What inspired you to write your memoir?
For 20 years, 1973 – 1993, I was a writer for the Muppets. I was a staff writer on both “Sesame Street” and “The Muppet Show.” I also wrote TV specials, record albums and material for live Muppet appearances. I’ve done other things in my life. But, people always want to hear my Muppet stories. And, over the last 20 years, many of the creative Muppet minds have passed away, starting with Jim Henson.
So, I decided to write my memoirs.
About your Book:
A collection of my stories about writing for, traveling with, and living among the Muppets.
Author Bio:
Born: April 1, 1943, Brooklyn, New York. Grew up in Boston (hated it). Sketchy education.
Started as a copywriter: March, 1962. Ended up ten years later on Madison Ave. I was a Mad Man.
Started writing television on a children’s show called, Jabberwocky, 1972.
During the years of 1973 to 1993, Mr. Bailey worked on a wide variety of Muppet projects. He was a staff writer on both Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. Additionally, he co-wrote Sesame Street and Muppet specials that included Christmas Eve on Sesame Street, Big Bird in China and Rocky Mountain Holiday, as well as writing Muppet Business Meeting Films, collateral material, record albums, and scripts for special Big Bird appearances at Carnegie Hall and the White House.
Mr. Bailey’s writing awards include 5 Emmys, 3 Emmy nominations, a Writers Guild Award, a Writers Guild nomination, an Action for Children’s Television Award and a George Foster Peabody Award.
Living in Manhattan with his wife, Gail, Mr. Bailey indulges in occasional long-distance motorcycle trips and claims to speak French and play piano to the equal amusement of others.
How did you decide how to publish your book and where is it published through:
I had a proposal for the book with an agent for about a year. And during that year, two things happened:
1. I realized that non-fiction was basically a beauty contest. The contracts go to those in the latest 15 minutes of fame. (See Snooki/New York Times Best Seller list.) So, I didn’t have much of a chance.
2. Amazon and Kindle came into existence. Before my television career, I spent 10 years writing advertising copy. So, I am very familiar with print production. And, thanks to advertising and P.R., I know the basics of promotion. In fact, I’m practicing one right now. So, I decided to self-publish.
Another writer I know is a guy named, Gary Apple. Gary wrote a parody of “Heaven Is For Real” called, “Hell Is For Real.” (You might want to talk to Gary — He’s a great interview)
Gary self-published and created Walnut Press along the way. Gary’s great at opening e-businesses. I used Gary’s designer for my book.
Originally, I was going to publish under Rocco Press after my maternal grandfather who was illiterate and only spoke Italian. But Gary graciously offered me Walnut Press and I took it.
Website(s)
Link To Book On Amazon