats!
:)

[lashbear]

This is Arthur Valentino the pastrychef from Cleveland we're talking about ? :p ;)


...I'm stoked !! If you're published, we might have to re-name you 3895 or Helen !

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Holy heck! I'm so proud of you, D!

[Kevy Baby]

Tres cool! Congrats!

[Matterhorn Fan]

Congratulations!

[Snowflake]

Thanks! I'm really stoked, this is just a first step. It's a crapshoot and the likelihood of actually getting a contract is really slim (I'm trying ot be a realist).

That said, I do have a back up plan, I've also found a vanity press division of Random House that does fine quality photo books. Yeah, it will cost me 3k to self publish, but if that is what it's going to take to get it out there, so be it. I'm grateful to have an option to go that route.

So, now prepping the proposal and materials for the agent to start submitting. Everyone, please keep your fingers crossed for me, it's going to be a tough road!

[tracilicious]

Congrats!

[RStar]

That is exciting! I know that just getting an agent that feels the project is worth his time is a good thing!:snap:

Good luck!!

[Jughead P. Jones]

AWESOME! Congratulations!

I am a struggling writer myself, and hearing people who have gotten one step closer in their dream has inspired me to go after mine.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Congratulations! What a great experience you are going to have.

[Nephythys]

Congrats- I would love to write but have not made time in my life yet...good luck with it all! :)

[MouseWife]

How very exciting!!!

Congrats on your progress!!!!

[€uroMeinke]

Awsome! Congratulations!

[Promo-Man]

That said, I do have a back up plan, I've also found a vanity press division of Random House that does fine quality photo books. Yeah, it will cost me 3k to self publish, but if that is what it's going to take to get it out there, so be it. I'm grateful to have an option to go that route.

First things first Congratulations.

If you do decide that you need to self publish give my friend Tom over at Creative Continuum (http://www.creativecontinuum.com/) a call tell him that Santa Ron from the Chamber sent you. No that is a different Santa on his website. I am much better looking, Ho, ho, ho

[Snowflake]

First things first Congratulations.

If you do decide that you need to self publish give my friend Tom over at Creative Continuum (http://www.creativecontinuum.com/) a call tell him that Santa Ron from the Chamber sent you. No that is a different Santa on his website. I am much better looking, Ho, ho, ho

Thanks for the link, I will certainly keep this in mind if all else fails.

[Snowflake]

Well, I am making progress, my proposal is currently sitting at 8 pages (not including the nifty cover page and table of contents). This is much more difficult than you'd think. Having to really sell why there is a need for this book, and to sell me along with it.

Another piece of happy news is that Emily Leider (author of the most recent, and thus far, most extensive biography on Valentino) has volunteered to write the introduction. So that is another big plus in my column.

Authors who have consented to do a blurb for the book are Eve Golden, Kevin Brownlow and I've approached Jeanine Basinger (her book Silent Stars and Women's View are must reads for film study I think). And I just smacked myself up side the head, I need to approach Michael Morris (he did an awesome bio of Valentino's 2nd wife Natacha Rambova).

Many little ducks in a row this week.

And my sincere thanks to my friends here on the LoT for the supportive good wishes! :snap:

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Great news!! Much LoT luck to you! :cheers:

[katiesue]

Congratulations on your progress - keep going :D

[lashbear]

Having to really sell why there is a need for this book,

Uh.... because fans will buy it ! :rolleyes:

Bit silly having to sell the concept like that... don't they think Valentino had a lot of fans, or do they think they've all died ? :confused:

I'm going to buy a copy as soon as it's released !!!

[katiesue]

Put me down for a copy as well. I love biographies.

[Snowflake]

Uh.... because fans will buy it ! :rolleyes:

Bit silly having to sell the concept like that... don't they think Valentino had a lot of fans, or do they think they've all died ? :confused:

I'm going to buy a copy as soon as it's released !!!

From your mouth to a publisher's ear LB!

Publishers are little automatons who have no real concept. When I was checking out catalogues of possible publishers to pitch, I figured, if Rizzoli can put out a cofee table book of Diana Ross, hell, they can do Valentino! ;)

If this gets published, I'll send you a copy for free, just for that! SMOOCH!

:D

Oh, and the proposal is currently at 15 pages and with my copy editor. I need to flesh out my commentary on the competing books in print (it's a slam dunk, none of the books in print are remotely anything like what I am doing. In fact, two of them don't even deal in a Valentino biography) Slam dunk to me vs. what a publisher thinks, a whole different sex! Now, I'm working on the proposed list of illustrations, picking out sample images and writing the sample chapter.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

...I've approached Jeanine Basinger (her book Silent Stars and Women's View are must reads for film study I think).

Indeed, those ARE excellent books. Jeanine is a friend and former professor of Tom's, Donna, so if you need us to put a good word for you, we can.

[Snowflake]

Indeed, those ARE excellent books. Jeanine is a friend and former professor of Tom's, Donna, so if you need us to put a good word for you, we can.

Well, that would be totally wonderful! Just goes to show, another case of not always what you know, but who you know! Networking! :cool:

I've not heard back from her yet since she is on sabatical. Her assistant emailed me that she would pick up her email sometime mid-November.

I've put her name in the possible author cover blurbs section of the proposal.

Many thanks!

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Oh, I think that the what-you-know has to go hand in hand with the who-you-know in order for things to get off the ground sometimes, so you're off to an excellent start with your extensive Valentino knowledge and your random LoT friends. ;) I just talked to Tom about it-- he'd be happy to give her a buzz (and put a buzz in her ear...)

[Snowflake]

Oh, I think that the what-you-know has to go hand in hand with the who-you-know in order for things to get off the ground sometimes, so you're off to an excellent start with your extensive Valentino knowledge and your random LoT friends. ;) I just talked to Tom about it-- he'd be happy to give her a buzz (and put a buzz in her ear...)

Great news! Thank you!

[Snowflake]

Okay, after 2 months, I've had an email back from my agent about the proposal. I realize I am a total neophyte at this soiree, but should I be worried I have the wrong dance partner?

Just getting to it now...here are my questions and thoughts.

The way it's set up this book would appeal to the die hard Rudy fans...and you might be able to sell to about 500- to 1500 copies as proposed.

Hmmm, I think that is the obvious choice to appeal to, right? Emily Leider's book (see below) sold over 10,000 copies, no not The Da Vinci Code, but I don't think at all an insignificant number.

How could you possible focus this book, and what kind of writing would be needed to make it appeal to other than the small market described above? How can you make it pop out of its genre and appeal to today's biography market.

It's not a biography! Photo Essay/Photo-bio, but why would there be a market or need for a book published and still in print in 2003. This is eye candy. There was a need for a new coffee table book on Paul Newman and Garbo and Louise Brooks, why would Valentino be so obscure as to need to have the book pop out of it's genre?

Most people of a certain age will recognize the name..and even young people have heard the name...but don't know really who Rudy was or what he was like...he's often thought of as gay.

So, does she mean give up because most people don't know who he was or do I market this because he is a "gay icon"? :confused: Pictures tell the story, it's through the photos people will see what Valentino was like.

Rare photos will be great of course..but is there some slant...say, using today's big stars, Depp, Pitt, others, where there is something about them that is Rudy-ish...

Now I'm really :confused: Brad Pitt?

Emily L. ..how many copies of that book sold? I doubt it sold a healthy amount...never saw it on any bestseller lists..

just a challenge here..

