How to help your favorite authors
I posted the following article a long time ago, and feel that it warrants repeating. I read it on the website of Diana Pharaoh Francis (fabulous fantasy author), and thought it was so vitally important, that I asked if I could post it here. A lot of people think that just because you get published that you'll be popular enough to keep your books on the shelves and keep getting book contracts. Wrong. We need help. Your help.
Here's her article:
What can you do to keep your favorite authors writing and their books on the shelves?
Recently I spent time with a writer friend who has written some fabulous science fiction. She has a contract for two more books, but plans to switch genres after those two because her books aren't selling as she'd hoped. This isn't because they aren't good (I've read them, they are). And this same writer has won a very prestigious writing award for her work. So what's the problem, and what can readers do to help keep their favorite authors' books coming?
The fact is that new book sales are what drives book contracts. If the numbers in the computers don't say that the author will sell well, then that's it. It's over. Change your name and start again. (Please don't think I exaggerate on that. I really don't. There are a number of authors I know of who have changed their names for low early sales--Kate Elliot and Robin Hobb to name two). Now it is up to the author to write good stuff. But suppose she does, suppose you like her stuff. There is something you can do to help.
Buy books new as often as you can. I know how much cheaper used can be, but authors get absolutely no money for their books when they are sold used. With the recent proliferation of used books being sold on Amazon, for instance, book sales have plumetted for authors. Those authors on the edge of a contract may cease to write, or they may be dropped from their publisher.
And you know how Amazon lists used books? That's a really troubling thing since most people will opt for the used books rather than the new, and it's right there on Amazon. Plus independent book stores are some of the best supporters for genre writers out there. Shop one of those first if you can.
Tell your friends.
Spread the word to anyone who will listen. Got a website? Post a review on lists, blogs, newsgroups, newsletters, etc.
Belong to a book group? Recommend the book for the month.
Email the author and tell her what you think. Moral support counts too. I know that it's been one of my greatest encouragements.
Ask for the books in your bookstore. In every bookstore you go into. Don't let books disappear off shelves. And take your friends in to buy them. And when you see strangers browsing the shelves, recommend authors. That's also tremendously helpful for people who are looking for something, but don't quite know which book to choose. A personal recommendation means they don't spend money on books they won't like.
When you're in the bookstore, face the book on the shelf so that the entire cover shows. Certainly the employees will come by later and face them in again, but for awhile, that cover was exposed to who knows how many interested eyes. But be careful not to cover other people's books.
Buy books as gifts at Christmas and birthdays and graduations and just-because.
Link the writer's page to yours.
Go to book signings when they are announced. Trust me, not that many people go and writers really, REALLY love to meet fans.
Over the years, I've seen some of my favorite books go away, series dry up, because the publishers didn't feel there was enough interest. If you want to see your favorite authors survive and keep writing, help her out. Spread the word.
Coming up tomorrow and Friday: Rob Thurman's Cal Leandros novels. The next in the series -- Roadkill -- will be in bookstores next Tuesday. I'll be going to my local B&N to snag my copy. There will be prizes!
Here's her article:
What can you do to keep your favorite authors writing and their books on the shelves?
Recently I spent time with a writer friend who has written some fabulous science fiction. She has a contract for two more books, but plans to switch genres after those two because her books aren't selling as she'd hoped. This isn't because they aren't good (I've read them, they are). And this same writer has won a very prestigious writing award for her work. So what's the problem, and what can readers do to help keep their favorite authors' books coming?
The fact is that new book sales are what drives book contracts. If the numbers in the computers don't say that the author will sell well, then that's it. It's over. Change your name and start again. (Please don't think I exaggerate on that. I really don't. There are a number of authors I know of who have changed their names for low early sales--Kate Elliot and Robin Hobb to name two). Now it is up to the author to write good stuff. But suppose she does, suppose you like her stuff. There is something you can do to help.
Buy books new as often as you can. I know how much cheaper used can be, but authors get absolutely no money for their books when they are sold used. With the recent proliferation of used books being sold on Amazon, for instance, book sales have plumetted for authors. Those authors on the edge of a contract may cease to write, or they may be dropped from their publisher.
And you know how Amazon lists used books? That's a really troubling thing since most people will opt for the used books rather than the new, and it's right there on Amazon. Plus independent book stores are some of the best supporters for genre writers out there. Shop one of those first if you can.
Tell your friends.
