David Kerr
asked
Mel Laytner:
Hi Mel, Thanks for you comment on my post on Jewish Historical Book Club. I've had a glance at your website and very interested in your new book. I've been to Auschwitz and visited Israel and West Bank four times. Find Middle Eastern history intriguing. Looks like you've had a depth of experience in reporting the issues. Are you writing full-time? David Kerr
Mel Laytner
Hi David -- I worked in the Middle East for seven years. Visiting the West Bank was part of my daily beat. Having lunch in Jericho on Saturdays was SOP (partly because west Jerusalem was shut down for the sabbath). It IS an intriguing place and for a working reporter, a great beat because it's always in the news. Sad part is, the story never changed; always variations of the theme.
As for writing full-time, the short answer is no. I've researched material for several pieces but haven't moved the process forward. The truth is, my focus (my wife would call it obsession) was on, first, getting the book published and, now, promoting it. Publishers these days do little to nothing to help, unless your name ends in Obama. Most recently, I've finished the audiobook version working with a very talented producer/narrator, Colin Martin. It is under technical review by ACX (Audible/Amazon). ACX says tech reviews take 10 days; others have complained that it has taken up to 45 days. So we'll see. It has already been approved by Findaway Voices, which distributes to everyone except Amazon. (It will go on sale on Google Play on 8/15 and hopefully elsewhere in the next two to three weeks.) -- Best, Mel Laytner
As for writing full-time, the short answer is no. I've researched material for several pieces but haven't moved the process forward. The truth is, my focus (my wife would call it obsession) was on, first, getting the book published and, now, promoting it. Publishers these days do little to nothing to help, unless your name ends in Obama. Most recently, I've finished the audiobook version working with a very talented producer/narrator, Colin Martin. It is under technical review by ACX (Audible/Amazon). ACX says tech reviews take 10 days; others have complained that it has taken up to 45 days. So we'll see. It has already been approved by Findaway Voices, which distributes to everyone except Amazon. (It will go on sale on Google Play on 8/15 and hopefully elsewhere in the next two to three weeks.) -- Best, Mel Laytner
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