1 . How long should my novel be?

This is a question I’m often asked, and it’s certainly not the same answer as how long a piece of string is! So, how long should your book actually be?

If we work backwards, from a production department point of view, a book of approximately 100,000 words will come in somewhere between 300 to 400 pages.     1     I’d suggest that 80,000 words up works well, occasionally stretching to 120,000 words on rare occasions.

Shorter texts are less daunting(使人气馁的) for an agent to submit rather than a block of manuscript so aim to make your publication path easier. There’s an implication that a standard book length should have a tighter handle on pacing, with the reader more readily drawn in. In turn, an overlong novel often indicates to a publisher that there’s potentially extensive editing work to be done by them.

    2     For example, historical fiction could more comfortably sit near the 120,000 mark. Literary fiction can head in the other direction, with 60,000 words still offering a feeling of fundamental worth to the publisher and reader, with an implication that the text is highly developed.

More commonly, issues over length tend to highlight that pacing is an issue, be it too long or too short. Overwriting, in particular, can be an issue for many authors, who might struggle to express their ideas clearly, using complex language that play down the flow of the book. Successful writing contains a clarity of thought that enables the writer to connect with the reader for maximum impact, allowing the story, characters and setting to shine through.

In terms of content, it’s important for an author to prioritise the key themes in the book.     3     Allow your reader to piece together information you delicately work through your text and avoid excess scenes and information, revealing instead what’s needed to keep that tension pulsing. Be brave as you cut back on the unnecessary, keeping a backup copy of your novel just in case you change your mind.

Work intuitively, from the heart, keeping secrets for as long as possible so the reader is forced to read on. In this way, a reader will readily connect with your words.     4    

A．Books do have different thresholds(门槛) according to genre.

B．This is plenty for a typical author’s book, particularly the first one.

C．Yes, there are exceptions to every genre but these are generally rare.

D．Is everything of equal importance and does everything need to be included?

E．Longer books are more expensive to produce and harder to sell in, so it increases their risk.

F．With a firm handle on length, your novel will have increased its chances of commercial publication.

2 . The news industry has had a rough decade. Print readership is steadily declining, newspapers are closing, and journalists with decades of experience are being laid off. In response, major newspapers have made significant changes. They’re attempting to combat declining reader interest by shortening stories, creating clickbait (诱饵性标题), and most especially, using social media to their advantage.

With the rise of social media sites, many people have claimed that we are entering a new age in which news must be delivered in 140 characters or fewer. People’s ability to focus on long-form content and engage in deep reading has also been declining due to the endless distractions and excessive information in today’s world. This change in reading habits has led to a preference for short, easily-understood news pieces that can be quickly consumed. To interest a more specific and generally younger readership, newspapers have revised content, prioritizing articles that are visually appealing instead of having depth.

But, in reality, there is still a demand for in-depth reporting. In this era of misinformation and clickbait, readers are seeking reliable sources of news that provide context, analysis, and accountability. Depth reporting explores the fundamental causes, involves multiple perspectives, and uncovers the hidden truths that shape our world, helping readers get a more comprehensive understanding of complicated matters.

While social media have changed the way we consume news, the quality of news remains essential for public. It’s crucial for the news industry to achieve a balance between catering to changing reader preferences while also maintaining the integrity (完整性) of news. This means providing both quick updates and in-depth analysis, and using social media to promote their content, but not at the expense of accuracy or integrity. By doing so, news organizations can ensure that they remain relevant and trusted sources of information in a rapidly changing media environment.

1. What problem does traditional news industry face?

A．The decline of readership.	B．The lack of long-form stories.
C．The spread of unreliable information.	D．The shortage of experienced journalists.

2. What do we know from paragraph 3?

A．People’s need for in-depth reporting is decreasing.

B．Social media has played a key role in promoting hidden facts.

C．Clickbait greatly increases readers’ interests in exploring truths.

D．In-depth reporting can improve readers’ comprehension of complex issues.

3. According to the passage, the news industry should achieve a balance between         .

A．providing quick updates and focusing on popular topics

B．stating matters in multiple perspectives and shortening articles

C．satisfying readers’ preferences and ensuring the quality of news

D．widening news sources and maintaining the accuracy of contents

4. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．An advertisement.	B．A daily newspaper.
C．A diary entry.	D．A story book.

