Internship at Zest Books!

Disclaimer: I do not own this image!!

Only January, and I can already check #10 off my New Year’s resolutions list (New Year’s Resolutions, Anyone?). I have finally gotten an official internship in a field of my interest.

At the end of the month, I will start working at Zest Books, a publishing company focused on readers in their teens and early twenties!

Last week, I had an interview with Ann (Marketing and Editorial Associate) and was hired for the internship on the spot. It’s a small office in a really cool building/neighborhood and, on first impression, extremely friendly staff.

For this internship, I really feel like I’ll be able to utilize a number of my skills (writing, editing, social media, Japanese language & culture, etc.). I might also have an opportunity to do some freelance illustration work for them as well, which would be absolutely amazing! Plus, the internship is only a couple days a week, so I’ll still have ample time to continue my independent projects like The Poet and the Flea. Most of all, I’m excited to learn everything I possibly can about the business side of publishing!!

One really cool aspect of Zest Books is their Teen Advisory Board. They have a number of teen readers who work as interns and help the publishers figure out what kind of books teens would like to read/see published. According to Ann, the current Teen Advisory Board is really into anime/manga and Doctor Who — so I think I’ll get along with these kids just fine!

Zest focuses on non-fiction titles, from memoirs to how-to books. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been really looking into their titles and have found a number of books that pique my interest. I’ve complied a list of my favorites below, so check them out!

1. Super Pop
2. Dear Teen Me
3. Dead Strange
4. The End
5. The Look Book
6. Reel Culture
7. The Dictionary of High School B.S.
8. Uncool
9. Indie Girl
10. Crap

Anyway, I’m really looking forward to starting this internship and will share my learning experience with all of you. Wish me luck!!

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For more Zest Books…

• Homepage: zestbooks.net
• Facebook: facebook.com/BooksWithATwist?ref=ts
• Twitter: twitter.com/zestbooks
• Pinterest: pinterest.com/zestbooks
• YouTube: youtube.com/zestbooks

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For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

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Copyright 2013 by G. E. Gallas

Brief Update

Here is a brief update on my current creative projects and endeavors…!

★ “The Poet and the Flea 100 Day Countdown to the Premiere” is underway!! Join us on Tumblr, Twitter, and Facebook!

Thursday, November 15th

1. Worked on The First Reich.
2. Helped my mom, the abstract painter, set up her new WordPress blog: irenezweig.wordpress.com.
3. Signed up with Scribd.com.
4. Signed up with DoodlersAnonymous.com.

Friday, November 16th

• E-mails, e-mails, e-mails…!

Saturday, November 17th

1. Thoroughly enjoyed Seven Psychopaths. Very clever with brilliant characters, but actually extremely heartbreaking.
2. Working on The Flea script.

Sunday, November 18th

• Date night with Wes! (´ε｀ )♡

Monday, November 19th

1. Applied to a few more fellowships/internships.
2. Worked on color samples for Elias & The City of Cats.
3. Today, was hired for a 4-day cat sitting job by our sweet neighbors Paula and Gabie. They want me to be with the cats as much as possible, so I figure I can earn a little extra cash while having a window of opportunity to do some work. I’m hoping to use the time to make some major headway on The Flea script — like a little writing marathon. Wish me luck!

Tuesday, November 20th

1. Another wonderful meeting with Gabe! Showed him color samples for Elias and he seemed rather surprised at how colorful they are, but delighted! Now, I just have to finish up the second draft and then scan and send it all to Gabe so he can tinker around with the text some more.
2. Worked on some upcoming blog posts.

Wednesday, November 21st

1. Ran some last minute errands.
2. Worked on some special illustration birthday/holiday presents with watercolor and pen!

Thursday, November 22nd

1. Happy Turkey Day!!
2. Worked on The First Reich.

Friday, November 23rd

• Recovering from Thanksgiving…!

Saturday, November 24th

• Family Bonding Day…!

Sunday, November 25th

1. Date night with Wes! (´ε｀ )♡
2. See additional post here.

Etcetera

• The Poet and the Flea: 52 pages of written script (1 page of script = 4-6 illustrated pages), and about 36 pages (1-24, 27-30 completed, and 25-26, 31-36 in progress) of illustrated work.
• The First Reich: about 1-6 pages of illustrated work in progress.

To Do:

• December 8: The East Bay Alternative Book and Zine Fest
• Add more information to my Coroflot.com profile.
• Continue adding blog content to The First Reich.
• Continue to work on The First Reich.
• Continue to work on Elias & The City of Cats.
• Schedule next meeting with Gabe.
• Sign up with Top Web Comics: Comic Rankings.
• Sign up with OnlineComics.net.

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For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

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Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

Announcement: IndieGoGo Update!

Dearest friends, followers, and passersby:

It has been a few weeks since launching my Indiegogo campaign: “The Poet and the Flea: Send G.E. to the U.K.”. Since then, I have received a number of contributions from generous funders. I truly appreciate these contributions and am eternally grateful to these funders for helping me inch one step further to achieving my dream.

That being said — I still need more help!!

