STATUS: Actually, I was reading partial submissions that we had requested before I realized that I hadn’t blogged yet today.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? COLORADO CHRISTMAS by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Right now I’m working crazy hours to madly finish everything that needs to be handled before we close for the holidays. We are done Friday by 5 pm and the agency does not reopen until Monday, Jan. 5th.
If I were an aspiring writer looking to send out a query, I’d wait until after the holidays.
So what have I been doing with my time? Here’s a list.
1. Yesterday I closed a major deal that has been in process for several weeks.
2. I had a phone conference to finish up contract issues so we could get final contracts for signing before the holidays
3. I had to re-review a film contract because although we had already concluded it and were simply awaiting final copies to sign, the producers had hired a new law firm that had retooled the contract. We had to re-review and renegotiate the thing ALL over again. Thrilled I’m sure. Not.
4. Year-end review of the accounting with my bookkeeper and tax accountant. After all, 1099s are just around the corner.
5. Followed up with all editors who have submissions.
6. Had several phone conferences because Macmillan had a big lay-off earlier this week and the restructuring left one of my authors editor-less. That had to be dealt with.
7. Cover copy issue.
8. I was out of town last week so I had to wade through the 183 emails that needed attention. By the way, this wasn’t the urgent stuff as I handled those things while being out of the office.
9. Review UK contract for one of my authors. I’ve just started so this will need to finish up tomorrow in terms of writing up my requested changes letter.
10. Consulted with our tech person on why the new fancy dancy printer/scanner we bought (that cost way more than I’m willing to admit) isn’t working and the tech person can’t get it to work with our system despite spending four days on the phone with HP tech support.
It’s going to be another 12-hour day tomorrow. Let’s hope I stay sane….
good luck!
‘Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the ‘Net, everyone freaked at what they had to do yet.
Hope it all goes well for you!
More Chai lattes, or is it eggnog? Oh well, more coffee, coming up!
🙂
“10. Consulted with our tech person on why the new fancy dancy printer/scanner we bought (that cost way more than I’m willing to admit) isn’t working and the tech person can’t get it to work with our system despite spending four days on the phone with HP tech support.”
HP is the likely problem!
u r blog Is very nice
nice post
Wow, you’ve been busy. Thanks for the list of reminders of why we writers need to have agents.
My HP printer/scanner initially had problems communicating with my Windows Vista software, but the steady stream of updates from hp.com seems to have gotten things working smoothly … for now.
Holidays can be so stressful! Just keep your eye on that light at the end of the tunnel–two blissful weeks away from work sound fantastic!
Have a great holiday!
Here’s to sanity and perseverance to get to the point, of enjoying the season without a workload. I’ve often wondered about a publishers life. Yours is descriptive to say the least. Have a stress free day today dear friend. (Hugs)Indigo
I had problems with an HP printer as well. The Vista drivers didn’t work. My husband downloaded and installed XP drivers and got them to work with Vista. Gosh, with all of the Windows versions, it gets harder and harder for them to talk to printers and scanners.
four days and no resolution? Take two aspirins and don’t call HP and get another machine in the morning…sounds like the phram ain’t jivving with the doohickey when you flip the flap.
Happy Holidays and enjoy your time off.
A word of advice: shut off your phone when you get home on Friday. Don’t turn it on for a couple of days.
Somehow, I get the feeling that you’ll leave it on.
I told you before, get a mac!! There’s really no excuse or reason people put up with that kind of technological incompatibility, ESPECIALLY in business! lol, have a great Christmas, Kristin!
Congrats to you and Ally Carter on the wonderful new book sale!
I just saw the Ally Carter deal — congrats on that and happy holidays, Kristin! Thanks for another year of entertaining blogging!
BUSY lady!!!!!!lol
Are you single?
If so, I MAY be able to help
🙂
Let me know; either way xxx
Anyone who says agents aren’t busy are CRAZY. Good luck and Merry Christmas!
If you had to basically start contract negotiations over again, can you insist that the publisher defray the additional legal costs that you incur?
If not, I’d pitch a fit.
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