3 . Books for Young Readers

Ivy+Bean by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall

Ivy is quiet; Bean is loud and goofy. Ivy wants to be a witch; Bean wants to play games. Naturally, they’re going to end up being best friends and getting into all kinds of scrapes together since their approach to pretty much everything—from discovering dinosaurs to starting their own summer camp—is “Why not?” (For ages 6 to 10)

Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson and Nina Mata

Ryan Hart wants to see the good in everybody, even when she gets teased for having a boy’s name. She has a lot to deal with—her dad’s been laid off and the family has to move to a smaller house. But when Ryan runs into problems, she’s always looking for ways to make sunshine. (For ages 7 to 10)

Better Nate Than Ever (series) by Tim Federle

The budding drama club kids in your life will love this trilogy (三部曲) about a small-town boy with big Broadway dreams. Nate Foster longs to get away from Jankburg. Pennsylvania to star in a Broadway show. And then something amazing happens. There’s an open casting call for a Broadway musical based on E. T. He just has to get there. (For ages 10 and up)

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Fans of Raina Telgemeier will love Jerry Craft’s sympathetic graphic novel about seventh-grader Jordan, who’s trying to fit in at the fancy new private school where he’s one of the few kids of color in his grade. And all he really wants to do is draw comics—so how can he stay true to himself and his neighborhood, and still figure out his new school? (For ages 8 to 12)

1. Which word can best describe Ryan Hart?

A．Responsible.

B．Optimistic.

C．Reliable.

D．Enthusiastic.

2. Which book is about a boy pursuing his dream?

A．Ivy+Bean.	B．Ways to Make Sunshine.
C．New Kid.	D．Better Nate Than Ever(series).

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To persuade.

B．To advertise.

C．To recommend.

D．To entertain.

4 . Hello, everyone. Welcome to our school. Now let’s take a look at some interesting school publications (出版物).

Columbus

It is our literary (文学的) magazine; the name shows the place where we live. Editorial training includes developing skills for creative writing. Published twice yearly, many excellent students are also recognized as Scholastic Writing Awards winners.

Diversion

It is our language publication. Published once a year, it impresses readers with student works presented in Chinese, French, and Spanish. Working with advisors who teach these languages, student editors help in presenting their classmates’ work including poems, essays, short stories and art. Diversion is often used by our language teachers in the classroom as well.

The Bruner

It is Trinity’s yearbook. Serving the entire school, it is a yearly testament (证明) to the many aspects of Trinity life. Editorial positions are named in May, allowing editor s to attend a two-day summer meeting at NYU. This meeting allows students to develop their ability to get knowledge before the start of the school year. Work on the yearbook begins immediately thereafter, as students work to create an impressive K-12 publication.

The Trinity Times

It is the upper school newspaper, written, edited, photographed and produced completely by students as an extracurricular activity. Its contents include Arts and Innovation, Trinity Life, NY Culture, Science, Opinion and Editorial, and Sports.

1. What is special about Diversion?

A．It is published in different languages.	B．It publishes teachers’ works.
C．It comes out once a month.	D．It focuses on sports.

2. What is the purpose of the summer meeting at NYU?

A．To prove the advantages of Trinity life.

B．To present students’ poems and essays.

C．To make students better at gaining knowledge.

D．To develop students’ skills for creative writing.

3. Which publication is completely run by students?

A．The Trinity Times.	B．Diversion.
C．The Bruner.	D．Columbus.

5 . By our very rough calculations, Reader’s Digest has published some 35,000 articles in nearly 1,200 issues. These small pages have held some very big names, including U.S. presidents, world leaders, sports legends, and, indeed, the biggest contributors of all, everyday Americans with a story to tell. These are some of our proudest moments.

How to Keep Young Mentally by Mary B. Mullett

This first article in the first issue highlighted inventor Alexander Graham Bell and his belief in lifelong learning: “The first essential of any real education is to observe. Observe! Remember! Compare!” It was an appropriate beginning. reflecting our self-educated founder’s endless curiosity.

