Buzz, Balls & Hype

The Graphic Novels Guy

Looking Back at Book Expo 09

 

Good crowds, CEO Oblivion and a book called Stitches

By all accounts BEA was supposed to be a dismal failure.  Various pundits were predicting that no one would show and that the Javits Center would be a ghost town on Saturday morning.  Suffice it to say we had a fairly good turnout and there was much to talk about in the book business and, there was a lot more focus on digital media than there should have been.

The ABA sessions on Thursday featured some great moments and some not-so-great.  Tina Brown's CEO panel was hyperfocused on a technology that involves ONE percent of the publishing industry but has become the belly button focal point.  Instead of asking why these CEOs are still pouring millions of dollars into advances, or what can be done to incorporate smarter technology in creating good books time was wasted on digital.  Tina's other foul ball came when she asked the publishers how they planned to fight Google's digital initiatives.  Apparently she didnt read the news about any lawsuits. 

 Stitches Saves the Day         

Surprisingly, after the CEO panel, we still had a full house for the first Editor's Buzz Panel.  There were some ok presentations for books that sounded like good reads but they faded quickly from memory when Bob Weil from W.W. Norton gave his presentation on Stitches by David Small.  This book is a brilliantly painful and beautifully rewarding graphic novel about the childhood of a celebrated childrens book illustrator.  If this book does'nt sweep up major awards it will be an injustice. 

The First Graphic Novels Buzz Panel

It wasnt really supposed to be a buzz panel in the way BEA normally presents them but the Hot Fall Graphic Novels for Libraries(and Retailers) turned out to be a great set up for some really great books.  Four librarians had to plow through hundreds of submissions to identify those graphic novels which hold a great deal of promise for the fall.  In the end there were 16 great books for Kids, Tweens, Teens and, Adults.  

Four of the titles selected are serious contenders for the book award season: Little Mouse Gets Ready by Jeff Smith(TOON Books), Crogan's March by Chris Schwiezer(Oni Press), Smile (a Dental Drama)by Raina Telgemeier(Scholastic) and Stitches by David Small(W.W. Norton).  Putting this panel together was a great deal of fun and the librarians who jumped into the challenge were fantastic.  Eva Volin, Christian Zabriskie, Barbara Moon and Jesse Karp had a lot of reading to plow through and they are librarians who really know that these graphic novels represent a cultural shift in American literacy.  

In the end, BEA went much better than a lot of folks had anticipated and people throughout the convention were talking about a graphic novel called Stitches like it was the best book on the planet.  Kudos to Courtney Muller and the rest of the Reed Exhibits team.  I am sure there were some sleepless nights leading up to the show but it all worked out quite nicely.

See you next year!

John Shableski works for Diamond Book Distributors where his focus is on the independent book seller, library and educational markets.  He has been a panelist, moderator and program coordinator for Book Expo America, New York Comic Con and Miami Book Fair International.  He has also been named as a judge for the 2009 Eisner Awards at San Diego Comic Con and a member of the Book Expo Advisory Committee.  He can be reached at shjohn@diamondbookdistributors.com

The Graphic Novels Guy

 

 

TLA, OLA and The Library Bill of Rights

A Cultural Shift continues in Texas and Oklahoma

It’s been quite a few months of solid travel for me these days so I do apologize for not having anything posted lately.   In my travels I’ve pretty much covered the country from Miami to San Diego and Chicago to Houston then on to Oklahoma-it’s all been for people who want to know more about graphic novels.

 

At the beginning of April the Texas Library Association held their annual convention in Houston.  TLA is one of the most influential library shows in the country and it is a ‘must attend’ for anyone wanting to do business in the library world.   For this particular show TLA made the formal announcement for the Maverick’s Graphic Novel Committee.   Like their counter part in the Young Adult Library Services Association’s Great Graphic Novel for Teens Committee the Maverick’s will publish a list of great graphic novels as recommended by this core group of librarians. 

For TLA to take a step such as this is a considerable event.   Texas librarians and teachers take their book awards such as the Bluebonnets, Long Horn and Taysha’s quite seriously.  Publishers also understand the benefit of these awards as they do help to move books.   Now that Texas officially recognizes the value of graphic novels the cultural shift has picked up a little more momentum.

The next trip on my agenda landed me in Oklahoma for the Oklahoma State Library Association’s annual gathering.  I really enjoyed the hospitality and sat in on some great workshops.  The audience here was a definite mix of teachers, school and public librarians and academics.   Creating a presentation for this diverse audience is quite a challenge.  Each person wanted to know how graphic novels specifically fit into their worlds.  Judging by the crowded room, we still have only just begun to scratch the surface on meeting the needs of the market.

The Library Bill of Rights turns 60

There is a fascinating document that many outside of the librarian world may have never heard of.  It’s the Library Bill of Rights and this is the 60^th anniversary of the formal adoption by the American Library Association.   The implications of this document and the movement are still being felt to this very day.   Consider the era in which the movement began to create this bill: it was the 1930s and we were dealing with The Great Depression, Civil Rights were only a whisper of a movement and the librarian world was feeling a need to establish a sense of new self.

   

Here are the opening statement and two of the articles:

The Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I.  Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II.  Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

That’s pretty brave stuff considering we were already embroiled in communist witch hunts.   Maybe the 60s really began with this bold declaration?  To me, the ultimate irony is that, during the comic book burnings in the 1950s, librarians and teachers were right there with the rest of our leaders of society.   Now, graphic novels and comics are making a comeback because librarians and now, teachers have become the most ardent supporters of the format.

How cool is that?

 

John Shableski works for Diamond Book Distributors as a sales manager with a focus on the independent bookstore market, public and school libraries.  He's been a moderator and panelist at Book Expo, a moderator for library panels at the New York Comic Con, a guest speaker at library events, regional book shows and a symposium coordinator. This year he has been given the honor of serving as a judge for the 2009 Eisner Awards at Comic Con International.  He is currently collaborating on several graphic novel symposiums across the country.  He can be reached via email at shjohn@diamondbookdistributors.com

 

 

 

The Graphic Novels Guy

 

Fordham University Launches a Graphic Novel Symposium
Landing on the Moon...

