Seeing Stars

From one of the world’s leading casting directors, learn about how seeing others deeply and channeling your passion can help you spot potential and empower you to shine in your own work and life

Seeing Stars reveals the transformational power of seeing and being seen, no matter who you are or what you do. It is an entertaining and insightful look at the qualities that set us apart and make us shine.

Through incredible behind-the-scenes stories, casting director Sarah Halley Finn shines a spotlight on what it takes to be a star and shows readers how they can harness their star power in their own lives. Most well known for casting the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Finn shares how she learned to see stars before they believed it themselves, the factors that led to breakthroughs, and the qualities they all possessed that made them perfect for their parts. Stories include:

• risk and reward, with Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man;
  

• leaving room for magic, with Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther;
  

• maintaining our passions, no matter what that may look like, with Ke Huy Quan in Everything Everywhere All at Once; and
  

• boldly embracing your originality with Frances McDormand in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
  

Readers will learn the qualities and practices that make someone a star, from nurturing charisma and presence to developing a strong work ethic, the ability to see the big picture, and a deep sense of empathy. Through wisdom, humor, and stories both personal and from her hugely successful career, Finn shares the secrets to finding your star power, embracing your passions, and living your biggest, most fulfilling life.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs