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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
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no subject
2007-12-19 19:52 (UTC)a year's best anthology (if those are the only choices; first choice would be a collection of short stories by an author I know I enjoy).
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read (always assuming the contents are intriguing enough and I've not been warned off it by somebody whose opinion I usually share)
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 (cover-art, meh, not so much. And gender doesn't matter at all).
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them (but don't necessarily believe them).
Do you go to book signings?
Nope. They don't happen in rural Gloucestershire, UK. And I reckon an author's done all the important writing before the book's printed, anyway.)
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. See comment on rural Gloucestershire above.
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
No. I would if I could but I can't.
For the writers:
do you think the audience for your work is:
Agent, then editor/publisher (to get it in front of a real audience). Then anyone with a sense of wonder, a sense of humour, a sense of fun, and a willingness to go along for the ride.
no subject
2007-12-19 19:53 (UTC)In a bookstore would you rather buy: a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read - assuming that "heard of" means "recommended."
Would you more likely buy: a novel set in an original universe assuming that the other choice of "a novel set in a tie-in universe" is by a different author than the original universe series. I don't want to judge the second author by the standards and boundaries set down by the first author.
The first thing you notice about a new author is: the title of the book is good, then the cover art of the book
is goodmatches the title concept. I often don't notice or care about author genders. Modesitt and Norton come to mind as authors who didn't have a mental gender assignment for a long time.When it comes to cover blurbs you: almost always read
themthe first one or two. Unless the blurbs are especially witty, I'll skip on and start the book. And oddly enough, I don't care who said them.Do you go to book signings? ::wistful sigh:: No, not often.
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. I also recommend them to random passers-by who look like they are "browsing for something good" and are vaguely approachable. (I used to work in my local Borders, and I still take liberties there.)
Do you go to science fiction conventions? Yes. I go because of the GOH author or filk artist, as well as the fun of it. I don't really have a "home" convention, but my usual stomping grounds are Technicon, Balticon and Arisia.
And one last question... do you listen to podcasts? No.
no subject
2007-12-19 20:05 (UTC)Anthologies depend on the editor for me more than anything else.
Bookstore - if in funds, both. If not in funds, the one I've heard buzz on.
Original universes almost exclusively. You may get some gems from tie-in universes, but they're few.
New author - does the first few pages draw me in or not.
Cover blurbs vary in their usefulness. If I'm trying to weed down selections do to the cash issue, then blurbs from known folks help in the winnowing process.
Book signings - the good 'uns. Planning a trip back to the Twin Cities anytime in the near future?
BTC, occasionally. Hard to do at Uncle Hugo's with your books though - they're almost always up on the recommended shelves.
Conventions, should be Minicon and then Wiscon. I'm quite the introvert though, even for fen, so I don't make myself get to them.
no subject
2007-12-19 20:06 (UTC)no subject
2007-12-19 21:14 (UTC)I tend to buy novels by someone I've heard of but never read, but I pick up books by people I haven't heard of often enough.
I'm definitely more likely buy a novel set in an original universe. I don't think I have any tie-ins
I hadn't thought about it, but when I read new authors they tend to be female, probably because I tend to like books by females. As to what attracts me in the first place: either the title or the cover art. Something has to get my attention, but I don't seem to prefer one to the other.
I do read cover blurbs (unless it's by an author I know I like and then I pick it up without looking) because I want to get some idea of whether I'm going to like the book or not.
I have been known to go to book signings, but that was back when I lived in a place that book signings happened.
Turning books by authors I like cover face-front in a bookstore? I would never do that. I worked in a bookstore and one of the more annoying aspects was people screwing with the hard work I put into organizing shelves and displays. However, if the display is in complete disarray, or there's a hole where facing them out will fit just perfect (without screwing up the order) then I have no problem with it, but still won't do it.
At first I went to conventions because of particular guests, now I'm going for social fun. I have no home convention.
I don't listen to podcasts. A) because I'm on dial-up and it takes too darn long to download things and B) I just don't like listening to people read things.
no subject
2007-12-19 21:32 (UTC)a theme anthology
a year's best anthology
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
by someone I've heard of
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe
a novel set in an original universe
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
Title
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*?
Always read them, but then I look at a few pages in the book to see if it measures up
Do you go to book signings?
Elucidate above
No, although now that I'm writing, I'll probably try to go to a few.
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!
I've never thought of doing that, but I'll do it from now on. Of course, I'll do it for you!
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?
Star Trek conventions, but I haven't been to one of those in years. They're all the same and felt like a waste of time.
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
Agents and editors. No one else matters to start with, right?
And one last question...
do you listen to podcasts?