Spread the word to anyone who will listen. Got a website? Post a review on lists, blogs, newsgroups, newsletters, etc.
Belong to a book group? Recommend the book for the month.
Email the author and tell her what you think. Moral support counts too. I know that it's been one of my greatest encouragements.
Ask for the books in your bookstore. In every bookstore you go into. Don't let books disappear off shelves. And take your friends in to buy them. And when you see strangers browsing the shelves, recommend authors. That's also tremendously helpful for people who are looking for something, but don't quite know which book to choose. A personal recommendation means they don't spend money on books they won't like.
When you're in the bookstore, face the book on the shelf so that the entire cover shows. Certainly the employees will come by later and face them in again, but for awhile, that cover was exposed to who knows how many interested eyes. But be careful not to cover other people's books.
Buy books as gifts at Christmas and birthdays and graduations and just-because.
Link the writer's page to yours.
Go to book signings when they are announced. Trust me, not that many people go and writers really, REALLY love to meet fans.
Over the years, I've seen some of my favorite books go away, series dry up, because the publishers didn't feel there was enough interest. If you want to see your favorite authors survive and keep writing, help her out. Spread the word.
Coming up tomorrow and Friday: Rob Thurman's Cal Leandros novels. The next in the series -- Roadkill -- will be in bookstores next Tuesday. I'll be going to my local B&N to snag my copy. There will be prizes!
posted by Lisa Shearin at
7:29 AM
10 Comments:
Does buying ebooks count? I have a strong aversion to ebooks, because I much prefer the feel, look, and scent of a real, paper book. I've also been afraid that buying a digital book as opposed to a traditional book hurts the author.
Anyway, I love to read and already do some of these things. I really like the idea of turning the books so the covers face out. I have recommended books to strangers and - look! - I have a book review blog: http://freakingbookworm.com
If there are any books you think I'd like, pass them along and I'll read and review them. I love to read, and I hope to one day publish one of my own books. (:
(Subscribing to comments with this post. Forgot to before!)
Authors get the same (and in some cases better) royalties from ebooks. I buy ebooks exclusively. With that said, this is a rather cheeky time to post a gimme entry. I know most writers barely squeek by, often with a second job to make the bills, but guess what, so do many other Americans right now. By buying a used book, you not only get a book cheaper, but you put a couple of dollars back into the pocket of a hard working teacher, cop, or anyone else. We all have to suffer for awhile now (at least until 2012), so stop complaining and be happy that people will go out of their way to find your books at a time like this.
Hmn, Anonymous, it is true that most people are struggling right now, but I think that her intention here was to let everyone know that authors are struggling, too, and to remind everyone not to forget them. I didn't get any sense of "the gimmies" while reading this post. Authors have a long history of having a hard time making money off of their profession. It's not just now that we should be making sure to support our favorite authors - it's always!
Wow, all the things i never knew, but then again i practically camp out in Borders so i must be helping, gotta love bookstores, its like a candy shop, with all those shiny books around(my borders and barns and noble cards are right up there with my liabrary card where i can find them in two seconds, but i have to dig through that bug black pit of a purse to find a single credit card for gas...
Anyway, i was wondering, totally unrealated but hey
What do you listen to when you write?
I just looked in my itunes, and i swear anyone who looks the playlists i listen to while writing will think i am insane.
I have all kinds of stuff in there, I have some Titanic songs mixed with a couple P!nk, and then a great deal of old country (Yes, i listen to james taylor and co, when im in high school) and then theres a couple of alternative, some pop and a couple M.I.A songs.
Is it just me, or does anyone else listen to mix music while they write?
Thank you, Elizabeth. : )
Blaire, I listen to a lot of the Harry Potter soundtracks when I'm writing. It seems to work well for Raine & Company.
Hey, im with you on that, love audiobooks, the kids i babysit listen to them nonstop for hours though so i have most of them memorized, but still, Harry is super cool, though i like Hermoirne(pretty sire thats spelled wrong) best.
Making your librarian aware of a book's existence is a great way to help get an author's work known. I discovered the first Raine book in my local library, and after I read it, I rushed to B&N and bought it, along with the sequel.
I like to special request books by authors who are new to me, so I can test out their work before spending money. Sometimes I'll see books I requested still on the library shelves months or years later. That's great because other people have a chance to discover the authors too.
What a great contest! I adore these books. Fingers crossed!
What a great series. I would love to win a copy.
cindyc725 at gmail dot com
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