Tom's Glossary of Book Publishing Terms is a witty collection of 're-definitions' reminiscent of Ambrose Bierce's Devil's Dictionary. Listed below are a few examples from his website.

EDITOR: A writer with a day job.

MAINSTREAM FICTION: The pretense that there is a group of readers who can be reached through writing that is sufficiently ( Read more... )

I was wandering through the receipts in my wallet yesterday, and came across one from work that listed the title, Children Who Smell. I had absolutely no recollection of buying such a book, and had to look up the ISBN to reassure myself that I wasn't losing it.

Turned out to be Children Who Smelled a Rat, The by the Ahlbergs (which I'd bought for ( Read more... )

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I know it's technically librarians and not booksellers, but I found this and thought you folks would appreciate it. I've certainly heard enough of these before.

Don't grind your teeth too much. :)

A few of you might have seen the Red State Update guys posing a question to the candidates during the Democratic Presidential debate on CNN the other night. They are actually a couple of comedians living in L.A. (transplanted from Tennessee), and they have been gaining quite a cult following with their online videos. Thought some of you might enjoy ( Read more... )

NSFW - contains norty words

From BET READ A BOOK! If this doesn't get stuck in your head during your next shift, well... it should! :D

You know how it is ( Read more... )

Jame Frey-SEX TAPE! I'm not saying it exists, I'm not saying I'm a star in it, I'm only wishing it did and that I WAS...just think of the potential, think of the doors that have opened for Paris and Pamela! This could be the best thing that's happened in the publishing world since Harry Potter was born! The topic is open for discussion.

Here's ( Read more... )

today's mixed-up title award was given by my sister, a bookstore owner:

Woman calls asking for "Lala Goes to Dartmouth."

Uhh, do you know an author?

Pullman, P-u-l-l-m-a-n.

Do you mean... Lyra's Oxford?

Yes!
(sigh)

( Read more... )