 | March 31, 2020 NM Book Co-op HELP CENTER #15 | The New Mexico Book Co-op is here for authors, publishers and booksellers to share ideas, and some humor; if you have any ideas that you might share on how to keep our beloved books on the minds of readers and stores, send them to LPDPress@q.com and if appropriate they'll be shared with our wider 1,500+ member book family. | BOOK NEWS PubWest petitions Amazon to provide financial relief and support for book publishers PubWest released an open letter to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos encouraging his company to consider multiple ways to provide relief to the publishing industry during the COVID-19 epidemic, including waiving fees for qualified vendors on co-op, ASAP, and enhanced InStock protection, and treating books as “essential” goods. "Amazon began as a bookseller. As Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos can and should provide relief to the publishing industry by supporting the companies that laid the foundation for Amazon’s unprecedented growth,” Prospect Park Books publisher and PubWest president Colleen Dunn Bates said. "We are facing a global crisis, and we are asking for help from Mr. Bezos to ensure that book publishers are able to weather this crisis and continue to supply Amazon with the books that its customers need and want.” The letter calls on Amazon to support small publishers by 1. Providing customers with the books they need during this time;
2. Visibly promoting the company’s support of small business; and
3. Helping the book publishing industry survive during this unprecedented time.
| 1. | Providing customers with the books they need during this time; | | 2. | Visibly promoting the company’s support of small business; and | | 3. | Helping the book publishing industry survive during this unprecedented time. |
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY UPDATE
The Bologna Children's Book Fair is going digital, and with it comes a new online rights marketplace. Canada's Indigo has become the biggest and latest bookseller to lay off large swaths of its employees—5,200, in this case, representing nearly three quarters of its total workforce. Back in the U.S., Simon & Schuster is partnering with Bookshop.org in an attempt to boost independent bookstore sales and keep the fledgling company thriving. The Internet Archive has responded to critics of its National Emergency Library, arguing that establishing such a collection is legal. And indie bookstores are launching GoFundMe campaigns and relying on aid from bookselling associations in order to stay solvent. At Amazon, one of the warehouse workers who organized the Staten Island walkout has been fired, according to CNN. The Columbia Journalism Review reports that the Covid-19 pandemic is spawning a global press-freedom crackdown, despite the vital role news organizations play in keeping the public updated on the outbreak and its effects. In the U.K., the Walter Scott book prize shortlist has been revealed. And literary critic and editor Eldred Jones has died at 95, while the beloved children's author and illustrator Tomie dePaola, of Strega Nona fame, has died at 85. | HIT MY FUNNYBONE: Help flatten the curve -- with a stack of books. (a contribution from Dick Brown) | SUPPORTIVE COMMENTS
We have been getting a lot of feedback and many comments on our HELP CENTER, including from Barbara Marriott, Avi Shams, Ann Dallman, Corinne Schieman, Jules Nyquist, Dick Brown, Ramona Gault, Melanie LaBorwit, and Tom McConnell Corinne Schieman said: "THANKS FOR THE LEVITY.....GOOD OF YOU TO SHARE!!!!!!!!!!" Jules Nyquist said: "THANK you for all you do for the NM writing community! I appreciate your blog and even though we won't have any books in the awards this year (first time in several years), we hope to next year. Much appreciated!" Ramona Gault said: "you da man! They say a crisis brings out our true natures. If so, you are a Secret Agent Hero! So grateful for your daily roundups of tips and tricks for surviving a pandemic." Melanie LaBorwit said: "thanks for your postings. I am, in between telework that is hard to focus on, working on a children's book that I've been trying to work on in my mind for years now. So, there are some silver linings." Thanks to all of you! | A FUN READ A contribution from Ruthe Francis: While watching the news one evening, a section was devoted to how to properly wash our hands during this fought time. Two lines came to mind from Shel Silverstein's poem Instructions: "...with two bars of soap, and a whole lot of hope ....." Spring is the time of hope and looking forward to renewal. Wordsworth said in his poem Daffodils he wondered lonely as a cloud (social distancing?) and came upon a crowd - of daffodils - a safe and hopeful crowd. At this uncertain pause in our lives daffodils are the crowd to to dance with. I have some blooming in the yard. Now if I can just get that line of "looking on the bright side..." out of my head. Who sang that? Oh yeah - never mind. | RESOURCES Jules' Poetry Playhouse has loads of resources for all of us at https://www.facebook.com/julespoetryplayhouse/. Contact them at jules@poetryplayhouse.com to sign up for their regular email list. TOO SMALL TO FAIL NEW MEXICO GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY
@ediblenewmexico has teamed up with @simplysocialnm (owners and curators of @simplysantafenm & @travelnewmexico) to host the TOO SMALL TO FAIL NM Gift Certificate Giveaway incentive to help support local restaurants and businesses between March 30 - April 12, 2020. 1. Buy a gift certificate directly from any of the participating businesses listed here.
