Elliott Turner's Blog, page 6
May 6, 2013
Book is on Sale!
Hey folks,
the book is on sale! Goodreads doesn't let you sell eBooks anymore, so you're options are:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Apple
Smashwords
It's been a blast keeping y'all in the loop on the "creation/publication" process. May you never read a post about a copy editor and manuscript review ever again.
-ET
the book is on sale! Goodreads doesn't let you sell eBooks anymore, so you're options are:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Apple
Smashwords
It's been a blast keeping y'all in the loop on the "creation/publication" process. May you never read a post about a copy editor and manuscript review ever again.
-ET
March 28, 2013
Book Release
Hey folks,
the Kickstarter backers have received their just rewards. They got advanced copies of the eBook (in glorious DRM-free formats) and can enjoy the tome for an entire month before everybody else. I've even created a page at GR for the book here.
And what about...everybody else? If you want to buy the book, you'll just have to wait until the first week of May.
It will only be available as an eBook, although I am flexible and can send you a PDF via email for a Paypal payment. I recognize not everybody has or wants to jump on the Kindle/Nook/iBooks bandwagons.
the Kickstarter backers have received their just rewards. They got advanced copies of the eBook (in glorious DRM-free formats) and can enjoy the tome for an entire month before everybody else. I've even created a page at GR for the book here.
And what about...everybody else? If you want to buy the book, you'll just have to wait until the first week of May.
It will only be available as an eBook, although I am flexible and can send you a PDF via email for a Paypal payment. I recognize not everybody has or wants to jump on the Kindle/Nook/iBooks bandwagons.
March 20, 2013
The Dark Art of the Copy Edit
Hello there, loyal readers. Remember when I promised no more updates until publication? And no more updates about copy editor nerdery? Well, I lied. But at least I'm honest about my past lie. I am writing this post because I have used the darkest of copy editor arts: the reverse chapter read.
The Book is in amazing shape. The artwork is lovely, and the editing and production process runs smoothly. I recently read the book on my iPad, but not as you normally do. Rather, in order to focus on sentence structure, word choice, misspellings, and other such things, I read the book in reverse order. Kinda. I started with the Conclusion, then I read Chapter 10, then I read Chapter 9, etc.
Why?
Eye fatigue. Not surprisingly, the first Five Chapters were super clean. Of course, they are shorter than the later ones. However, eyes get tired. You can only see so many comma splices before they start to, look kinda cool. And once you've let one sentence starting with a conjunction slip through the cracks, why not let a few more in the backdoor?
The professional copy editor did a great job, however he is based in the UK. Thus, some kinda neat word confusion arouse. I speak Spanish at home and at work, so doubts about my native language crept up. Is it "forever" or "for ever"? Does "traveling" need a second "l"? Is there an "e" in acknowledgment?
Then, of course, reality hit. 99% of readers will not see said errors, and won't care. However, the book is my baby and I don't like freckles. Not even little ones. Hence, I read the book backwards. It is almost perfect.
Now that I've dabbled in the dark arts, though, I am tempted to try another super evil Sith Lord feat: the reverse read BY PARAGRAPH. By sentence would be a headache and by word is impossible, but by paragraph tempts me.
Or I could just internet-source any remaining edits to my Kickstarter backers who are getting advanced copies soon. Hmmmmmm.....
The Book is in amazing shape. The artwork is lovely, and the editing and production process runs smoothly. I recently read the book on my iPad, but not as you normally do. Rather, in order to focus on sentence structure, word choice, misspellings, and other such things, I read the book in reverse order. Kinda. I started with the Conclusion, then I read Chapter 10, then I read Chapter 9, etc.
Why?
Eye fatigue. Not surprisingly, the first Five Chapters were super clean. Of course, they are shorter than the later ones. However, eyes get tired. You can only see so many comma splices before they start to, look kinda cool. And once you've let one sentence starting with a conjunction slip through the cracks, why not let a few more in the backdoor?
The professional copy editor did a great job, however he is based in the UK. Thus, some kinda neat word confusion arouse. I speak Spanish at home and at work, so doubts about my native language crept up. Is it "forever" or "for ever"? Does "traveling" need a second "l"? Is there an "e" in acknowledgment?
Then, of course, reality hit. 99% of readers will not see said errors, and won't care. However, the book is my baby and I don't like freckles. Not even little ones. Hence, I read the book backwards. It is almost perfect.
Now that I've dabbled in the dark arts, though, I am tempted to try another super evil Sith Lord feat: the reverse read BY PARAGRAPH. By sentence would be a headache and by word is impossible, but by paragraph tempts me.