Even though it has been some time since I last posted anything here on Buzz Balls and Hype, that doesn’t mean it’s been for a lack of things to do.  The New Year brings a load of new opportunities and events across the country.   The first event for the library world happened in Denver with the Mid-Winter meetings for the American Library Association.  The guys at Udon Entertainment held a reception to launch their line of manga titles for early readers much like Francoise Mouly did for TOON Books last year when the show was in Philly.   Publishers, you would be smart to follow in their steps.  Show the librarians why your books are worth their time and you will definitely benefit.  TOON Books picked up a Geisel Honor for Stinky by Eleanor Davis this year.  It’s quite a coup and an honor for the first-time author and new publisher.  It sure would be nice to see Udon follow the path set by TOON Books.

Fordham brings graphic novels out from under the desk

This past Saturday, Fordham University hosted a symposium on the use of graphic novels in literacy.  The program was called Graphica in Education and to call it anything less than a watershed moment would be an injustice.  The goal of the committee led by Dr. Marshall George was to provide the best possible programming that addresses this explosive category.  The interest in the graphic novel format in education is something “that Fordham needs to be in front of.”  

The first meeting we had with the committee was in mid-October and happened because Alan Brody, who published a graphic novel called White Shaka, made a call to the university to see if they would be interested in hosting an event focused on the use of graphic novels in literacy.  When we met, Dr. George and the committee were determined to have this project scheduled within the next three months.  I have to admit, I wasn’t sure of how it was going to come together.   Normally an event such as this needs at least nine months or more to plan but the Fordham team really put it together.

As it so happened, January 31st was the best possible date to get all the classrooms and auditorium that were available.  The next challenge would be getting authors and presenters lined up. With our small window, I had no idea to expect.  I also forgot that Fordham has a bit of a reputation for doing incredible things.  When the request for papers went out the response was amazing. The submissions had greater depth than I think many had anticipated-I know I was stunned.

See, as the educational industry has begun to react to the format, you normally see conference programs that ran from the genius level to the “Gee, kids really love graphic novels!” approach.  It has improved considerably over the past couple of years but the Fordham event has redefined what an event like this can deliver.   What these speakers brought to Fordham showed how incredibly intelligent educators have become about the impact graphic novels and comics will have on our system.

Professor James “Bucky” Carter and Jon Scieszka Own the Stage

The key note speaker was Professor James “Bucky” Carter who teaches in the English Department at University of Texas at El Paso.  Bucky literally learned how to read using the comic books his high school drop-out mom would give him. In his first comic book from the X-Men series, he would learn about moral and religious dilemmas, codependent relationships and existentialism.  He was only 8 years old.  Bucky went on to college in spite of an environment that was determined prevent anyone from knowing success of any level.

Now, his ability to see how the use of comics and graphic novels can open the doors to literacy for so many students has led him to a pioneering role in the educational world.  Fordham presented him with an honor for his ability to show the rest of the world why comics and graphic novels help readers discover a real passion for reading.  Yes, there are other professors and teachers out there who are also doing this and soon enough the spot light will find them.

Ambassador Jon Scieszka

If you ever have the opportunity to hear Jon give a speech you need to make sure you don’t miss it.  Here is a guy who knows comics and graphic novels work for improving literacy.  He understands that kids and yes, that includes boys, will read when they are given the opportunity to read that which they really enjoy and not what you try to shove down their throats.  With his mission to prove this point he was awarded the role of first Ambassador of Young Children’s Literature.  In the tradition of Mark Twain and Dave Barry, Scieszka has fun in pointing out the obvious and proving, through his own books that kids will read when we make it fun for them.  His books incorporate such a wide variety of graphic design, incorporating illustrations, cartoons and photos…he uses anything available to communicate with his readers-he makes his books fun to read and isn’t the joy of reading the point of all this?

Jimmy Gownley and Dr. Michael Bitz talk about the power of graphic novels

Before Jon Scieszka took to the podium I had the pleasure of moderating a panel with Dr. Michael Bitz and Jimmy Gownley of Amelia Rules!  fame.   In their own ways, these two have also made significant contributions to the graphic novel movement.  Dr. Bitz founded The Comic Book Project and Jimmy has been writing his Amelia Rules! series for at least a decade.  Jimmy, with the partnership of his wife has believed in the books he was writing.  Michael Bitz developed a program while he was teaching at Columbia University that would begin to open so many doors to kids across the country.   The topic of our panel was The Power of Graphic Novels.  Why do kids like them?  Why do kids have an easier time reading comics and graphic novels?  Why do we, as adults try to differentiate the format from traditional prose?

It’s quite simple. The next generation readers are already tuned to the impact of a multi-media environment. They process images faster and they are more critical of the information and the ways it is delivered.  While we call them graphic novels, the kids simply call them books.  It’s no different than when our generation began to refer to rock and roll as simply ‘music’.

With the arrival of rock and roll a new phenomenon arrived.  It was the birth of the garage band.  Kids everywhere picked up guitars and drumsticks and made their own versions of the music they were hearing on the radio.  Training in classical music would have been nice but they couldn’t wait for that.  The need to create a new sound was undeniable.

At the end of our panel, Dr. Bitz showed us a story that was drawn by a tenth grade student that was considerably more articulate and intense than, I think, anyone in the audience had ever anticipated.  Try to imagine what the mind of young Native American boy can create when he draws from the spiritual beliefs of his ancestors and combines them with a very strong touch of Christianity. The result was stunning.

Now, a new generation has arrived. They can create their own comics, graphic novels, animation and video games. The question for the academics who attended the Graphica in Education symposium at Fordham University is this: Can you meet the needs of kids who think faster than we did at that age?

I’d like to tell you that you have some time to think about it but that’s really not the case.  This week we have New York Comic Con at the Javit’s Center.  Mixed in with an incredible amount of programming for the fans and creators are workshops for librarians and teachers.   If you want to see what tomorrow looks like you will find it at events like Comic Con and at Fordham University. 

Dr. George Marshall and the rest of the folks on the committee at Fordham University did something amazing with thier symposium.  There have been other workshops included in various conferences across the country but nothing of the depth and scale of what we saw during the Graphica in Education symposium. 

