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Archive for category Publishing
Delayed E-Book Releases – Smart or Annoying?
Posted by Sarah in Jewish Books, Publishing on January 5, 2010
No one can deny it. The e-book is here and it’s here to stay. Whether you’re for or against the e-reader doesn’t change the heart of the matter. The question now is how will the publishing industry adapt to the advent of such a new and exciting technology?
Many are concerned that as devices like Kindle, Nook, and the Sony Reader continue to take over the reading world, printed books will cease to exist. A very scary thought.
So, what is the publishing industry to do?
Well, if you’re Simon & Schuster, you’ve already thought of a solution. The question is, is it the right one? In an effort to address new technologies while continuing to sell printed materials, Simon & Schuster has decided to delay the sale of their publications’ e-books, only making them available four months after the initial hardcover release. And, they’re not the only ones, with companies like HarperCollins and Hachette Book Group following suit.
So, is this an ingenious plan or a childish antic?
Some believe that this makes sense. Wait a few months, let the printed version sell, and then release the e-book for those who desperately want it for their electronic devices. That way, everyone wins. As Simon & Schuster spokesman Adam Rothberg states,
We understand that there is an urge with digital media to have it more, faster, now. We’re trying to hit upon a happy medium.
But, some don’t agree. They argue that waiting to release an e-book version doesn’t cater to what the public wants most. Instead, these people believe that publishers are sticking to an antiquated system of scheduled releases (hardcover first, paperback second, etc) that doesn’t fit with the public’s desire. And, after all, aren’t the customers’ needs supposed to be priority #1?
Whether you agree with the publishers’ plan or not, be prepared to wait a little while for the e-book version of some of 2010’s exciting new releases. And remember, it’s not so bad. Reading print books is still an experience all its own!
-Sarah
Easy-to-Keep New Year’s Resolutions!
Posted by Sarah in JPS Books, Publishing, Uncategorized on December 29, 2009
New Year’s – one of those really big flashy holidays where everything glitters. Literally. People sit around with bubbly champagne, crazy hats, and a list of things they plan to do differently in the coming year.
That’s right, the infamous list of New Year’s resolutions. The things each person wants to change, but rarely does. So, maybe it’s time to find some New Year’s resolutions that you can easily accomplish! Need some help? Here are some easy resolutions just for you, from JPS:
1. Read a book that you’d never think to read – Ever get too caught up in the things you know you like and forget about trying something new? The New Year is a perfect time to branch out and read a book that is totally out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s a New York Times bestseller, a used out-of-print novel, or a JPS title , I can guarantee you that the books you may be least likely to read are sometimes the ones that surprise you most. So, take a chance!
2. Comment on a blog – whether you’re a fan or not, blogs are here to stay (woohoo!), so you might as well take part in the action! Bloggers, myself included, love to hear what readers have to say. I mean, after all, it IS an interactive community, meaning we thrive off comments and discussion. Even if you disagree with what’s being said, tell us! It spices up the conversation.
3. Try an e-book – Yes, I know I’ve made it clear that I’m not entirely sold on e-readers and e-books, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t see what they’re like! Got an iPod touch? Or a friend with a Kindle? If so, take some time to check out a device, and then let us know what you think! We’re always interested in hearing more about the print vs. e-book debate.
Try out these simple resolutions, and start out the New Year on a high. Good luck!
-Sarah
Jews and Christmas music – not such an unlikely mix!
Posted by Naomi in JPS Books, JPS History, Jewish Knowledge, Publishing on December 20, 2009
It’s no secret – I love Christmas music. I adore it! Heck, I love it even more than some of my Christian friends do. You can bet your buttons that when December rolls around, I’m tuning my radio to a 24/7 Christmas music radio station. And of course, people are always asking me, “Naomi, why do you love Christmas music so much? Why don’t you find it irritating like the rest of us do? And… come on, seriously, you’re Jewish!” True, true. I suppose there’s something nostalgic about the music, the bells, the thought of chestnuts roasting on an open fire while the weather outside is frightful…
I think that the best answer is probably that there’s no accounting for taste.
