Genre Novels – Word Count Rules, Subgenres, and Guidelines For Getting Your Book Published
January 30, 2012 | 
Author Wondering “How long is my book? How long should my book be? What genre is my book or novel?” Keep reading. If you have written a novel, use this article to be sure that your book meets the basic guidelines of literary agents and book publishers. You will be more likely to be published if your book follows the “rules” of your genre (whether romance, thriller, Western, fantasy, young adult, historical, or horror).
Disclaimer: Keep in mind that the information below is an overview of guidelines. For the best results always research specific information about your project.
The Rules Of Fantasy Genre Novels Fantasy is generally about world building (creating alternative worlds). Avoid clichés in your characterization, and let your major themes be strong yet subtle. Always research publisher guidelines: One publishing house states caveats such as “no time machines, please.”
Fantasy novels can contain between 80,000 and 150,000 words (approximately). Fantasy novels can be a little longer than other novels, and they are sometimes serialized.
Subgenres of fantasy include: high, fantasy of manners, alternate history, dark, historical, steampunk, urban, wuxia, and more.
The Rules Of Romance Genre Novels A romance usually emphasizes the heroine’s perspective, and the reader should be drawn into the love story. Romances end with a happily ever after of some kind.
How long is a romance novel? A stand-alone romance novel is normally between 80,000 and 100,000 words. A category romance novel (like those published by Harlequin) is generally shorter, and each “imprint” will have its own criteria. Be sure you know what imprint you’re targeting before you start writing.
Subgenres of romance include: women’s fiction, Regency, historical, fantasy/science fiction, contemporary, Christian, time travel, paranormal, erotica, and more.
The Rules Of Historical Fiction Genre NovelsResearch and attention to detail are of top importance in historical fiction. Characters must behave in accordance with the times. Plots can be “big” (featuring many strong characters and tackling big or complex issues). Some historicals are part of a saga (a series of books that covers generations within a family or many characters).
How long is a historical novel? A stand-alone historical book may be 85,000 to 100,000 words. Publishing a book longer than 100,000 words is difficult (especially for first-timers), but historical novels are sometimes longer.
The Rules Of Mystery Genre Novels Pay special attention to plot and pacing in this genre. Introduce the murder or the crime early, and research the methods by which the crime was committed. Research forensics, criminal justice, and detective procedures to lend credibility.
How long is a mystery novel? Mysteries vary in length. Stand-alone mysteries (which may have some overlap with thrillers) may be between 75,000 and 100,000 words. Cozy mysteries, like those in a series, are often on the shorter side.
Subgenres of mystery include: crime, hardboiled, true crime, cozy, amateur sleuth, supernatural, police procedural, and more.
The Rules Of Thriller Genre Novels Emphasis in thrillers is on strong characters, action, and fast pacing. Thrillers often show clear antagonists and protagonists. Thrillers can be graphic and gritty or somewhat tamer. Focus is always on suspense.
How long is a thriller novel? Thriller novels generally run between 90,000 to 100,000 words (loosely), but they can be a little longer as well.
Subgenres of thrillers include: conspiracy, crime, action, political, disaster, erotica, eco, legal, and more.
The Rules Of Horror Genre Novels Fears and phobias play into the reader’s emotions in this genre. There is often a supernatural and paranormal element, but as always, steer clear of clichés.
Horror novels vary in length and are generally between 80,000 and 100,000 words.
Subgenres of horror include: ghost, erotic, psychological, body horror, weird menace, occult detective, and more.
The Rules Of Young Adult (YA) Genre Novels Young adult (YA) fiction targets boys and girls between the ages of 12-18. The tone, style, and content of YA novels changes depending on the specific age of the target audience. The genre can tackle G-rated issues or it can be very edgy.
Generally, YA books run between 40,000 and 75,000 words, depending on the target age group.
“Edgy” YA tackles controversial or difficult topics. Otherwise, subgenres of YA are the same as subgenres of adult fiction.
The Rules Of Western Genre Novels Westerns should be set west of the Mississippi River and before the year 1900. Historical details must be accurate. Westerns are very specific and specialized, but be sure that you’re not relying on clichés!
How long is a Western book? Westerns tend to be on the shorter side, anywhere from 45,000 to 75,000 words (loosely).
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8.33 KHz Channel Spacing – What is This?
The radio spectrum, a scarce resort
One of the most basic activities in a cockpit is tuning the radio to the assigned frequency of whoever we want to talk to. Contacting ground control, the tower or one’s own company is done by turning a few knobs until the right numbers show in the radio control panel display and we can talk.
Air traffic controllers see the same thing slightly differently. They do not normally have to tune their radios. The proper frequencies for their sector or other working position are pre-set and need no further attention.
With the matter being so pedestrian and the actions so routine, few of us realize that the ability of pilots and controllers to talk to each other is in fact dependent on one of the scarcest resources in aviation, namely the radio spectrum allocated to aviation use.
Many other disciplines have their own radio spectrum and we all guard jealously what we have been given and for good reason. With so many users wanting to use the radio waves, the incumbents better watch or the use it or lose it principle kicks in. Luckily, the frequencies most widely used by aviation (118 – 137 MHz) are not coveted so strongly by others. Our problem is different but not in the least less serious.
VHF fundamentals
VHF is a line-of-site system. This means that two stations can talk to each other assuming that they are tuned to the same frequency and they can “see” each other (from a radio point of view). If one of the stations is below the horizon of the other station, communications becomes impossible.
Being tuned to the same frequency means that both stations are tuned to the same pre-defined frequency which is within the aviation band. These pre-defined frequencies are separated by agreed “spaces”, expressed in kHz. The spaces ensure that communications taking place on adjacent pre-defined frequencies do not interfere with each other. And herein lies the problem!
