![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kinzelA few questions for the readers in the peanut gallery:
Would you rather read:
a theme anthology
a year's best anthology
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
a new novel by someone you've never heard of
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe
a novel set in an original universe
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the title of the book is good
the cover art of the book is good
the gender of the author
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them
almost always ignore them
read them if they're by authors you like
always think they waste space
consider writing to the blurbers and ask them what were they drinking when they wrote the blurb, and where can you get some of *that*?
Do you go to book signings?
Elucidate above
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore?
If yes, above, will you do it for us RSN? Thanks!
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
If yes above, do you go because particular guests will attend, or for the general fun of it? Do you have a "home" convention?
For the writers:
do you think the audience for your work is:
mythical
average read-anything types
hardcore fans
geeks only
housewives in Iowa
your agent first, then your editor
the marketing department at B&N
And one last question...
do you listen to podcasts?
If so:
http://fledgling.fireheartfoundry.com/2007/12/19/fledgling-chapter-23/
the latest Fledgling podcast from Fireheart Foundry
Would you rather read:
a theme anthology
a year's best anthology
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
a new novel by someone you've never heard of
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe
a novel set in an original universe
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the title of the book is good
the cover art of the book is good
the gender of the author
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them
almost always ignore them
read them if they're by authors you like
always think they waste space
consider writing to the blurbers and ask them what were they drinking when they wrote the blurb, and where can you get some of *that*?
Do you go to book signings?
Elucidate above
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore?
If yes, above, will you do it for us RSN? Thanks!
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
If yes above, do you go because particular guests will attend, or for the general fun of it? Do you have a "home" convention?
For the writers:
do you think the audience for your work is:
mythical
average read-anything types
hardcore fans
geeks only
housewives in Iowa
your agent first, then your editor
the marketing department at B&N
And one last question...
do you listen to podcasts?
If so:
http://fledgling.fireheartfoundry.com/2007/12/19/fledgling-chapter-23/
the latest Fledgling podcast from Fireheart Foundry
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
Poll reply
2007-12-19 15:45 (UTC)a theme anthology
If its a theme I'm interested in.
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
a new novel by someone you've never heard of
I'm a reading addict odds are I'd buy both
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe
a novel set in an original universe
Reading Addict: Ibid (Although if it was a Liaden novel I'd buy it first! :) )
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the title of the book is good
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them
consider writing to the blurbers
A toss up!
Do you go to book signings?
No
Elucidate above
I work retail. Who has a schedule that allows going to book signings?
Are you a member of the BTC --
No, I have so many favorite authors I never get out of the store to read.
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
No. See comment on book signings
no subject
2007-12-19 15:53 (UTC)• A new novel by someone I've heard of but never read
• Flip a coin on the universe questions
• The title of the book is good
• Almost always read cover blurbs. Then, after reading the book, I go for the last option (although I usually attribute the phenomena to hallucinatory agents)
• Never go to book signings (ETA -- there's never been one close to me that features an author I care about.)
• Proud member of BTC. And always yours.
• Never been to a convention, but am considering going next year, specifically the one that will include Lee/Miller and McCaffrey. So I guess I'm "guest driven."
• The market for my writing is none of the above.
• Only podcasts I listen to are Fledgling.
Thanks for asking!
no subject
2007-12-19 16:01 (UTC)Would you rather read:
a theme anthology
a year's best anthology
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
a new novel by someone you've never heard of
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe
a novel set in an original universe
depends on the book/series. If I really like the universe I'll automatically pick up the book but then when I get to that point I generally have the author on the "automatic buy list" anyway. It might take me longer to buy a book in an original universe but it'll eventually be bought
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the title of the book is good
the cover art of the book is good
the gender of the author almost never
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them
almost always ignore them
read them if they're by authors you like
always think they waste space
consider writing to the blurbers and ask them what were they drinking when they wrote the blurb, and where can you get some of *that*? every once in a while
Do you go to book signings? Only for authors that I like or for gift books. Although if I hear about a reading for a book that sounds interesting I try to go even if I don't know the authors.