That being said, you could argue (though it’s a stretch) that I love Christmas music because much of it was actually written by Jews. This fun fact is no secret, either. A recent article from InterFaithFamily.com points out that in this year’s American Society of Composers and Publisher’s 25 Most Popular Holiday Songs list, more than half were composed, co-written, or performed by Jews. We all knew that Irving Berlin wrote “White Christmas”, but did you ever think that “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” would be a member of the tribe?
Well, doesn’t it seem a bit strange that so much of this music has been written by Jews? Perhaps it’s not so strange if you think about the phenomenon in its historical context – and this is what’s argued by David Lehman, author of A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs. In an October interview with Smithsonian magazine, Lehman explains how between WWI and the mid-1960s, in the wake of the hardships of life in Europe, Jewish songwriters “reinvented America itself as a projection of their ideals of what America could be,” essentially creating a religion of “American-ness”. Perhaps this is what the holiday songs were all about: the portrayal of a joyful, nostalgic America, centered around hearth and home. They saw America as a place of comfort, and sought to reflect that feeling in their music.
So there you go, that brings it back to the nostalgia argument. Now that we’ve cleared that up, I’d like to wish you all (in the wake of this recent brutal nor’easter), a wonderful, warm week – and if you’re celebrating it, a lovely, nostalgic Christmas.
Naomi
The Super Cool, Mega-Awesome List of Jewish Comics
Posted by Sarah in JPS Books, Jewish Books, Publishing on December 16, 2009
Arie Kaplan, JPS author and comic guru, guest blogs for JPS with his recommendations for the best Jewish comics.
Okay. JPS asked me to compile a list of Jewish comics. But what makes a comic “Jewish”? Is it the fact that it was created by a Jewish writer and/or artist? Well, that doesn’t seem fair, does it? Because if you limit it to Jewish comics creators, you leave out so many talented non-Jewish comics creators, like Carl Barks or Alan Moore (Google them). Hmm. But what about a comic that features Jewish characters? Well…I dunno. Does that make the comic book itself somehow “Jewish”? That’s a little odd. Marvel’s X-Men titles feature characters of nearly every race, religion, and sexual orientation. Hmm…Eventually though, I have to make a choice here. So my choice is to NOT make a choice. (That sound you heard is me blowing your mind.) What I’ve done is, I’ve put together a list of either comics that are created by Jews or comics that feature Jewish content. That way, everyone’s happy. Also, I’ve stuck to trade paperbacks in my list, rather than the decidedly slimmer single-issue comics, because TPBs make better stocking stuffers (or, y’know, whatever the Hanukkah equivalent of a stocking stuffer is). Because I have limited space, I’ve picked a mere five books, but don’t think for a minute that these are the only “Jewish Comics” worth mentioning. (And yes, I know I’ve left out a ton of other contenders.) This should suffice as a good “recommended reading” list for the comic book fan on your holiday shopping list:
1. X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga, by Chris Claremont (writer) and John Byrne (penciler): I was a skinny, neurotic Jewish kid who got headaches all the time. So was she. Trouble was, I was real and she was fictional. But somehow we could make it work. Anyway, the “Dark Phoenix Saga” is the X-Men story arc that made me fall in love with Katherine “Kitty” Pryde. And before you laugh at me for lusting after a fictional character, ask yourself how many times you drooled over Wilma Flintstone. What? None of you? Well, uh…neither did I. Moving on…
2. The Sandman: The Wake, by Neil Gaiman (writer), Michael Zulli (artist), Jon J. Muth (artist), Charles Vess (artist): You’d be hard-pressed to find a better meditation on death, dying, and the mourning process than this final story arc in Gaiman’s acclaimed Sandman series. Everything comes full circle in “The Wake,” as the various supporting characters react to the title character’s demise. Perhaps my favorite chapter: “Sunday Mourning,” featuring the immortal Hob Gadling.
3. The New American Splendor Anthology, by Harvey Pekar (writer), Drew Friedman (artist), Frank Stack (artist), Gerry Shamray (artist), Robert Crumb (artist), Alan Moore (artist), and more: Pekar is the king of the autobiographical comics movement, and has been for well over thirty years. Many of the stories in this volume will show you why. In the story “Pa-ayper Reggs!!”, about Jewish rag peddlers in the 1920s, Pekar and artist Robert Crumb conjure up a New York of chocolate phosphates and horse-drawn wagons, a city with one foot firmly planted in the new world and one foot still languishing in the old. Good stuff.