Again, for what it is, I don't think 10,000 copies is anything to sneeze at.

We're supposed to talk this week about her thoughts, but I thought the proposal was pretty clear. I certainly harbor no illusions that this would sell 100,000 copies. I think anything close to 1,500 copies would be respectable.

Today, I guess you can color me a little disspointed. Am I being obtuse, how could she not get it? Everyone I sent it to, including other writers (and Emily Leider) felt it was strong and clear with regard to what I'm proposing. Emily (who has been around the block) said it was strong, clear and well written, very persuasive.

[Prudence]

Is there a possibility that because your proposal is so good your agent sees an opportunity to push this beyond a niche market? There's a lot of Hollywood glamour nostalgia right now, it seems. Maybe her vision is that with a few tweaks it might move into that 100K copy realm.

If that's the case, it doesn't mean you have to go with that, just that you and she might be approaching this with different expectations.

[lashbear]

Rare photos will be great of course..but is there some slant...say, using today's big stars, Depp, Pitt, others, where there is something about them that is Rudy-ish... .

Well, you know, I was thinking to myself... "Self", I said, "What a Rudolph Valentino book really needs is a picture of Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt, just to round it off, of course. It wouldn't be complete otherwise.

Silly Snowflake, how could you have missed this vital fact ?

:rolleyes:

[Snowflake]

Well, you know, I was thinking to myself... "Self", I said, "What a Rudolph Valentino book really needs is a picture of Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt, just to round it off, of course. It wouldn't be complete otherwise.

Silly Snowflake, how could you have missed this vital fact ?

:rolleyes:

Well, I just got off the phone. The agent is very excited and it lookign forward to the challenge of presenting this. It won't be easy, but she says it is worthwhile. She is, however, by no means letting me off the hook for an updated proposal. But, in talking I now see what she was trying to do for a hook for clueless editors. It is for me to bring up in my introduction how Valentino's influence is still felt today and to cite examples. This I can do.

So, now what I have to do is my introduction, and two sample chapters. But the big news is, she is going to bat for me.

Lashbear, I'd put a photo of you in the book if I could figure out how to work it in!

[Moonliner]

Lashbear, I'd put a photo of you in the book if I could figure out how to work it in!

Oh come now, we can't have a straight line like that just hanging out there. Someone around here has to plug that gap with a pithy comment...

[Disneyphile]

So, now what I have to do is my introduction, and two sample chapters. But the big news is, she is going to bat for me.Just awesome!!! :snap: :D

[3894]

First, congratulations, Snowflake! This sounds like a very intriguing project.

Now, for the agent. She wants two things: 1) an easy pitch (It's Valentino meets Brad Pitt meets gay disposible income!) and 2) 15% of mucho moola.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Yippee, how exciting!

Saw this title (http://www.amazon.com/Leading-Men-Unforgettable-Actors-Studio/dp/0811854671/sr=1-1/qid=1169240168/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-3994458-0655345?ie=UTF8&s=books) on a bookstore shelf today and thought, "If this thing with less info and photos in it than the corresponding IMDB entries can get published..."

[lashbear]

It's Valentino meets Brad Pitt meets gay disposible income!
AHA !! There's the Photo Op....

It's Valentino
http://www.usm.maine.edu/~amoroso/courses/rudolph%20valentino.jpg

Meets Brad Pitt
http://www.bradpittnow.com/images/brad_pitt_nude.jpg

Meets Gay Disposable Income (Guess Who?)
http://users.tpg.com.au/adslgroh/avatars/TanyaHyde.jpg


PS: if you're going to put a pic of me in the book, do not, repeat, do NOT use THAT one.... :D

[Kevy Baby]

PS: if you're going to put a pic of me in the book, do not, repeat, do NOT use THAT one.... :DLash... you realize that you are just BEGGING to have that picture used!

[lashbear]

Lash... you realize that you are just BEGGING to have that picture used!

well..... maybe just a little bit... :D :D :D

[Snowflake]

A new wrinkle in the saga of the book. As it turns out, I'm eligible to apply for a grant from the Academy Foundation for 25k for my book. The Academy Foundation awards two 25k grants for projects such as mine. So, I'm applying, with no real hope of being awarded a grant, but it's worth spending some postage to find out. Keep those fingers crossed! :)

[Capt Jack]

So, I'm applying, with no real hope of being awarded a grant, but it's worth spending some postage to find out. Keep those fingers crossed! :)

thats what one of my good buddies said about a writing contest he entered, just before he got published.

fingers X'd

[katiesue]

Crossing my fingers for you too. Good luck!

[cirquelover]

Good luck! I'll keep my fingers crosed for you!

[DreadPirateRoberts]

You won't know unless you try. Good luck!

[Ghoulish Delight]

Good luck! What's the selection process for the grant?

[Strangler Lewis]

Go get 'em.

[Snowflake]

Thanks everyone! All good mojo is appreciated! I figured, what the hell, this is totally worth a shot.

Okay, here's the poop for the process, I think I can even cull a good portion of the necessary 5 page submission from the book proposal. I'll be working on this over the long weekend (in between podcasting interviews).

And here's the link (http://www.oscars.org/grants/filmscholars/index.html) from the Academy site with details of the grants.

http://www.geocities.com/~rudyfan/procedures.jpg

[Kevy Baby]

GREAT NEWS!!! I hope this pans out for you.

You may not succeed 100% of the times you try, but you fail 100% of the times you don't.

[AllyOops!]

Congrats, Snowflake!!!! You are so totally living the dream! :) This couldn't be happening to a nicer person! I wish you much success & am so proud of you!!!! :snap:

[libraryvixen]

Yay Snowflake!! :)

[blueerica]

Go go, Snowflake!

The grant could go a long way to making the process happen, giving you a bit more freedom from worry!

GOOD LUCk!

[Morrigoon]

:)

[Snowflake]

Secondly, I've had the most amazing coup pretty much drop right into my lap. One of Valentino's close friends was a cameraman and photographer. His (the photographer's) personal scrapbook of photos, candid, never published before photos, has just come to light and there is a very good chance I will have free access to use them in my project. Half that deal has been set already. :eek: :D


Yes, I'm excited, it took a while, but the deal is set. I will have access to 80 previously unpublished photos of Valentino taken by one of his close friends. No way I can use all of them, but the ability to cherry pick among them is awesome.

:D

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Congratulations! :)

[lashbear]

WOW !! I get this mental image of you beaming like a kid in a candy shop :D

I can't wait !

Oh, and any word on the grant thingy ?

[Not Afraid]

I love the way this is progressing! Congrats!

[Snowflake]

Thanks everybody for your support. Yesterday was exciting, today I am sliding down the hillside of doubt and lack of self confidence.

Another author who knows I am working on my dream project, has just pitched Valentino to the Academy. He is currently working on another project for the Academy, he has published several other books, has creds (and I don't) and he has also pitched Valentino to other legit publishers and has gotten the nix. So, he has creds, he has published and with the Academy possibly backing Valentino, am I just batting at windmills here?

I just emailed my agent for a real, reality check about this. I'm thinking that what I have to offer will be small spuds compared to what the Academy can produce. But I do want to follow this dream of mine and if I have to self-publish, I guess I will.

Other authors (and friends of mine) have worked with this guy and I have been warned, he is a snake in the grass. They've warned me not to share my research with him. I guess I should not be surprised he's out there batting too. I don't have an exclusive right to the franchise.