There are 22 days left until the end of my campaign. That means 22 days left for you to contribute to my dream of becoming a professional screenwriter.

Please check out more information below, and don’t forget to visit my campaign page: http://www.indiegogo.com/send-GE-to-UK.

Thanks again,

G. E.

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Dear friends:

Time is running out, and I need your help!

I am trying to raise funds to go to Northern England for the filming of my short screenplay The Man Who Never Smiled, a contemporary film noir about the tragic fate of a father and his daughter. As the screenwriter, it is important for me to be on set for any last-minute changes. But the production company is working on a shoe-string budget and has no funds to get me there or even pay me. Please help me make my dream of becoming a professional screenwriter come true!

My Campaign: http://www.indiegogo.com/send-GE-to-UK

Your support will contribute to my travel and lodging expenses. Earn more perks with every donation level. Every dollar counts!

Also, please help spread the word through Tumblr, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Thank you so much!

–G. E.

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My name is G. E. Gallas, and I am a screenwriter and graphic novelist (writer/illustrator). I will be making a trip to the U.K. early next year, and need your help to make my dreams come true!

1. My short screenplay, The Man Who Never Smiled (a contemporary film noir), is being produced by Dream Catcher Films in the North West of England. This film is being made on a tight budget, and there are no funds for me to get there. It’s important for me to be there during filming so that I can make on-the-spot changes to the script and get hands-on experience in film production.

2. In between filming will be the perfect opportunity to visit London to research the 18th-Century poet-painter William Blake, the hero of my graphic novel The Poet and the Flea. I plan to visit Blake’s grave as well as various museums that house his works. Seeing his works in person would be life changing. This would be my first time in England, and I hope to make this an unforgettable learning experience.

Your contributions will help cover expenses for transportation (airplane, train) and lodging. I truly appreciate any and all support, whether through contributions and/or spreading the word through social media (Twitter, etc.)!!

While in Europe, I plan to document my travels. When I return, I will share my photos and experiences with all of you through my blog gegallas.wordpress.com.

Thank you so much!

Gratefully,

G. E.

Homepage/Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Tumblr

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Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

Experience of APE

Related post: Plans for APE

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Wow, what can I say about APE?

Well, this was definitely an experience!

Firstly, I believe that APE (Alternative Press Expo) was a productive endeavor. I learned much more about the nature of each publisher I’ve been tracking online. I hope that Shannon and I managed to get the names of our projects (The Poet and the Flea and The First Reich) out there just a little. And I learned a lot about what techniques make a successful table.

As far as the bigger publishers go (Fantagraphics, Drawn & Quarterly, Last Gasp, Top Shelf, etc.), I was glad to see them at the Expo — to see all their products laid out in front of me, rather than squinting at images on a computer screen. Some of them only had marketing representatives who didn’t know much about the submissions process, which was too bad. Others had more knowledgable people to talk to, who offered some useful advice. I guess it really just boils down to submitting material and seeing what happens!

I very much enjoyed talking to some of the smaller publishers. They were very enthusiastic, helpful, and informative. And just because they’re smaller doesn’t mean they have inferior products. They are extremely professional (but in a laid back sort of way) and their books are gorgeous!

I loved talking with the kind folks at Yam Books. Tim Hensley (creator of Ticket Stub) was shocked that someone in their twenties (me) was a Barbara Stanwyck fan!! Both Saturday and Sunday, we had conversations about the film noir starlet, exchanging movie titles and laughing away. He even drew me this awesome illustration of Barbara (see below) in Double Indemnity — bangs and sunglasses and all!

Also had good but brief conversations with the good people at A Raven Above Press and Never Press.

I’ve only recently become interested in learning more about the world of zines. And Tugboat Press seemed like a good place to start. I really admire what they’re doing. I’m glad I talked with them because I learned that, rather than taking submissions, they commission artists. I also received recommendations about which volumes of their anthology Papercutter to buy and realized that they are interested in a vast array of genres. I’m excited to really sit down and read my purchases.

Sunday, I finally figured out where Uncivilized Books got to (I just could not figure out that map!). Their chief Tom was excellent at patiently answering my questions and encouraging me to submit my work. I’m excited to start working on sending out some follow-up e-mails to everyone I talked with!

Also, I picked up a lot of interesting flyers, cards, stickers, etc. from around the expo and from the free table. Below are some of my favorites!!

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Here are my notes of what makes a successful table in case I end up getting one for APE next year!

(This is just a rough list for my personal use. In no particular order!)

• Need a billboard/banner advertising name of artist/graphic novel.
• Need a tablecloth.
• Need a sign (or maybe t-shirts) to hang off the front of the table.
• Wear one of your own t-shirts to further advertise your graphic novel.
• Perhaps a sign or two saying: “Pleas talk to us — we’re friendly!”
• Perhaps a big bowl of free candy.
• Attract customers with a selection of cheaper items ($1 pins or stickers?).
• Need a clipboard and form for customers to sign up for your mailing list.
• Provide plenty of business cards and/or postcards.

