Discussions
What Questions Would You Ask?
Posted by cookingasshole • 9/10/09 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: book deal
It finally happened. I was approached by a publishing company and they are interested in printing my blog.
This is obviously a new situation for me so I would like everyone's input. Mainly, what questions would you ask?
User Comments
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What's in it for me?
...would be my first question.-
practical and assertive...I like
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What can I say? I don't monkey around.
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zing!
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Do they sell adult cookbooks?-
they do adult stuff and cookbooks so it is like a meeting of the minds.
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Wow. That's really awesome! Since it's new, I'd try to listen more and absorb all you can and use that as a starting point for follow up questions. Maybe they can show you some others they work with, you can ask them their expectations, do they have a sample contract they can send you. And yes, nicely what's in it for me, as Suzie stated.-
Thanks Beer! Good advice.
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Yay!!! I'm SO excited for you! I always told you that you'd get a book deal!!!! ; ) This is just the beginning for you....so my only concern is to check the contract and make sure you're not signing away all your future books to this publishing house. Seems like you'd want to keep all your future options open in case another major publishing house comes along & makes a huge offer for your next book; you want to be free to accept it, if you're interested. But that's something that needs to be researched with an agent. Congratulations!!!-
Thanks Lisa! Good call. I don't want to get stuck in a deal if there is something better out there. I know this is all way in advance but what if I am only offered a series though?
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Find out all you can. And then it might be time for some professional advice.
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professional how?
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A lawyer or agent or at least someone who's been there before. All the people here have good practical advice, but you will be talking to people that know exactly what they are doing and all the tricks.
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Contract negotiations are par for the course in publishing. They know they won't get everything they want. I'm sure if that is a sticking point, you can reach some agreement, like giving them a 'first look' deal on your next project. That means you agree to show it to them first, will listen to their offer, but are not under any contractual obligation to sign with them again.
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okay thanks!
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You could easily get an agent now, if you don't already have one. But you'd have to think that over - because obviously they're going to take a percentage, usually 10-15% of your book advance. I don't think you need one, but on the other hand, it's a good way to secure representation since you already have a book deal. But there are also free legal services for artists/writers. I'm going to find the link and post it for you.
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Congratulations, CA! Great news! You might want to discuss your options with other published authors here at BC. They could probably give you the best practical advice.-
I know...I am hoping they (whoever 'they' are) see this thread.
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If you don't want to go the agent route, this is another service that I'm fairly certain is free: www.vlany.org/aboutus/index.php
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does one have to get an agent...is it like going to court without a lawyer?
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hey! Congrats on the offer!
This is obviously a new situation for me so I would like everyone's input. Mainly, what questions would you ask?
I would definitely ask them if they want a companion PetLvr book to go along with that. Pets will eat anything.-
hehe...you got it PetLvr!
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CA.....you definitely would want some professional advice regarding the contracts, but it doesn't have to be an agent.
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okay thanks!
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congratulations, the first thing I would ask is for a list of their published works so I could browse over them and see if they "feel" right to me. second I would contact the authors of said works and see how they felt about the publisher, especially if you can find an author with more than 1 published work. - If things don't feel right it doesn't matter what they offer you. I would definitely have a lawyer look over any contract before you sign it. And keep in mind you do not have to swing at the first pitch. You deserve this, you write good and have good recipes. I wish you the best of luck.-
Thanks FreakSmack...all great points and ideas!
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I don't have any great suggestions for what to ask, but just wanted to say congrats! Tony has mentioned several times that your blog should be turned into a book and we're glad someone with the means to do it has provided the opportunity. best of luck!-
Thanks Jay. I would not be sitting where I am without BC.
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I am interested in this thread, because I also have been approached about publishing a book or two. I think that it is a good idea to do a little research and find out if what they are offering you is a good deal or not... by checking out other publishers and see what they have to offer compared to what has been offered.
Congratulations you really do have some great stuff! -
Wow. It couldn't have happened to a nicer a-hole.
I would ask questions about how large the initial print run will be and how the book will be promoted. They're issues that are important to the book's success, and ultimately to your bottom line (no pun intended.)