[CoasterMatt]

I've had more than a few occasions where that slide down the "hillside of doubt" was just a setup for an awesome jump :)
If you do end up self-publishing, please put me down for a few copies, I've been getting more and more interested in Valentino recently.

[Prudence]

I'd consider it a good sign - if monsieur snake is sniffing around the same subject matter, it must be a good subject! Maybe the other publishers turned him down because they've worked with him before and know he's a jerk.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I'm about to spew self-help book at you. So apologies in advance.

When we make breakthroughs and have good days, our "censor," the little voice in your head that belittles yourself, rears its ugly head. It's hard to learn to recognize it (I battle it every damn day) but it's really just trying to undermine the good, good work you're doing.

We all believe in you-- your agent does, too. And sooner or later, the publishers will get a clue. You just can't talk yourself out of it!

[Strangler Lewis]

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

I heard that in Akeelah and the Bee and thought it was cool. Turns out it's a Marianne Williamson quote, but, what the hell, I like it.

Why the prickly, closed off Laurence Fishburne character was reading self-help books was not explained.

[blueerica]

Im 100% in agreeance with LSPE on this one! Don't let the "censor" talk you out of it... You've got an idea, the knowledge and the passion - don't let the inner naysayer stop you!! Though many of us aren't nearby to support you in person, I feel confident in saying you have everyone at LoT behind you on this one.

You can do it!!

And StranglerLewis - interesting you should post that quote. I was talking about it the other day while driving home, and couldn't remember who the quote was from. It's often inaccurately attributed to Nelson Mandela. Thanks!

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I always liked this quote by Mark Twain:

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

[Snowflake]

LSPE, feel free to spew all the self help you want, much needed and appreciated!

Pru, thanks, you're right, but in many cases it's all who you know (and what network you belong to)

Strangler, what a great quotation. If it were not so long, I'd tack it on my monitor, nonetheless, I've saved it.

Blueerica, thanks for the support! Means a LoT to me!

DPR, a great quote and one that will fit on the monitor!

LoT and the LoTizens who visit are really a wonderful bunch of peeps, but you all know that. :snap:

My agent wrote back
I have to throw this all back on you...if you can make the book interesting to people who are not die-hard R.V. fans you have a chance.

Self publishing is another way to go..you'd sell a lot on ebay most likely.

I don't know this other guy's work but he certainly has an In...reg publishers will not go for an RV book..because the audience, they feel, it small and dwindling....it has to be something very very special...

that's what I'm hoping you will produce.

So the ball's in your court...it has to be a work of love on your part...with the safety net of self publishing...which I can help you with if it comes to that.

[katiesue]

Congratulations Snowflake. Keep with it and I'm sure in the end you'll be happy you did.

[Prudence]

Sounds like your agent believes in you. And we do, too, so keep at it!

[Snowflake]

Well, this week has been a roller-coaster for me. But, not all was icky, I got the final newsletter out (and that was a monkey on my back the size of king kong). And, as I have been researching and reading, the lightbulb went off over my head, I do not need to re-invent the wheel, here. I discussed this with my agent and I also have a secondary meeting with an author she published about options.

That said, after a long hard look at what is really needed here, the first thing is not getting out my chisel and re-invent the wheel. There are 2 other biographical works on Valentino currently being pitched (one has a contract and will be out in 2009, the second is and has been in pitch hell for the last several years, dammit, I want to read that one, too). Again no need for me to reinvent the wheel.

Soooooooo, I am going to self publish this behemoth with photos and essays for each chapter. Let's face it, everyone I've spoken to, and all the people writing to my website, all they want is the photos. This I can do and do easily and basically, this is what I wanted in the first place.

I had checked with Xlibris last year and thought, okat $2500 investment, I can do this and get a decent book out. Well, I just went to check and that is now a $6000 deal. Not to mention that even if I went with them, the price for the book retail would be almost $100, I'd never sell any! I have no expectations of making any money off this, but going deeper into hock than I already am is not an option, so scotch that one.

Mousepod turned me onto blurb.com as an option. (Thanks Jesse!) It's not ideal in that I can't market the book through amazon.com, but I have 100% control over what goes in it, including layout (they have very cool software to work with) and minimal upfront for me to come up with, in fact, nothing for them, just me to file my own copyright (duh, that I can do) and purchase a couple of ISBN numbers (1 HB and 1 PB). The price point for the book options is fairly reasonable and I can get this out in a nice looking edition for something that won't break anyone's bank account.

So, this is where we are on it. With some dillegent effort on my part, and no more major drama for a few months, I can get this in the can for proofing in a few months time.

Oh, and the Academy sent me a nice letter, but I don't have the creds for the grant.

[katiesue]

Progress - yay!

[Snowflake]

I'm in the process of designing the Valentino book. The cover art, that is. I'm shooting for simple and something that "pops."

I've put up a page for people to make a selection (or to tell me that they all suck). The photos shown are in no way the only choices available. I'm merely trying to narrow down what is appealing to the people with an interest in Valentino. Portrait or in a film role? Sexy, smoldering or vulnerable?

So, please pay a visit and cast your vote (my choice is obvious, it's too great of a photo not to be included, even though it is in Emily Leider's excellent book)

Some possible cover choices are Here (http://www.rudolph-valentino.com/new-book.htm)

Thanks!

[wendybeth]

I like the one you chose for the mock-up. The pose and shading looks great, and it's not one I recall seeing before. Even though he's in costume, he looks more natural than most of the other shots.

[Not Afraid]

I love the one you chose. My second choice is the smoking pic. Although, it probably wouldn't be a good choice for a variety of reasons. But, it is muy sexy.

[Kevy Baby]

I too agree with your choice. I also like #10 as it has an air of mystery to it.

#7 would have been more interesting if he were in more casual attire.

One thing I did notice is that in most all of these pictures that he is looking down (as in direction, not mood). This better captures him and he seems to know it.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I think #13's the best, but NA's right the smoking aspect may be a marketing distraction.

[€uroMeinke]

Yeah, #13 as well - but maybe the smoking has just the right amount of "naughty" appeal to get attention?

[Snowflake]

Well #13 was long the "trademark" shot from my old version of the website. I really do not think the smoking thing is an issue. It's such an evocative photo of the glamor of the era. Let's face it, smoking in those days was sexy!

It's running just below the #1 shot from The Hooded Falcon, so far.

Thanks for all the input.

[Mousey Girl]

I like them all...well, almost. I don't care much for #9 and 12.

[Moonliner]

A as Valentino neophyte photo #6 is the only one I would look at and say "Ahh that book is about Valentino" from across a bookstore isle.

However I also like the captivating direct stare in #8.

[Ponine]

My opinion,
Four, Six, and Thirteeen.

[Moonliner]

I guess you had better just use a collage of all the photos....

[Snowflake]

I guess you had better just use a collage of all the photos....

Believe it or not, that was also a suggestion by someone!

Option 6 is moving slowly up the ranks, but still not close to #1 or #13

I'm ordering a 20 page sample book tonight just to double check the quality of reproductions on the hand tinted photos and the toned shots I plan on using.

Also, Kevy if you are reading this, a CD will be coming in the mail soon with photo/scans for fixing!

And I have now had a second person tell me when they go to my website they get a popup from their anti virus staying some trojan is associated with my site. I can't find anything on my PC and lunarpages is the webhost. Go figure?

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I'm torn between #6 and #13. I think #6 is instantly recognizable, so it depends on who/how you are trying to attract the potential reader.