When the dust finally settles they will realize they've put a foot print on the surface of the moon.

John Shableski works for Diamond Book Distributors as a sales manager with a focus on the independent bookstore market, public and school libraries.  He's been a moderator and panelist at Book Expo, Comic Con International, a moderator for library panels at the New York Comic Con, a guest speaker at library events, regional book shows and a symposium coordinator. He is currently collaborating on several graphic novel symposiums across the country. He can be reached via email at shjohn@diamondbookdistributors.com

The Graphic Novels Guy

Notes From Miami
The morning after a great week.

Right now, I am looking out the window and seeing snow flurries.  It's only been an evening or two since I was in Miami, checking on the final details and clean up from the Miami Book Fair International. Warm, amazing Miami!

In an earlier column I made the observation that bringing graphic novels to the Miami Book Fair was much like discovering a great new surf spot that was right under our very noses.  After this past weekend, it certainly feels like that was a pretty accurate analogy.   The crowd was great and the speakers were all phenomenal. It was a really great moment.

We launched our efforts with “An Evening with Will Eisner.”  The panel had Scott McCloud, Denis Kitchen, Judy Hansen, Charlie Kotchman and Bob Weil.  It was more of a cool jam session than discussion.  Each has great personal memories to share of Mr. Eisner and to top it all off, his wife sat in the front of the room which was lined with his work from The Spirit, A Contract with God and The Plot.

Thursday was set up time, which is a lot like herding highly caffeinated cats.  I am ever grateful l that Lissette Mendez and the rest of the book fair family are so patient.  We comics and graphic novels folks bring a whole new spin to setting up a show.

Friday the invasion of students began as Friday at the Fair is Kids’ Day.  The rising tide of kids swelled to tsunami proportions and the Comix Galaxy took a direct hit.  We were right at home.

The Day of Education
The programming for the librarians and teachers was pretty solid.  Thanks again to the phenomenal Robin Brenner for coming in from Boston to give her brilliant presentation on Otaku.  Professor Adam Johnson, of Stanford University came in to talk about the GN writing program that he and Prof Tom Kealey created and he shared the book that his students created.   Arlene Allen and David Serchay, both of Broward County, also were kind enough to present programs for the day.  The events were all solidly attended and I was surprised that it was almost 95% school teachers and media specialists.  I was really expecting to see a primarily public library audience.  Not that I mind, it was just a surprising moment.

An insane act to follow
Note to authors: If you ever have to follow Dave Barry or Frank Beddor, you had better bring explosives or an electric guitar.   You just can't out do these guys.   Dave had a presentation with Ridley Pearson for their latest book: called Science Fair.  For some reason it had to include a demonstration on dropping Mentos candies into a two liter bottle of Pepsi.   With enough Mentos, you can create a geyser that will delight kids all over the world.  The kids went crazy and I could see the moms in the audience making mental note to hide their bottles of soda.

Frank Beddor is an amazing entertainer and author.  You should know that he is also an actor and movie producer so the man comes prepared to own the stage.  My particular Beddor experience was a panel that he shared with two foreign authors.  Frank reenacted his version of Alice in Wonderland called The Looking Glass Wars .  He also shared the trailers he has created for his Hatter M graphic novel, which are out of this world.  As Frank delivered his show, I noticed the reactions of the two other authors.  They don't speak English but you could see by the expressions on their faces that they really didn't have anything to follow with.

There were great graphic novel programs throughout the book fair.  Art Speigelman was on the main stage talking Breakdowns, Scott McCloud was inspiring with his presentation for Understanding and Making Comics.  Francoise Mouly was teamed up with David Hajdu, author of The Ten Cent Plague.  The Marvel writers: Jim McCann, Christos Gage and Brian Reed had fun talking about writing comics and comparing them to soap operas.  Brad Meltzer and Chip Kidd shared a stage to discuss their latest projects.  Brad’s is “The Book of Lies” and Chip's Bat-Manga, which is a great look at the history of Batman in Japan.

Hanging with the Fun Kids
There was a great evening at Books and Books where a bunch of the creators, authors and publishers all headed over to Books and Books to just hang out and tell war stories.  This is where the funniest of human beings, Jim Zubkavich from Udon Entertainment, showed his true colors and had us all laughing so hard it hurt to breathe.  It's these moments when I really appreciate the camaraderie of the people in the comics and graphic novel world.

Closing the circle
We buttoned up the show on Sunday evening and everyone headed home to places around the globe. Monday I had one last stop to make and headed back to Books and Books.  First and foremost, it was to thank Mitchell for getting this started.  I had some time to kill while waiting for my afternoon flight and where else to do that but at Books and Books?  After all, this is was where we first came up with the idea of bringing graphic novels to the Miami Book Fair in a big way.  When Mitchell spotted me he quickly asked  if I had ever met Junot Diaz to which I said, “Um no.”  Mitchell said "He's such a great guy and he would be a great one to talk to about graphic novels."  With that we were on our way to Junot's corner table in the courtyard.

How do you miss the obvious?
Diaz promptly sticks out his hand and says "Hey Bro, great to meet you!"  When he learns why I was in Miami we quickly dive into the conversation about the history of the comics business and how there should be better representation for people of color in the industry.  See, way back in time, the comics industry was the most inclusive of all here in the U.S.  Men and women of all colors and walks were employed as artists, writers and publishers. He emphasized something that really needed to be addressed and he was right. From time to time there will be a panel or program on women creators, but that's not enough.  There are a lot of really talented people out there of all walks, each is due to get some time in the spotlight. 

Junot was also kind enough to sign his latest book for me and shortly after that I had to bolt for my cab and get to the airport. Funny thing is the same thing happened the first time I was at Books & Books. This time in my rush, I left my cell phone behind at the bookstore, but I made my flight.

Today, while plowing through all my unanswered email, I pulled Junot's book out of my bag only to discover that he had won the Pulitzer for The Brief Wonderful Life of Oscar Wao. How did I miss that? I mean, I was going to read the book anyway. Mitchell said he is a really good writer and that's enough for me. What really impressed me about him was the fact that Junot never pointed out that he even wrote a book.  That's something pretty remarkable.  The guy is someone who would have been right at home with the graphic novel gang we brought over to the store a few nights ago.