2. Visit ediblenm.com to complete the entry form.
3. Gift certificate purchases from any of the participating businesses of $25 or more will ensure the purchaser one entry per purchase into a random drawing for gift certificates from three (3) of the businesses!
| 1. | Buy a gift certificate directly from any of the participating businesses listed here. | | 2. | Visit ediblenm.com to complete the entry form. | | 3. | Gift certificate purchases from any of the participating businesses of $25 or more will ensure the purchaser one entry per purchase into a random drawing for gift certificates from three (3) of the businesses! | There has never been a better time to support our local community, especially those who are #TooSmallToFailNM! Gift certificates help sustain small businesses with the added bonus of a treat for yourself later on. Book Marketing Pandemic Playbook
Here is a book marketing pandemic playbook from Brian Feinblum for authors today. This is the beginning of what will be many posts on how we can continue to grow our brand and market ours books during these challenging times. It is not comprehensive by any means -- but should be of assistance to you.— https://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2020/03/what-types-of-books-get-media-coverage.html NEW BOOK FOR PUBLISHERS (esp SELF-PUBLISHERS)
Mary Neighbor has just launched a new book that might be of great interest to everyone. Her new book is called "Self-Publishing Wizard or Wannabe". Robin Cutler says "This book should be required reading for authors entering the world of self-publishing. Neighbour succinctly lays out the landscape of what new authors will face to help them make good choices in publishing their books in a professional way." If you are serious about making a mark with your book: check out Self-Publishing Wizard or Wannabe — http://www.medianeighbours.com/wizard-or-wannabe?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_3_29_2020_13_31)&mc_cid=1b43b7ad1e&mc_eid=65393eaaa7 | UNDERSTANDING VIRUSES The following is from an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins University ▪ The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.
▪ Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.
▪ The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam). By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.
▪ HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 77 degrees Fahrenheit for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.
▪ Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.
▪ Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.
▪ Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.
▪ NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.
▪ NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only
▪ -between 3 hours (fabric and porous),
▪ -4 hours (copper and wood)
▪ -24 hours (cardboard),
▪ -42 hours (metal) and
▪ -72 hours (plastic).
▪ But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.
▪ The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars.
▪ They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.
▪ UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.
▪ The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.
▪ Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.
▪ NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.
▪ LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol.
▪ The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.
▪ You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.
▪ You have to Moisturize dry hands from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.
▪ Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.
| ▪ | The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells. | | ▪ | Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies. | | ▪ | The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam). By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own. | | ▪ | HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 77 degrees Fahrenheit for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful. | | ▪ | Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus. | | ▪ | Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside. | | ▪ | Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin. | | ▪ | NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive. | | ▪ | NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only | | ▪ | -between 3 hours (fabric and porous), | | ▪ | -4 hours (copper and wood) | | ▪ | But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose. | | ▪ | The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars. | | ▪ | They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster. | | ▪ | UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin. | | ▪ | The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin. | | ▪ | Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat. | | ▪ | NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%. | | ▪ | LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol. | | ▪ | The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less. | | ▪ | You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom. | | ▪ | You have to Moisturize dry hands from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better. | | ▪ | Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there. | | CONTEST FOR SOME GRAMMAR FUN One of our Co-ops has suggested a little contest to see if we can be creative. He keep lists just for himself. Sayings, ideas, stuff, things that happen to penetrate his brain. Here is one he needs help with. He dislikes using nouns for verbs. He challenges our readers/writers to add to his list of (IHHO, dumb) words or phrases that have perfectly good verbs but have fallen to the trendy habit of making nouns into verbs. [Bo surprise, he dislikes "trendy".] At the top of his list is using “gift” or “gifted” instead of “give” or “gave.” message or messaged
friend or friended
tank
transition
green light (it)
dialogue
amnestying
objectify
incentivise
parenting For the “contest” you’d need to make a rule that the word or phrase would have had to have been heard or seen written by someone else. Our readers are so clever that we could make up lots of these words. Maybe a different “contest.” Give it a try! | KEEP SAFE & HEALTHY—Wash Your Hand and Don't Hoard TP
Paul Rhetts NM Book Co-op's main mission is to foster community and support for authors and publishers and books. | | |