[Snowflake]

Alrightie!

I just received the proof/sample copy of a blurb produced 20 page PB book of photos for my project.

The quality looks good, the reproduction on the images is pretty close. Not quite 100% on the toning (I see a little slight coloration on light backgrounds) but it is actually nicer than I was expecting. I can see that I need to rescan some photos.

The color tinted photo I put on the back cover is very close to color true. So that is good to know, as I have 4 hand tinted images I want to use.

What I did not get, and I read it, it just never registered with my brain, the book size is literally 8x10. Which is not a large book. The larger HB only option is 10x13.

So, I've got 3 choices:

8x10 PB - approximately $45
8x10 HB - approximately $65
10x13 HB - approximately $115

I can offer all 3, but then I would be designing 2 different books (and buying ISBN numbers for 3 rather than 2 as originally planned)

I honestly do not know how many I can sell at $115 a pop, it's a lot more than a Disney Coffee Table Book! ;)

Anyone have thoughts on the size and my options with blurb? If you want to see the stuff they've been putting out, visit them (http://www.blurb.com). I do need to revisit the software and see the layout I can do for the 10x13 book. It may work out well, I've just been working in the standar mode.

One of my best RV friends was like, of course I'd pay that much for a coffee table book. But, I do believe not everyone will. I'm not looking to make money on this, merely to get the thing out. I would only make money of I set the price with blurb (like $5 per book) but gee whiz, that just makes it more expensive!

[mousepod]

If you think the larger format would better represent the pictures, I'd go with the larger format. One way to make the price point be a little more appealing (at least for the first several months), is to offer some kind of "bonus" for people willing to pay the extra money. You could, for example, offer a free 8x10 reproduction of the cover - signed by you - to anyone who purchases the book in the first 12 months.

On the other hand, if the original photos were 8x10s, would the smaller format hurt? How does a tight binding affect your margins?

[Snowflake]

If you think the larger format would better represent the pictures, I'd go with the larger format. One way to make the price point be a little more appealing (at least for the first several months), is to offer some kind of "bonus" for people willing to pay the extra money. You could, for example, offer a free 8x10 reproduction of the cover - signed by you - to anyone who purchases the book in the first 12 months.

On the other hand, if the original photos were 8x10s, would the smaller format hurt? How does a tight binding affect your margins?

Well, I do need to check out the layout options for the larger format book. Since not all the photos will be full page size, I might be able to do a slightly smaller page count and still have a book chock full of good stuff. As I said, when I get home, I will see what the layout options are.

I do not think the smaller format would hurt, but I think people might be expecting a larger format book. In the smaller book, the full size photos would be approximately 7x9 in size in any case.

In any case, I'm very happy with the quality I do see. It looks nice, feels nice in your hands and will be a nice book to thumb through. I did want to make it affordable, though and I am hoping at some point Blurb will go with some kind of distribution via amazon, that would certainly increase views and (one would hope) sales beyond plugging on my website.

[Kevy Baby]

I can offer all 3, but then I would be designing 2 different books (and buying ISBN numbers for 3 rather than 2 as originally planned)

<snip>

Anyone have thoughts on the size and my options with blurb? If you want to see the stuff they've been putting out, visit them (http://www.blurb.com). I do need to revisit the software and see the layout I can do for the 10x13 book. It may work out well, I've just been working in the standard mode.Are you working with the portrait style of landscape style on the 8 x 10? Just curious.

I would say that you only need to offer TWO options: the 8 x 10 PB and the 10 x 13 HC.

[Snowflake]

Are you working with the portrait style of landscape style on the 8 x 10? Just curious.

I would say that you only need to offer TWO options: the 8 x 10 PB and the 10 x 13 HC.

Portrait is what I started with, I was assuming I would leave it that way. The 10x13 is landscape only, which is okay with me.

Very good suggestion KB!

[Snowflake]

Last week a friend who runs a bookstore in town, reminded me he had not provided me with a contact at a University Press he knows. They put out some nice film-related books. He insisted I use his name and that I do contact the editor, regardless of any outcome. So, I bit the bullet and did last Friday. Today,I received a very nice response that included a request for my book proposal! In the immortal words of BtD, squeeeeeeeeee!

I know the power of LoT, send a little swanky magic in my direction! :cheers:

[katiesue]

I know the power of LoT, send a little swanky magic in my direction! :cheers:


You got it - coming your way!!

[Snowflake]

That magic of LoT has taken me to the next step!

They're running numbers (like how much this might cost) which may well kill it, however, it is going to be presented to the Board mucky mucks as something they should do! A viable, real, honest to goodness book! Criky!

Keep those good vibes coming my way, they asked for more information from me and we'll see how this all plays out.

Regardless of whether or not this goes any further, I'm finding even the hint of interest to be quite a boost and pretty darned exciting. Year of a Million Dreams, I think so!

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Woo hoo! :snap:

[katiesue]

Way to go Snowflake!

[Morrigoon]

Yay! :snap: :cool: :snap:

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Send all the magic I've got in your direction! :) YAAAY!

[Kevy Baby]

Guess I better get started on those photos soon...

[CoasterMatt]

W00t!

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Go, Gadget, Go! I'm very excited for you. Good luck!

[Moonliner]

I look forward to hearing that the canvas upon which you have painted your dreams has reached publication.

[Not Afraid]

What a great birthday present!

[Strangler Lewis]

Very wonderful. Good luck.

[Snowflake]

Well, thanks everyone! I am hopeful and I had a phone call last night with an offer of addtional assistance, which is pretty awesome.

It is also amazing, however, the drama that is now swirling about this project. Honestly, some people are just too weird and nasty! Hopefully my little boat won't be shipwreacked and turn into a doombuggie! Sorry to be so obscure, but it's really kinda crazy.

[Moonliner]

Sorry to be so obscure, but it's really kinda crazy.

Keep good notes. Your next project can be a tell all about writing a book.

[Snowflake]

Keep good notes. Your next project can be a tell all about writing a book.

Oh jeez, the stories of collectors, collecting and all that is a book in itself! Sometime it seems like a small pool with lots of guys peeing into it! Ew!

[Snowflake]

Well, I'm in wait mode (and I'm impatient, to boot).

The good news is, they asked for the proposal again and 30 or so sample images (I can't remember if I updated before Mexico). I sent them the goods and they've sent the proposal and CDs out to "readers" to get a take on the viability of the project. So far, the news back is good from the "readers" I know, thank goodness for good will among some of these people. Kevin Brownlow gave me a big boost and thumbs up with the publisher. He emailed me and told me so! Le sigh, it's like having a great being telling you that you're doing okay. He's a geek, but he is my hero.:cool:

Still in wait mode, still thinking that the $$ to produce this will lay me flat. But, I have another friend who has the proposal and wants me to come to LA to pitch in person if this deal goes no further. Two other potential publishers in the mix. Yikes! :D

[lashbear]

The more the merrier !! It's sounding really positive !. I don't have a small pool, but I've peed in my sink here to bring you good luck. :D

[Snowflake]

Much to my surprise, I received a package from the possible publisher today. It's not all bad news, but there is some. The good news is, they are still interested based on the response from three "readers." Readers 1 and 2 were pretty positive and clear in the opinion that this is a necessary book. Reader 3 was a bit more problematic, and made some good commentary and a fair amount of critical commentary and some pretty uncomplimentary remarks about my scholarship based on the proposal not to mention that my writing style was "skittery." Ah well, can't please everyone. I'm trying to look at this analytically and not personally, heck I know I will need a damn good editor.