Elucidate above
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore? Don't know the BTC club but I will face books if it makes sense - worked in too many bookstores not to
If yes, above, will you do it for us RSN? Thanks! Probably not - only because they don't seem to stock enough of your books for it to make sense. On the other hand see my comment in rolanni's journal for my latest success story in pushing your books (http://rolanni.livejournal.com/306306.html?thread=1368194#t1368194)
Do you go to science fiction conventions? No
If yes above, do you go because particular guests will attend, or for the general fun of it? Do you have a "home" convention? I admit I'm tempted to go to Albacon next year but the only one I've ever gone to was Balticon and I found it boring
do you listen to podcasts? Not until I have an Ipod and a car set up for it. can't listen to anything that requires thinking while at work and at home don't generally listen to things other than the tv
no subject
2007-12-19 16:06 (UTC)I will pick up books by authors I have heard of before an unknown- but between the shelves in my house and those of my friends we've got a good chunk of the past 40 years of the genre.
I rarely read tie-ins, mostly because I so rarely have the frame of reference for the original universe. If it's a tie in to a literary universe I am much more likely to read it, esp if I know and love the original. I think I own 4 tie-in books, one of which is How Much for Just the Planet?, which I don't think really counts.
I look at the cover first. Like many avid skiffy readers, I can spot a Baen cover from across the room. You don't waste Michael Whelan covers on crappy books. Roc has an artist they've used on Gail Baudino's books that seems to only go on *really good* fantasy novels, and it's a sure way for me to at least pick up the book to investigate further. Most of the major houses have a cover flavor that identifies them, and I know that I personally prefer the editing staff at some of them more than others.
I always read the back blurbs. Even as erroneous as they can be, they give me a sense of the subject matter and if I'd have any interest. There are some sub-genres that I prefer more than others, of course, and days where I want crunchingly hard sf or cloud-fluff fantasy- The back blurb gives me some of that information.
no book signings and I don't turn books- it would drive the people at Hugo's nuts. Not enough room as it is.
My home con is SuperCon, with a heavy side of Convergence.
no subject
2007-12-19 16:13 (UTC)a theme anthology
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in an original universe
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the title of the book is good
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
consider writing to the blurbers and ask them what were they drinking when they wrote the blurb, and where can you get some of *that*?
Do you go to book signings?
Yes
Elucidate above
If they are friends of mine and the signing is within a light-year (hype alert) of home
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore?
No, because I have heard that this has bad long-term effects on the shelving of said books.
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
No
For the writers:
do you think the audience for your work is:
mythical
(and)
the marketing department at B&N
And one last question...
do you listen to podcasts?
No.
no subject
2007-12-19 16:21 (UTC)a theme anthology
-- Specifically, on a theme in which I'm interested, particularly existing universe anthologies. I find that anyone else's 'best' rarely matches mine.
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe
a novel set in an original universe
-- Yes, either or both depending on the author(s) involved (both the original author and the current one).
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the title of the book is good
the cover art of the book is good
-- The cover art can catch my attention, a good title is more likely to get me to open the book and consider it.
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them
consider writing to the blurbers and ask them what were they drinking when they wrote the blurb, and where can you get some of *that*?
-- Heh. Can I add "sometimes want to shoot them for giving away the whole point of the book"?
Do you go to book signings? Not usually.
-- There are rarely any close to me, and at cons I don't want to spend hours waiting in line. I will, though, for particular authors I like a lot, but I'm more likely to carry a book around in case I bump into the author in the bar or something.
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore?
-- No, bookstores I know generally don't have room to do that without obscuring other books, and the owners tend to frown on that sort of thing.
Do you go to science fiction conventions? Yes, sometimes.
If yes above, do you go because particular guests will attend, or for the general fun of it? Do you have a "home" convention?
-- Generally, I don't bother about the guests. They are generally too busy when being guests to do more than appear up on a stage (there are some, though, whose stage presence is enough to make that worthwhile). I'd usually rather catch them at a con where they aren't guests and have time to sit in the bar and chat.
-- My 'home' convention is the UK annual filk con, in February each year; secondary is FilkCONtinental in Germany end of September. I'm intermittent at the annual British Eastercon.
And one last question...
do you listen to podcasts?
-- No, I don't get on with spoken materials. I don't generally like talk radio either. I either ignore it if I'm driving or I find it distracting (or worse combine the two, miss bits and then get very confused at the bits I hear).
no subject
2007-12-19 16:24 (UTC)* a new novel by someone Ive heard of but never read
* a novel set in an original universe
* none of the above, generally - instead what I have heard above the author and/or read of theirs on the internet. If I've never heard of them, then cover art and title. Not gender in general. I end up ordering most books I read.