Home from the surf trip
I read Shaun Tomson's Bustin' Down the Door on the flight home.  Shaun, Rabbit Bartholomew and Mark Richards were leaders of a new generation surfer.  They brought about a new style of surfing to the world. As 16 and 17 year old kids, they crashed the gates of big wave surfing and did things no one thought possible.  They also helped to create the professional surfing industry opening the doors to the likes of Tommy Curren and Kelly Slater to earn millions and millions of dollars playing on the waves.  The Miami Book Fair International could very well be something along those lines.  We brought a new style of writing to the center stage and it felt really good. 

For one brief moment I could hear the Ramones singin'...”twenty, twenty, twenty four hours to go oh-oh, I wanna be sedated!” We came, we saw and we brought some cool, new stuff to the Miami Book Fair International.

John Shableski works for Diamond Book Distributors as a sales manager with a focus on the independent bookstore market, public and school libraries.  He's been a moderator and panelist at Book Expo, Comic Con International, a moderator for library panels at the New York Comic Con, a guest speaker at library events, regional book shows and a symposium coordinator. He is currently collaborating on several graphic novel symposiums across the country. He can be reached via email at shjohn@diamondbookdistributors.com

Graphic Novels Guy

Heading to Miami Book Fair International
Maybe I should bring the Ramones for good luck.

This is the week for celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Miami Book Fair International.  I will arrive on Wednesday in time to introduce the Evening with the Will Eisner panel and program, which is quite a thrill.  Eisner was, and still is, one of the greatest influences in graphic novel publishing. This evening will feature a panel discussion of his work, a showing of works from A Contract with God and a film documentary.  What makes it especially sweet for me is that I have been invited to be a judge for the 2009 Eisner Awards.  The Eisner Awards are the Oscars of the comics and graphic novel industry and I am really thrilled for this opportunity.

The Evening with Will Eisner kicks off the graphic novel portion of the book fair.  They have had creators featured at the fair in the past, but this is the first time there has been a specific focus on the format.  We have the Comix Galaxy and a whole host of great authors and creators lined up to speak like:  Art Spiegelman, Brad Meltzer, Chip Kidd, David Hajdu, and Jessica Able to name a few.

A Day of Workshops for Librarians and Educators

In addition to the creators, we have some great librarians and academics coming to speak on how the format has impacted libraries, classrooms and universities.  This list includes Robin Brenner, David Serchay, Arlene Allen and Professor Adam Johnson.  They will all give their presentations on Friday for librarians and teachers.

Fortunately, I was able to convince my company, Diamond Book Distributors, that we should partner with Miami to launch their first graphic novel pavilion.  I was also able to convince publishers like Marvel, Dark Horse, Udon Entertainment, Tokyopop and many others to add this show to an already busy schedule.  None of us have ever set up at an event such as this…ever.  Is Miami ready for a graphic novel pavilion?   Everyone seems to think so and the hurricanes have all held off-so far.

The Ramones Luck Factor
When my wife was stationed at Andrews Air Force Base in the early 90s I took a job with a mobile DJ service while I was waiting for a job to open in the radio market.  On one particular Wednesday evening, I got a call from the dispatcher who said, “I have to pull you off the wedding you had for Saturday-you’re now working the fundraiser for the National Symphony Orchestra .”

Why they, of all people would need a DJ service was beyond me.  Apparently someone on the committee had recommended that they add a DJ to fill in during the band breaks.  The theme for the evening’s black tie event was: Rudolf Valentino.  The band was one of the best in the area. The woman leading the band had such a great reputation that there were plenty of musicians waiting for their shot to play for her.
 
Anyway, the theme also meant they believed people should learn how to tango and the band was instructed to play everything that sounded like a tango.  Out of the 1,500 people attending the event, maybe three or four couples made the attempt.  It didn’t look good.
   

When the band took their first break the leader came over and said, “I hope you can figure this one out!”  Now as I said, the room was black tie, age range ran from mid-20s to upper 60s.  I decided to throw on a little Motown to see if there was a pulse.  Sure, a few heads bobbed and some toes tapped … still, nothing.  Just then, one of the event organizers came up and asked if I had “anything younger? We really want to dance!”  I looked at her and her committee members and said “I have something that just might work.”

I pulled out the Ramones.  I remembered a good friend of mine Monty LeFave, telling me that “you can never go wrong with the Ramones”.  He was a die-hard fan and probably never played an event like this, but what did I have to lose?

So I took a deep breath and almost hid behind the console as I queued up the song.  I introduced the song with some Latin sounding name I made up for this “quartet out of New York”.  I actually heard someone moan “oh god, not ANOTHER tango”.  When the first notes of I Wanna Be Sedated fired up the crowd went wild.  From that moment on the house was jumping.  It got to the point where the band would play for half an hour and I would play for an hour, so they could justify getting paid. 

The night rocked.

Will the Ramones do it one more time?
Once again, I find myself in this moment where I know there is a certain amount of expectation from the Miami Book Fair International, and the publishers whom I convinced we need to be there.  To us, the MBFI is a classic event for authors, poets and publishing.  We, the graphic novels gang represent the ‘new school’ and a sea change in publishing.  Brash, crazy and fun is what we do.  Is the audience ready for us?  We’ll just have to wait and see.  The street fair opens on Friday, November 14th. 

Maybe I should fire up the Ramones to get the party started.

John Shableski works for Diamond Book Distributors as a sales manager with a focus on the independent bookstore market, public and school libraries.  He's been a moderator and panelist at Book Expo, a moderator for library panels at the New York Comic Con, a guest speaker at library events, regional book shows and a symposium coordinator. He is currently collaborating on several graphic novel symposiums across the country.  He can be reached via email at shjohn@diamondbookdistributors.com.  You can learn more about graphic novels at www.diamondbookshelf.com

Graphic Novels Guy

You Can Throw Water on a Horse but Will He Drink?

