Thursday, May 06, 2010

Thursday's Pre-Publication Post, or What I Have in Common with the Real Housewives of New Jersey

Time for a shift in these pre-publication posts. Up to this point, we've been spending a lot of time on things like subject matter, permissions, and author websites. Serious stuff.

Readers, it's time to talk about eyebrows. Mine, specifically.

Earlier this week, I went for my very first "brow sculpting." What does this have to do with my book? Well, the publication of my short story collection, Quiet Americans, is an occasion for a proper author photo.

And that photo will be taken on Saturday.

Even my mom - who is so d.i.y. she not only colors her own hair but cuts it, too (I love you, Mom!) - thought that a visit to the "brow sculptor" my sister has visited from time to time was in order. So after work on Tuesday I hopped on the subway and trekked downtown for the "procedure." It wasn't quite as painful as I'd feared, and I was very interested to learn that the sculptor is also a practicing writer (and sculptor to the Real Housewives of New Jersey!).

The bigger issue, of course, is that I've never been particularly comfortable having my photo taken, and I have to say that this entire part of the pre-publication process is something I'll be relieved to have finished. Any of you have tips to share on how you survived your first author photo shoot?

6 comments:

Barbara Krasner said...

Here's what I learned: it is best to be shot from above.

Otter7 said...

Well, I had my shoot in my home to save $ and I used a photog from out of town who does alot of website portraits.
Nervewracking. I hung a sheet with duct tape in the dining room. That was my backdrop. And I made sure I had several tops and jackets in case
something wasn't working. Fortunately, he used a digital and we could look at the shots in groups of 3 or 4. I only had him for an hour, and in the end he wanted some color in the background but I loved the black and white. I wore a favorite, classy blouse and . . . I smiled. I know I made the right choice of photo because lots of folks gave positive feedback. I use it for my website, and all promo materials. And of course, I have the digital file to forward to marketing reps, which is handy.

Sage Cohen said...

Sounds like your eyebrow sculpting unfolded into a social archeology adventure. Fascinating what happens when we open up to new experiences. I've never taken an author photo shoot, which makes this my only, not-useful wisdom: use a photo you already have on hand that's a few years old; cut your smiling mother out of it, so it looks like you posed deliberately; enjoy knowing that you are thinner and younger in this photo than you'll ever be again! : ) Good luck on Saturday! You'll be great!

Who is Felicia? said...

Wear something you feel fabulous in, even if one could argue it's not a "professional" look. If you feel comfortable, the photo will turn out better. I like outdoor photos for the same reason. Also, wear makeup even if you wouldn't normally. Lipstick adds pizazz.

jessica handler said...

Apparently I'm posting after the shoot, but I hear you. I hate having my picture taken, as in, phobic.

Some tips? All of what everyone else said. From above, be comfortable, wear makeup. Also, my best friend is a fine art photographer, and she did my head shots. Adult beverages were involved. I'm just sayin'.

And a haircut and brow sculpting.

I'm sure it will be fine! Post the results!

Erika D. said...

Thanks for all of the tips. The session went well! Now I'm just trying to download a selection of the photos. As always, technology proves to be a bit of a challenge!