Bottom line, they want me to revise the proposal after considering all the points in the commentary by the readers and then go to the next step. They are also asking me if I know likely sources that might fund this expensive project. They're approaching the Italian Cultural Ministry, but want to know if anyone else comes to mind to come up with the "several thousands" needed for such an expensive book.

The editor wants to talk to me once I've read, considered and made a decision where to go next. I'm going to drop her an email and let her know I got the stuff and I will call her after the new year.

At least, shes still interested in pursuing it. That's a plus and not an outright rejection.

[tracilicious]

That sounds like good progress to me!

[katiesue]

Sounds like some positive progress. Congrats!

[Disneyphile]

Woohoo!!!! :snap:

[BarTopDancer]

:snap: :snap: :snap: :snap: :snap: :snap:

[alphabassettgrrl]

Hurray for positive comments. :) What do you think of the requested changes?

[blueerica]

Sounds like mostly positives... no road is without its hills... unless you live in the plains, but that's another story.

[wolfy999]

Sounds like good news to me!

[Not Afraid]

I think that is fantastic news! And what, pray tell, is "skittery" writing?

[wendybeth]

Surely there are preservationist societies for early film icons that would be interested in backing this project, not to mention such entities as SAG, the Academy, etc. Might you also tie in the possibility of a certain amount of the proceeds going to the groups that support aging actors, or some such thing? He was such an important part of our early film industry on so many levels- it just makes sense that maybe a group of interested parties might be able to really put this out there. Just a thought.

[Snowflake]

Pardon me, "breathless and skittery" was the term used. In any case, upon sleeping on it, talking with a couple of author friends, Rudolph Valentino Book Proposal and the Temple of Doom: Part II, the Sequel will begin production in January 2008.

Valid criticism and good suggestions on where to refocus the proposal and clarify the intent of the proposal and book are in there, as well a few snarky comments, so it's all good (including the pin pricks).

At least they are interested in it and looking for funding and more from me. I've got a phone call in to the editor and we'll see what advice she has for me.

[Kevy Baby]

I guess I should start working on those photos then

[Snowflake]

My editor and advocate has left the publisher I've been talking to and working with. Back to square one with them. :(

On the bright side, I'm now free to look elsewhere.

I've got a querry in to the Academy, this is right up their alley. Of course, I am not an academic, nor do I have any real creds when it comes to scholarship, so this is whistling in the dark. At least I have contacts at the Academy that could push this through.

Or bite the bullet and go with blurb.

Bah.

[Gemini Cricket]

Don't give up! Keep on truckin'!
:)

[JWBear]

Don't give up! Keep on truckin'!
:)

You're all about 70's pop culture references today, aren't you.

[BDBopper]

I know how much this means to you Snowflake. I am so sorry for the setback but I hope that the ship will be righted soon enough and that it will work out better than anything in your wildest dreams! :)

[Gemini Cricket]

You're all about 70's pop culture references today, aren't you.
I dig it, man! Can you dig it? Hang loose, man!

[3894]

Oh, Snowflake. I am sorry. Publishing is such a crap shoot.

I'll tell you this much: I want to read your book. There is a public out there for what you are doing.

I never hug but for you, an exception. ((((Snowflake))))

[lashbear]

Pardon me, "breathless and skittery" was the term used.
Breastless and Slippery ? I would't call you... Oops, wrong glasses. :blush:

[Snowflake]

Thanks! I've not given up, but bah humbug nonetheless.

That said, I'll hang onto the glimmer of hope of an Academy publication. That would be ideal. I've got contacts, we just need the planets, moons and stars to align.

[Snowflake]

Well, the great news is, my former editor and advocate is still interested in Rudy. At the new press, at least they do have experience in doing art/photography books. I just sent her a quick email, and got an immediate response back. My heart has lightened about 16 tons, there is still hope!

[Tom]

Yay!

[alphabassettgrrl]

I second the "Yay"!!!

[Gemini Cricket]

:snap:

[Kevy Baby]

I'm probably the only one who is bummed about this as it means I need to get to work on the photos.

[Not Afraid]

Great news!!!!

[Strangler Lewis]

Good for you. Hope it works out.

[BDBopper]

Hooray! :D

[lashbear]

Snowflake: Yaaaaaaay !!

Kevy: Just do the damn photos, already ! *Sheesh* :p

[Kevy Baby]

Kevy: Just do the damn photos, already ! *Sheesh* :pYou are so absolutely correct. Don't know why I don't just take care of them.

Bad Kevy!

[Snowflake]

You are so absolutely correct. Don't know why I don't just take care of them.

Bad Busy Kevy!

Well, no worse than me actually writing the damned thing....

[lashbear]

Yes, Miss Snowflake, I also want you to have the damn book written, photoed, Kevvified, and published in time for my visit.

Thankyouverymuch.

[3894]

Yes, Miss Snowflake, I also want you to have the damn book written, photoed, Kevvified, and published in time for my visit.

Thankyouverymuch.

Hah. I'll be there in November, darling.

I'm probably the only one who is bummed about this as it means I need to get to work on the photos.

Did you hear that sound? That's me striking a match to light a fire under you.

And now for a visual. This is my impatient expression. I am waiting to buy this book and listen to Snowflake being interviewed on NPR and watch her amazon.com number and ...
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g90/agenzel/103105_endora1a.jpg

Move it along! It's all so exciting and wonderful.

[Kevy Baby]

Did you hear that sound? That's me striking a match to light a fire under you.And here I thought they banned burning witches.

[lashbear]

And here I thought they banned burning witches.
Does that make this Salem's LoT

[Kevy Baby]

Two good news items:

I have actually started working on the photos
I learned how to use the Dodge and Burn tools effectively in Photoshop (we have an ex Adobe employee/trainer on staff). This will help fixing some of the photos.Also, Susan has been helping with a lot of the simple but tedious tasks.

[Strangler Lewis]

Two good news items:

I have actually started working on the photos
I learned how to use the Dodge and Burn tools effectively in Photoshop (we have an ex Adobe employee/trainer on staff). This will help fixing some of the photos.Also, Susan has been helping with a lot of the simple but tedious tasks.

I'll take the bait: "So you have both hands free. Good."

This post also reminds me of an old Jewish joke, the punchline of which is "I'm shtupping her."

[Kevy Baby]

So I have finished 23 out of 48 pix (though due to work constraints, I need to take a sabbatical from Photoshopping).

I did want to share the one photo that has taken up the most time:

Before
http://home.mindspring.com/%7Edirectprintkevin/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/picture023before.jpg

After
http://home.mindspring.com/%7Edirectprintkevin/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/picture023after.jpg

Although looking at the "after," I see a couple of things I want to clean up.

Creating image is always a challenge.

[Alex]

You forgot to remove the cigarette from his right hand. Why do you hate our nation's children?

[Moonliner]

Well done, even better than I could do with PowerPoint. :D

[Snowflake]

Again, absolutely incredible. Thanks is certainly not enough, and way better than I have been able to do in photoshop elements and paintshop pro 12.

[Snowflake]

No pressure, if you need a bit of Valentino swag for 2009, the 5th annual calendar can be had here (http://www.lulu.com/content/3985859).