I’ve Come to Clean Your Shoes by Madge Harrah

The morning of a family funeral, an acquaintance shows up unannounced and says, “I’ve come to clean your shoes.” He spends the day quietly shining every pair in the house. The writer ends with: “Now, whenever I hear of an acquaintance who has lost a loved one. I try to think of one specific task suiting that person’s need. And if the person says, ‘How did you know I needed that done?’ I reply, ‘it’s because a man once cleaned my shoes.’”

Strange Encounter on Coho Creek by Morris Homer Erwin

A miner spends days camping in the Alaskan wilderness, working hard to earn the trust of a mother wolf stuck in a trap before she and her four pups starve to death. Eventually, he is able to free her. Four years later, he encounters a wolf in the same meadow. Yes, the same wolf. When we shared this classic on rd.com in 2019, it went viral and it has now been read by many millions online and in print.

How Honest Are We by Ralph Kinney Bennett

Our famous “wallet drop” set up the ultimate test of honesty: If we left wallets in cities around the country, how many would be returned? Well over half, it turned out—67 percent. The most honest city? Seattle, whose upstanding residents returned nine out of ten wallets.

1. What do we know about the acquaintance in the story I’ve Come to Clean Your Shoes?

A．He shows concern by cleaning shoes.

B．He cleans shoes at the owner’s request.

C．He comforts the owner by telling his own story.

D．He visits the house where the owner is severely sick.

2. Which article gained significant popularity online?

A．How to Keep Young Mentally.	B．I’ve Come to Clean Your Shoes.
C．Strange Encounter on Coho Creek.	D．How Honest Are We.

3. Where can the text be found?

A．In a history book.

B．In a magazine.

C．In a novel.

D．In a brochure.

6 . On January 15^th, the Guardian showed off its new, smaller look, shifting from its distinctive “Berliner” format to a tabloid(娱乐小报) shape with a redesigned logo in black type. But the more dramatic makeover is of the financial books of Guardian Media Group (GMG), publisher of the Sunday Observer and the daily Guardian, which may find its new operation in the black next financial year. A newspaper business that two years ago was threatened with existentially worrying losses appears on the edge of breaking even.

The turnaround is partly due to steep cost-cutting, which is a dog-bites-man story in journalism. But the Guardian would manage the achievement while still giving away news free online, and that is a story worth telling.

In January 2016 David Pemsel, the new chief executive of GMG, and Katharine Viner, the new editor-in-chief of the Guardian, informed staff that GMG’s endowment fund, meant to ensure the financial security of the paper in the long run, had lost £100m ($140m) in just half a year, taking it to £740m. Mr Pemsel was advised by industry peers to cut costs and put online news behind a paywall. He and Ms Viner cut costs by 20%, or more than £50m. Alan Rusbridger, Ms Viner’s predecessor(前任), had led the newspaper to global relevance with a large online readership. But he spent without thinking of the consequences. In two years GMG has reduced its employees by 400, to about 1,500.

Yet unlike a growing number of newspapers, the Guardian has not put up a paywall. Instead it has pursued a membership model, asking online readers to contribute whatever they like. About 600,000 now do, with annual payments or one-off amounts. American readers tend to choose the latter option, Ms Viner says. GMG says the total figure amounts to tens of millions of pounds per year. Ms Viner says revenue from readers (including 200,000 print subscribers) is now greater than revenue from advertisers.

The result is steadily declining operating losses: from £69m two years ago to £45m last financial year and, Mr Pemsel says, less than £25m in the year that ends on April 1^st. He predicts breaking even next year. Giving up its own printing presses and going tabloid will help, saving several million pounds a year. The Guardian may now physically look more like its peers, but its turnaround story remains distinctive.

1. The phrase “in the black”(Paragraph 1) most probably means ______.

A．making profit	B．taking on a new look
C．losing support	D．enjoying great popularity

2. What does the writer imply about Alan Rusbridger?

A．He advised GMG to cost costs.

B．He got the Guardian into trouble.

C．He was the founder of GMG’s endowment fund.

D．He was fired due to his failure to bring the Guardian online.

3. What does the Guardian allow its online readers to do?

A．To pay as they like.	B．To skip the advertisements.
C．To join its membership club.	D．To connect to other newspapers.