Or I could just internet-source any remaining edits to my Kickstarter backers who are getting advanced copies soon. Hmmmmmm.....
January 28, 2013
The Creation/Publishing Twilight Zone
Hey folks,
I've really enjoyed blogging about the creation process. However, the creativity has come to an end - at least on my part. I've sent the manuscript to a copy editor, after several revisions by me and two others, and am just waiting to hear back from him before I give it one last go.
In terms of the art, Erik Ebeling is sending me lovely portraits/images as he's able to. They are s-t-u-n-n-i-ng.
However, not a lot is left to blog around. Thus, this neck of the woods will be pretty quiet. As the publication date grows nearer (early May), expect some announcements.
Until then, crickets.
I've really enjoyed blogging about the creation process. However, the creativity has come to an end - at least on my part. I've sent the manuscript to a copy editor, after several revisions by me and two others, and am just waiting to hear back from him before I give it one last go.
In terms of the art, Erik Ebeling is sending me lovely portraits/images as he's able to. They are s-t-u-n-n-i-ng.
However, not a lot is left to blog around. Thus, this neck of the woods will be pretty quiet. As the publication date grows nearer (early May), expect some announcements.
Until then, crickets.
January 8, 2013
Art Update - Portraits Galore
Hey y'all, longtime no blog. The artist has recently jumped on the project, and, in close collaboration, we've decided that the 30 images will be portraitesque images of key figures in the history of both clubs. I know many of you wanted goofy cartoons ala my Illustrated Guide to Soccer & Spanish, but, alas, they would not have gone with the tone of the book.
And what is that tone? A melodic baritone. Actually, the tone best approximates my more serious thinkpieces and/or actual journalist writings. No blogger wit or sarcastic potshots at Dani Alves. After all, I have to leave something to blog about, no?
And what is that tone? A melodic baritone. Actually, the tone best approximates my more serious thinkpieces and/or actual journalist writings. No blogger wit or sarcastic potshots at Dani Alves. After all, I have to leave something to blog about, no?
December 17, 2012
Editor Update - Roger, Do You Copy?
So, yeah, the Kickstarter campaign was a pretty big success. Despite splurging on rare books, I have enough funds in wait for both the artwork and the prints. However, a copy editor opportunity arose. How? Via twitter.
I noticed one of my followers, Chris Anderson, was a professional copy editor. I shot him a DM and then an email, asked if he'd be willing to copy edit the book for gifts (undisclosed) but no cash (Kickstarter fund = tapped out), and he said yes!
I'm super excited to have Chris on board. I plan on revising the book at least a few more times, yet my eyes grow weary. I'm sure he'll add some insight and polish.
I noticed one of my followers, Chris Anderson, was a professional copy editor. I shot him a DM and then an email, asked if he'd be willing to copy edit the book for gifts (undisclosed) but no cash (Kickstarter fund = tapped out), and he said yes!
I'm super excited to have Chris on board. I plan on revising the book at least a few more times, yet my eyes grow weary. I'm sure he'll add some insight and polish.
December 10, 2012
Editor Feedback: No Mann is an Island
Christopher Mann of the excellent (but too short-lived) Equaliser blog has read the manuscript and given me his feedback. He wrote his Senior Thesis at University on Real Madrid & Barcelona, asking if they were political institutions. He is brilliant, easy to work with, and knows the subject matter quite well.
So, what was his verdict?
Overall, quite good. He agreed with me that the last few chapters are a bit long - with fixture congestion and the revised Champions League allowing both Barca and Real Madrid to compete at the same time, tournament anecdotes explode. I'm working on ways to cut these sections down (the 1980's and 1990's to be more precise).
Conversely, the early chapters are bite-sized. Why? Well, aside from the creation of the clubs, there was only one national tournament, the King's Cup, some regional tournaments, and friendlies. Think of it as fixture decongestant. Not a lot of material to work with. I spiced things up with political and economics background, but prefer a breezy, quick read to blah blah blah.
I was honored to have Chris look at the manuscript, will work to incorporate many of his suggestions, and can't wait for the next two editor's feedback!
So, what was his verdict?
Overall, quite good. He agreed with me that the last few chapters are a bit long - with fixture congestion and the revised Champions League allowing both Barca and Real Madrid to compete at the same time, tournament anecdotes explode. I'm working on ways to cut these sections down (the 1980's and 1990's to be more precise).
Conversely, the early chapters are bite-sized. Why? Well, aside from the creation of the clubs, there was only one national tournament, the King's Cup, some regional tournaments, and friendlies. Think of it as fixture decongestant. Not a lot of material to work with. I spiced things up with political and economics background, but prefer a breezy, quick read to blah blah blah.
