Weekly Scratch: Local, Bestsellers, Market News, Passage

Hi folks: I hope your manuscripts are humming.  Be sure to be working on your SCBWI WIP Grant applications, the submitting window is about to open. 

Locally, Brazos Writers is offering MOVIE BOOT CAMP on Feb 19.  Scroll down the page to find the info.

What's the most popular book?

From Publisher's Lunch (2/3/2010):
The New York Times Unveils Their E-Book Bestseller Lists --The NYT's first-ever e-book bestseller lists will appear in print on February 13 and online on February 11 (reflecting rankings for the week ending January 30), as the paper previewed for publishing people at an event this morning. Not only will the paper publish a separate e-book list, but there will also be a hybrid print and e-book bestseller list. A spokesperson said the paper "wanted to provide more comprehensive lists of which books are selling. Here's a link to the NY TIMES BESTSELLER LISTS.

Who is buying books and why?

Check out this new study from a joint consumer study with Bowker and ABC (now a part of the ABA) in PW, Have you had questions about how the digital media is reshaping children's publishing? This might shed some light on the subject. Here's another acticle from Feb 2011 in the NY Times about how E-Book sales for kids are on the rise.

Some interesting children's market tidbits.

D4EO Literary Agency has promoted Kristin Miller to associate agent. A co-founder of the young adult blog YA Highway, she will work on building the agency's young adult and middle grade client list.

from Publisher's Lunch

Beth Fleisher has left BG Literary to found her own agency, Clear Sailing Creatives, and as of Janurary, Michael Stearns is only accepting queries by conference submission and referral.

from Thursday Spotlight with Casey McCormick.

Passage

Brian Jacques the author of the REDWALL series has died.  -- from NPR.

You will not be dissappointed if you go.

Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop at Chautauqua, the deadline for having applications in the mail is Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011.  . It takes place July 16-23, 2011, in western New York at the Chautauqua Institution.  For an application, and for more information, please contact Jo Lloyd, e-mail:
jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org, or phone, toll-free, 877-512-8365.

For the Team Unicorn folks, here's a new book...

Do you remember this oldie but goodie from the '60s? Peter S. Beagle's LAST UNICORN is a graphic novel!  In September 2010, S&S published ZOMBIES VS UNICORNS, watch the trailer here if you have no clue.  The epic battle continues to rage Go Unicorns!

Come back next week for more Scratch!