The Entertaining Side of the Publishing Industry

Credit: www.clintonkelly.com

By Pamela Callow

It’s been a crazy week, as my debut thriller DAMAGED hit the stores yesterday.

In the past eight days, I've done three book signings at Expo America in New York City and two signings in Toronto. In addition, I’ve done three radio pieces and one live TV interview. It has given me a bird’s eye view on the crossover between the entertainment industry and the book industry.

Let me start with Book Expo America. What is it, you ask. Well, my friends, it is the biggest, baddest book fair in North America. It’s where celebrity and books collide. This year, Barbra Steisand gave a guest interview to launch her new book. One needed a ticket to attend. Jon Stewart introduced John Grisham and Condoleeza Rice at a special breakfast.

But it was more fun was on the floor of the Jakob Javits Convention Center. There, you could squeeze through the crowds and stumble across noted celebrities like soccer superstar Pele, signing copies of his new soccer book for kids in the Disney/Hyperion booth. I managed to get a picture of the back of his head for a soccer coach I know.

The next day, I walked right past Clinton Kelly of What Not to Wear, signing his new book at his publisher’s booth.

I silently thanked the higher powers that I was wearing my book signing clothes. I missed Nigel Barker, of America’s Next Top Model fame, who was also signing his new book The Beauty Equation.

Credit: www.nigelbarker.tv

I had a very small taste of what their lives must be like during some of my media appearances this week. First up: a live radio interview for The Book Club, a syndicated show with 100,000 viewers. I met the host as we walked into the booth and then we were on air, where I proceeded to blank on the title of the first novel I ever read – The Secret Garden. Fortunately, the rest of the interview went well. Next up: a live podcast at BEA. I was warmly greeted by the host, who thought I was someone else. No sooner had my bottom touched the chair then the host said, “You are live on three-two-one…”

At my third radio taping yesterday, the host asked, “Did you know that you are doing The Third Degree today?” “No,” I admitted. I’m sure I had a deer-in-the-headlights look in my eyes by then.

Yesterday, I had a live TV interview on CTV’s Live at Five. It was the appearance I was most nervous about, but the host, Starr Dobson, was wonderful – she asked some great questions.

I have a whole new appreciation for the skill of interviewers and for the stamina of celebrities!

To celebrate the release of DAMAGED, I am giving away a signed copy of DAMAGED each day this week to a randomly drawn FB Fan! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pamela-Callow/104724752898990?ref=sgm