In the interest of full disclosure, there are no butt, package or otherwise interesting shots. Which means I will sell 2 or 3, at most. ;)

[Kevy Baby]

Again, absolutely incredible. Thanks is certainly not enough, and way better than I have been able to do in photoshop elements and paintshop pro 12.I don't know: you did a fine job with your avatar!

[Gemini Cricket]

In the interest of full disclosure, there are no butt, package or otherwise interesting shots. Which means I will sell 2 or 3, at most. ;)
Damn!
:D


Nice work, KB!
:)

[Snowflake]

I just got an invitation to participate in a Symposium on RV in Torino next year (THUD).

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Congratulations!

[Ghoulish Delight]

I just got an invitation to participate in a Symposium on RV in Torino next year (THUD).
Hmm, a reference on Wikipedia called Torino "the Detroit of Italy". Ouch, cold. I'm hoping for your sake that's purely in terms of its importance in the car industry and that it doesn't share any other characteristics.

[Kevy Baby]

I just got an invitation to participate in a Symposium on RV in Torino next year (THUD).Do you know a lot about Recreational Vehicles?

[Strangler Lewis]

Hmm, a reference on Wikipedia called Torino "the Detroit of Italy". Ouch, cold. I'm hoping for your sake that's purely in terms of its importance in the car industry and that it doesn't share any other characteristics.

Hence, it appears, the Ford Torino and Gran Torino.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Yeah, hence.

[Deebs]

I just got an invitation to participate in a Symposium on RV in Torino next year (THUD).

Excellent, SF. I'm excited for you. :cool:

[JWBear]

The English language has some terrific words that nobody uses anymore.

I like "whilst"; I think I'll try to use it whenever possible.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Congratulations!!!

For the record, my Gran Torino was one of my favorite cars ever to date.

[Kevy Baby]

For the record, my Gran Torino was one of my favorite cars ever to date. The Starsky and Hutch (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starsky_and_hutch) car was a Gran Torino

http://moviemike.com/torino/images/hotrod/original/smoke_two_c.jpg

[lashbear]

I just got an invitation to participate in a Symposium on RV in Torino next year (THUD).
I take it THUD means Torino Hunk Underware Discussions ?

[alphabassettgrrl]

Yes, Kevy, it was. Mine was this horrid yellow-green color. More yellow than green, but an odd color.

Loved that car.

[Kevy Baby]

I got this email:

The Pacific South Coast Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis is pleased to announce that you have been nominated as the:

Walk MS Volunteer of the Year

[BDBopper]

Way to go Kevy! :)

[Tom]

Yay Kevy! That's great!

[wendybeth]

Wtg, KB! I've a friend with MS, and every year I sponsor her walk in the MS Walkathon here in Spokane. We have a very large MS population up here- I think that per capita it's one of the largest in the world. My friend is really an inspiration- she says she'll walk every year, even if it means crawling, and she raises some serious funds through her many sponsorships.

[Snowflake]

Alrightie, I can't remember if I posted this here or not, so if I am repeating myself, forgive me but I wanted to give you a 2009 update. After much long and hard thought, I decided to go with a self-published project by using blurb.com. The thought of another 2 or more years bewteen getting it done and getting it published just made me more depressed. I'm happy with my descision and am looking forward to completing the project. I'd like to do a HB, but I think it will be too costly for someone finding it on my site and wanting to buy it. So I will very likely go with a paperback, it will keep the book price down and hopefully will sell a hundred or so copies.

I've got all the material I can use, more than I can use, in truth. So, that earthquake you felt was me stopping the collecting of new images or new memorabilia. Seriously. In fact, I plan on scanning and selling a few in a very short time via the internet's great garage sale, ebay. By way of illustration, a photo I placed a nomnial bid on to watch on ebay last week, sold for $482 - seriously. Not a signed photo, just a candid photo. Amazing.

Kevy and GusGus have been working on some pics that needed tlc, which is saving my bacon. :snap:

So, I worked over Xmas and got the basic layout and design set up and I think it will be vey nice looking. My real problem is I need some cover art to make it nice and snappy. I do not like the options with the blurb fonts and layouts. This can be worked around by doing it in photoshop or some other graphic program. My problem is, I can pick photos, but I'm lousy at doing a design. Anyone want to volunteer for this project to get a credit rather than payment for your time? I do not want to further burden Kevy and Gusgus, who have already spent a LOT of time on this for my benefit.

Anyway, that's my news, I made my decision and hope to have the thing ready for August.

[Strangler Lewis]

Congratulations on your decision. Do you have a title in mind? If not, I recommend something with the words "American Idol" in it. The ensuing lawsuit will do wonders for sales.

Good luck!

[Snowflake]

Congratulations on your decision. Do you have a title in mind? If not, I recommend something with the words "American Idol" in it. The ensuing lawsuit will do wonders for sales.

Good luck!

Bwahahahaaaaa, maybe I can crib the logo for real infringment issues?

Valentino Babylon? ;)

[alphabassettgrrl]

Good luck! How exciting!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

This is going to be fun. :)

[Kevy Baby]

Kevy and GusGus have been working on some pics that needed tlc, which is saving my bacon. :snap:Guess this means I need to get cranking on the photos...

[Not Afraid]

This is a LoT-produced project! I'm loving it! This is what I had always envisioned coming out of a gathering of minds such as this. It's our virtual commune come to life. YAY Snowflake!!!!!!

[Snowflake]

This is a LoT-produced project! I'm loving it! This is what I had always envisioned coming out of a gathering of minds such as this. It's our virtual commune come to life. YAY Snowflake!!!!!!

CP is not one to let a challenge sit or allow grass to grow under her feet.

I think the title should be Hollywood Rajah! ;)

912

[Morrigoon]

How about, "The Chic"?

[Cadaverous Pallor]

CP is not one to let a challenge sit or allow grass to grow under her feet.

I think the title should be Hollywood Rajah! ;)

912Adding a trunk is now my trademark. :cool:

[Snowflake]

How's this for a title?

Rudolph Valentino The Silent Idol - His Life and Films in Photographs

Or cut the substitle and leave it

Rudolph Valentino The Silent Idol

[Strangler Lewis]

"Lamb of the Silents."

He did die young.

[mousepod]

I think the title (or subtitle) should make it clear that it's a photo book. Big selling point, there.

[Moonliner]

How's this for a title?

Rudolph Valentino The Silent Idol - His Life and Films in Photographs

Or cut the substitle and leave it

Rudolph Valentino The Silent Idol

Humm..

"Rudolph Valentino The Silent Idol"
Sounds better but the reader will also need to know this is a photo book:

Rudolph Valentino: Visions of a Silent Idol
Perhaps?



Edited to add: DAMN. You beat me to it again MousePod.
I think the title (or subtitle) should make it clear that it's a photo book. Big selling point, there.

[Snowflake]

I think the title (or subtitle) should make it clear that it's a photo book. Big selling point, there.

Well, hopefully the cover art designed by either or LoT artiste who has rtisen to the challenge will make that very plain indeed.

[lashbear]

How about: "Where's Rudy?"

[Snowflake]

How about: "Where's Rudy?"

Might be confused with Where's Waldo!

[Snowflake]

Humm..

Rudolph Valentino: Visions of a Silent Idol
Perhaps?



Hmmm, I like that or Images of a Silent Idol
Shorter title, better!

[MouseWife]

How about: "Where's Rudy?"


Oh gosh, this does crack me up, when put into the 'Where's Waldo?' perspective.

Kind of like the website with 'Benjamin Button' photos? He is in some big scene and you have to find him {or else it zooms in automatically, I dunno, someone just showed me}.

