Robert Christgau: Dean of American Rock Critics

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Articles [NAJP]

The Book Recourse

Just a link, and not even about arts journalism--or even journalism, you could say. Though on the other hand you could say this fact- and insight-filled essay about the book publishing industry by Daniel Menakeris arts journalism. But the reason I'm calling attention to it is that this blog is for and about writing and writers, and whether or not a writer counts himself or herself a journalist, the chances are very good he or she is thinking about writing a book--because most journalists do, and because in this parlous employment environment writing a book feels like credible backup and/or stopgap. Menaker's piece puts that enterprise into perspective while exemplifying the kind of balancing act all of us who write for money are involved in (except perhaps that he never mentions the teaching fantasy and/or recourse). It was published in Barnes & Noble Review, which is celebrating a redesign and where I am lucky enough to have a column. That Barnes & Noble has a financial interest in promoting writing about books is obvious. That not every such interested party pays for so much good writing or countenances so much negative criticism may not be. A great outlet.

Articles, Sept. 14, 2009


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