JAM's book on Keith

I would love a signed copy too! Can't wait to read it.
Good luck working out the last few wrinkles
 
JAM said:
Thanks to those who wrote kind words on this thread about Keith's book.

We do have some kinks to work out relating to legalities, as Kid Dynamite said.

I have spoken with other pool book writers, e.g., Phil Capelle, Freddy the Beard, Grady Mathews, and Robert LeBlanc to learn more, and some of them offered some very saged advice on what to do and what not to do.

One kind soul offered to fund the book for a percentage, which was very much appreciated.

Though the book may not be everybody's cup of tea, it is a fun read, if I do say so myself, laced with lots of pool happenings with some of whom are still alive today. Though some of Keith's life has a Stu Ungar-esque similarity, he was also one of the most popular players to walk in any pool room. Thanks to his gift of gab, many would surround his table and enjoy The Keith McCready Show.

Pulling his name in a tournament was not a piece of cake in his prime. When he was on, he ran packages that nobody would overcome. But Keith's priority at most tournaments was to get in action after hours. That was his bailiwick. Tournaments were a gathering place for all the elements of a good challenge match.

The goal of this book has always been is to make it a good read for everyone, not just pool peeps. In this regard, I hope it succeeds. We will offer 50 signed copies in a galley format before the final published version is released.

This is where it stands now. We have some wrinkles to iron out before we can move forward. Thanks again to those with the kind words and for acknowledging Keith's book.
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One thing for sure it will be one of the best written books covering a pool player that exists. We could make a book just out of your trip reports and get people excited to go play some.

You are the best trip report writer on the internet.
 
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ElCorazonFrio said:
If you have barely heard of Keith, you are not a student of american pool, which, tho the title suggests otherwise, is what this forum mostly focuses on.

That said, the absolute biggest detriment to me buying JAM's book on Keith would be the fact that JAM wrote it.

I'll make the proviso that I think that JAM is one of my least favorite posters on this board and I'm extremely happy that she doesn't post much.

All that aside, biographies written by people who love the subject are inherently bad. The bias will show through and that is boring.
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Agreed on your latter point, and too censored to agree with gusto and relish on the former.
 
ElcorazonFrio...You have not been here very long...far too short to understand, let alone acknowledge all of the great stories and pictures that JAM has posted here. She is not only highly intelligent, but writes well too. It's people like you that cause posters like JAM to post very little...and that's a shame. :mad:

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

ElCorazonFrio said:
That said, the absolute biggest detriment to me buying JAM's book on Keith would be the fact that JAM wrote it.

I'll make the proviso that I think that JAM is one of my least favorite posters on this board and I'm extremely happy that she doesn't post much.

All that aside, biographies written by people who love the subject are inherently bad. The bias will show through and that is boring.
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Jam... I would be happy to do a review for magazine, Publisher, or etc with your advance copy, or reader's edition (ARC or ARE). Just as I did with Buddy Hall Bio Book see these two posts/threads

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=4337651&postcount=19

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=4140782&postcount=29

Also did the same for Sid Banner's 3C Book and Bill Smith's Book. Not to Mention Stein's Book also!

For those that not involve in the Book World /Business https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance_copy
 
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ElCorazonFrio said:
If you have barely heard of Keith, you are not a student of american pool, which, tho the title suggests otherwise, is what this forum mostly focuses on.

That said, the absolute biggest detriment to me buying JAM's book on Keith would be the fact that JAM wrote it.

I'll make the proviso that I think that JAM is one of my least favorite posters on this board and I'm extremely happy that she doesn't post much.

All that aside, biographies written by people who love the subject are inherently bad. The bias will show through and that is boring.
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Really??? Is a reply like this necessary???
 
Applause!

boogeyman said:
You're reading into my posting too much, Nine.
It's obvious that JAM already has collaborated with Keith to get some of the stories for the book.
I'm also sure that Keith knows that the book is intended for public dissemination.

All I'm saying is the fact that JAM doesn't have the funds right now to publish is simply a blessing in disguise:

Has Keith read (and perhaps provided important feedback on) the final version?
Has JAM done research on the best way to market the book?
Has JAM vetted the best publishers?
Has she taken into considerations the best publishing format?
Has she prepared or have knowledge of the proper documents (contracts) so that she (and Keith?) or anyone else involved get the most compensation as possible? (no free lunches here)

JAM may want to chat with Max Eberle.
I believe he is published in the similar field.

As you probably know, it's not about just writing and then publishing.
My posting goes beyond whether Keith "wants this book to reach the masses."
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Great points all;
There is the creative side and then there's the business side.

From my own experience,
I am 9 years and many, many thousands deep, laying a foundation to support a pool avalanche while being bombarded with "when?"

Without due diligence and preparation, no project is likely to meet it's true potential.

Luckily,
these 9 years have been one long study project on how to propel and maintain pool/billiards in the hearts and minds of the people,
in spite of the derision of those around me, who say "why do you bother?"
and "just let the game die."

I do it because,
I know what we are,
and
I love the game anyway.
bad and good-
I've been burned and hurt and betrayed, sure.

At times, it's been hard,
for me,
a girl,
alone.
But ultimately, I'm not alone- wherever I hear the balls click, I have a home.

Those of us here in our virtual pool hall, our community here on AZB,
are the same people who were in pool halls when pool halls were pool halls- sure they'll knock you but,
you need objectivity as well as criticism, keeps you humble, keeps you honest, with others and yourself.

Keith has a story and it should be told and remembered,
but at his pace, for his reasons and when the time comes,
we here,
will support you both.

Until then,
take the time you need.

-A
 
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