* blurbs - always think they waste space. Particularly when there is no cover synopsis
* I'm in Germany, making signings almost impossible
* I would, except that I generally don't find enough books by the author to do so
* Again, conventions aren't really an option for me
* podcasts, if they are interesting, e.g. Fledgeling :-)
Reply and Additional Info
2007-12-19 16:33 (UTC)I would rather buy a new novel by someone I've never heard of.
I would more likely buy a novel set in an original universe.
I first notice if the title is good.
I always ignore blurbs, unless they have a URL to the complete novel review.
I go to book signings.
I turn books by authors I like face-front in the bookstore.
I go to science fiction conventions for the general fun but my "home" convention (EveCon) was terminated due to organizer exhaustion. I met a gamer during my LARP at EveCon; became friends; dated her five years later; married her.
-
-
Additional Notes:
Most anthologies I actually buy are collections of short stories by the same author. We have covered every wall in our house with book shelves. We have no room for stories we do not re-read.
I go to book signings mostly to give the author positive, non-monetary feedback (empty signings suck); hear the author read their work; talk about future projects; interact with other fans; get presents signed for my friends.
Most of the new authors I buy are specific titles recommended by friends and blogs. If you take 5- 60 minutes to talk to me, or blog to everyone, the novel was important enough for me to examine it at the bookstore. There are few authors I buy every book they write, so specific titles are important when I am looking at a new author.
Not only do I turn books by authors I like face-front in the bookstore; I organize their series in publication order; I make sure all their books are on the same shelf and contiguous; I restock from behind the visible books.
In the bookstore, a title is more likely to catch my interest than cover art. If you are alphabetically next to an author I am searching for (next new book), you have a better shot. Once something catches my interest; I read the back cover; I read the inside excerpt; I flip to a few random pages and read; I read the first page; I add them to my shopping cart in order of interest. When I am ready to check out, I take the top books from the stack, until I run out of money. The ones I cannot afford are returned to the shelves in the correct order (I am staff at a professional library).
My favorite authors are good at characters. Plot is nice, but I can sum up most books in a few dozen sentences. The joy of reading is the journey with the characters. My friends and I often debate the "Crossword Puzzle Effect" in novels. Each sequel fills in more of the characters and universes background. Just like a Crossword Puzzle, the easiest are done first. Writing a good 12th novel with the same characters and universe is much harder than writing a good 2nd novel. Most authors who write good sequels, take longer and longer for each sequel. They fill the time between sequels by working on new universes and tinkering with the sequel. They also try and moderate the "God Effect". When you make your characters Godlike by the end of the 1st novel, you have nowhere left to go. Jo Clayton's Diadem Series is a classic of how to build a 4 dimension character that grows, makes mistakes, has the mistakes come back to haunt her, has the good choices come back to save her, becomes godlike, then after 9 books is delegated to cameos in other novels.
=
Re: Reply and Additional Info
2007-12-19 16:43 (UTC)do you listen to podcasts?
Oops, last question hidden behind writers questions.
I am currently trying to get podcasts to work, having dial up does not help. We might cave and get FIOS 2008 or 2009.
=
no subject
2007-12-19 16:39 (UTC)* heard of but never read
* original (never tie-in)
* cover art (yes, I'm shallow)
* always read the blurbs, occasionally wonder what they were drinking
* have been to a handful of signings, usually for authors I know personally (not many signings in my neck of the woods)
* member, did so yesterday :)
* am scaling back my cons, but AggieCon is home
* mythical read-anything types ;)
* will prolly listen to more podcasts when I get a car stereo that will play my iPod, but at the moment I listen only to work-related ones at the office
no subject
2007-12-19 16:42 (UTC)* In a bookstore would you rather buy: a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
* Would you more likely buy: a novel set in an original universe
* The first thing you notice about a new author is: genre (SciFi/Fantasy, Adult/YA, etc.) If I have to pick one of the three for an author I've never heard of it's: the cover art of the book is good
* When it comes to cover blurbs you: almost always read them, though the only time they've affected my purchasing was to convince me not to buy the book, even though it had a stunning recomendation from a source I trust...
* Do you go to book signings? Only to my very favorite authors, if the signings are nearby
* Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Nope, I leave the store to decide how to market it's merchandise.
* Do you go to science fiction conventions? Yes.