You can only pre-define a limited number of frequencies with the required spacing between them if you are to stay within the aviation band. There are many more sectors, towers and other aeronautical stations that need their own, discrete frequencies than there are frequencies available. So what do we do?
The line-of-sight character of VHF radio waves offers a solution of a kind. You can re-use the frequencies if you ensure that the usage areas of each are separated sufficiently so that no interference occurs. Frequencies only used close to the ground can be re-used much more readily than can those used at higher levels. The horizon of these latter is much wider and hence aircraft hundreds of miles away might be heard by a center that has nothing to do with it if the frequency assignment is not done properly.
Reuse not enough? Cut the spacing!
I am not sure who was the first one to bolt a radio on an aircraft, but the idea caught on quickly and soon enough the problem of frequency shortages was born.
Originally the spacing between the frequencies was 200 kHz, providing just 70 channels between 118-132 MHZ as the band was back then (1947). In 1958, he spacing was reduced to 100 KHz, doubling the number of channels to 140.
In 1959 the upper limit of the aviation band was expanded to 136 MHz, giving us another 40 channels, bringing the total to 180.
In 1964, the channel spacing was halved again to 50 kHz, resulting in 360 channels being available.
These dates show not only aviation’s ever increasing hunger for frequencies, but also the evolution of aviation radios. In the 1950s no radio set would have been suitable for work with 50 kHz spacing. By 1964, 50 kHz was the standard with more to come…
The channel spacing was further cut to 25 kHz in 1972, doubling the available channels to 720. Seven years later, in 1979, the upper limit of the aviation band was once again expanded, this time to 137 MHz and this delivered another 40 channels, bringing the total to 760.
In 1995, the proposal was made to reduce the channel spacing to 8.33 kHz. Theoretical number of channels: 2280!
This may sound like radio channel nirvana but in real life things are never that simple.
The underlying reasons for the channel hunger
The need for ever more frequencies was driven mainly by the dramatic increase in the number of control sectors in the en-route ATC environment. As traffic grew, air traffic service providers had to split sectors into ever smaller chunks to enable controllers to cope. Each new sector needed its own frequency and most of the sectors were in the upper airspace, hence the re-use distance between identical frequencies was very big. This translated into a seemingly insatiable hunger for ever more discrete frequencies.
By the mid-1990s it became clear that the existing VHF system would not be able to make available the required number of frequencies. This would put an end to the creation of new sectors, severely limiting the ATC system’s ability to handle the increasing air traffic demand.
Curiously, there seemed to be a mismatch in the magnitude of the problem as seen in the US and in Europe.
While traffic density on the Eastern Seaboard of the US was in fact higher than the busiest areas in Europe, the US frequency managers had no problem satisfying the FAA’s demand for new frequencies. At the same time, in Europe, with its lower traffic density, the alarm bells were being sounded that frequency doomsday was nigh.
So what was happening?
To understand this, it is important to remember that frequency managers in European States were part of the communications side of things, often coupled with the old postal monopolies, and they were not really given to international cooperation or worries about aviation’s problems outside their own land. That aviation was no longer a purely domestic affair had apparently not really touched them.
Although the States never formally admitted this, most of the frequency shortage was due to poor management of the available frequencies. Valuable frequencies were dormant, never used or simply left there in the dust after the organization originally using it had long disappeared.
The airspace users did raise the issue, brought several examples but to no avail. The local czars of frequency management did not relent and hence there was no other choice but to look at technology based solutions.
The choice between 8.33 kHz channel spacing and VDL Mode 3
While the immediate driver behind the effort to find a solution to the frequency shortage was the fear of skyrocketing delays, experts had been saying since the late 1980s that the complete aviation communications system needed overhaul. The VHF AM voice system and the freshly identified future need for air/ground digital link communications all argued for a common solution that would address the frequency shortage as well as the future communications needs.
Keep in mind that in other areas of communications huge advances were taking place at around the same time while aviation was still trying to make up its mind whether or not to replace a voice communications system that had changed little since the 1940s and which was clearly struggling to keep up with demand.
In the United States a system called VDL Mode 3 was being proposed. This system would have enabled four digital channels to be used on every existing 25 kHz channel and would have provided non-voice data link capability also. There were not many believers outside the US in the feasibility of this technology though and it has still not been implemented anywhere.
In Europe, the splitting of the channel spacing to 8.33 kHz was being put forward as the best solution. Missing a once in a lifetime opportunity, the industry did not examine any long-term alternatives…
The 8.33 decision and what followed
As mentioned earlier, the airspace users were not at all convinced about the need to spend money on aircraft modifications when in their view the frequency shortage was mainly due to poor management of the aviation spectrum.
It was in this ambivalent mood that the industry gathered to attend the ICAO European Regional Air Navigation Meeting (EUR RAN) in 1994 where proposals to address the frequency shortage were also to be discussed and decisions made.
For the current generation of ATM decision makers it may be of interest to mention how most decisions were made back then. Seeking a solution to the frequency shortage, 8.33 kHz was picked up without ever considering possible alternatives and without looking at cost-benefit aspects, user impact or the longer term communications requirements. Clearly not something to bring back… ever.
The airspace users, with the specter of even more serious delays hanging over their heads and with their protests brushed aside, had no choice but to note the mandate: 8.33 kHz in European upper airspace as of 1st January 1998.
The ICAO European Air Navigation Planning Group (EANPG) was charged with organizing the introduction of the new channel spacing. The EANPG in turn requested EUROCONTROL to develop a transition plan and manage its implementation.