The Real Reasons to Shop Local and the Pending Tidal Wave

The Concert Tour

After three or four consecutive weekends on the road and in the air, attending regional book shows across the country I am ever more convinced that booksellers, librarians, teachers and comic shop owners have very similar personality traits and fall into two categories. There's the collector/fan or the passionate professional. The collector/fan enjoys the benefits of getting first edition copies of the works of their favorite authors or creator while the passionate professional enjoys receiving these same materials with a goal to share what they have discovered with those around them. What they also have in common is the assumption that the larger world understands exactly what their collection or selection holds for you. This is something that no retailer or librarian can afford to do. If you don’t introduce your business to every new person walking through the door, you lose another opportunity.

 
Why Should I Shop Local?

During the most recent book show I attended, the Northern California Independent Bookseller's Association's annual conference there was a presentation about the American Bookseller's Association's newest endeavor: Indie Bound. During the presentation the speaker extolled the virtues of the new web site and some of the newly created marketing materials. The theme of the materials is Shop Local. The signs are attractive and adaptable to the creativity of the individual store owner. What was missing from the discussion was this: Why shop local? What would compel me or you to 'shop local'?

 
I certainly don't want to belittle the speaker as he had the best of intentions in helping members of the ABA. There was even discussion on the possibilities of partnering with other local businesses, hardware stores, jewelers etc...to create a sense of camaraderie. Again the central point that needed emphasis was why?

 
This is Why I Shop Local

I know why I should shop local. My local hardware store owners know my house was built in the 1880s. They know that the well water has heavy iron content and they know my slate roof isn't going to last another 100 years. They know what I want, need and enjoy. This is where they beat the chain stores hands-down.

 
My local bookseller is passionate about the books that he or she has on the shelf. They know that if I like this book then I may really enjoy something by another. They will tell me if the author is on tour. We can stand there and wonder aloud what that author really meant in chapter 7.

While the chain store clerk is punching a clock points me towards a general direction and says 'Yeah, the graphic novels are over there", my bookstore owners are trying to understand why the hell I want to read a 'comic book' but at least they are willing to spend a half hour with me discussing the virtues of reading Identity Crisis or why The Ten-Cent Plague would make any historian angry. A clock punchin' clerk wouldn't give me that kind of time.

 
I know why I shop local but you; Mr. Bookstore Owner can't assume the rest of the world knows the value of what you do. Like the librarian who understands that maintaining relevance in the community means doing new and creative things helps. It is maintaining awareness in the community with constant promotion that does the trick. So tell the world what you do so well and why it matters and you have a better chance of surviving the chaos of economic roller coasters. Too often we read a quote from a bookstore blaming the economy when the reality provides a much different set of circumstances. So, tell your community what you do and say it loud. You can’t expect them to just assume you sell books.

 
Kristen McLean: A Bookseller's View of Graphic Novels

A highlight of the NCIBA show for me anyway was the presentation Kristen McLean from the Association of Booksellers for Children gave on starting a graphic novel section in stores. Kristen understands there is a rapidly growing audience for graphic novels and equal to this is a general confusion in the independent bookstore market on where to start. She's also proposed more than a few ideas such as starter kits and plan-a-grams which can help the bookseller to create a foundation. She had a fairly good turnout for the program and it felt like the library market did only just a few years ago. It was great to hear all the questions by people who are looking to get a handle on this new format.

 
Big House Publishing and Big House Sales Don't Always Mesh

I think I've had some pretty interesting discussions with editors and publishers about the development of the graphic novel format but a very recent conversation really helped put the whole thing into proper perspective. One editor shared with me that the sales force was pushing back on the idea of creating a graphic novel imprint. This particular house has the opportunity to sell a brand that is universally known and yet, are trying to discourage the project because the sales force isn't 'seeing the numbers'. This is where the sales force has to get in an airplane to get a better view of the landscape. Most of the houses have some really great graphic novel titles and yet fail to have them on display at any of the shows. Surely the biggest selling title of year, The Watchmen, deserves to be displayed at a show. Aside from one or two single lines the only prominent display came from the Roaring Brook folks with their First Second line and the Bloomsbury Publishing line. Sadly, that was only on display at the NEIBA show in Boston. Other shows had the posters but no books. It's a shame too because the indie bookstore owners were looking for the books and for someone to talk with. I know it's obvious but if you don't tell people what you have they aren't going to find it.

 
The Road Leads to the Educational Arena

Just before the New England Independent Bookseller Association show in Boston I had a dinner meeting with the people who are working on plans for the Massachusetts State Library Association's 2009 conference in Springfield. For next year's show there will be plenty of graphic novel programming for public librarians, media specialists and teachers.

 
Meanwhile our friends at the Texas Library Association have announced the creation of the Maverick Graphic Novel Award Committee (and they do mean to use Maverick in the truest sense of the word). The first awards will be launched at the 2009 TLA show. Earlier this month I had a first meeting with Fordham University discussing a graphic novel symposium for students, educators and academics which will take place on the Fordham campus January 31, 2009. February 2009 brings New York Comic Con which will also feature graphic novel educational programming for teachers.

 
Of course I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that on Election Day the New York City Department of Education will host a day with graphic novel programming for the school librarians who work in the five boroughs. Also next month hundreds of thousands of book fans will descend upon the campus of Miami Dade College for the 25^th annual Miami Book Fair International.  The book fair will celebrate this major anniversary with a graphic novel pavilion featuring 25 booths filled with graphic novels.

 
Shortly after that we have the National Council of Teachers of English annual conference in San Antonio. Over 8,000 of the nation's leading English teachers will gather to learn from their peers about the latest tools to use for winning the literacy battle. This year's conference will feature 11 workshops on using graphic novels in education. First it was the librarians who saw the future and now it's the teachers and professors. We have an audience and we have great stories. The one thing lacking is a sales force that can see what they have lying at their finger tips.

 If you can lead a horse to water he may not drink but start throwing water on him he may begin to wonder why it's feeling a little cooler out.