* If yes above, do you go because particular guests will attend, or for the general fun of it? for the general fun of it, the guests are an added bonus
* Do you have a "home" convention? Yes. When I lived in the San Francisco-San Jose area it was Bay Con, now that I'm in Ohio, it's MarCon
no subject
2007-12-19 16:48 (UTC)a year's best anthology - check.
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
a new novel by someone you've never heard of
Either, really. It depends on the day and my mood.
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe - check.
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the title of the book is good
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them
Do you go to book signings?
No.
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore?
No.
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
No.
And I don't often listen to podcasts either.
no subject
2007-12-19 17:24 (UTC)I don’t usually buy anthologies unless the stories are set in a universe where I have already read main line novels.
In a bookstore would you rather buy: A new novel by someone you've heard of but never read? A new novel by someone you've never heard of?
I am more likely to pick up an author I have heard of but never read but I will begin books by unknown authors to see if it is something I want to spend money on.
Would you more likely buy: A novel set in a tie-in universe? A novel set in an original universe?
tie-in universe e.g.
I am incredibly anti tie-in, based on the definition of it being novels about Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek, etc. The authors may be great and even if I enjoyed the tv shows they were based on I would never buy a tie-in book. Wait, I did read the Timothy Zahn star wars trilogy years ago and really enjoyed them, but I that was the exception to my tie-in reading. Well, that is unless an author I enjoyed reading started writing tie-in novels.
The first thing you notice about a new author is: The title of the book is good? The cover art of the book? Is good? The gender of the author
The first thing I notice (for scifi/fantasy) is the publisher. I always check out the cover art but it is not a determining factor. I read the first chapter of any unknown author before buying; if it doesn’t hold me then I pass.
When it comes to cover blurbs you: Almost always read them? Almost always ignore them? Read them if they're by authors you like? Always think they waste space? Consider writing to the blurbers and ask them what were they drinking when they wrote the blurb, and where can you get some of *that*?
I will read them and but only pay attention if it is by an author I like. I bought an author I had never read (without reading any of the book first) because I really liked the author who wrote the blurb.
Do you go to book signings?
I never have but would if an author I liked came within a few hour drive of where I live.
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore? If yes, above, will you do it for us? Thanks!
Wow I was a member of a club and never knew it. When doing scifi/fantasy browsing I will turn my favorite authors forward, arrange the series books in order, and pull out the extra copies stacked sideways behind the front row of books. Yes I will make sure I continue this for your books every time I enter a bookstore
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
Never have but I plan to eventually
Do you listen to podcasts?
Fledgling was the first one I ever listened to. I now have several Jane Austen novels on podcasts
no subject
2007-12-19 17:32 (UTC)A theme anthology.
A new novel by someone I've heard of but never read.
A novel set in an original universe.
The cover art of the book is good.
Almost always ignore them.
No time to go to book signings.
Don't turn books by authors, unless really really motivated.
Yes, go to conventions. But usually only if I'm a guest.
My audience is mythical, geek and thoughtful.
I do not listen to podcasts much.
no subject
2007-12-19 17:37 (UTC)a theme anthology
a year's best anthology
Would depend on the theme. More likely to buy a theme anthology than a year's best. More likely to pick an anthology based on editor or word of mouth.
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
a new novel by someone you've never heard of
Rarely buy novels by someone I've never heard of without some sort of recommendation or some reason other than just liking the cover, etc. Have occasionally done that with Baen books, seems like Jim Baen had similar taste to mine!
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe
a novel set in an original universe
Depends on many factors - did I like the tie-in universe books, do I like the authors other books, etc.
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the title of the book is good
the cover art of the book is good
the gender of the author
Probably none of the above most of the time. In order to look at a new author, I need to have heard about that author from somewhere - a trusted friend, book review, etc. Otherwise, tend to pick books based on the jacket blurb more than title, cover art or author's gender.
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them
almost always ignore them
read them if they're by authors you like
always think they waste space
consider writing to the blurbers and ask them what were they drinking when they wrote the blurb, and where can you get some of *that*?
Almost always read them, and frequently "consider writing to the blurbers and ask them what were they drinking when they wrote the blurb, and where can you get some of *that*?"
Do you go to book signings?
Elucidate above
Rarely. If they are conveniently located, sure, but that doesn't happen often. Would have to be an author I really wanted to meet to trek to downtown Toronto, which is where signings usually are around here.