This is a very important detail that needs to be remembered. To this day, airspace users tend to blame EUROCONTROL for the whole 8.33 issue when in fact EUROCONTROL was only the agent appointed by ICAO (the States you may say) to carry out the implementation. They did an excellent job and it is not EUROCONTROL’s fault that they had to orchestrate the realization of a less than optimal solution. If we consider that EUROCONTROL had to deal with all the ICAO member states in Europe (49) and had to manage the creation of a mixed 25 kHz/8.33 kHz environment, the eventual achievement of the goals is even more laudable.
Mr. Murphy and the 8.33 implementation plan
“If it can go wrong, it will” – states Murphy’s first law and this was certainly true of this implementation.
EUROCONTROL, quite correctly, had decided early on to establish a project oriented organization to handle the matter and they also had the good sense of requesting the participation of outside experts from organizations like IFATCA and IATA to ensure direct links to the end-users of the new system.
Right from the start the project was up against a time problem. With the first project steps being taken only in early 1996, the 1 January 1998 deadline was clearly a big question mark. So, the first delay kicked the deadline back to 1 January 1999 and the second delay to 7 October 1999.
Why the delays? The rate of equipage of course was the primary and decisive factor.
In many mandated aircraft equipage scenarios you see the equipage curve rising slowly in the beginning, as only a few aircraft are fitted, then as the deadline approaches, the curve becomes very steep but usually does not reach 100 % before the mandate date. What does this mean?
Obviously, airspace users do not want to spend money too early and fly around with the new equipment without it bringing any benefits. When the time comes and fitting becomes inevitable, there is a mad rush to equip, which in turn can result in a shortage of equipment and an overloading of the shops performing retrofits. In the end, inevitably, there are aircraft left out in the cold, not being able to meet the mandate!
All of this had happened in the case of 8.33 and then more.
When the project started, there were no 8.33 kHz capable radios on the market. A few pre-production samples had been produced, but nothing anyone could buy. In spite of the clear mandate, the presence of the competing VDL Mode 3 system and the fact that 8.33 would only be required in Europe somehow led the manufacturers to slow product development and not produce anything until their customers came with definite orders. The customers on the other hand were reluctant to place orders until closer to the mandate deadline which had to be put off as a result of low equipage rates because of a scarcity of radios! A vicious circle if ever there was one… At times meetings of the 8.33 project team had an air of most participants wishing the whole thing would just go away…
Then there were the aircraft themselves. No matter how advanced the new radios were 8.33 kHz is a very small distance between channels and trials on various aircraft revealed surprising behaviors. Radios on the Boeing 767 for instance worked well while the doors were open but started to produce interference the moment they were closed…
Controllers were fretting about what would happen if pilots regularly mistuned their radios. True, for the first time ever, the numbers seen on the radio control panel do not show the real frequency of an 8.33 spaced channel and this can be confusing.
Issues with the new radiotelephony expressions were also on the agenda for while.
In the end however, the final deadline came and went and the new system worked pretty well. Apart from a few isolated incidents no problems were reported and 8.33 kHz, like any other part of the ATM system, became part of the European scene.
Next steps?
In the meantime, EUROCONTROL has continued to manage the implementation of 8.33 kHz, extending its use also into the lower airspace. They have fulfilled and continue to fulfill the role assigned to them by the EANPG and the benefits specific to 8.33 kHz will no doubt continue to accrue. It is even rumored that the FAA also wants to look into 8.33 kHz channel spacing for introduction in the US.
Did the benefits materialize?
It all depends on how you want to measure the benefits. If the measure is the number of requests for new frequencies that could be accommodated, then the outcome of the exercise is definitely positive. At the very first Frequency Block Planning Meeting held after the introduction of 8.33 kHz channel spacing, 57 of the 59 requests were accommodated, an absolute first. The level of subsequent request satisfactions shows a similar pattern.
It is very likely that a comparison with a “do nothing” scenario would show that investing in 8.33 kHz was not a bad idea.
On the other hand, 8.33 kHz did create the impression that the problem was solved and the motivation to really address the shortcomings of this obsolete communications system has all but disappeared. Back around the time the 8.33 kHz decision was made, it might have been easier to also initiate the development of a new system that would by now provide services to the pilots on a par with what passengers are getting in the near future.
As it is, we are left with a legacy system which will be much more difficult to replace on an industry level now, not least because of the sad shape airlines are in these days.
It is a pity that the EUR RAN meeting in 1994 did not have the vision to look beyond the immediate solution to the problem of frequency shortages.
Disney Channel Auditions for Kids
We all know that most child actors end up having very successful acting careers in Hollywood. One of the most accomplished child stars is Drew Barrymore who launched her career as a child star and ended up being one of the biggest movie stars. Another successful actress who started off in Disney channels is Jessica Alba who launched her career in 1994 in the TV show “camp nowhere”. The first step to get your child started is through the Disney channel auditions for kids.
Your child needs to get prepared for the Disney channel auditions for kids before the actual auditioning date. They can do this by sharpening their acting skills or talents, attending acting classes or working on their communication skills.
To help your child prepare for the Disney channel auditions for kids, you need to do extensive research first. You can carry out online research, read books or talk to other parents who have child actors. This will help you prepare your child by knowing what to expect during the auditions. The resources will also equip you with information such as, how to prepare a beginners actor’s resume and cover letter, how to make an audition video and even child work permit information for immigrants. The acting auditions for Disney channels may not be the only way to land acting roles in Disney but they are a great platform to get you started.
You also need to scout for the Disney channel auditions for kids in your local area, or hire an agent who will help you get the audition dates and schedule for your child. If you decide to scout for the auditions yourself, one of the places you can do this is online. There are websites that normally have a listing for the Disney channels auditions. Once you identify a show that you would like to audition for, ensure that you confirm the time and the date for audition. If it is not in your area, make advance travel arrangements.