4. The Essential Howard the Duck Volume 1, by Steve Gerber (writer), Gene Colan (artist), Frank Brunner (artist), Sal Buscema (artist), Val Mayerik (artist), and more: Oh sure, laugh. Laugh because the only version of Howard 
the Duck you’ve seen is that terrible 1986 movie. But really, the comic book series it’s based on is SO GOOD. It satirized everything; sex, religion, politics. And Howard was an interesting character; sarcastic, grumpy, always chomping on a cigar. He reminded me of my grandpa…and, I suspect, he probably reminded a lot of other Jewish kids of their grandpas. He really seemed like an anthropomorphic waterfowl version of a Borscht Belt comic. Was that intentional? Who knows. But we do know that this was one of the best-written comics of the ‘70s.
5. MAD About the Fifties, by Harvey Kurtzman (writer), Will Elder (artist), Jack Davis (artist), Wally Wood (artist), and more: Want to know what MAD looked like in the 1950s? When it was the sharpest, most dead-on humor comic (and later magazine) of the Eisenhower Era? This book is a heady sampler of the first eight years of MAD, including such classic stories as Kurtzman and Wood’s “Superduperman,” a parody of DC Comics’s Superman. In the late ‘50s, various celebrity contributors published work in MAD, among them Ernie Kovacs and Danny Kaye, and their work is included here as well. Also worthy of note: original MAD editor Kurtzman sprinkled his stories with a good dose of Yiddish, often to heighten the comedic effect. One can see evidence of this in the first issue of MAD, which opens on a story about two criminals. The title of the story? “Ganefs” (Yiddish for “thieves”).
Arie Kaplan, a comedian and author, is the writer behind the JPS title From Krakow to Krypton: Jews and Comic Books – a 2008 National Jewish Book Award Finalist, a 2009 Sophie Brody Honor Book, and a 2009 National “Best Books 2009” Awards Finalist. He has also written numerous comic book scripts. Most recently, Kaplan wrote the short story “Man of Snow,” in which Superman battles a Snow Golem (appropriate, given the theme of “Jewish comics”). That story appears in the DC Comics anthology DC Holiday Special 2009, on sale now. Kaplan is currently writing the story and dialogue for the upcoming House M.D. videogame (based on the popular TV show) for Legacy Interactive. For more information, visit www.ariekaplan.com.
I would like to thank the Academy…
Posted by Naomi in Publishing on December 3, 2009
I found an intriguing post today on Publisher’s Weekly’s Shelftalker blog. Children’s bookseller Elizabeth Bluemle ponders the role of acknowledgments pages in books, particularly in novels (as opposed to in works of nonfiction, where acknowledgments are par for the course). While recognizing that it is certainly lovely and thoughtful to publicly mention those who have helped the novel along its journey (not to mention that it’s interesting to get a peek at the author’s personal life), she brings up two issues about these infamous pages which bug her:
First, acknowledgments pages have the potential to project a—certainly innocent and obviously unintentional—self-congratulatory air. When I mentioned the topic of this post to Flying Pig staffer Kelly Dousevicz, she succinctly observed, “They often read like an award acceptance speech, without the award.”
[Additionally,] acknowledgments pages can have the subtle psychological effect of undercutting the authority of the storyteller by being a little too revealing, by broadcasting an author’s private uncertainties about the work, self-consciousness as an artist, or by laying bare the scaffolding of craft… The world of a book, after all, is a private conversation between author and reader. Acknowledgments pages break that spell by bringing in the outside world.
The comments section in this blog post are equally – if not more – fascinating (it’s amazing to see how a seemingly inane topic can transform into a public debate on matters of good taste, good breeding, and high literature). Readers, writers, and editors all chime in on the issue, and their opinions are incredibly diverse. Many agree with Bluemle’s criticisms, others suggest possible solutions (“I do prefer the acknowledgments at at the back”), and still more disagree with Bluemle, claiming that the acknowledgments don’t break the storytelling spell, and that they actually enjoy reading them.