John Shableski works for Diamond Book Distributors as a sales manager with a focus on the independent bookstore market, public and school libraries.  He's been a moderator and panelist at Book Expo, San Diego Comic Con, a moderator and coordinator for library panels at the New York Comic Con, a guest speaker at library events, regional book shows and a symposium coordinator. He is currently collaborating on several graphic novel symposiums across the country. He can be reached via email at shjohn@diamondbookdistributors.com

 

 

The Graphic Novels Guy

The Things You Can Learn From Teen Panels

Feeling Ripped Off.  I should start this update by telling you that my laptop was recently stolen from my car and do I ever feel...violated.  Sure, I was angry at first and then, as the realization sank in that my laptop held every single presentation or list I created this past year, I discovered a new sense of devastation.  Since then, I have had to learn how to be creative and find solutions to get me through this dark, dark time.  Going with out my laptop is like losing my microwave oven.  I am sure there are worse fates to suffer but for now, this is a definite challenge.

Learning From Teens.  Earlier this month I had the pleasure of moderating a panel for Barbara Moon over in the Suffolk County Library System on Long Island.  This year's event was called Picture This: Using Images to Illuminate Young Adult Literature, and was hosted by the fine folks at St. John's University.  My particular panel was on what teens read and why they read it.  The panelists were a 12 year-old girl, a 16 year-old boy and an 18 year-old girl.  I will keep their names out of this as they would probably find someone hunting them down for some sort of copyright issues...I think.

These kids are primarily manga readers and fans of anime(animation videos) and they also help support their local library's manga and anime club.  They give the librarian's information and suggestions on titles that the library should carry.  The books and videos they recommend have very high circulation numbers which is one of the best reasons why a library should consider creating a reading group such as this for teens.

It's how the kids get the information that may be of great discomfort and a lesson learned, for the publishing industry.   These kids, with some slight trepidation and verification that there wasn't anyone present from the law enforcement community, admitted they read their books online via scanalations or downloading bootlegged animation.   Yes, they use any means possible to find the books and anime that they want to see.

How does publishing benefit?  For one thing, these kids all admitted that they will buy the books they really like and the other stuff is just left as 'junk'.  As a publisher, I would think that you would use this as a test market area to see if your next story has a following.  Post intro pages online, promote them and then count the amount of page views and click throughs.  If the audience meets your criteria for a solid audience then you take the story to print.  It's a way of streamlining the process and taking a lot of the guess work out of your endeavors.

Kids have been bootlegging materials for a long time.  From the earliest days of transistors to the arrival of the digital age, kids have been clever enough to figure out clandestine ways of getting the music or stuff they really want.  I remember hearing that the Greatful Dead actually encouraged people to record their shows.  Did they loose money?  Not in the long run, no.  They gained in audience loyalty and people filled concert halls where ever they toured. 

I made plenty of my own mix tapes as a kid and I shared them.  It was our way of finding new music from bands that we wouldn't normally hear on the radio.  I know, it was the days of punk, early rap or, hip-hop.  I wouldn't have ever heard of Parliment or the Sugar Hill Gang if it hadn't been for a tape my best friend brought from San Francisco.  Nor would I have ever heard of the Ramones, Talking Heads or The Clash, had it not been for some boot legs. 

I guess the point here for the graphic novel and comics publishers is this: Don't fear the web, embrace it.  You have plenty of web comics creators out there who are proving the value of using the web just like it was a new version of the Sunday Funny Papers.  They are getting new readers and then, selling them a book.  Look up The Perry Bible Fellowship, Unshelved or Mom's Cancer and you will find funny, touching and outrageous stories that will likely compel you to buy the book.

Next Time on The Graphic Novels Guy: Water Falls on NEIBA and The MSLA Project

John Shableski works for Diamond Book Distributors as a sales manager with a focus on the independent bookstore market, public and school libraries.  He's been a moderator and panelist at Book Expo, Comic Con International, a moderator for library panels at the New York Comic Con, a guest speaker at library events, regional book shows and a symposium coordinator. He is currently collaborating on several graphic novel symposiums across the country. He can be reached via email at shjohn@diamondbookdistributors.com

The Graphic Novels Guy

Returning From Comic Con International
And a Shift in Graphic Novel Publishing

Comic Con: It's Bigger Than You Think

Heading into San Diego for Comic Con, I felt as if I had been preparing for the Olympics.  If you   weren't already aware of it, this convention is thee pop culture event for the United States.   What began as a bunch of friends, store owners, and comic book artists gathering to talk about the business has now morphed into something almost beyond description.  Tickets were sold out for the entire run of the show and even the traditional publishing houses have been put on a waiting list for any available booth space.

Has Comic Con Jumped the Shark?

The close proximity to Hollywood is definitely a factor in the buzz generated from 'The Con', this year it had an added celebrity component. It's not surprising to see celebrities on the floor as there are more than a few who are self-proclaimed 'geeks'.  When word got out that Paris Hilton, Carmen Electra and Kim Kardashian were all headed to the show, a fear that Comic Con may have 'jumped the shark’ rippled through the vendor’s booths.

A Level Field: Emmy and Oscar Nominees are Just Guys with Book Ideas
On the second day of the Con, I found myself talking with Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men) while standing in the Dark Horse booth.  He was there with a friend of his and together they were working the show with a book idea.  Across the room from him, hanging out with the Kids Love Comics gang, was Oscar nominee Chris Bailey with his book Major Damage.  Not too far from them was Frank Beddor, producer of Something about Mary, Wicked and author of a great series called The Looking Glass Wars.  Frank also has a graphic novel titled Hatter M.   What I really enjoyed about these guys is that they were just creators looking to sell a book.  There was nothing at all "Hollywood" about them.  In fact, I think they enjoyed their new found ability to disappear into the crowd.   

When a Play Boy Bunny is a Lonely Thing to Be
There comes a point when the costume wearing fans become so numerous that only the highly unusual are worthy of your attention.  Those people were usually surrounded by an army of photographers which resembled a paparazzi platoon. Anyway, with 130,000 fans streaming through the convention center, the unusual becomes the norm.   One of my favorite sights was the booth for the Playboy Bunnies.   Here sat a lovely young woman at a table covered with her magazine and willing to sign photos, smile for pictures and being completely ignored.   The booths around her were bursting at the seams with fans wanting poster art or t-shirts to commemorate their pilgrimage. If it were a NASCAR track or NFL stadium, she would have needed bodyguards with guns, instead she sat alone. 