4. What conclusion can be drawn from the passage?

A．The Guardian has been reduced to a tabloid.

B．The Guardian succeeds by giving away news free online.

C．The Guardian turns around by looking more likes its peers.

D．The Guardian has broken even by cutting its operation costs.

7 . The London Book Fair

Time and Location

The London Book Fair will take place 18 — 20 June, 2023, Olympia London.

Children’s & Young Adult

Our Children’s & Young Adult section traditionally welcomes the leading names in the field to exhibit. These companies enjoy noisy passageways full of visitors and benefit from the opportunity to increase brand awareness. However, any children under 16 are not allowed to be at The London Book Fair.

Authors & Self-Publishing

Author HQ, which consists of a theatre and networking area, is one of our most popular features, attracting great interest from the self-publishing community. Meanwhile, our Author of the Day programme helps bring writers face-to-face with bestselling authors who will share their journey to publication during a special series of talks at the fair.

Technology and Publishing Solutions

All the new ways to treat content are found in the Tech area at LBF, located in the National Gallery of Olympia. Whether it is an app, game, mobile development or enhanced eBook — or a development not yet launched — the Tech area is its home. To keep the creativity flowing, there is a dedicated Buzz Bar in the heart of the Tech area for those all-important networking meetings.

BA Members

BA Members attend the fair for FREE and receive a number of key benefits, making the fair a more accessible, cost-effective and highly relevant event for booksellers. Simply click here to find out more about becoming a BA member and take advantage of this offer.

If you have any further difficulties, please contact our Customer Services team who will be happy to help.

1. Who will be welcomed by the London Book Fair?

A．A mother with a kid.	B．A green hand writer.
C．A primary school student.	D．A visitor getting to London in July.

2. What should we do to gain more benefits on the fair?

A．Apply for BA members.	B．Attend networking meetings.
C．Increase brand awareness.	D．Contact Customer Services team.

3. Where is this text probably taken from?

A．A textbook.

B．A newspaper.

C．A website.

D．A fashion magazine.

8 . From a heart-warming read about an unlikely friendship to a guidebook uncovering the surprising science of walking, here are four books you won’t want to miss this month.

52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time by Annabel Streets (Out now)

We’re all familiar with the wonderful physical benefits that come with walking. Maybe you feel relieved from stress after taking a wander outside, or maybe you’ve seen your sleeping routine improve as a result. As impressive as this is, there is so much more to walking that most of us have vet to explore. In Annabel Streets’ informative handbook, she digs into the lesser known benefits of walking, such as why a slow relaxing walk alone strengthens our memories, or why walking in woodlands makes you sleep soundly at night which helps you rediscover the joy found in this simple act.

Milk Street: Cook What You Have: Make A Meal Out of Almost Anything by Christopher Kimball (Out now)

Do you ever have those nights when the contents of your cupboards are empty, and you’re too tired to go shopping? Cook What You Have is here to show you how to make hearty, warming meals from the leftover items and everyday essentials that you already have, with over 225 delicious recipes(食谱)to choose from.

Moon Yoga: Poses, Flows, and Rituals to Help You Move With the Moon by Lisa Hood (Out 5, January)

Go on a spiritual journey with yoga instructor Lisa Hood, and discover how to use the moon’s energy for enhanced wellbeing. This beautifully explanatory and insightful guide is packed with yoga flows and journaling instructions.

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams (Out now)

Heart-warming and uplifting, The Reading List is a story of an unlikely friendship between a man grieving(悲痛)the loss of his wife, and an anxious teenager trying to overcome the difficulty in life. Could a wrinkled list of books be the key to helping them find comfort in the next chapter of their lives?

1. What does 52 Ways to Walk mainly talk about?

A．The benefits of walking.	B．The joy of walking.
C．The best place to walk.	D．The best time to walk.

2. What do 52 Ways to Walk and Moon Yoga have in common?

A．They both have instructors.

B．They have both been published

C．They are both related to our health.

D．They can both help us find the joy of exercise.

3. If you are interested in novels, which one will you probably choose?

A．Milk Street	B．The Reading List
C．Moon Yoga	D．52 Ways to Walk

9 . BACK ISSUES

JUNE 2020

Full results of the BBC Music Magazine Awards, plus interviews with all winners. Plus Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin on your CD.