I'm not a lawyer or an agent, but I would also be cautious about how much of your material they can claim rights to and how it will be used. Are you okay with them buying your material and editing the content? What about breaking it up and including recipes in recipe collections?
Make sure that the deal reflects what you envision for your work.
(As an aside, I'm psyched for you. I hope this really works out!) -
I can't see the op but from the context my monkey man just got a book dealll!!!!! Wooooo hoooooo for u!!!!! So what's gonna be ur 1st recepie? Oooh u soo should name one after your baby girl. I am gonna be the first to receive a signed copy,right??!! -
Oh I forgot to say CONGRATS!!! That is the first time I ever yelled using my caps,haha
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Congrats to you. I would ask how much overlap between the blog and this book they were thinking, and if any, would the current content need to come down?-
I know! I am wondering if they want all new content or what I already have. Yeah I can only assume they would want it toned down a bit.
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no don't tone it down ! you'll turn into Rachel Ray! -
I imagine since they approached you, they already enjoy the tone.
I'm thinking though of James Lileks' Interior Desecrations and Gallery of Regrettable Food on lileks.com... His website spawned three books. But he's got teaser stuff and stuff not included in the book on his site currently. So there's really no overlap in content. -
@TSR
Good point
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Wow?!!!
I would ask When? where? how? -
???? To ask...$$$$ how much.... but I bet u already figured that.
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Are they going to let you publish under the 'cookingasshole' moniker? -
That is sizzling news. A friend of mine published a thriller novel, hopefully he will pass on a few pointers. I remember him saying he was very disappointed with the marketing and promotion for his book. But that is apparently a general thing. Publishing houses typically make their bread with a few bestsellers and don't really concentrate on the mass of other books. It's possible you would need to get in there and do your own promotion. Publicity is hard to come by; controversy may be your best bet! Suerte. [careful not to sell your sole! j/k]
Edit: also give international rights a thought (especially with a weak $) -
I can't think of any questions to ask, but all I'd like to say is: Congratulations! That is awesome news. -
Everyone here has already said what I would have suggested so on that note ..
GOOD FOR YOU!!! Proud of ya dude, best of luck!! -
I'd say ask for time to analysis all the clauses of the deal they offer you.
Congratulations! This is huge
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There are others who can give you better advice than me but I just wanted to say congratulations. Nice job asshole, you deserve it. -
Finally- Congrats! Are they flying you to NY to discuss the contract?
Did they find you on the web or did you write to them?-
they found me out of the blue...that is a good question to ask "how did you find me?"
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Make sure the contract does not state the published work is "work made for hire." If that one line is in the contract, all copyrights go to the publishing company.-
hrmmm...now I am thinking I will just get one of my lawyer buddies give it a once over.
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So u excited???
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damn right I am! I just got back from a celebratory drink...and I might have another.
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admit it - you were going to have a drink anyway...
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LOL...I know...
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Wooo hooooo,good 4 u!!! I'm soooooo happy for you!!!!
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Excellent news -
thanks Claire! the hardcore pitch to all the editors is next Wednesday so I have to get my ass in gear and prep up!
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Have you got an agent or lawyer type person?
Make sure you are the organ grinder and not just the monkey -
If there is one thing I have learned from this thread that is it. Very good point.
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Will you have creative input? Like design of the book cover? Have you got a male model pose ready for cover sleeve thingy? Dedicating it to whom? Will they support a new blog and will they make it look cool?
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keep going...
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Will there be book signings? Will I have to be a public asshole? Will there be food demos in malls?
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"Will I have to be a public asshole?"
that is a good one! That would be fun but would suck at the same time. -
I suppose it depends on how they market it?
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Don't use that damn logo on the cover!
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I LOVE the logo!!!
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You may not be aware of this but I have known authors, who had no idea what their book covers were actually going to look like, until their books appeared on Amazon for sale.
There are many questions to ask. Take nothing to take for granted. You will need the services of a lawyer to peruse the proposed contractual terms with the publisher. Also note that if the recipes are not your own then copyright may be an issue.