That would be a cool photo/poster...well, seems like a novel idea. :snap:

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Rudy, Rudy, Rudy

[Kevy Baby]

Wait a minute: this book is all about the pictures? Now I'm REALLY feeling the pressure!

[Snowflake]

1013

CP's artistry. Whaddaya think?

She's done a second one with the font all in NiteClub (but I did not send it to myself here at work)

[cirquelover]

That's really cool! I'm so glad it's all coming together for you, great work!

[DreadPirateRoberts]

nice!

[alphabassettgrrl]

Nice!

[Not Afraid]

Beautiful cover!

[~MS~]

That is perfection!!!!! Congrats and wow!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

:)

This is a fun project, with challenges I've never faced before.

I'm a new convert to collaboration.

[Alex]

Well I'm going to have to take a contrarian position and say that is a pretty nice design. Good job.

[Snowflake]

:)

This is a fun project, with challenges I've never faced before.

I'm a new convert to collaboration.

CP has done a marvelous job, in particular since my "instructions" were pretty vague. I sent her a bunch of pics and said have fun and here are some other book covers I kind of like. It's got to be hard to do something where the person wanting the work done is not terribly articulate about what it is she might want.

That said, I'm going to ask for one more revision, minor. The text runs a bit too close to the bleed area on the top and bottom, otherwise, I think it's spiffy as heck!

CP has done a beautiful job on the gradient background and recreation of the smoke from the ciggie. I did not notice that it was not as in the original photo, awesome work!:snap:

[bewitched]

Awesome work!

[Deebs]

I love it! Nice work, Caddie. I'm so glad you're happy with it, Snow.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Thanks, everyone! :)Well I'm going to have to take a contrarian position and say that is a pretty nice design. Good job.Forcing Alex to agree with others makes it all the sweeter.

CP has done a marvelous job, in particular since my "instructions" were pretty vague. I sent her a bunch of pics and said have fun and here are some other book covers I kind of like. It's got to be hard to do something where the person wanting the work done is not terribly articulate about what it is she might want.Au contraire, you provided plenty of book cover style samples, which is all I needed. You were exceedingly patient and not at all demanding or nitpicky. I think I got off easy!

[Strangler Lewis]

Smokin'!

[What's a bleed area?]

[Moonliner]

[What's a bleed area?]

It's a female thing.

[Betty]

Bleed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleed_(printing))

[BDBopper]

:snap: :snap: :snap:

[Kevy Baby]

[What's a bleed area?]Bleed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleed_(printing))Wikipedia is a little misleading.

"Bleed" is additional image that extends beyond the trimmed edge. By printing this extra 1/8" of image, it allows for minor movement tolerances in post-press cutting. Without the bleed, one runs the risk of seeing a very small, but usually quite noticeable white edge where the image is supposed to run off (bleed) the edge of the paper.

What Snowflake was referring to ("The text runs a bit too close to the bleed area on the top and bottom...") was keeping live copy away from the trim. While typically it is suggested that "live copy" (text and images where it would be highly noticeable if they were clipped) be kept 1/8" away from the final trim edge, often times from a design aesthetic, one will keep type further away than that. From the looks of it - the type is more than 1/8" from trim, but I agree that it needs to be just a little bit more.

Hey: I have a bachelor's degree in this crap: it isn't too often I get to show it off in public.

It's a female thing.Well, there is that too/

[Betty]

That's a much better explanation then what I'd typed out, erased, and linked to. Funny - I use it all the time - but trying to explain it clearly without showing a picture of it - well - I got pretty wordy.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Thanks for the expert explainer, Kevy. Hmm, guess I should get on that.

[Kevy Baby]

Thanks for the expert explainer, Kevy. Hmm, guess I should get on that.You're doing better than me: I've had the pix (that I am supposed to be cleaning up) for about a year and a half and am only about half way through them.

[Ghoulish Delight]

it isn't too often I get to show it off in public.


Man, it's been a while since I've submitted a quote.

[Moonliner]

Man, it's been a while since I've submitted a quote.

Apparently. You seem to be a bit rusty and slow.

[Kevy Baby]

Man, it's been a while since I've submitted a quote.Yeah, I knew as soon as I typed that it would quoted. I thought about changing it, but I decided to leave it anyways.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Apparently. You seem to be a bit rusty and slow.
What do you mean?

[Moonliner]

What do you mean?


Sorry, I don't find the use of admin rights all that funny.

[Kevy Baby]

Boys, don't make me pull over the internet!

[Snowflake]

You're doing better than me: I've had the pix (that I am supposed to be cleaning up) for about a year and a half and am only about half way through them.

Well, from that you just sent me of the 25 pics you've cleaned up, WOW is all I can say! BEE-YOU-TI-FUL job! A miracle worker in digital form! :D :snap:

[Snowflake]

Thanks for the expert explainer, Kevy. Hmm, guess I should get on that.

On the NiteClub only version, can you pump up the "Rudolph Valentino" a tad to make it pop a bit more?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Sorry, I don't find the use of admin rights all that funny.Just to be clear, we occasionally comb through the quote pulling out duplicates (we're not 100% vigilant, but try to pay attention), so this was not an unprecedented use of admin powers (though my selection of which one was obviously biased in favor of humor).

[Not Afraid]

I just learned that Valentino had a dog. He was an Irish Wolfhound named Centaur Pendragon.
http://www.irishwolfhounds.org/newspaper15.jpg

[Snowflake]

I just learned that Valentino had a dog. He was an Irish Wolfhound named Centaur Pendragon.
http://www.irishwolfhounds.org/newspaper15.jpg

He had more than one! That's a great pic!

A pair of German Sheperds Marquis and Sheik, a doberman named Kabar, a Mastiff (whose name I forget), the wolfhound he got in 1926 (his brother Alberto chided him on the expensive purchase) and Mayor Rolph (of SF) gifted him with a beautiful black spaniel named Mission Rudy. Poor Mission Rudy was given to RV on what would be his last visit to SF in July 1926, he was returned to Mayor Rolph. Here he is in front of the Fairmont Hotel with Mission Rudy.

1015

[Kevy Baby]

Wasn't one of the pics for the book with a dog? Or was it just the train that I am remembering?

I get dogs and trains confused all the time.

[Betty]

Wasn't one of the pics for the book with a dog? Or was it just the train that I am remembering?

I get dogs and trains confused all the time.

Or was it the dog train?

http://www.peoplecorporation.org/post_images/1585_Dog_Train.jpg

[Snowflake]

Wasn't one of the pics for the book with a dog? Or was it just the train that I am remembering?

I get dogs and trains confused all the time.

Oh yes, I've got several. I can't remember which ones I've sent you for fixing, but I am sure there is at least one with a dog in it (or a horse)

RV also had a Great Dane, 4 horses and his wife had numerous Pekenese, one named Chuckie (and she also had a lion cub named Zela when there were living in sin on Sunset Blvd.)

[lashbear]

Hey: I have a bachelor's degree in this crap: it isn't too often I get to show it off in public.
I thought you just xeroxed stuff... ;)

she also had a lion cub named Zela when they were living in sin on Sunset Blvd.
I don't recall a hotel called "Sin" on Sunset? Did they mind her having a lion cub in her room?

[Moonliner]

I heard a tag line on the news this morning.

Oprah is doing a special from "Inside the Valentino Empire".

It took me awhile to figure out she's talking about that other Valentino.