Want to know my thoughts? No? Well, I’ll tell you anyway. There’s a wonderful Jewish concept called hakarat hatov – literally, “recognizing the good”. It’s all about recognizing, and acknowledging, a goodness or kindness that another person has done for you. Basically, giving credit where credit is due. It’s not only considered to be bad form, but is also considered to be a negative personal trait, to not stop for a moment and acknowledge that however great your work is, you are standing on the shoulders of giants.
That’s why I’m putting myself in the pro-acknowledgments camp. Even Shakespeare drew inspiration from outside sources (“Romeus and Juliet,” anyone?) – if only we could have gotten him to acknowledge it!
-Naomi
Are the Jewish People a Mythical Group?
Posted by Sarah in Jewish Books, Jewish Knowledge, Publishing on December 2, 2009
Are the Jewish People real? Or did someone invent them?
These may seem like crazy questions. Certainly there are those out there who consider themselves Jews. And, there are people who know those who practice Judaism. So, where’s the debate?
Look no further than Shlomo Sand’s book, The Invention of the Jewish People. A controversial bestseller in Israel for the past year, Sand’s book is hitting the U.S. with its first English printing. In it, Sand questions historical beliefs most would consider fact. According to David Goldberg from The 
Jewish Community Online,
Legends about the Patriarchs, the Exodus and King David are what Sand calls “mythistories”, a word coined by the Greek writer George Sefiris to describe those embellishments with which every people seeks to glorify its origins. For the Romans it was Romulus; for the French, Charlemagne; for the Prussians, the medieval Teutonic knights.
Even with this challenge of Jewish history, Goldberg says that Sand’s book isn’t as radical as the cover implies. While I find Sand’s topic intriguing, it’s a specific argument that interests me most. In the end, Sand’s books contends that most Jews are descendants from converts, and that while large groups chose to follow Judaism, some of those once considered Jewish turned to something else.
Even if this is the case, my question is, does that make the Jewish people an invention?
Goldberg seems to be thinking along similar lines:
No one today, unless a simpleton, believes that all Jews are descended in an unbroken chain from Abraham to the present.
So, if most acknowledge the existence of converts, what’s the problem? Are they any less Jewish than those with Jewish mothers?
Don’t get me wrong, Sand’s ideas are certainly interesting, and if true, they continue to shed light to one of the oldest religions today. Still, I can’t help but wonder what point he is trying to make.
-Sarah
The Apple Tablet – Amazing? Or Another Nail in the Coffin?
Posted by Sarah in Publishing, Uncategorized on December 1, 2009
I should start off by being completely honest. I’m a Mac. I’ve only ever owned Apple computers and iPods, and that’s the way I like it. So, as the rumors of the Apple Tablet continue to swirl through the technology realm, one must assume that if true, I will be an immediate fan. The thing is, I’m not so sure. Of everything I’ve read, the Tablet really just seems like a bigger iPod Touch.
Which makes me wonder. What’s the point?
As an iPod Touch owner, I’m very satisfied with what I have, so why would I switch to something larger?
It seems that the answer lies in the explosion of e-reading devices. Assumedly, Apple is creating a bigger screen to making reading easier. So, now we get to my dilemma. I love Apple, but I’m not sold on e-readers. I like print books – the feel of paper and the idea of holding something tangible. And the battle between print and digital media rages on. Will the Tablet be just another reason for people to shift from print books to e-materials? Who knows? For now though, no worries. Apple hasn’t officially announced the Tablet yet, which gives me more time to figure out whether I’ll want one.
One thing’s for sure, it’s bound to be cool.
-Sarah
Dr. Seuss and More Teach Hebrew!
Posted by Sarah in Jewish Knowledge, Publishing on November 25, 2009
Children have some of the best books! Think about it. They get cool illustrations and great stories, all in about twenty pages or less. Even better, children’s books have the best messages. Having taken a class in college on children’s literature, I’ve grown to really appreciate the wide variety of stories out there geared towards kids.