JULY 2020

An exclusive (独家的) interview with cellist Yo-Yo Ma as he returns to bluegrass, plus Ravel’s ballet Daphnis et Chloé on the cover CD.

AUGUST 2020

A 125th anniversary (周年纪念日) celebration of the people who shaped the Proms, plus Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5 on the cover CD.

UP TO 30% OFF FOR SUBSCRIBERS (订购者)

1. We’re sorry, but issues of BBC Music published more than 12 months ago are no longer being sold.

2. BBC Music Magazine and CD slipcases (硬盒) are perfect for storing your collection. Subscribers can save up to 30% when ordering both together.

To order call 03330 162 118

BACK ISSUE PRICES

SUBSCRIBERS	NON-SUBSCRIBERS
UK — £4.48 per copy	UK — £5.60 per copy
Europe — £5.28 per copy	Europe — £6.60 per copy
Rest of the world — £6.08 per copy	Rest of the world — £7.60 per copy

SLIPCASE PRICES
SUBSCRIBERS

LOCATION	MAGAZINE & CD HOLDER Save 30%	MAGAZINE HOLDER Save 20%	CD HOLDER Save 20%
UK	£11.50	£6.80	£6.40
Europe	£14.00	£8.00	£7.15
Rest of the world	£16.20	£9.15	£8.75

NON-SUBSCRIBERS

LOCATION	MAGAZINE & CD HOLDER	MAGAZINE HOLDER	CD HOLDER
UK	£16.50	£8.50	£8.00
Europe	£20.02	£10.00	£9.00
Rest of the world	£23.25	£11.50	£11.00

1. What do we know about the June 2020 issue?

A．It lists those winning the BBC Music Magazine Awards.

B．It is a special issue about an anniversary celebration.

C．It reports an interview with only one musician.

D．It collects the stories of many musicians.

2. What should we notice when buying the issues?

A．Issues published over a year ago are not offered.

B．People must order magazines and CDs together.

C．Only people in the UK can enjoy the low price.

D．All of the issues have 30% off.

3. How much should a European subscriber pay for a magazine holder?

A．£10.00.	B．£8.00.
C．£6.80.	D．£6.60.

10 . The culture of newspaper reading in the United Kingdom started in the19th century. The number of the newspapers circulated daily peaked during the early 21st century. Here are four well-known ones.

The Sun

The Sun is a popular newspaper, which was established in 1964 and bought by Rupert Murdoch’s News International Company in 1969. It is filled with the jokes about heads of state and major events both inside and outside Britain such as mayor’s trousers not being tied properly, politicians sleeping during conferences and so on. Its lively and popular style just meets the taste of the lower classes. The majority of The Sun’s readers are in the age group of 15-34 years. Now its annual circulation has reached 23,100,000 copies.

Metro

Metro is a free tabloid (小报) newspaper distributed from Monday to Friday, which was established in 1999. Metro is published by NMG group and is distributed throughout the United Kingdom. It has gained popularity over time and also has a digital platform. The features section covers a variety of articles including lifestyle, home, science, and health. This variety of content attracts readers from various walks of life.

Daily Mail

Daily Mail, compared to The Sun, is a little more serious. It was established in 1896. Reading Daily Mail can not only understand major political and economic events, but also read some relaxing and helpful contents. Well-known for female favorite topics, it is extremely popular with middle-class housewives.

The Guardian

The Guardian is a British daily newspaper that was founded in 1821 in London, UK. The Guardian receives average daily readers of about 1.03 million with 126,879 in daily newspapers circulated. The paper focuses on politics, policy, business, and international relations. Their coverage includes News and Opinion, Sports, Culture, Lifestyle, Podcasts, and more.

1. Who may be the target readers of The Sun according to the text?

A．Elderly people.

B．Middle-class men.

C．Lower classes.

D．Scientists.

2. Which newspaper has the shortest history?

A．The Sun.

B．Daily Mail.

C．The Guardian.

D．Metro.

3. Which topic is least likely to be covered in The Guardian?

A．World Cup finals.	B．Jogging methods.
C．Sino-France relations.	D．Gossip news.