Rarely. I get antsy thinking of what else I'm supposed to be doing.
no subject
2007-12-19 22:00 (UTC)* I am likely to look at novels by someone I've never heard of
* either kind of universe novel but it is generally important that the universe is multi-volume. I won't buy stand-alones unless it is from an author I already love. I like to wait until a series has 2 volumes before I even start if it is an unknown author.
* A good title always intrigues me.
* HATE cover blurbs, never read them; conversely I will rarely buy a book by an unknown author that doesn't have a plot summary/teaser to read. Hardcovers always have this inside the jacket, but paperbacks are getting annoying with how often there is nothing but blurbs.
* I've been to signings, but unless it is going to be a small affair (say, NOT at a big con) I'll pass.
* I absolutely book turn. And I hector (politely) booksellers when a new volume in a series comes out and they are not stocking the whole set.
* I've gone to cons for guests, but with 2 little ones and both my wife and I working, there is little time anymore.
* Podcasts? Eh. Time/work is the problem; I need to concentrate on the podcast, which is hard when I am paid to concentrate on something else.
As a note, I have a hard and fast rule that I won't buy a paperback that doesn't make it to 300 pages. Period. At $8 a paperback, it must be 300 pages or I put it back.
no subject
2007-12-19 22:10 (UTC)Would you rather read:
a theme anthology
a year's best anthology
*I have read both, but I own more Of the Themed Anthologies
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
*So many books, so little time…I only go to book stores to purchase a specific book, of which I have already heard.
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe
a novel set in an original universe
*Original
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 Title
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 Always read them
Do you go to book signings?
Elucidate above
*Yes! I love meeting the people who are the source of so many ours of enjoyment.
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!
*YES! On my way, Sir!
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?
*I haven’t yet, but I want to. Maybe BosCon?
no subject
2007-12-19 22:30 (UTC)Would you rather read:
a theme anthology !!!
** And there are some editors I look for in particular who pick good stories
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 one
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe !!
** under the heading of guilty pleasure . . .
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
Do you go to book signings?
** whenever possible. Great way to meet other fans and writers.
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!
** yes!! at least in chain bookstores. Hooray for the bookstore commandos.
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
** Yes !!! as many as we can afford due to schedule/dollars, but who the guests are certainly will make us travel
** Our home con is Darkovercon, we've been going forever even though we're in New York and it's moved to Maryland . . .
no subject
2007-12-19 22:37 (UTC)no subject
2007-12-19 23:58 (UTC)*A new novel by someone I heard of but never read
*First the tie-in universe, but if it is a known author the original universe will get bought also
*New author: A combination of title and cover art, but if the cover art is in a style I dont like I probably won't buy the book
*I always read blurbs
*As I read mainly US authors and live outside the USA (Netherlands / Europe) I don't go to book signings or SF conventions
*Most of the books I read I buy on the internet, so no book turning (sorry!)
no subject
2007-12-20 01:02 (UTC)In a bookstore would you rather buy: I buy almost anything and everything
Would you more likely buy: same
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 (then if they look interesting or even possible, I dip into the beginning of the book and see if I want to buy it)
Do you go to book signings? Have been to 1 or 2, for special authors if geographically convenient (I'm there, they're there and they're signing books). I don't care about the signature all that much, the chance to say hello and I like your books is the value to me in that interaction.
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 do tend to straighten books, but hadn't realized it was a club. Will do in the future.
Do you go to science fiction conventions? Went to my first this summer (NASFIC)
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 went because a good group of authors were to be there (Hodgell, Moon, Hambly and some missing authors - Lee & Miller). It was great fun, will go again. Some of the authors I hadn't planned to see were very interesting speakers - found some new books, new games, friendly people.
And one last question...
do you listen to podcasts? No - But I got hooked on the internet interaction with Fledgling, so may someday.
B. O'Brien
no subject
2007-12-20 02:06 (UTC)a theme anthology
In a bookstore would you rather buy:
at a used bookdstore - a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
at a full price bookstore /new a new novel by someone you've never heard of
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:
always think they waste space
and
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?
Nope, not really. I have four or five signed books but friends got them singed for me or they are special printings.
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?
yes all the time
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
in another life I did, pre kids, I am thinking about going to Denver
If yes above, do you go because particular guests will attend, or for the general fun of it? yes, or used to be now that I live in Austin and ran out of energy trying to get Armadillo con to at least get filkers a room and water I will only go if someone exceptional shows....Do you have a "home" convention? not anymore used to be a toss up between DreamCon and OryCon
no subject
2007-12-20 05:14 (UTC)A: Definitely Theme
2)New Novel by someone Ive heard of or someone completely new?