Remember, your child may not be in a position to memorize their lines for the Disney auditions for kids. However, they may be allowed to read their lines from the script. An important tip is to show your child how to do this and at the same time, look up from the page and make eye contact. They should also learn how to be audible enough without having to shout. You should ensure that your child is well rested before the audition.
Remember children are not the same as adults, you child may have high energy or very low energy during the audition. Do not be annoyed with them; yelling and acting frustrated will not assist them. The casting directions understand that they are just kids so they are very patient with them. Actually, don’t even stay in the room during your child’s Disney channel auditions for kids. Simply wish them luck and wait outside the room. If your child doesn’t land the role, be supportive and keep in mind that there will be other opportunities.
How to Find Bereavement and Family Emergency Airfares
When an unexpected death or medical emergency befalls a loved one far away, it is often very challenging to find and purchase an emergency airline ticket. It has always been the custom for airlines to charge the highest prices for tickets bought at the last minute, and even more if you don’t know exactly when you will be returning.
For many years the airlines have offered bereavement airfares, but unfortunately most airlines have eliminated or dramatically reduced their family medical emergency and bereavement airfares in the past year. The airlines claim that competition has affected the marketplace so much that they just can no longer afford to reduce ticket prices any further. Really? We all know that last minute tickets with a flexible return date can often cost $1,000 or more! Thankfully three major US airlines are still committed to assisting folks during family medical emergencies. They are American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
Here are the steps you need to take to secure a bereavement or family medical emergency reduced rate airline ticket:
1) You must phone the airline’s reservation department. Contact American Airlines at 800-433-7300, Northwest Airlines at 800-225-2525, or United at 800-241-6522. Information for this type of ticket does not exist online. Airlines don’t even admit they have such fares on their websites! Tell the reservation agent that you need a medical emergency or bereavement reduced rate airline ticket and what the circumstances are.
2) You must be an immediate family member – sister, brother, parent, child, grandchild etc. If you have extenuating circumstances, by all means explain them to the agent, they have been known to bend the rules from time to time.
3) The airline agent will verify the information you are telling them, so have the following information at hand for verification: Your relative’s full name, Name and phone number of the funeral home
or Name and phone number of the hospital or medical facility, Name and phone number of the attending physician.
Flights should be able to be booked in the course of one phone call, so be prepared with your desired dates and times of travel before placing the phone call. If the first agent you speak with does not seem able or willing to deal with your request, end the call and dial in again. Finally, you may want to check on Priceline.com, Kayak.com and with low cost carriers that serve your area to see what a standard ticket would cost. You may find that there is a less expensive option available online than with a reduced rate bereavement ticket.
How To Plan A Banquet – A Guide To Planning Perfect Banquets For Company Or Private Parties
First time planners are often stricken with complete fear! Even those that plan events over and over again still fear that something will go wrong and they will be the subject of ridicule. Hopefully we can allay the fears and quell the butterflies in your stomach by helping you through the entire project.
There are a lot of questions you need to ask. First timers probably don’t have the foggiest idea what questions to ask, so, the first thing we’d better do is outline these for you.
Perhaps the easiest way to do that is to fill out a form. (I love forms!)
If you were to phone me and ask me to help you make arrangements for a special event, the first thing I would do is reach for a blank form, and over the phone we would fill it out. When I had all the information, I would be better prepared to help you.
Before you continue reading, you may want to print the banquet planning worksheet(PDF) from my website. That way you can follow along with the worksheet as I describe the planning process. I’ve also included a pre filled sample planning worksheet that you might help.
Let’s begin with fact finding.
PURPOSE
The first question to ask is, “What is the purpose of the event?” This question should be really easy, but it’s perhaps the most important. The purpose of your event will determine your event’s agenda.
DATE
Break out your calendar to decide a date for your event. Look for possible conflicts. It might be tough to get people out to a Saturday night banquet if it’s a three-day holiday. It would be unwise to put on a church social if your local school, where most of your congregation had children attending, were having an open house or play that night.
Pencil in a date and then try to think of possible conflicts. I know of one organization that booked a very popular and relatively expensive Jewish comic into the club house of a predominantly Jewish retirement community. Attempts to sell tickets failed miserably, because they had not realized they had scheduled his appearance on a Jewish holiday – a very expensive oversight!
BUDGET
There are many, many determining factors in establishing a budget. First of all, how many are expected to attend? You might have a pretty good idea for a company party, but in some cases you might just have to make a “guess-timate” until you can get more information. Make the best possible estimate based on what facts you have, and proceed.
TICKET PRICE
Another factor to determine before we select a location is how much your attendees are willing to pay. Sure, we can work the other way: we can pick a location, hire a band, select the menu, etc., and then add up how much it all costs and thus determine how much everyone needs to pay, but doing so will probably leave you hurting in the end.
If you expect 1,000 people, and you determine $25.00 a person is acceptable, then your entire budget for food, printing, entertainment, etc., is $25,000. If you expect only 20 people and you know they won’t come if it’s over $5.00 a person, then you know you’re far more limited.
LOCATION
Determine the geographical area where the event is to take place. If you live in the area where the event will take place, you may already know of various hotels, country clubs, restaurants or catering halls that can accommodate your group. If you don’t live in the area, be sure to go look at the potential location before you book it. If the event is in a distant city and it’s not possible for you to travel there, and the event is a significant one, I suggest you hire a professional meeting planner.
I once attended a banquet in a quaint “50′s malt-shop-type restaurant. The party planner had not gone there to look at the room where the party was to be. She had just taken the word of a friend. True, it was a great restaurant, but their “room” had about 5 permanent booths on each wall. Guests were facing in all different directions. This made it almost impossible for the magician they had hired to perform. To further confuse the issue, it was not even a private room. Restaurant customers could not get to the restroom without disturbing the party, and the 50′s music continued to blare through the ceiling speakers throughout the evening because it was piped throughout the whole restaurant and could not be isolated from one room. A visit beforehand could have prevented this nightmare.