I was honored to have Chris look at the manuscript, will work to incorporate many of his suggestions, and can't wait for the next two editor's feedback!
December 3, 2012
Article at The Blizzard
I penned a piece on Nicaraguan Football, FIFA's Goal Program, and some shady dealings in the construction of a national stadium. Check it out here. Sorry, "alleged" construction of a "stadium." Please don't sue me for defamation.
November 26, 2012
Best of FF 2012: Now Out
The eBook moves along swimmingly, yet you desire some quality Turner goodness to hold you over until April. Luckily, a bite-sized morsel is on sale for a buck.
Yes, that's right: Best of Futfanatico 2012 has hit the Kindle eStore for one dollar. You can purchase it here. Why pay a buck?
Well, in five years time, when I am in another universe and cease to pay server fees, these pieces of soccer writing will disappear into a black hole. They will be reduced to a forgotten MYSQL request on a database in a computer that is on a raft in a river that ends at Niagara Falls. Enjoy the view while you can.
Also, this collection has some great stories. I believe that my extended English Premier League preview based on Finnegan's Wake makes more sense in eInk on a Kindle than the interwebs. No offense, interwebs. The soccer hipster post remains relevant, even though you totally heard about it after your friend but are too standoffish to admit it.
I also still love the fake Jurgen Habermas interview about Jose Mourinho. When I think of humanism, I don't think of Jose. Yet he can be so enlightening at his pressers that you just know he's read a bit of Hume to pass those long summer months.
In terms of the eBook, I'm waiting a week or so and then editing a fourth draft. I also have three different sets of eyes that will soon give me feedback. Also, the artist has tied the knot (congrats Erik!), and hopefully in a few weeks can get back on the saddle.
If not, backers can expect some wonderful prints of polar bears closing their eyes in a blizzard come May. (J/K....kinda).
Yes, that's right: Best of Futfanatico 2012 has hit the Kindle eStore for one dollar. You can purchase it here. Why pay a buck?
Well, in five years time, when I am in another universe and cease to pay server fees, these pieces of soccer writing will disappear into a black hole. They will be reduced to a forgotten MYSQL request on a database in a computer that is on a raft in a river that ends at Niagara Falls. Enjoy the view while you can.
Also, this collection has some great stories. I believe that my extended English Premier League preview based on Finnegan's Wake makes more sense in eInk on a Kindle than the interwebs. No offense, interwebs. The soccer hipster post remains relevant, even though you totally heard about it after your friend but are too standoffish to admit it.
I also still love the fake Jurgen Habermas interview about Jose Mourinho. When I think of humanism, I don't think of Jose. Yet he can be so enlightening at his pressers that you just know he's read a bit of Hume to pass those long summer months.
In terms of the eBook, I'm waiting a week or so and then editing a fourth draft. I also have three different sets of eyes that will soon give me feedback. Also, the artist has tied the knot (congrats Erik!), and hopefully in a few weeks can get back on the saddle.
If not, backers can expect some wonderful prints of polar bears closing their eyes in a blizzard come May. (J/K....kinda).
November 19, 2012
The Price D: $5.99
So, I've made my decision on the eBook's final listing price: I'm sticking with $5.99.
Why? Well, I recently purchased two pretty amazing eBooks for $5. The first, Sergio De la Pava's "A Naked Singularity," was originally independently published before U of Chicago Press picked it up. In a sense, it's about a public defender. In another sense, it's about everything and nothing. The reviews and recs have me really amped for it.
The second, "3:41," was recommended via Twitter. It's about a distance runner's battle against early onset Alzheimer's. He uses notes, a video recorder, and a friendly ex-wife to try and continue to train as a pro athlete and run the fastest mile ever. It's still independently published, but don't expect it to remain that way for long.
So, if these two great novels only cost $5, I'm comfortable with my modest soccer history book costing $6. Margins be damned!
Why? Well, I recently purchased two pretty amazing eBooks for $5. The first, Sergio De la Pava's "A Naked Singularity," was originally independently published before U of Chicago Press picked it up. In a sense, it's about a public defender. In another sense, it's about everything and nothing. The reviews and recs have me really amped for it.
The second, "3:41," was recommended via Twitter. It's about a distance runner's battle against early onset Alzheimer's. He uses notes, a video recorder, and a friendly ex-wife to try and continue to train as a pro athlete and run the fastest mile ever. It's still independently published, but don't expect it to remain that way for long.
So, if these two great novels only cost $5, I'm comfortable with my modest soccer history book costing $6. Margins be damned!