So, what could be better than a children’s book? A children’s book in Hebrew!
During a book fair held at my synagogue a few weeks ago, I noticed a copy of The Giving Tree for sale on a display table. Well, I love this book, so it should come as no surprise that I decided to go look at it. Upon arriving at the table, I was surprised to see that the book was entirely in Hebrew! The combination was unexpected (although it shouldn’t have been since it was a book fair at my synagogue!).
Leafing through the pages of the beloved classic, I started to wonder. Are there others like this? The answer is yes! While browsing the web, I came 
across a site that sells a bunch of famous children’s books in Hebrew. It had everything from Dr. Seuss to Curious George to Madeleine to Frog and Toad to Where the Wild Things Are to Goodnight Moon. The selection was awesome.
You might be thinking, why would I ever buy these books when I can go get them in English? I understand that not everyone has 
the same crazy passion for books that I have. And, I’m secretly a kid at heart, so children’s books really appeal to me. But, imagine how much you could learn from these books! What better way to learn some Hebrew than through your favorite stories. The dialogue is basic (it’s meant for kids), and since you know the story, you can get the gist of what’s being said.
So, if you’re looking for a way to spice up your reading life and learn something new, this is it! You can find most of these books through Amazon, so have fun exploring!
-Sarah
The National Book Awards – celebrating reading in the ipod age
Posted by Naomi in Publishing on November 15, 2009
Back in September, New York City played host to the illustrious Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. I didn’t blink an eye. (What do I know about Jimmy Choos? I’m more of a flip-flops girl…) This week, though, the book world descends upon the Big Apple. And I’m getting very excited!
Now, I don’t think that I can really afford to attend the $1000 a plate dinner at the prestigious National Book Awards ceremony on November 18th (I also don’t think that they’d appreciate gate crashers). So I’ll probably have to content myself with checking out how the nominees stack up (you can read more about them here), and keeping an eye on the Publisher’s Weekly website to see who’s won.
With book reading on the decline across the nation, it’s nice to have big, annual events like the National Book Awards – or the National Jewish Book Awards, the American Library Association Awards, the Pulitzer Prize… – to remind the public that there are still great books out there, waiting to be read. In an age where portable devices allow us to watch movies on the go, where television programs can be streamed over the internet, and where the average attention span seems to have been reduced to -
- Hey! Over here! I’m not done yet… as I was saying, in an age where your average American no longer seems willing to sit still for long enough to read an actual book, it’s good to remind people that great literature didn’t end with The Great Gatsby. Great literature and powerful works of nonfiction are still being churned out every day, folks. The National Book Awards give us a moment to recognize that.
Now all we need to do is go the next step beyond recognizing that great books are still being published today, and actually get out and read them!
So if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with my paperback.
-Naomi
Become Your Own Book Critic
Posted by Sarah in Jewish Books, Publishing on October 22, 2009
Imagine it. A place where social networking combines with books – creating one of the largest communal book groups in existence. When I heard that such a place existed, I was so excited. What better combination could there be 
for someone like me, who works with social media and books everyday? My only disappointment is that it took me almost three years to discover this place. So, for all of you out there who have yet to stumble upon this site and hear about it from friends, allow me to invite you into the world of Goodreads!
It all started a week or so ago when a friend of mine insisted that I join. When I asked her what it was all about, she told me about how members can indicate which books they are reading and have read in the past, and then review/rate their selections. The site includes millions of books for readers to rate, and even allows individuals to add books that the site may have missed. How cool is this?! You can make an entirely virtual library and share with other the greatest books you’ve ever read, along with the greatest duds. Delve into this site, and you’ll find books spanning numerous genres, allowing you to experience any type of writing you want!
Here’s the best part. You can find JPS books on Goodreads!
Have you been dying for a way to share with people your favorite JPS books? Or, maybe you wish you could’ve reviewed a JPS book, but you had no way of doing so. Well, now you do! Not to mention, we love seeing how the public feels about our books, so take this opportunity to share your opinions with us and the rest of the reading community. And, of course, relish in the chance to connect with others through similar reading interests! There’s nothing more exciting than finding someone who loves the same books you do.
Have fun!
-Sarah
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