Here’s a terrific up-close look at some authentic gowns and accessories worn during the Regency period. I love the embroidery detail. The video includes some interesting factoids, too. For example, I didn’t know Indian shawls were popular during this time as much-needed protection against those drafty manor homes.
The nation’s largest trade book publisher reports that its earnings, before interest and taxes, surged 72.5 percent in the first half of 2011.
Random House attributes the increase in profits to a strong performance by its bestsellers and to large ebook gains. The publisher experienced 200 percent growth in ebook sales, according to a letter Random House chairman Markus Dohle sent to employees.
Digital sales so far in 2011, have already surpassed sales for all of 2010. They account for more than 20 percent of revenue.
However, tree books remain important to the company. In his letter, Dohle said strong print sales “reminds us that the print side of our business is an indispensable contributor to our greater publishing success.”
This is turning out to be an excellent day.
I received a phone call from Shirley Hailstock, president of the New Jersey Romance Writers, who informed me that my Regency manuscript, Tempting Bella, is a finalist in the 2011 NJRW’s “Put Your Heart in a Book” contest.
I am thrilled! The NJRW’s group is pretty special to me. I won in this category last year with my manuscript, Seducing Charlotte, and another of my manuscripts, Compromising Willa, placed second.
I think their judges get me!
The final judges, who will choose the winner, include Avon editor Tessa Woodward, bestselling author Cathy Maxwell (I’m a huge fan of her books) and agent Ethan Ellenberg.
The final winners will be announced at the NJRW’s October conference. I plan to be there. I went last year and it was a fantastic, inspiring experience.
The workshops and panels featured bestselling authors and top editors. I came back super-motivated. It’s rare when an experience exceeds expectations, but that was definitely the case last year.
Maybe it will be so again this year!