tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11022879.post8895530307677123403..comments2024-03-27T03:25:08.267-07:00Comments on Life in the Shoe: A Decision About BooksDorcashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07050605764466835485noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11022879.post-66051189703828015892015-10-24T16:09:15.314-07:002015-10-24T16:09:15.314-07:00THANK YOU, all of you, for your insights, thoughts...THANK YOU, all of you, for your insights, thoughts, and advice. We needed more outside perspective and you all helped out so much. No for-sure decision yet on our end.Dorcashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07050605764466835485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11022879.post-78530337427535517822015-10-24T16:05:14.112-07:002015-10-24T16:05:14.112-07:00^ What LRM said. Is the NYC publisher (cool!!!!) w...^ What LRM said. Is the NYC publisher (cool!!!!) willing to take you on, without you giving up blog rights? Sooo many blogs start "smelling like a rat", however slightly, when they start courting bigger audiences or paycheck.... then again, who am I to say it's not worth it? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11022879.post-8826542856721803162015-10-23T17:40:10.437-07:002015-10-23T17:40:10.437-07:00What ever you decide, do NOT let them condense you...What ever you decide, do NOT let them condense your stories. I remember reading your first columns in the paper and then being disappointed when the books came out. You should be the boss, whatever you decide.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11022879.post-42681255507067618692015-10-21T21:26:13.033-07:002015-10-21T21:26:13.033-07:00I'm just a reader. I came across your blog abo...I'm just a reader. I came across your blog about 2 years ago, through a Google search (maybe something to do with cooking?). I'm not religous at all, not married, no kids, and bunch of other stuff we dont't have in common. But. I love good writing, especially if there's some humor involved, and really enjoy getting a small glimpse into the life and mindset of someone who is naturally curious and interested in people. <br /><br />I read a lot, 4 or 5 books a week. I find a lot of new-to-me books and authors while listening to interviews on my local public radio channel. I also come across good recommendations on other blogs. These days I dont find myself in actual bookstores much, maybe every 3 months or so, but a LOT of times I'll find great stuff just poking around on Amazon. I have a BA in English, and am in my mid-50s--i know demographics are important :) Thank you for all your hard work.Linda C.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11022879.post-71419174986326049292015-10-21T09:52:28.969-07:002015-10-21T09:52:28.969-07:00I refused to hand over my blog even when asked to ...I refused to hand over my blog even when asked to do so by my publisher. There was nothing in the contract saying I would have to, so there was nothing they could do about it when I declined.<br /><br />I have thought of simply starting up a separate author blog where I could publish the things they want me to, or they could guest post when ever they like. There is no way that I'm giving them my original blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11022879.post-43323388392342390042015-10-21T09:35:30.794-07:002015-10-21T09:35:30.794-07:00Why not wait and see what they can do with the thr...Why not wait and see what they can do with the three books they have rights to? If they can make good (by your standards) of them, then consider letting the other trickle out.Lucynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11022879.post-30658668044519355972015-10-21T05:30:13.261-07:002015-10-21T05:30:13.261-07:00I have self-published and I have used a publisher....I have self-published and I have used a publisher. Though I am not 100% satisfied with my current publisher (we don't even have a contract--I just get a percentage of the sales) it was a HUGE relief not to have to hassle with storage, shipping, etc. I do miss the contact with customers, though. My book, a wedding planner for conservative Anabaptist people, has a naturally narrow readership, a minority of a minority, so it wouldn't be a huge money maker either way.<br /><br />If you dialog with the New York publisher, I suggest you find out ask about the possibilities that concern you, such as taking over your blog. And if you decide to go with them, I think it would be good to stick with one book to start with (as they have suggested).<br /><br />Sometimes when I have a decision, I list the reasons for each side. It isn't necessarily the longest list that wins, but the one with the most total "weight". <br /><br />As you pray, deliberate in your mind and on paper, weigh the advice of your blog readers, and discuss it with Paul and perhaps others, I believe you will be able to come to a conclusion with peace that it was the right decision. <br />LRMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15527275919812525456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11022879.post-91159447415442772132015-10-20T22:14:06.736-07:002015-10-20T22:14:06.736-07:00Tough decision...but I vote the NYC crowd. Gettin...Tough decision...but I vote the NYC crowd. Getting the Word out to the greater masses. What a blessing that would be! Touching lives from all journeys...such a fabulous opportunity! I say-Go For It! :-)<br /><br />Susienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11022879.post-43573894719908101322015-10-20T10:59:01.737-07:002015-10-20T10:59:01.737-07:00I've just recently come across your books. And...I've just recently come across your books. And I love them. Like the above comment I am not Mennonite nor Amish. (a bit connected through family and people we once worshipped with) However I am intending to give your books as gifts to my family as I just love them so much. I think the comment is right that your readership appeals to more than just Mennonites. It is down to earth, and I found so much in common with you even though our backgrounds are so different. In one of your essays you mention this, that at certain times there is no need to prove a connection. Some things are just common to all of us. And that is what I find when I read your books. You are so much like me or I am so much like you. I read the commonalities, smile and think I do that too.<br /><br />And I also agree that you should give the publishing company from NYC a try. Really, to have a publisher "after" your writing material. Such a thing doesn't happen often.Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16022080428503615168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11022879.post-90192358883074094952015-10-20T08:21:37.120-07:002015-10-20T08:21:37.120-07:00As somebody else said, not a bad dilemma to have! ...As somebody else said, not a bad dilemma to have! My own personal reaction would be to give the NYC publishing house a chance - I mean, how often does THAT opportunity come calling? and you won't know until you try what avenues it might open up. At the very least, what an experience! But if I can ask a personal question here, does one choice feel more right to you than the other? Do you have some sort of gut reaction? Because if you do, you should probably listen to that prompting.<br /><br />By the way, I'm neither Mennonite nor from Eugene, and I own all of your books, and have given some as gifts as well to friends all the way from California to Vermont and Maryland. Your readership is probably wider than you think.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11022879.post-91654118391898915112015-10-20T05:10:04.450-07:002015-10-20T05:10:04.450-07:00What a great set of problems to have! May I be so ...What a great set of problems to have! May I be so cursed one day. ;-) And in all seriousness, I will pray that God guides you to the right answer. crystalkupperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06659420169932283744noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11022879.post-9449179046889302752015-10-20T04:12:47.043-07:002015-10-20T04:12:47.043-07:00I have been reading your blog for years, and becau...I have been reading your blog for years, and because of the blog I have ordered your first three books and enjoyed them immensely. I was upset to learn that I could not order your other books (living in Austria I order through Amazon de.), and not being able to read on e-books resigned to the fact that I would only be able to read the first books.<br /> I do not know if it helps, or means anything, but I would buy another printed book of essays in a heartbeat, if they were from you.<br /><br />JeanneAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08768438205002086526noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11022879.post-60366772972629208122015-10-20T03:25:15.811-07:002015-10-20T03:25:15.811-07:00I know the feeling. It's a tough decision. I m...I know the feeling. It's a tough decision. I made more money in self-publishing but it's a quick hot fire. I can't afford to advertise two books long term and sales dwindle. Royalties from a publisher are diddly. It doesn't seem fair that the publisher and bookstores make more money than the writer who did the work. But I do it for love, not money. I guess it depends on what you want from it. Scribblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12446145686803915738noreply@blogger.com