Many, if not most, facilities do not charge a fee for the use of the room but instead absorb the rental fee into the price of the meal. For instance, in our example of 200 people, a banquet facility would be delighted to supply a private room in order to sell 200 dinners.
Usually they will have several dinners to choose from – perhaps a chicken dinner, complete with beverage, salad and dessert, for $12.00 per person; or prime rib at $18.00 each; or sirloin steaks at $25.00 per person. In our example we are charging $30.00 per person. Let’s select the prime rib at $18.00.
Does that include tax and tip? Oh, Oh! Find out if it does, or you may get a surprise at the end of the night. Let’s say it does not. 15% tip and 8% (or whatever) tax makes the dinner a total of $22.14 per person. Our sample budget calls for 200 people at $30.00 each for a total of $6,000. If all 200 people attend, dinner will cost $4,428. That leaves $1,572 for all other costs.
By the way, the facility may ask you for a deposit and guarantee. If you guarantee 200 people, you will have to pay for 200 dinners even if only 175 show up. Generally, a facility is prepared to serve about 10% more people than you guarantee. So it makes sense to guarantee a lesser number than you expect. Even some of those who told you absolutely they would be there, maybe even gave you a deposit, don’t show for one reason or another.
Just to be on the safe side, in our example of 200 people, I would guarantee the restaurant 185. If you’re pre selling tickets, which I recommend, you can always adjust your estimate upwards with the restaurant a day or two ahead of time if needed. Ask the facility about their requirements in regard to a change in the guarantee.
AGENDA
The evening agenda is largely determined by the event’s purpose. A typical event might go like this:
6:00 – 7:00 – Social or cocktail hour
7:00 – 8:00 – Dinner
8:00 – 8:15 – Meeting/Awards/Business
8:15 – 9:00 – Entertainment/Speaker
9:00 – 9:10 – Raffle/Door Prizes
9:10 – 1:00 – Dancing
Having an hour to “gather” is always good. You and the facility both will want everyone present when you actually sit down to eat. It’s been my experience that almost everything starts late, so plan for it and don’t be disappointed when it happens.
Will you be having a cocktail hour? A “Hosted” bar means that drinks are free to the party-goers. If you choose to host the cocktail hour, be prepared to spend about $1200 for our sample group of 200 people. Most organization-sponsored events have a ‘No-Host’ bar, in which guests buy their own drinks. It’s appropriate to announce ‘Hosted’, or ‘No-Host’ in the invitation.
Some form of entertainment during the cocktail hour is certainly a plus. The facility may have music piped in through its sound system, which is certainly the most economical; however, for around $300 you could have live music. Most banquet facilities have a piano, sometimes on wheels, and will let you either rent the piano or use it for free. Fee for the piano rental should be around $50 to $100 and a piano player anywhere from $150 to $250.
Other cocktail hour entertainment could include a chamber group, a jazz or “society” trio, harpist, or a strolling accordionist. A strolling “close-up” magician, performing from group to group or table to table, is always fun. Other forms of entertainment for the cocktail hour could include celebrity look-alikes, mechanical or conventional mimes, a balloon animal sculptor, caricaturist, graphologist, palm reader, tarot card reader, stilt walker, or just about anything else you can think of! Again, your budget is your gauge.
DINNER
This is pretty easy. When the Maitre’d says dinner is ready, have your party sit down!
The vast majority of banquets have certain people assigned to sit at the head table while everyone else may sit where they wish. If you choose to have a head table, you should make small place markers for those assigned to sit at the head table, and don’t forget to discuss table arrangements with the facility.
OPENING
Someone, perhaps you, should step to the microphone and announce that dinner is ready and ask everyone to take a seat. When this has been accomplished your President, or whoever is presiding, should welcome everyone.
It is appropriate at most banquets to have someone lead the flag salute, followed by a blessing on the food. People should not be called upon for these jobs extemporaneously, but should be asked in advance and their names and responsibilities should be listed on the printed program if there is one. Following the flag salute and prayer, your Master of Ceremonies (or who ever is conducting) should introduce the people sitting at the head table, introducing himself last.
THE PROGRAM
If business of any sort needs to be conducted, begin when dessert is finished, or at least served. Make sure that the facility knows that you do not want any bussing (clearing of tables) or coffee served after the program starts, as it can become an irritating distraction and take away from the enjoyment of the program.
ENTERTAINMENT
Following opening remarks, and/or other business, you could either introduce the main speaker, or present some form of entertainment.
This could be the highlight of the evening! There are many outstanding after-dinner performers and speakers. If you really want to have a successful event, hire a professional. At this writing $500 to $1,000 can buy you some pretty top-notch entertainment.
How about a comedian-magician who uses a member or two of your group and does some hilarious bits of business and audience participation magic tricks – 30 or 40 minutes of non-stop laughs!
Or picture this…the dessert has just been served and in walks “Lt. Columbo,” complete with overcoat and cigar…”Oh, excuse me,” he says, “I was looking for somebody else.” All eyes are riveted on this familiar figure as he turns and starts to walk out. “Oh, one more thing, is this the Walker party?’ Then for the next 30 minutes or so he does a comedy routine in the style and delivery of Peter Falk as Lt. Columbo, using names of people in your group.
That will rock your people out of their seats with laughter. These are just a couple of suggestions. Everybody loves to laugh, and a good professional entertainer can make you a hero.
How do you find that kind of entertainment? Again, watch out for the well-meaning friend. Sometimes hiring a friend of a friend who tells jokes or plays the banjo can put a wet blanket on the evening if they don’t live up to your expectations.
