Adam’s World Weekly for 2/9

As many of you know, I’ve been looking to compile my One Hit Wondering columns into a book. My basic feeling is the internet isn’t forever, and I’d like for these particular articles to live on. Also, books are cool.

The pitching process, however, is not cool. It’s arduous, and it takes me back to my freelance days, while also reminding me of online dating – you have to keep sending out emails until you get a yes.

This past week I sent out pitches to ten publishers. It’s a tough pitch, because most publishers aren’t interested in compilations, and don’t want anything that’s already on the internet, but my pitch has a marketing plan attached to it, and a damned good one if I do say so myself.

Seeing what each publisher is looking for, however, has led to me having a new idea for the compilation.

My original idea is still to have 40 columns compiled into a book – 40 being a recognizable number in music thanks to decades of Top 40 countdowns – but while looking through the requirements of one publisher, I saw they only publish shorter books, 40k words or less. My mind started racing.

What if they’re interested? I could potentially have TWO books, each with 25 columns. I could release one quickly, and then the next one six months later, or go full Guns N Roses Use Your Illusion style, and release them both at the same time.

Even if that publisher isn’t interested, it’s an entirely new concept for if I ultimately self-publish (which I’m still avoiding for the time being).

All of this reminded me of a conversation I had with Bruce McCulloch of The Kids in the Hall about comedy, and how when a series is on network television the limitations can bring about more creativity. This is also why I love b-movies so much, being entertaining, and creative on a shoestring budget is so much more impressive than creating something while having all the CGI in the world at your fingertips. Give me Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter over the Marvel cinematic universe any day of the week!

The notion that a publisher would limit the number of words now has me thinking of a SERIES of compilations. How cool would that be? (If you’re subscribed to this newsletter, I’m hoping you’ll think it’s very cool)

So while the pitching process isn’t necessarily a good time, I’m finding it can spark some new ideas, and I’m thankful for that aspect of it.

In blog news, leading things off this week is my interview with Independent Project Records founder Bruce Licher, who spoke about a different type of compilation – his just-released double album that compiles 45 years of IPR music! He also discussed his love of album artwork, and the joy of DIY.

In addition to that feature I also have fresh editions of Pop Shots, and my NYC Scene Report for you to check out.

Read the full interview here

Read the full column here

Read the full column here

As always, thanks for reading, and have a fantastic week!

– Adam Bernard