A 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
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.