[lashbear]

there's another valentino?

[Ghoulish Delight]

If it's Oprah, I'm guessing this one (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentino_Garavani)

[Not Afraid]

THAT Valentino has Pugs - 6 of them.

I don't know much about people but I know what kind of dogs they have. :rolleyes:

[MouseWife]

THAT Valentino has Pugs - 6 of them.

I don't know much about people but I know what kind of dogs they have. :rolleyes:

Okay, a MouseWife question.

I don't know if you would know this at all but it did cause some hoopla amongst my Cornell fans....

What type of dog does Chris Cornell and family have?

{Sorry if this is goofy {another dog!} but it just popped into my mind and if you don't know, I'll tell you. Then you will know if it ever comes up.}

Those are lovely photos. I love photos from that era.

[Not Afraid]

I don't know, but if you find me a picture of him and his dog I can probably tell you what breed it is.

[MouseWife]

I lost the link to the shots {they were up in Canada and it had on a little sweater}. It is a Chihuahua. Can't remember if it was a mini one or not. If I find it, I'll post it.

I thought it would be good for your list. ;)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I lost the link to the shots {they were up in Canada and it had on a little sweater}. It is a Chihuahua. Can't remember if it was a mini one or not. If I find it, I'll post it.

I thought it would be good for your list. ;)Going to be hard to find on the 'net, as he was in a band called Temple of the Dog.

[MouseWife]

Ha, that is true, Jen. This was more recent, actually.

Hee hee, but, when you put it like that, thinking of a little Chihuahua as being the 'dog' in the temple of the dog? I think in those days he had big dogs like shepherds.


{okay, my searching skills are horrible...can't find it at all....}

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I had to attempt this.

Cornell's pets in 1993 (http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19930517&slug=1701663)
-- Chris Cornell, lead singer of the Seattle rock group Soundgarden: two Pomeranians, Pancake and Howdy, and one rottweiler-labrador, Bill.

That's the best I found, using terms like "celebrity pet".

[MouseWife]

I can't believe you found that!! Pomeranians, eh? So, the Chihuahua isn't so much of a stretch.

Thanks for finding that. :) {in my circle, that gives me some points :D }

[Snowflake]

Just got an email from an already disgruntled Valentino fan. They do not like the cover art. Butthead, if you're unhappy with the inside, fine, but the cover? Poohead!

[Moonliner]

Just got an email from an already disgruntled Valentino fan. They do not like the cover art. Butthead, if you're unhappy with the inside, fine, but the cover? Poohead!

Let me guess....

They were offended by the cigarette right?

[Snowflake]

Let me guess....

They were offended by the cigarette right?

Nope, just did not like the image, would have preferred one of the other choices I had posted previously. Butthead, it's beautiful! And, the real point is, judge the content, that is where the dominos of criticism will fall.

[innerSpaceman]

Um, I think the phase "Never Judge a Book by its Cover" became so common because many people do just that.


Then, of course, there's the human analogy ... but the literal interpretation has to count for something.

[Kevy Baby]

I think you should just put a crayon scribble on the front cover.

And I liked CP's designs - they were wonderful!!!

[Strangler Lewis]

It would be nice if everyone bought your book hoping to be charmed. Human nature being what it is, I bet there's a good chunk of your prospective audience who will buy your book hoping to find fault and think to themselves that they could have done it better. Their money's just as good.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Can't please everyone on the internet, that's for damn sure :)

[Snowflake]

Okay, little update time, things are moving along swimingly. For me, the classic procrastinator, it's going okay. The downside with blurb is text insertion, that part is a PITA, a real PITA, it reformats and screws with your head in every whihc way. So the bulk of text is going in at the end and this will be time consuming to make sure it's not screwed up. I will also need to PDF the entire book so I can index it, this will also be a PITA. But I refuse for it not to be indexed.

In the middle of getting some images in place I decided to make a change to the interior design a bit, an improvement. I may also remove the background design and keep the pages a slight tinted color or not and keep them white. Not sure. Keep in mind the design layout is very simple and clean not too much in the way of gee-gaws. Blurb has some limitations and a lot of their "themes" just do not match my vision. So I kept it simple.

Once I get a PDF draft of some of it this weekend, I will see if I can extract a few pages for posting here for opinions. I only have adobe reader at home so it makes PDF editing impossible. I'm using cutePDF to do the conversion (suggested by the gurus at blurb) so if anyone knows another non-acrobat PDF generator, I'd love to hear about it. Freeware, that is.

The first run of promotional postcards came back from the printer. If anyone wants one PM me an address and I will mail one. Do not feel obliged I'm just putting it out there if anyone has a remote interest. The second postcardf will be done later in the summer, with actual ordering information and pricing. Kind of exciting to think I am almost done with this and it will be available.

The only bad thing is, and I do not know if it is really a bad thing, the book is going to be a bit larger (page count) than I'd anticipated. This will make it more expensive price-wise, so I am debating whether or not I add the $5 on top of the blurb price so I make a bit out of this. Goodness knows I will never get rich or never make back any of the $$ this project has actualy cost. That said, I do not want to put it out for nothing except blurb to make dough. If I sell 100 copies I will be happy. I'll cross this bridge when I do the final upload of the book to blurb.

I'm also debating on spending $$ for an ISBN number, it will cost about $125 and I also have the copyright application to think about. That's cheap ($45) and I can file it myself. I need to see what I actually need to send for the manuscript, if a PDF proof will be sufficient.

Oh, and the last bit of very cool news is the Valentino family will be donating an image or two from their collection for use in my book. While they have a book of their own coming out in 2010 sometime (which I am very excited about) it's like a benediction to get their approval on my project and to have them offer a rarity for me to use. :D

[Kevy Baby]

Okay, little update time, things are moving along swimingly. For me, the classic procrastinator, it's going okay. The downside with blurb is text insertion, that part is a PITA, a real PITA, it reformats and screws with your head in every whihc way. So the bulk of text is going in at the end and this will be time consuming to make sure it's not screwed up. I will also need to PDF the entire book so I can index it, this will also be a PITA. But I refuse for it not to be indexed.

In the middle of getting some images in place I decided to make a change to the interior design a bit, an improvement. I may also remove the background design and keep the pages a slight tinted color or not and keep them white. Not sure. Keep in mind the design layout is very simple and clean not too much in the way of gee-gaws. Blurb has some limitations and a lot of their "themes" just do not match my vision. So I kept it simple.What program are you working in?

[lashbear]

Oh, and the last bit of very cool news is the Valentino family will be donating an image or two from their collection for use in my book. While they have a book of their own coming out in 2010 sometime (which I am very excited about) it's like a benediction to get their approval on my project and to have them offer a rarity for me to use. :D
TRES cool !!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Will the promo postcards feature the cover design? :)

[Snowflake]

Will the promo postcards feature the cover design? :)


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. ;)

[Snowflake]

What program are you working in?

I'm using the blurb software called booksmart. To do their books you need to work in their software. Text text boxes on the pages work in much the same way as MS Publisher (sh!tty) which I am used to from when I put out the RV Newsletter.

Basically you pick from the page layouts they have, and they just upgraded the software, I downloaded the new version last night. I see I might be able to edit the layout of the pages, which can be cool or a headache. Not sure yet. If it is going to allow me to enlarge the photo spot on the page, or move them around, this will be a good thing. Blurb provides many options for layout of the photos, but only a few I can really use because I do want to caption most of the photos.