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Hey, that's awesome! Congratulations!-
Very awesome!
Congratulations!!!!
Question I would be asking is: When do I get to go to Disney? : )
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Congrats! I'm wondering if the results of Google searches would be helpful.
Search string "what questions should I ask a publisher?"
Results: www.google.ca/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channe...-
I also found this article which I believe you may want to check out. It contains 9 questions.
Choosing a Publisher & Marketing Points
www.biblioscribe.com/press/publish/book_marketing/Choosing_a_Publisher_and_...
Also I think you may want to ask: Will (the publisher) take care of obtaining permissions to use copyrighted materials which I have included in my manuscript?
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Cooking asshole I am so proud of you little monkey man!!!! Yeah! -
Congrats! My husband's a professional author. I'd request to have a look at their standard contract, for starters. That might help you determine what to ask. -
The question that I want to ask is how much? hehehe... Anyway, congrats! -
Did you get some of the answers you were looking for, CA?
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I sure did! and a whole lot of questions to go with them. I feel much more prepared than I did before.
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Cool.... hopefully some additional people will come along and post more helpful info on this thread today!
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do you think I should keep posting blog entries or stop for the time being?
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Why would you stop??
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in case they want all new material
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pfft just keep doing what you are doing!
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must obey the Doll
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he he
if they go to your blog they may wonder why you stopped all of a sudden. Plus you don't know what is going to happen with this. -
very true
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One million dollars may not be enough and you have to turn them down...
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I will settle for nothing under 3mil
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good. you have my cut to keep in mind as well.
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CA! Congrats!! Hmm a lot of good things have already been said. Not sure if I can add anything to it. But I'm really happy for you! don't make any hasty decisions, just do something when it feels right ^_^!-
yeah...I am trying to contain myself and take things slowly
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That can be quite difficult I think. It's really exciting news
But you can do it!
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Yea,monkey man if it don't feel right,don't do it....always trust ur gut,and always be U!!!!
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so far they have been great communication-wise and I feel really comfortable with them which makes it all the better.
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Wow. Congrats!!
I would definitley have questions about editorial rights. I wouldn't want anyone trying to "tone me down". Also about payment, and about exposure..how they plant to market you. -
Good for u!!!! I'm soooo happy for u again!!!! So what's the next step.
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The editor is going to make the official pitch on Wednesday and then we will see what happens
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Go with your gut, but I think it's important to keep posting frequent blog entries like you always do......the more prolific (which you obviously are) you continue to be, the better, since they'll notice and admire your creativity, causing them to get even more excited about possible future book deals, as well!
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good call
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How were you approached? Did you go looking for publishing or did they approach you?
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I have submitted to numerous agencies but have only received rejection letters. This editor from a publishing company sent me an email saying she just came across it and wanted to pitch the idea. Since then we have been in solid correspondence.
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Hmmm...I didn't even know it was possible to submit your blog as a pitch.
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Guess you can!
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good work CA!
I would ask about time limits, as in how many recipes do they expect and how much time do you have to submit them to the publisher. It could be a lot of hard work if you dont have the time to do it-
very true...luckily I have all the time in the world
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Did they come in and make themselves at home while you poured them a glass of wine? Or is it too early for that?
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haha! in her first email she wrote "I wouldn't say no to a glass of shiraz over here."
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Make sure you have a bottle ready just in case.
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Congrats dude. I hope to see you on TV someday. -
Well I'm fixinna make u jealous,monkey man,but I'm eating prime rib,crab legs, oyters rockerfeller....and every kinda comfort food/caserole in between.and ill never make it to dessert! I'm at PAULA DEAN's in tunica MS in the harrahs casino.....and I got the HOOK UP!!!!
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sounds awesome!
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So what the hell are you doing on BC?? go eat and gamble!