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore?
If yes, above, will you do it for us RSN? Thanks!
Not really, but will do so if I get the chance!
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
No
no subject
2007-12-19 17:44 (UTC)Would you rather read:
a theme anthology that I like.
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've never heard of because I already read all the current authors that I might like.
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the title of the book is good
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them
Do you go to book signings? No SF/F writers come here.
Elucidate above
Are you a member of the BTC -- NO
Do you go to science fiction conventions? YES Guests!!!
If yes above, do you go because particular guests will attend, or for the general fun of it? Do you have a "home" convention?
And one last question...
do you listen to podcasts? YES
Thomas Monaghan
no subject
2007-12-19 17:49 (UTC)a theme anthology
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in an original universe
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the cover art of the book is good
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them
And sometimes
consider writing to the blurbers and ask them what were they drinking when they wrote the blurb, and where can you get some of *that*?
Do you go to book signings?
If they are in my area and it is someone I like, I will go. Mostly in FL that means mystery writers. OSC came through on a tour years ago and I went to that but for most SF book tours Florida gets ignored. Granted Holly Black did come to FL but I wasn't going to drive 5 hours to see her.
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore?
Yes if there is room to do it.
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
YES!
If yes above, do you go because particular guests will attend, or for the general fun of it? Do you have a "home" convention?
I go because it is my work but I do try to do one con that I am not selling at. Not sure which con that will be in '08 since WFC is in Canada and it will be a pain to attend that withe everything I want to get signed. I do have a home con that I do attend. In fact a few of the book dealers at the this con have sponsored an extra writer to attend.
no subject
2007-12-19 17:51 (UTC)If I'm buying a novel by someone I haven't read before, it's as likely to be someone I've never heard of as it is to be someone I have; the plusses of buying someone who's been recommended to me (which I'm more likely to do) are balanced by the minusses of not buying something by someone, say, who has been glowingly recommended by someone whose taste I consistently don't share, or not buying something by someone whose books I've looked at (glanced, skimmed, but not actually read) before and not been enthused by.
I guess what I look for in books by people I haven't really read yet includes: recommendations from friends, positive blurb-quote-thingies from people whose writing I like, enticing cover blurbs, or positive blurb-quotes from publications where I expect the reviewers to have a clue about the type of book in question. (That's roughly from most- to least-influential.)
I'm less interested in whether a novel is set in a tie-in universe or an original universe than I am in whether the universe sounds interesting. If the universe is a tie-in universe to other books by the same author(s), that's generally a plus (if I like the other books); if it's a tie-in to a multi-author (usually movie/tv-tie-in) universe, that's less likely to be a positive. For instance, there are a couple authors who've written Star Trek novels that are truly excellent -- Ford, for instance. Most of them, though, are sort of, oh, mental candy corn. Sweet, substance-less, and the kind of thing you can't remember, when you're having it, why it is you're doing this again?
OTOH, I really like series universes -- the Liaden worlds, the Vorkosiverse, etc. I like learning more and more about How Things Work Around Here as we go along, and not having to start from scratch with every book.
I probably notice the title first, notice but don't much go by the cover art (though if it's really good, that's good -- it's just that really-bad isn't all that offputting), and pay little or no attention to author gender mostly because I so often guess wrong. (Took me forever to figure out China Mieville is a boy :( <--I'm Dim.)
I pretty much always read cover blurbs unless I already know I will be buying the book. I frequently *ignore* them, but I do read them. Sometimes I read them to try to figure out if whoever wrote them actually had an outline of the book (at least) on hand before writing them, but I do read them :)
(A friend of mine used to write those for a (mostly non-fiction) publishing house; I was honestly shocked to find out that sometimes all she had was the proposal letter, and not even an outline to work from to write the blurb! On the other hand, that explained *so much--!*)
I do go to book signings if I can; I don't so much care about having the book autographed (it's kind of nice, but not anything I'm passionate about) but I really like the chance to get to know a little more about the author, and there's usually at least a little conversation, Q&A, or a reading that takes place along with the signing.
*G* I do turn books face-out if there's room :)
For some authors, I try to make room *g*
I like conventions; I go to them when I can. I will try harder for conventions with a guest I would like to hear talk, or for conventions I know will be more "my kind of con" than others -- e.g. Potlatch. I'd love to be able to get to WisCon one day! I go mostly for the general fun, these days.