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Among the flyers and such was a postcard for the East Bay Alternative Book and Zine Fest, free and taking place December 8th in Berkeley. I’m very interested in checking it out!

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For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

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Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

Plans for APE

I feel as though the APE (Alternative Press Expo) has snuck up on me from out of the blue!

I’m hoping that this event will be very informative, and help me take my graphic novel projects to the next level. Not only is this the perfect networking opportunity, but also a rare chance to talk with publishers I am interested in and get a better idea of what they’re looking for in a graphic novel.

Saturday (October 13th), I’ll be attending with Shannon, my collaborator on The First Reich. I think Wes, who is also a graphic novelist and screenwriter, will be attending both Saturday and Sunday. My mom will be checking out the expo too, so maybe she’ll cover ground I won’t be able to.

As a supplement to my business card, I’ve ordered postcards (see above) from Vistaprint advertising The Poet and the Flea and showcasing some of my illustrations. I’ll also bring my iPad loaded with scans of The Flea so I don’t have to shlep around my ginormous (and heavy) portfolio.

Furthermore, in preparation, I’ve been compiling a list of exhibitors/tables I’m interested in visiting.

(This is just a rough list for my personal use. In no particular order!)

1. 4th Dimension Entertainment
2. A Raven Above Press
3. Drawn & Quarterly
4. Fantagraphics Books
5. Last Gasp Books
6. Yam Books
7. Uncivilized Books
8. Tomorrow John Press
9. Top Shelf Productions
10. Tugboat Press
11. Sparkplug Comic Books
12. Puna Press
13. Pernicious Press Magazine
14. Perfect Day Publishing
15. Never Press
16. NBM Publishing Inc.

You can expect a future blog post about my experiences at APE 2012. Depending on how everything goes, perhaps I’ll plan on getting my own table (half-table?) at next year’s expo.

Please wish me luck!

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Update: Check out the last-minute DIY postcard for The First Reich. Now I just need to find a paper cutter…

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For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

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Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas

Brief Update

Here is a brief update on my current creative projects and endeavors…!

In the midst of a horrible cold…  (✖╭╮✖)

Friday, July 13th

• In the mail, finally received “Documentation of Registration” for Who is Laurence Harvey? and The Golden Curator from The Writers Guild of America, West.

Saturday, July 14th

• On Craigslist, have responded to a few posts about writing and creative projects. We’ll see how it goes…

Sunday, July 15th

1.  After a nerve-wracking wait, Who is Laurence Harvey? did not make it into the quarter finals of The 2012 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards. But I’m still happy that the screenplay made it into the second round (the top 25%). Now I have 6-8 more contests/competitions to hear back from in the coming months. Next up, The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Competition Quarterfinal Round and the Film Independent Screenwriters Lab…
2. Looking into The Alternative Press Expo (APE) in San Francisco, October 13-14. I think it’s too late to get a table, but I’d like to attend, schmooze, get some more information about the publishers I’m interested in, and possibly promote The Poet and the Flea a bit.

Tuesday, July 17th

• Responded to a Craigslist post about someone writing a graphic novel who’s looking for an artist/illustrator. Had some e-mail correspondence with her. Planning to meet on Tuesday (24th). Looking forward to it!

Wednesday, July 18th

1. Craigslist, craigslist, craigslist…
2. Applied to The American Zoetrope Screenplay Contest! Information updated on “Applications” post, here.

Thursday, July 19th

1. Added behind-the-scenes images to my (almost-but-not-quite-forgotten) Pinterest: pinterest.com/gegallas.
2. Slowly but surely working on the-poet-and-the-flea.tumblr.com.

Friday, July 20th

• Craigslist, craigslist, craigslist…

Saturday, July 21th

• Attended The Pixel-Flick TV Actor/Filmmaker Alliance’s first meeting. Thought it went very well! The producer/director/CEO of Pixel Flick Entertainment, Brian Stephens, sounds like he has a lot of experience and knows what he’s talking about. He’s organizing this alliance to facilitate filmmakers in the Bay Area and showcase their work. Seems like a wonderful opportunity!

Monday, July 23rd

• Took care of some important e-mails today.

Tuesday, July 24th

• My meeting with the graphic novel author Shannon Brady went really well. I think her concept is really intriguing and she’s very passionate about the topic. I think this is going to be a successful collaboration!

Etcetera

1. The Poet and the Flea: 37 pages of written script (1 page of script = 4-6 illustrated pages), and about 36 pages (1-12, 14, 16, 21 completed, and 13, 15, 17-20, 22-36 in progress) of illustrated work.
2. Considering developing my short story entitled “Inside the Display Case” (about a Siberian pit viper named Peter) into a graphic novel.
3. Developing a new short film script called Death of the Poet.
4. Stumbled upon an idea for a children’s book…
5. My third full-length screenplay called The Modern Prometheus is currently resting on the back burner temporarily.

To Do:

• Sign up with IMDbPro.
• Apply to the Bluecat Screenplay Competition (before October 15th).
• Begin work on character sketches for Shannon!

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For more updates, don’t forget to follow me on tumblr and/or twitter.

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Copyright 2012 by G. E. Gallas