Probably the best way to secure talent is to work with a professional talent agent that specializes in special events. Ordinarily there is no fee for his services. He can make recommendations and suggestions based on what your needs are, and work within your budget limitations.
Some entertainers may have special requirements, like a stage, spotlight, two mics or something else, and these items need to be arranged with the facility. There may be a rental fee involved.
RAFFLE/DOOR PRIZES
Giving away door prizes or raffle prizes should not be held until after the entertainment or main speaker. Perhaps it’s an inducement for your guests to stay until the end.
If you’re selling raffle tickets, again you need to make out a budget. How many tickets do you expect to sell and for how much money? Do you want to make a profit? Let’s say you expect to sell 100 tickets to those 200 people expected to come, and we sell them at the banquet for $2.00 each. That’ll give you $200 to buy prizes with. You can put this in your general budget or assign someone to take care of the whole raffle, including purchasing the prizes and selling the tickets.
DANCING
Following the raffle, the formal portion of the program is really over. Your people can now go home. If you’ve elected to have a deejay or band, they may stay for dancing.
The facility might charge to set up a dance floor. Sometimes this is a portable dance floor they build right on top of the carpet. A band will cost anywhere from $150 per band member to $450 per band member for four hours. A small trio of keyboard, drum and guitar could be anywhere from $750 to $1,500.
An $1,800 to $3,500 five-piece band, including a vocalist, is average. If you hire a band, you may be able to use one or more of those same musicians to provide cocktail hour and/or dinner music for a small additional fee. You normally need to make a deposit at the time you hire the band. Anything over four hours’ playing time is considered overtime, and you should talk with the band or agent about the cost of overtime when you make the initial arrangements. Bands also need to take a 10-15 minute break each hour. Ask if the band will supply recorded music during their breaks.
MOBILE DEEJAY
Sometimes you might prefer a DeeJay playing recorded music instead of hiring a band. This gives you the advantage of hearing the original recording artist instead of a dance band’s rendition.
Another advantage is that most mobile DeeJay units will set up before dinner and offer to play dinner music at no additional cost, and of course, a DeeJay does not take a break during the evening, so you have non stop music for your event.
Cost-wise, there is not a lot of difference between a 3-piece band and a DeeJay. Some DeeJays offer a full light-show that few bands do, and even with an additional charge, this could be a real plus. I think it’s just a matter of taste. Some people insist on a live band and others are just as adamant about a DeeJay.
PHOTOGRAPHER OR VIDEOGRAPHER
Video taping an event, except for historical purposes, is unnecessary. Seldom will the video tape or DVD be watched more than once after the event. Yes, maybe a Bar or Bat Mitzvah will watch his or her recording years later when they grow older, and maybe even a bride and groom would watch a well-edited and condensed recording. A company or organization’s banquet, however, will be seldom if ever watched.
I would recommend that you hire, budget permitting, a professional photographer rather than leaving it up to one of your guests or a friend of a friend who only takes photos twice a year. You can have the photographer deliver prints or a CD of digital photographs in which case you could print just the photos you want.
PROMOTION
Probably the most traumatic thing that could occur is that you planned the entire event and then no one came. If it’s a company party and the food, entertainment, drinks and dancing are all free, I don’t think you will have a problem, as long as you let everybody know when and where and that it’s FREE!
But if that’s not the situation, you may need to promote the event. Once you have all the facts (WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, WHO, and HOW MUCH), you can create a flyer – a piece of paper with all the facts on it, designed to motivate people to attend.
If you’re an artist, great! You can create the flyer yourself. If not, maybe someone in your group is and they can help you. Otherwise, you need to “rough it out” the way you’d want it and take it to a graphic artist to do the “camera-ready copy” for you, then off to a printer to print however many you’re going to need. How many you need will depend on how you’re going to distribute them.
The layout, printing, envelopes and postage all need to go into your budget. There are, of course, additional ways you can promote the event – word of mouth, bulletin boards, phone committee, club or company newsletter, posters. If your event will be open to people outside your organization, you might try using the publicity channels of other related groups, companies, schools, etc., as well as your own. Have a “brainstorming session” with your committee, if you have one, to think of all the ways you can get the word out.
And remember that if you want people to come to your activity, you can’t just tell them. You have to tell them and tell them and tell them! Use all the resources at your disposal, and don’t hesitate to repeat yourself. The more times you tell them, the more will come!
TICKET SALES
There are as many ways to handle this as there are ways to promote the event. If you have to lay out funds ahead of time (which is usually the case), it is good to get as much money as you can up front. Pre selling your tickets will help you do that. Of course, your publicity must state your requirements and deadlines. This also will help you get a handle on how many are going to attend. Remember though, that there will still be some last minute cancellations and additions, so stay flexible.
TABLE ASSIGNMENTS
As mentioned earlier, most organizations assign only the head table, and the rest of the attendees are left to sit where they wish. Some groups insist on drawing pictures of the tables on a sheet of paper, numbering them, and then assigning people to specific tables.
I think it’s far more work than necessary, but if you must, then have at it.
Some banquets, especially those honoring individuals or groups, offer entire tables “for sale.” 10 people per table at $30 each means that for $300 someone could reserve a whole table. Make sure you put a “reserved” sign on that table, showing the name of the host.
THE PRINTED PROGRAM
When all the facts are in, if the budget will permit, a nice printed program could be put at each place setting or handed out as people arrive. It should contain the agenda for the evening and credits given to all those who contributed to the event.
Many organizations have been successful in selling ads in the program to defray the cost of printing or even to raise some extra money. I’ve put $250 income under the income column of our example. Don’t you think you could convince 10 people to give you their business card and pay $25 to be advertised on the back page of the program? Of course, this idea could be a little tacky if the event is to celebrate little Bobbie’s 10th birthday. Use your best judgment.