Crowds and Baby Strollers
Oy!  I realize parents occasionally have a desperate need to get out of the house.  My question is this: Can't you leave the stroller and baby with someone at home?  Don't you have neighbors, a grandparent... someone who can watch your kid for a day?  Strollers in a building where the crowd is at maximum capacity are just not a good idea.  I will note, however, that the kids did seem well behaved.  I did not hear a single baby crying or any small children throwing tantrums.  Thank you for that.

In fact the crowd in general was pretty good.  People seem to have accepted that Comic Con is a major event and draws huge crowds.  The only people who got annoyed by the crush were the booth vendors who have to walk over bodies to get to the bathroom.  Con fans are so enthusiastic about the show that they wear their gear all the way home.  I encountered this on a plane from Las Vegas to Philly and even on my commuter flight back home to Williamsport, PA.

The Big Difference between Comic Con and Book Expo
It has to be the fans.  With Book Expo, people just can't wait to get off the show floor on the final day.  Vendors are packing and taping boxes two hours before the show closes.   At Comic Con, the dedicated fans will be spending money right up to the closing bell and the vendors realize every single moment the show is open there's an opportunity to sell.   

NEVER Move the Con!
With the sell-out crowds for the show, speculation continues to build about it relocating to a larger venue.  It cannot move. Period.  It was born in San Diego.  It grew there.  It belongs there.  To move it would be against the laws of nature.

The Shift in Publishing
Now that graphic novels are attracting so much attention there is a trend developing which should alarm the graphic novel publishers; authors are moving away to bigger houses.   You see someone like Ariel Shrag pull her story from Slave Labor Graphics over to Touchstone and the reasons are not really too surprising.   I spoke with Ariel after seeing her presentation of her book, Definition at the American Library Association show in Anaheim and she explained her move to a bigger publishing house.  Like all authors, Ariel was looking for stronger distribution and promotional support which Touchstone provides.   

There have been several other situations similar to this recently where the bigger houses have been trolling for talent.  It will intensify as they figure out there is a farm system already in place to develop the talent for them.  The only way for the graphic novel publishers to combat this is to ramp up how they promote their books.  It can no longer be a case of creating great books and hoping fans will find you.  They need to aggressively develop publicity and marketing campaigns for each new book.  Authors will have to move beyond comic convention appearances and into the mainstream book shows and events.   If these publishers can't make the adjustment then they may have to accept their place in the farm system for the traditional publishing industry.

Vacation Time!
Ok, it is time for a much needed vacation.  As you read this, I am probably teaching my kids how to surf somewhere on the eastern seaboard.  I will return to duty in a week or so.  We all need a recharge now and again; mine usually requires salt water and lots of it!

Cheers!

John Shableski works for Diamond Book Distributors as a sales manager with a focus on the independent bookstore market, public and school libraries.  He's been a moderator and panelist at Book Expo, a moderator for library panels at the New York Comic Con, a guest speaker at library events, regional book shows and a symposium coordinator. He is currently collaborating on several graphic novel symposiums across the country. He can be reached via email at shjohn@diamondbookdistributors.com

The Graphic Novels Guy

Comic Con and Miami Book Fair International
And one more surf analogy, for now

One last Note on BEA…
Before I get into this next edition of The Graphic Novels Guy, there's one more note to hit on Book Expo in Los Angeles.  I've been talking with a few people who attended the show and aside from our excitement with all the graphic novel programming they are asking: Where were all the big books?  There weren't any really big titles announced.  Sure we were all talking about the situation at Borders, but there wasn't any talk of books.  Shortly after BEA, the former press secretary for the Bush White House drops a major bombshell with his book.  There have been a few others since then and yet no one had a major book announcement. Whose fault is that? The publishers.  BEA will return to New York City next year. You should plan ahead and make the best of the big stage.

Heading out to San Diego and Comic Con International
If there were ever a place where you could be overwhelmed with major publishing announcements it has to be Comic Con.  I can’t think of a publisher from the graphic novels and comics publishing world who hasn’t made this statement, "Yeah, and we're gonna do a big launch at Comic Con."  Really?  The place is so huge and there are so many 'big launches' that it becomes a competition to see who can do the biggest and best release event.  Not that I'm complaining, mind you.  I think it's incredible.  With all the stuff that happens at Comic Con, you almost have to be George Lucas to really be noticed above the din. 

Thanks to the success Lucas has had with that little Star Wars franchise, which he launched long, long ago at Comic Con. The movie industry since then has seen fit to use San Diego as a bit of a petrie dish. It is more like a farm system really.   Movies are premiered, trailers are teased and the scouts are all out studying the landscape to see where the next Hollywood script is coming from.  With the smashing successes of movies like: Iron Man, Hellboy II and the latest Batman movie, you can’t really blame them for coming back.

If you have seen any of the recent coverage for Comic Con you will notice a recurring theme: maxed out crowd capacity, tickets selling out before any programs are even announced and traditional publishing house placed on a waiting list for booth space.  They need more space and there's no way in the world anyone should ever consider moving the event to another city.  It should never be allowed. That's the same as asking the Green Bay Packers to move....it is against the laws of all things good and wonderful.

Now Time for the Surf Moment
Growing up in Southern California as surfers (I know that sounds improbable, but we did grow up) we always talked about going to the North Shore and hitting the biggest ride-able waves known to man.  It was taken for granted that the island of Oahu was thee only place to find waves 30 feet and taller.  It became the Mecca for surfers around the globe.  When the swells of the winter seasons hit Waimea and Pipeline that is where you make your name.   

Jeff Garcia knew better.  For almost 15 years he surfed a break in Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco where the waves regularly hit 20 feet and when the swells would hit just right, the waves would explode to 40 even 50 feet or more.   He tried to tell others about it and they just kind of looked at him as if he were crazy.  “No way man-nothin's bigger than the North Shore!”

For 15 years it was Jeff, the dolphins, seals and great white sharks hitting Maverick's, until finally he convinced a couple of friends from Santa Cruz to paddle out with him.   After that, word spread like wild fire.  Today, there is a big wave contest that goes off with a 24 hour notice sent around the globe.  The surfer who scores the biggest wave can take home a prize of $50,000.   

