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Book Nook provides readers with insights into the world of books. Vick Mickunas takes you into the center of the publishing world with the latest book buzz, book reviews, and exclusive chats with authors..Home > Blogs > Book Nook > Archives > 2007 > July > 02 > Entry
confessions of a galley slave (vol. I)
Mr. Webster’s dictionary has a number of definitions for the word “GALLEY.” When I call myself a galley slave I’m blending two meanings of the word.
In the film BEN HUR you’ll recall that Ben (played by Chuck Heston) was a galley slave, chained to his oar on a Roman warship. I’m linked to a different form of galley. My galleys are proofs, advance copies of books that aren’t out yet. It’s a most pleasant form of enslavement. I choose to be chained.
Summertime is a fine time for galleys. Publishers send out these advance copies of books to build up buzz for their fall releases.
Today I got a copy of “THE ALMOST MOON” (Little, Brown) by Alice Sebold. Her first novel, “THE LOVELY BONES” will be a hard act to follow. This second novel comes out on October 16.
Sometimes they don’t even send a whole book. Today I got a sampler of sorts from Gotham Books. It has some page proofs from a book titled: “DISCOVER CHOCOLATE—The Ultimate Guide to Buying, Tasting, and Enjoying Fine Chocolate” by Clay Gordon. A silver packet was included. It contained 3 exquisite bars of Parisian chocolate from Michel Cluizel. This book comes out on October 4.
Many galleys are generic in appearance, no cover art—always in paperback form. I sort them into categories—good—-bad—attractive. There are always some that catch your eye. Here’s an example: “SMILE WHEN YOU’RE LYING-Confessions of a Rogue Travel Writer” (Henry Holt) by Chuck Thompson promises to take readers “ from Bangkok to Bogota, a hilarious behind-the-brochures tour of picture-perfect locales, dangerous destinations, and overrated hellholes from a guy who knows the truth about travel.”
So many galleys—so much time—I love to read! That’s why I’m a galley slave. Let’s see, what do we have here? A new book by Jenna Bush! I think I’ll put that one over there—way over there…..further. Hmmm…it might get rained on out there?
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