DECORATIONS
This could be a big item or not – strictly up to you. If you picked a beautiful location, and it’s not a special seasonal event like a Christmas or Halloween party, why not just enjoy the facility’s decor? If you feel you need decorations and you have a sufficient budget, call a party decorator who uses balloons. They go a long way towards dressing up a room without spending a lot of money.
Centerpieces on each table look nice. You can ask someone to donate these or have someone clever make something for each table. Many facilities make such a nice table layout that a centerpiece is not necessary. Don’t spend money unnecessarily, but do remember that the nicer the ambience, the better the memories or the event will be in the minds of those who attend, which means that they will want to come to your next event, too!
One note of caution. If you’re having entertainment, be careful that large
centerpieces, particularly balloons, don’t block the view of the performing area or even the people sitting on the opposite side of the table who want to see and talk to each other.
YOU DID IT!
Yes, you will fret and worry until the whole thing is over, but every party planner does. Just relax, do your best and enjoy! (Here’s a secret: If you enjoy what you’re doing, the people you are doing it for will enjoy it, too!)
Posted in Agents Travel Articles | Tags: Banquet, Banquets, Company, Parties, Perfect, Planning, Private | No Comments »
Peace Dove Tattoo – A Sacred Symbol Of The Lord!
There is many ways you can know the different meaning of the dove. The meaning of the doves is derived from the emergence of its story. Therefore, you are going to get a dove tattoo which implied the most meaningful characteristic for you if you take you time to know about its story. It may simplify your searching task if you manage to know the meanings of the different dove tattoos.
A dove tattoo is a Christian symbol of peace. Peace dove tattoos happen to be a frequently requested design amongst many peace lovers. Many people emboss dove tattoos on their bodies in remembrance of a close relatives or friends who have passed away. A couple of doves are also very common and universal symbol of love.
Doves have a very enduring quality that many humans lack i.e. a dove is a mate for life. So, dove tattoos are also recognized as a sign of undying and long lasting love. Dove tattoos in Chinese culture can be inferred as a symbol of long and healthy life. In European, it is considered as the Holy Spirit by Christian representation. These tattoos can be tattooed in various sizes, colors and different combinations as well.
Peace dove tattoos have ample color selection, from simple black outline, meticulous black outlines, brilliantly colored to elegant neutrals tattoos. There are various combinations of the peace dove tattoo designs. Such as dove and flowers, dove and olive branch, dove and dancing flames, dove and butterflies. If you are the peace lovers too, you can ink two or more doves together on the shoulder or arm and have an indication of your personality. Tattoos with dove designs generally represent independence and purity.
Being the symbol of the Holy Ghost in the Christian faith, the dove tattoos are used as a depiction of Lord Jesus Christ’s story in the Holy Bible. It relates to the Great Flood and God’s commandment to Noah to construct an Ark to carry ever animals and birds.
The world of tattooing looks bright and increasing in popularity. Amongst them peace dove tattoos are a class apart for their uniqueness and mysticism. Dove tattoos are necessarily bird tattoos and have profound meanings in the tattoo world. Since the evolution of time, and almost unanimously across all religions worldwide, the dove bird has denoted the human spirit or soul, and is often connected to the celestial beings.
As birds travel in the air, they were thought to communicate directly with the supernatural beings, and were often considered as the leader which passed spirits of the dead to its heavenly abode. Often in tattooing two doves are portrayed together symbolizing the dual aspects of nature. Dove tattoos are also associated with the occult and the supernatural forces. Peace dove tattoos are one of their important art form in their tool kit or flash book since it is increasing in popularity.
Peace dove tattoos are an evolution in themselves. Peace dove tattoos have been since ever a sign for some meaning that was linked with it. Irrespective of caste, creed or sex, both men and women sport these tattoos of serenity and love.
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2012 Summer Olympics Travel – Book Early!
The Olympics is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and to ensure you have a good trip it is best to plan out your 2012 summer Olympics travel in advance. The 2012 Olympics will be held in London. This is a major transportation hub for the UK as well as Europe so travel will be fairly straightforward as long as you do not leave it until the last minute.
London is a busy city and it will be even more crowded during the Olympics. It will not be possible to just show up and find accommodation. Reservations are essential! Book early and check out what accommodation is available. Be assured that any family with an extra room will be renting it out during the Olympics. If you wait until it is too late then you may end up staying somewhere that is not too nice or clean. This can make a great Olympics trip very disappointing.
There are travel packages already being offered for the 2012 Olympics with some great savings and deals. If you want to have a carefree trip and not worry about anything then go all inclusive. There are some all inclusive packages available of which you will be staying at the best hotels and will have all transportation taken care of.
Some travel companies have yet to post their travel packages. They will take your e-mail and send information when it is available. Try to gather as much information as possible. Once you have the details do not take too long deciding. It is best to have a budget in place and then choose what best fits the events you want to see and your budget.
Talk to a travel agent as they will have discounts and deals at their fingertips that are not available online. Additionally a travel agent will be able to completely customize your trip. Many packages and bookings will be fixed and it can be difficult to make changes if you so desire. Even if you do not book through a travel agent it is a good idea to get some information from them. This way you can compare with other packages and bookings and find the best option for your travel.
London hotels are expensive. However there are towns outside of the city that are less expensive and have direct train connects. This is an excellent idea for those that want to save money on accommodation. By staying outside of the city it is also possible to get a break from the 2012 summer olympics as London will be in full athletic mode. A few towns to consider include Suffolk, Ipswich, Southwold, Felixstowe, Lowesoft, Aldeburgh and Orford.
Unless you are living in Europe it will be necessary to fly in into London. For this in Europe taking the train is another option. You can bet that the airfare will be sky high even if you book very far in advance. Look at how the airfare prices will change if you travel a few days earlier or later.