Miami Book Fair International: The Mavericks Surf Break of Book Festivals
I've been talking with quite a few graphic novel publishers who are working on getting to Miami for the Book Fair, but there are still a few who look at me a little skeptically.  Sure they have hundreds of thousands of people going to the book show, but really?  “You want us to bring graphic novels?” While others ask say “It's not San Diego, are you sure it’s going to be worth the trip?”

Just the other day, I got an email from Brad Meltzer who is thrilled that Miami is setting up a graphic novels pavilion. "I've been waiting for this for a long time."  Art Spiegelman(he created this year's poster artwork), Jordan Mechner(PPrince of Persia), Frank Beddor(The Looking Glass Wars) and Chip Kidd will be there and the list is rapidly growing. We're already planning for 2009.

How will graphic novels go over at the Miami Book Fair?  Come see for yourself my friend.  Paddle out. The water is warm and the waves are big.

NEXT Time on The Graphic Novels Guy:
A Shift In Graphic Novel Publishing

John Shableski works for Diamond Book Distributors as a sales manager with a focus on the independent bookstore market, public and school libraries.  He's been a moderator and panelist at Book Expo, a moderator for library panels at the New York Comic Con, a guest speaker at library events, regional book shows and a symposium coordinator. He is currently collaborating on several graphic novel symposiums across the country.  He can be reached via email at shjohn@diamondbookdistributors.com.  You can learn more about graphic novels at www.diamondbookshelf.com

The Graphic Novels Guy

When Art Meets Writing and, My Own Theme Songs for Surfing

Music and Surfing
I don't know if this happens in most sports but I do know it is common in skiing, snow boarding and surfing.  When you drop off the lift, or paddle into the surf, your own personal theme song kicks in.  As a younger surfer-or grommet, as we were known, you HAD to have your own theme song because it sets the mood for the session and it helps you get your rhythm.  You need to have rhythm to get in synch with the timing of the waves. 

Of course you would always hear one of your friends humming the opening theme from Hawaii 5-0 as you stroke your way out into the break. The songs you use can change with each session or to match the intensity of the surf and it can help keep the nerves steady.  I remember needing the Rolling Stones on a particularly intense day at a place called Blacks Beach which lies just below the Torrey Pines Golf Course just north of La Jolla.

Many San Diegan's know Black's as a nudist beach but for the surfers it is known to produce rather large and intense waves. (For the record, I only saw naked people twice and THAT’s another story altogether.) When the waves get over 15 feet you need serious concentration and the Stones were a big help.  One day when the waves were big, thick and fast, I found myself smiling and hearing the opening riffs to Cant Ya Hear Me Knockin'.   Then, I start paddling out only to see a wave that's like a three story building coming my way.  I had to tell Keith Richards to turn up the amp a little then took a deep breath, made some really deep strokes and dropped in- it was a helluva rush.

Other songs for surfing...
Lively up Yourself (Live), Bob Marley (medium sized waves-fun)
Walking on the Moon, The Police (very hot day, glassy-Florida style waves)
Ramblin’ Man (Live), Bob Seeger (reef break-fast pitching waves)
Once in a Lifetime, Talking Heads (much bigger surf) ‘and you may say to your self; my god!  What have I done?’
And of course, Surfin’ USA, the Beach Boys (crystal clear day-smell the tanning lotion)

Do You Hear What I Hear?
Lately, I've been hearing music again.  It happens whenever I am sitting in a meeting or having a discussion with someone where things start clicking together.   I can suddenly see where this person, or discussion, will play a part in the evolution of the graphic novel market place.  Whether the person is from some publishing company, marketing firm, library, or a bookstore, there is something about them that just fits into the bigger scheme.  When that moment hits the music just kind of fades in under the discussion like a movie sound track.  It's happening more and more often.  I know it’s only rock and roll but I like it….

Art, Meet Writing and Writing, Meet Art
A few weeks back, a friend of mine sent me a link to this project from Stanford University called Shake Girl.  The professors put together a special creative writing team which consisted of illustrators and writers and had them develop a graphic novel based on the true story of a young woman who grew up in post-Khmer Rouge, Cambodia.   It is such a well done story that it surprised me.  Take a look at the book here and I think you too will be impressed.

Meanwhile in Forest Hill, Maryland, a classroom full of kids created their own graphic novel.  Our Comic Anthology is the creation from the kids in Mrs. Lindblad’s and Mrs. Palmer’s Third Grade class at Forrest Lakes Elementary School.  It is a book of many short stories and while it is on the rough side (what would you expect from elementary school kids?) it shows you what is possible. 

The book is also the result of a project called Maryland Comics In the Classroom that was developed by the Maryland State Department of Education( Diamond is a partner in the project).  These two teachers noted in the intro to this book that “As we completed the ten lessons with our students, we saw growth in their vocabulary, their ability to make inferences and in particular, their understanding of narrative story structure.”    If you read the book, you will see that the kids really enjoyed reading and creating their own book.  Having fun while learning?  What a concept!

In a Kid’s Perspective, Anything is Possible
These kids are living in an age where they know they can create their own books or video games.  When we were their age, we may have fantasized about the possibilities but these kids KNOW they can do it.   They have been raised in an environment where creating a TV series, a video game, or skate boarding can be a profession.  How times have really changed.

What is even more enjoyable for me to see is the connection that is beginning to form between the art of illustration and the art of writing.   They are two entirely different skill sets and yet, more than a few creators will master both.  Can you see where the art teacher and the creative writing teacher could conspire to create projects, award winning projects, with their high school students?  The next generation graphic novel authors are already on the horizon.

Next Time on the Graphic Novels Guy:  Miami Book Fair International Goes Graphic and Read or Die Stupid.

John Shableski works for Diamond Book Distributors as a sales manager with a focus on the independent bookstore market, public and school libraries.  He's been a moderator and panelist at Book Expo, a moderator for library panels at the New York Comic Con, a guest speaker at library events, regional book shows and a symposium coordinator. He is currently collaborating on several graphic novel symposiums across the country.  He can be reached via email at shjohn@diamondbookdistributors.com