A: Usually someone completely new, though if I see an author at a con that Im not familiar with than Im likely to check them out.
3) Buy, a novel set in a tie-in universe or in an original?
A: Definitely original.
4) The first thing I notice about a new author is . . .?
A: The title of the cover and the art: especially if its from an artist I recognize.
5) When it comes to cover blurbs I. . . ?
A: Read them practically every time.
What first sold me on the v.first Liaden book I ever picked up )Partners in Necessity) was the cover blurb and intro by Anne McCaffrey, since then a few of them have become *my* comfort books, also. I own multiple copies of quite a few of the books and have a tendency to hand them out to people looking for a good read.
6) Do I go to book signings?
A:Yes, if they are authors that I like.
7) Am I a member of the BTC?
A: No, not really. What I do end up doing though sometimes is re-organizing shelves so that books in the same series are near each other.
8) Do I go to sf cons?
A: Yes! Mostly the local cons (WindyCon,Capricon) but I have travelled to go to other cons either because of good friends in the area around a con (usually sf geeks and attending said con) or because of an author(s) that I really like.
9) Podcasts?
Yes! :) Ive been getting into them quite a bit lately, (new toy)
no subject
2007-12-20 05:15 (UTC)no subject
2007-12-20 13:03 (UTC)1) Would you rather read:
a theme anthology
2) In a bookstore would you rather buy:
a new novel by someone you've never heard of
3) Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in an original universe
4) The first thing you notice about a new author is:
the cover art of the book is good
5) When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them
5) Do you go to book signings?
No. They are very rare, often badly advertised and I'm not really interested.
6) 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?
Yes
If yes, above, will you do it for us RSN? Thanks!
Certainly, if they actually stocked your books over here :(.
7) Do you go to science fiction conventions?
No
8) do you listen to podcasts?
No, I prefer to read a physical copy; electronic if that is the only way to obtain the book. I've a hearing problem so not likely to ever go down this route.
no subject
2007-12-20 14:19 (UTC)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?
Very Rarely
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 at Chain Bookstores
If yes, above, will you do it for us RSN? Thanks!
Always do!
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?
Answers to a quick non-poll
2007-12-20 15:26 (UTC)a theme anthology
a year's best anthology
***It depends on the theme, and whose definition of Year's best. I look at at the editor, first. Both, at times. Themes, more recently. Although I did pick up "Best of Jim Baen's Universe" and have not regretted it in the least.
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
***It depends on the title, and what I've heard of the unread author, and from whom. Probably the former, but it depends.
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe
a novel set in an original universe
***Original, please. Unless by tie-in, you mean "an author's extension of their own universe." Not a media tie-in. I don't watch much TV. See "notched hearing," below.
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
Title. First page. Cover art is nice, but I've seen some really awful art on some very nice bookds.
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 do read the first page if the title sounds interesting. By "blurb," I assume you mean author quotes. If so, only by authors I like, or truly dislike. But I faithfully read the paragraph or two back cover copy that might give me a hint about the flavor of the book, if written well.
Do you go to book signings?
Elucidate above
***Only rarely. Last book signing I went to was when Nebulas were in Chicago, and we were, too, for something unrelated. Bagged autographs from some favorite authors, and then went to lunch with others, who we are on a Christmas-and-birthday card basis with.
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!
***Yes, and I have.
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?
***Almost always general fun. We can't afford the time travel far for particular authors. Have done so a couple times when particular authors come to the Midwest, but rarely. Home is ICON. The original one in Iowa, not the huge one on Long Island. We've each been concom for that, at different times.
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
****Oy! I am a housewife in Iowa! For a peculiar, skewed version of "housewife."
It depends. For technical writing - pays the bills- my audience is both geeks and the average person who's interested in a particular subject. Not hardcore fans only. For fiction, I sure hope it's average people, because otherwise the sales will be flat, flat, flat.
And one last question...
do you listen to podcasts?
Nope. Sorry. Notched hearing. Digitized speech is particularly irksome unless the general volume is obnoxiously high.
RePrinting Chances?
2007-12-20 17:52 (UTC)I have been trying to gather some more copies to give to friends but it is almost impossible with the o-o-p's. And the prices that the few copies available are listed at! Amazon has used copies of I Dare (What a wonderful book!!!!) starting at $45 and going up to $92 !!!
Now if only the authors could get even half that kind of price....
Here's a link
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0441010857/ref=dp_olp_3/103-8118034-6715843
I love your books. I have almost a complete set, and have also gotten most of a set for my sister and a few for others - but now I can't seem to lay hands on them even to turn others on to them.
Best wishes for a happy holiday season. May you both be warm, happy and find everything binjali!