You may find that the savings you make by changing your travel dates will be greater than staying an additional night at a hotel. Unlike other times of year booking the last minute will not save any money. You can be sure that all flights into London at this time will be full.
Jobs Involving Travel
Here are some exciting jobs across various domains which would include traveling. If you are passionate about traveling and also want to make a living out of it, this article will give you a brief idea about the various options available.
1. Become a travel writer – You can try being a freelance writer or a dedicated writer with an organization. This is ideal for people who want to pursue their passions of writing and traveling.
2. Travel salesman – Includes going to many cities / countries to promote your products and generate sales.
3. Business Development – Slightly different from sales man, here you travel to different places to not just products but the entire aspect of business like setting up a new office, channel sales etc.
4. Tour operator / Travel Agent – Organize trips for others, and travel yourself as well.
5. Flight crew / attendants – This one does include traveling but requires the person to be on toes all the time. You might actually find yourself in air more then on land, but one does get time to explore new cities in between
6. Travel journalist / critic – Getting paid to go and experience new places to review them. How cool is that! Undoubtedly one of the most sought after job on planet.
7. Diplomatic officers / external affairs – Serve your country and maintain relationships with others. This is indeed a good proposition.
8. Anthropological – Jobs which require studying various cultures and understanding their nuances
9. Academic – An academic career can take you to many places if you want. A good acadmecian is accepted any where in world.
10. Forces (army, navy, airforce) – Join the forces, its fun and adventurous and you’ll never have to remain at one place for long.
5 Great Jobs That Require Travel
Do you have the need to travel the world? Would you like to have a job where you are required to travel?
Some people just want to travel and explore. They would rather have a decent paying travel job than a dreary desk job. Nowadays, people tend to think they have to choose between worthwhile experiences or financial expansion. In reality, you can have both with a career in the travel industry.
These are some jobs that require travel:
Public speaker
Public speakers talk to different groups and organizations. At first they may cater to audiences within their local area but as saturation sets in, the natural course of action is expanding to new areas markets and greener pastures.
Most if the time, speakers find themselves getting booked in different places and can go as far or stay as close to home as they want.
Any body can become a professional public speaker. With practice, research, and marketing you can definitely get a speaking job. The pay varies but with perseverance and luck, speakers can become highly esteemed and extremely wealthy.
Traveling Consultant
Consultants are paid to give advice and recommendations depending on their field of expertise. Parties or companies that need their services usually bring them on site. Their opinions, guidance, and suggestions are considered dearly. Expertise and experience in a particular field is an essential in this job.
Being a consultant is usually a freelance career. It is a business where the primary commodity is your knowledge and proficiency in a certain area. Market your self properly and you can get clients that will pay you generously.
Sales rep and agents
In any booming business, expansion is inevitable. Companies will sometimes have to venture to different locations to expand their market and increase potential profits. So, to introduce the products or services to new prospective clients, sales representatives or sales agents are deployed to target locations.
Sales representatives and agents should have excellent communication and people skills. They are essentially marketers of company products. They may get commission from every sale aside from the regular salary. Travel expenses are paid by the companies.
Field Journalism
The responsibility of journalists is to give information to the public about noteworthy events. News is what they provide and news doesn’t happen in a single place. Thus, journalists need to travel to where ever the news is happening.
If you have the passion and the skills to provide public information, you can apply in various news outfits such as, TV stations and newspaper publishers. Journalism job positions nowadays are not very strict when it comes to experience and education. Although, some may require a degree in journalism.
Hotel Inspector
Hotel Inspection is a fun job that is almost too good to be true. Imagine traveling to beautiful tourist destinations and staying in the most luxurious hotels. You are often treated like VIP in these establishments because they want your approval and good reviews.
You get to stay in suite rooms and exploit all available amenities. Also, you get to eat the best food they can offer. It is like living like royalty, only, it is a job. Experience and education matters.
Posted in Agents Travel Articles | Tags: Gringos, Mexico, Puerto, Require, Retirement, Travel, Treated, Vallarta | No Comments »
Holiday Insurance
In todays fast moving life, people are finding it very difficult to get relaxed. Stress levels are on the increase. Nobody can claim of having a very peaceful mind. There will be one or more reasons for a person to be thinking and to get stressed out. One way to get all your tensions and concerns out of your mind is go on vacation. Setting apart all other worries, and to enjoy some great time with your family and friends. What will you do if your pleasure trip can be another cause of concern? Yes, your leisure trip can cause you headaches, if you don’t avail proper holiday insurance.
Along with your backpacks if you carry proper travel insurance, you can enjoy your vacation hassle free. Travel insurance can be a great investment if you wish to travel abroad. Travel insurance offers protection to an individual and his family, when they go on holidaying. There are several hassles that can happen when you plan to go on a leisure trip with your family or friends. Travel insurance cover includes cancellation of flights, cruises or lodging. Lost of baggage and medical care for injuries that occurs when you are on tour also come under the cover of travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from your travel agent or other insurance companies that offers travel insurance policies.
Always choose your holiday insurance very carefully. Make sure that you read all the offer documents before purchasing the policy. There are several cases of fraudulent travel insurance policies being offered to people. Always purchase holiday insurance from an authorized insurance company. Internet serves as the best source of information, read all the available information about the policies offered by the insurance company and you can purchase policy online and can reduce agents commission.
Travel insurance policies come in different types. Some policies offer insurance cover only for a single trip. There are insurance policies available, which are valid for the entire year. Although the annual travel insurance cover seems to make you pay huge amount of premium, in the long run it can save you lots of money. The type of policy to be taken must be decided based on the nature of the travel. If the person is a frequent traveler, it is best to opt for an annual insurance cover. But if you travel only for once or twice, it is advisable to take a single trip insurance policy.