I have yet to figure out podcasts.
no subject
2007-12-19 17:54 (UTC)I buy novels based on friends' recommendations almost exclusively.
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
* Recommendations by friends
* Cover immediately followed by inside flap
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
Always read, then ask myself if the author is a known blurber (always blurbs everything)
Do you go to book signings?
Rarely; too shy.
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore?
I promise next time I go to a bookstore I'll do it for Liaden.
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
I go to WisCon because the panels rock. The fierce feminism and passionate discussions of racism are me.
In my '20s I bought based on cover art. In my '40s I buy based on trusted friends.
no subject
2007-12-19 17:58 (UTC)a theme anthology
a year's best anthology
A theme anthology
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
a new novel by someone you've never heard of
If both books looked equally interesting, I'd pick the one by an author that had been recommended.
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe
a novel set in an original universe
Original universe, almost never read tie-ins
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the title of the book is good
the cover art of the book is good
the gender of the author
Cover or title must catch my eye, then it's the backcover blurb and opening sentences that result in a buy/no-buy decision
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them
almost always ignore them
read them if they're by authors you like
always think they waste space
consider writing to the blurbers and ask them what were they drinking when they wrote the blurb, and where can you get some of *that*?
Read them if I'm not already familiar with the author
Do you go to book signings?
Elucidate above
Only for friends. I don't place a value on signed books
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore?
Only for first novels that have blown me away, because everyone needs help selling their first book
If yes, above, will you do it for us RSN? Thanks!
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
Yes, as a pro
If yes above, do you go because particular guests will attend, or for the general fun of it? Do you have a "home" convention?
Originally for fun, now go as a pro and to connect with other fans. Albacon is the closest thing I have to a "home" convention.
For the writers:
do you think the audience for your work is:
mythical
average read-anything types
hardcore fans
geeks only
housewives in Iowa
your agent first, then your editor
the marketing department at B&N
I know them when I see them
And one last question...
do you listen to podcasts?
No, no time. My commute is 1.5 miles :-)
no subject
2007-12-19 18:03 (UTC)a theme anthology
a year's best anthology
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
a new novel by someone you've never heard of
Either
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe
a novel set in an original universe
Either
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the title of the book is good
the cover art of the book is good
the gender of the author
And I read Sample Pages !!!
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them
almost always ignore them
read them if they're by authors you like
always think they waste space
consider writing to the blurbers and ask them what were they drinking when they wrote the blurb, and where can you get some of *that*?
Do you go to book signings?
Elucidate above -- yes, at KU, where I used to run them!
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? No. Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore?
If yes, above, will you do it for us RSN? Thanks!
Do you go to science fiction conventions? Yes
If yes above, do you go because particular guests will attend, or for the general fun of it? Yes. Do you have a "home" convention? ConQuesT in KC
no subject
2007-12-19 18:05 (UTC)A new novel by someone I've heard of (but there are other factors).
New universe.
I notice cover art first. I am especially tuned to SF with women on the cover - whereupon I look to see if it's romantic rubbish (Sinclair) or vampires (Blake), or women spaceship pilots. I buy a lot of SF with strong women protagonists (Moon, Shepherd). My taste runs to character-driven and space opera.
I read cover blurbs - the back cover summaries or front flaps. I don't pay a lot of attention to "Terrific!" on the front cover by Famous Author. I also open the book and check the text briefly, being particularly averse to writing in the present tense.
I don't turn books. But I will realphabetize a section if it's gotten messed up.
I go to book signings but usually only if there's a reading as well. Or I go to signing sessions at cons.
My "home" con would be either Arisia, Boskone, or Readercon. Haven't been to Lunacon, Darkover Con, Philcon, or Balticon lately but enjoy them when I do muster the motivation. Also attend the Worldcon from time to time. A particular guest will provide incentive, but it won't be the only draw. (Not going to Denver Worldcon even though Bujold is GOH, because I have a date conflict; would go to Montreal Worldcon even if Gaiman weren't GOH because it's reasonably convenient.)
Despite being a regular iPod user, I rarely bother with podcasts.
no subject
2007-12-19 18:14 (UTC)Would you rather read:
a year's best anthology
I used to read lots of theme anthologies, but I eventually got tired of sorting gold from dross. I perceive the year's best anthologies as having higher quality control, for obvious reasons.