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Oooooooo my LORD!!!! Mmmmmmmm,oooooooo aaaaaaaaaa
Yea take it over sex any day!!!hahahahaha -
Oh my lord...definately gonna have to unbutton my jeans.... this place is the BIZZZZNOMB!!! Just the cheddar biscuits are worth coming for...ooooooo,tash is trying to figure out how to eat crab legs,she's never had em' poor poor baby
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God I love crab legs...
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I ain't gonna gamble cuz I'm broke like a champ,but I am eating like there is no tomorrow,the girls are already eating dessert!!!! They have a choc. Fountain with tons of fruits.... if I make it I'm getting choc. Covered strawberries....
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Me and tash just did a raw oyster,with salt lemon and louisiana w/ a shot of petrone in the name of your book deal......feel the burn baby,haha
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cheers to that!
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M'k stick a fork in me I'm DUN!! I'm miserable too. Y'all so have to find one of her resturants!!! Usually casino buffetts are all cheesy and prossesed food. This wasn't at all....I'm seriously gonna have to fast next week to loose this gut.....oh well I need a nap,but don't wanna get up.
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WTF is shiraz?
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it is a type of grape you uncultured rube!
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Sincere congratulations...You should work on somehow making a lifelike costume of your avatar...A few guest appearances on shows like Iron Chef etc. could get you your own tv show as most of food network's shows and hosts are very boring...-
screw Food Network...I want an HBO show!
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congratulations!
Ask: how much?-
good question but that is not a discussion I want to initiate...in my mind at least
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tomorrow is the big pitch! wish me luck! I am nervous as sh*t
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Did you read the FAQs on the publisher's site?
Did you compose a list of questions to ask that weren't covered in the publisher's FAQs?
Were the reference links useful?
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what is an FAQ?
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Frequently Asked Questions
You will find that publisher's sites have them usually under the acronym FAQ. -
I don't think this publisher has one of those...they don't accept unsolicited manuscripts.
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You can find out very quickly. What's the name of the publisher? By searching you will be able to find their site and read what's on it. That may help when it comes to narrowing down the questions you want to ask.
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I am very familiar with the basics of their website...that was the very first thing I did.
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I think that's odd. Are they local? No matter whether or not they have a site there is bound to be information on the internet about any publisher.
www.quantcast.com/nodice.org
www.alexa.com/siteinfo/nodice.org
whois.domaintools.com/nodice.org-
they are large enough that they don't take unsolicited manuscripts so they don't have a FAQ.
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They are a large publishing company but claim not to have an internet site. I'm amazed by that.
The large and well-known publishing houses deal almost exclusively with agents, and many simply will not look at a proposal that is not submitted by an agent. You have to realize that the average house is dealing with an overwhelming number of submissions. One of an editor's main jobs is to keep in close contact with a group of agents, letting them know what kind of books that editor is looking for, and getting them used to that editor's taste.
Ideally, a good agent will help you put the final polish on your proposal, and will get it directly to the editors and publishers most likely to buy your kind of book and most likely to publish such a book successfully. -
well guess what? I am an exception so accept it and move on.
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I'm not crazy. I am a published author. I have such a list. Your not wanting to state the name of the publisher or agent who approached you is IMO odd, but I played along with you.
I assumed that you actually wanted sensible responses to the question: What Questions Would You Ask? when you posted this thread. But hey if that's not what this thread was for then -- okay, fine with me. -
you provided a google link....thanks a lot
and I will sure feel great tomorrow when my pitch is accepted...thanks again -
You're most welcome.
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what to ask: Can you put LolitaV on the cover? -
nope
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pretty please?
i'd give you candy? -
don't try to bribe the monkey!
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want some banana
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*almost falls for it*
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Congratulations!
@Lolita. Don't worry sweetie. You will be on the cover of my book someday as the Celtic Goddess -
thanks but tomorrow is the tell tale day! I doubt I will be able to sleep tonight!
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yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh i always wanted to be a goddess
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but Celtic?
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Here's an example:
missharleyquinn.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/sirona2.jpg
and my fave Goddess Rhiannon from Wales
www.goddessinwales.co.uk/images/rhiannon.jpg
And Epona from Ireland
www.freewebs.com/honeydancer/goddess.jpg -
meh
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