Tuesday 9 September 2014

ADVICE PLEASE

I am about to embark on a major writing project and would appreciate your advice please. I intend to write a book consisting of a list of all the words used in the English language. The words will not be in alphabetical order and there will not be a definition of the words either. It will be a random list such as:

The and garden notwithstanding hoover fortnightly eaten quarter simultaneously ... and so on.

So far I have written about 113 pages and it is hoped the book will be completed in about six months time. I have a team of six people in my employ working on this.

I guarantee that there will be no repetition of the words and that they will all be spelled correctly both in English and American - e.g. humour/humor.

The book would be a great pastime when travelling on a bus or train, or when you can't sleep in bed and have nothing better to do, or when relaxing in a hot bath. 

The intention is that you'll think of a word and time yourself as to how quickly you can find it. Hence the absence of alphabetical order. Of course if you're in the bath at the time you'll need a water-proof watch (not supplied with the book).

Another use would be to check if you've spelled certain words correctly. For example you could look for the word: Onomatopoeia, but because the book is not in alphabetical order it will be great fun trying to find the word, and in searching for it, you'll discover other words you did not know that you did not know!

A further fun use is to play a game with your spouse or friend. You can think of a word and your spouse or friend has to find it within a set time limit. 

I have three publishers interested in this unique venture in the history of publications.

What I'd like your advice on please is whether you would find such a book useful and how many copies you are likely to purchase. They make a great Christmas gift for family and friends; and are a good conversation starter to break the ice at parties. Please also give me an idea of the price you would be willing to pay for this book.

The information would be very helpful in estimating the number of first print run. One publisher suggested 500,000 copies but I am not sure if this will be enough.

Thank you.

20 comments:

  1. Well, I fit in the "can't sleep" department so why don't you send me a preview copy and I'll tell you if it works for insomnia or not ;) If it does, you'll make millions...lol.

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    Replies
    1. Good idea Mary. I may send you a preview copy.

      God bless.

      Delete
  2. This was NOT to suggest that I don't take baths of course...

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    1. Of course you take baths, Mary. Someone suggested that I print the book in laminated paper. That would add to the cost a bit and make the book a little heavier. What do you think?

      God bless.

      Delete
    2. Of course I do :) Sure, laminated paper is a plus! Great for those who spill drinks on their books too!

      Will I be able to lift it?

      Delete
    3. We still need to test the weight of a laminated book, Mary. I have now been advised that the pages could also be made of very thin sponge to absorb any bath water and soap bubbles.

      God bless.

      Delete
  3. "you'll discover other words you did not know that you did not know!"
    But what about "ignorance is bliss..."
    This book may take away my happiness. I will have to think about it...

    Have a happy day!

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    1. Of course Hand-Maid, the words "ignorance is bliss" will be in the book but not necessarily in that order. I have just checked.

      It's great to see you visiting me again. Thanx Hand-Maid.

      God bless.

      Delete
  4. Hi Victor! First of all, who are these publishers, because I need to pitch a few ideas myself ! And where do you find six gullible people to help you? This is how I know you are a famous author! Just your name hauls them in, nice!

    Oh sure, you'll sell millions of these...I don't think Webster's Dictionary stands a chance. I'm sure they are quaking in their boots at the thought of this project. I'd hurry to get this to press, because as soon as people hear about it, they'll want to write one too.
    Thanks for the heads up!
    Ceil

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    1. Thanx for your encouragement and support Ceil. Much appreciated as ever.

      The publishers wish to remain anonymous because they fear a rush of similar ideas. The six people in my employ are being paid with promises that I will share the profits made from the book. I just checked the book: the word "gullible" was not there so I've just put it in. Thanx for that. I'll mention you in the credits.

      God bless.

      Delete
  5. Victor #1, This story reminds me of when I was in grade five and a school inspector came for a visit and wrote on the board these four words below...

    Defeat, Deduct, Defence, Detail

    He then told us a story about having asked students to write at least one sentence using these words and believe "IT" or not one student wrote:

    Defeat of Deduct went over Defence without Detail!

    Long story short, I can just imagine the fun people would have making sentences with you book while taking a bath to help them sleep so put me down for a million copies at $1.00 (one dollar) a peace.

    P.S. And make sure that your distributor finds a way to include a water proof watch with every copy I buy...

    Have a good day, blink, blink...lol

    God Bless

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    1. Brilliant ... Defeat of Deduct went over Defence without Detail!

      Thanx for your order. The six people working for me have now been encouraged to work even harder ... making waterproof watches.

      God bless.

      Delete
  6. I guess it depends on how much the book costs. Hey I have an idea. Why don't you get schools to buy it and when a child needs disciplining he can be forced to find words the teacher decides are appropriate for his offense. Like "prattle" for talking in class.

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    1. What a brilliant idea, Manny. Would you like to be my Marketing Director. Perhaps you could also promote all my other books ... you know, the ones I HAVE actually written. Thanx.

      God bless you.

      Delete
    2. I have no idea on how to be a marketing director. :)

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    3. Hee! Hee! Good one, Victor!

      Delete
  7. Your post was quite funny, but your exchange with Manny was priceless!

    God Bless.

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    1. Hey, it's good to laugh Michael.

      God bless you too.

      Delete

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