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
However, it's a fine distinction. Title/cover/shiny concept can swing me right over to people I've never heard of.
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in an original universe
*runs screaming from TV and movie tie-ins*
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the cover art of the book is good
Much as I hate to admit it, the marketers have me there.
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
read them if they're by authors you like
By this point, I've usually purchased the book already.
Do you go to book signings?
Yes. I'm busy these days, so I limit visits to my most favorite authors ever and to a few new authors I'm genuinely curious about meeting.
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore?
Not yet, but I can certainly start.
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
Yes, mostly because I'm interested in the guests and programming. My social circle overlaps only partially with the con crowd, and I don't have to pay just to visit with them. I still think of Minicon as my "home" con, though I'm more likely to go to Convergence these days.
I don't listen to podcasts, though I'd like to start. I listen to digital media mostly at work, and spoken-word media play havoc with my writing and editing.
no subject
2007-12-19 18:17 (UTC)Would you rather read:
a theme anthology
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in an original universe
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the title of the book is good
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them
almost always ignore them
I actually do both - I read them, but they rarely influence my buying decisions.
Do you go to book signings?
If I like the author, yes.
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore?
If yes, above, will you do it for us RSN? Thanks!
Sometimes, you're of the small number of people I do when I do.
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
Yes.
If yes above, do you go because particular guests will attend, or for the general fun of it?
Practically always for the general fun of it - I think I've gone to two conventions because of a GoH, and one of those was because I knew a number of people only electronically that the GoH was getting to go to the convention, and it would be a chance to meet them face-to-face.
Do you have a "home" convention?
Yes - Minicon.
no subject
2007-12-19 18:37 (UTC)A book by an author I've heard good things about but never read.
A novel set in an original universe.
If I see the front cover first, I'll notice the cover art first, then the title. Otherwise the title first.
I tend to ignore cover blurbs unless they're by authors/review sources I trust.
I've never been to a book signing. Having a signed copy is not a big thing for me, and I see lots of authors at conventions.
Yes, I go to science fiction conventions. For the general fun of it, although authors I like are always a plus. If I understand what you mean by "home" convention, yes, two of them. but I never thought of them that way; they're just local, so I always go.
no subject
2007-12-19 18:46 (UTC)I never listen to podcasts and don't expect to start. I'm very visual; audio formats are not for me, although I might be interested in a transcript.
no subject
2007-12-19 18:45 (UTC)a theme anthology
Would you rather read:
a theme anthology
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in an original universe
The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the title of the book is good
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
read them if they're by authors you like
book signings?
Yup, I've even organized a couple. You wanna come to Phx for a signing?
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? Do you turn books by authors you like cover face-front in a bookstore?
If yes, above, will you do it for us RSN? Thanks!
Is there an official club? Generally I do if there's any room on the shelves at all.
Sure I already face your books when I can!
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
Not as much now that I'm in Phoenix AZ. I went just to catch up with friends, sometimes guests, sometimes not. I used to do Lunacon, Philcon and Albacon when I was in VA.
Writer question skipped as I'm not one.
Podcasts - sometimes, but mostly not.
no subject
2007-12-19 18:55 (UTC)Theme, definitely. Half the time the "year's best" stories give me hives.
Either, although I'm more likely to buy an old novel by an author I've heard of but nver read.
By "tie-in" do you mean Trek or Star Wars novels and the like? If so, never touch the things. If you mean, will I pick up the next Miles Vorkosigan adventure or Discworld installment? In a heartbeat. I'm very cautious about adding new authors these days, though, so they have to come recommended by someone who opinion I respect (or be on the free rack at the library).
What my friends on LJ are saying about them (especially James Nicoll or Jo Walton).
Scan them to see who wrote them, snort derisively if the only one they could get is Anne McCaffrey.
Sometimes, generally if it's an author I know personally or one of my childhood idols - and in the latter case, even if I find out said childhood idol is, well, the sort of person Harlan Ellison is.
I never mess with the book displays, but then I'm so rarely in bookstores. I do most of my book buying online.
When I can, and most of the time I never even know who the GoHs are. I'm up in air on whether my home con is Boskone or Readercon. I haven't made ReaderCon since Harlan was GoH, but that's cos DH prefers a more general-interest con, so we can never quite find space in the budget fort it.