Spacecat(=^._.^=)
ps, I loved Fledgling!
no subject
2007-12-20 20:13 (UTC)new novels: either - depends on what I can find out about
the author/story
tie-in or original universe
gender doesn't count/title and or cover might
always read the blurb but then also read the first few pages
('tho there have been time when after reading the book
wonder the the blurbers were drinking {Thunderbird oft
come to mind})
My favorite authors never seem to come to my area
Yes a member of the BTC and have done it for Lee & Miller
Lorna
As a reader...
2007-12-20 21:01 (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;
the cover art of the book is rarely representative - the gender is better ignored (remember Andrew North? and every author with initials?)
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
almost always read them
& almost always ignore them
Do you go to book signings?
No
Are you a member of the BTC -- that is, the Book Turners Club? No
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
No
no subject
2007-12-21 14:40 (UTC)I'd rather buy a new novel by someone you've heard of but never read
It's a toss up: for a new author I usually prefer a stand alone novel or maybe the first in a series/universe; if I like an author I tend to buy all of his/her books
The first thing you notice about a new author is: the title of the book is good (then I read the blurb and then I read a chapter or two)
I almost always read the blurb (except on books was planing to buy anyway), and if it sounds at least a bit interesting I read/skim the first chapters
I have never been to a booksigning
I'm not a member of the BTC (I order most of my books online anyway and in the small German bookshop I frequent there is no room for that)
I've been only to one convention so far (during my year in Canada) - it was fun and I would go again, if the guests were interesting and the expenses not too high.
Poll Answer
2007-12-21 16:47 (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 a tie-in 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
(Usually they are spine out, so the title is first. Otherwise, the cover art.)
When it comes to cover blurbs you:
* read them if they're by authors you like
Do you go to book signings?
(Rarely, with friends when they ask me if I want to go. Usually I forget about them even if I find out about one in my area.)
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, actually. I don't feel right about hiding the other authors.)
Do you go to science fiction conventions?
(No, not usually. If I did go it would be for particular guests.)
RE: Blurbs...
2007-12-21 18:11 (UTC)As for what draws my attention, it's Cover Art, Title, and then as far as author gender is concerned, Gender Be Damned!
I've always enjoyed going to book signings. However, the average bookstore thanks me WELL to stay home! (Extra-large mobility scooter w/basket and cane-holder does not mix well with narrow aisles and delicate stacking arrangements. Gotta pack in as much shelving as possible - customer comfort be damned!)
Derek
Poll
2007-12-21 21:24 (UTC)In a bookstore would you rather buy: either-or
Would you more likely buy: a novel set in an original universe (Most tie-ins disappointed me)
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 I don't know the author
Do you go to book signings? No
I own a few signed comic books, with small sketches by the artist, but just having a signature in a book doesn't do anything for me.
Are you a member of the BTC: No
Do you go to science fiction conventions? Not usually, but I've been to two Worldcons, and am toying with attending Anticipation 2009 in Montreal. I go for the general fun.
-- Andreas
no subject
2007-12-22 16:45 (UTC)a theme anthology
a year's best anthology
I tend to prefer theme anthologies. I find skipping from one short story to another to sometimes be jarring.
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
Probably heard of but never read, if what I had heard was good. I am frequently looking for new authors because the ones I like don't write fast enough!
Would you more likely buy:
a novel set in a tie-in universe
a novel set in an original universe
I like original universes. Tie-ins are often less well written in my opinion.
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
Honestly, recently I have been searching the shelves by publisher, and only then looking at who the author is. Of all of these, I am probably most responsive to the title. I generally ignore cover art, because I work in publishing and I know the kind of descriptions I give to the design departments. The gender of the author doesn't matter to me.
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'll pay mild attention if the blurb is by authors whose work I know and like. Much less if it's by one of the SF magazines or a newspaper, because I feel I know the authors better than some random reviewer.
Do you go to book signings?
Elucidate above
YES! I love the chance to talk to authors, even if only for ten seconds.
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!
I only started doing this recently when I found out that our sales staff does it when they visit bookstores. It wouldn't make that much of a difference to me as a purchaser, since I skim the entire section, but I see the chance to catch a quicker browser's eye, and I will start doing it for you.
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?
Yes - sometimes for guests, but mostly for fun. Home conventions are Lunacon, Ubercon, and ICON, although I have been going to OVFF and will go to pretty much any other con within driving distance of NYC. Flying distances require a bit more persuasion.
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'm working on a vampire romance that ought to appeal to horror/vampire/romance fans.
And one last question...
do you listen to podcasts?
Not very often - I much prefer to read than to listen; I don't retain information nearly as well when it is presented audibly. However, I also currently don't have speakers on my computer.