| Author |
Message |
    
Chris Hayden
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 06, 2005 - 01:23 pm: | 
|
On another board a discussion arose about the poor sales of a writer, one of the posters suggested we do something so that this writer gets more fame, sales, money, what have you.
The poster did not go into detail about what any reader or fan could do?
What can readers or fans do to boost the career of a favored writer? Is this not up to the writer and or his publishing company?
What, for instance, could fans of John Edgar Wideman do to boost his popularity--I mention his name because his work has been an acquired taste for the most part attractive to only a small segment of the reading public--as most literary fiction is.
|
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1240
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 06, 2005 - 01:24 pm: |
|
Well who exactly was the author?
That bit of info would be crucial in helping them.
|
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3161
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 06, 2005 - 01:56 pm: |
|
Chris,
I think one of the biggest reasons why the overall book market is contracting is too many of us (Blacks, Whites...ALL) are 'hording' books when we should be passing on some of our favorite books to those who're less inclined to buy them, ESPECIALLY our young foks.
The easiest yet most effective way to turn someone on to an author is to pass some of their work on to people who value your opinions.
Let's say all of Wideman's fans passed one of his books on to 10 people. Even if only 1 in 10 of them get's turned on to him, you've effectively DOUBLED Wideman's fan base. |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1245
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 06, 2005 - 02:21 pm: |
|
ABM, that would be especially great if we PURCHASED 10 copies of Wideman's books and THEN passed them on.
Imagine if 100 Wideman fans did that in a one week period.
The industry would notice.
AND...
this brings me to the sad reality about my own books....where a journalist in Texas pointed out to Africana (when she was pitching doing a story about me) that black women in Houston had been "WHISPERING" about someone called Kola Boof whenever she went to a book club reading or book gathering.
People "whispering" is not good for an author in the short run (5 years span)---but will grow you slowly, so that in 20 years, you will benefit from it.
And yet I suffer from having "Kola fans" who are EMBARRASSED to acknowledge that they are fans (for instance, a Christian BW Fan of mines doesn't want others to know she reads me because they would be appalled by the NUDITY)---so the word does not spread.
Radio D.J. "Yaw".....who recently had me on his show, then LATER read "Flesh and the Devil" and called me to say how he loved it, marveled at it,etc.---said that he would have to talk to the "right kind of people" about the book when I asked him to SPREAD THE WORD, because he worried that the ideas and the black imagery in the book might not appeal to most of the "types" of folk he deals with.
He DID give his daughter a copy of the book.
|
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3166
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 06, 2005 - 02:33 pm: |
|
Kola,
I feel yah.
I agree you are sort of a 'tough sell' to foks. Because if one reads 'Flesh and spy the book covers without knowing anything about you, your message, etc., at the very least they may get confused; if not roundly pissed, angered and frightened.
But, I guess it's like any other new way of thinking/communicating: SOMEBODY's gottah have the courage to get the message out there. |
Cynnique
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 06, 2005 - 05:08 pm: |
|
Ideally, a book should sell itself, picking up momentum by word-of-mouth, attracting fans on its own merit as opposed to "patrons" - people who just purchase a book in order to help the author out. And I'm one of those people who keeps books for my collection as opposed to giving them away to others. The only thing I give away is my recommendation. To me, that's all that should be expected of a reader. Unfortunately, nowadays, unless you're an established author, the best way to be a best-seller is to be a "sell-out." You gotta give the masses what they want. Obviously, the road to being a successful author is paved with disappointment and frustration - and low sales. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 1200
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 06, 2005 - 05:13 pm: |
|
Kola:
Heck, it was on a discussion board--the author was Stephen Barnes. |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1263
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 06, 2005 - 05:28 pm: |
|
HEY CYNIQUE!!!!!
LAMBD asked me to send you his love.
He said that he used to talk on the phone with some people from the board, but wouldn't tell me who.
He says that "YOU" know what his profession is, although I never did. It's quite more involved, though, than you can imagine, although I'm sworn to secrecy and he's doing VERY WELL.
He misses you now that his LADY got him off the board.
|
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1264
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 06, 2005 - 05:30 pm: |
|
Chris,
Did I say that I love you and glad to be back with you?
Sorry if I didn't, because I am.
And I LOOOVE Steven Barnes. Isn't he the sci-fi writer.
But honestly. Jervey Turvalon and Mat Johnson's books have been described as very low sellers as well on the board. Guy Johnson, too.
|
Cynnique
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 06, 2005 - 05:54 pm: |
|
Lambd and I exchanged a few e-mails but I never talked to him on the phone. Maybe A-woman did. I miss his presence on the board. He was so cool and funny. Too bad his girlfriend has him "whipped". LOL. |
Yvettep
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 387
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 10:10 am: |
|
I like the idea of buying 10 books and distributing them. Also, talking them up on-line, so that the author's name comes up with many google hits. Also, if folks write blogs, we could organize efforts to get bloggers to talk about an author so that the book may show up on a "most talked about" list on Technorati or one of those sites.
There are just many, many books--despite all the fears that reading is "dead"--For example, I was in the airport over the last few days and more people were sitting with a book than were on a laptop. (NOT more than were yappin on a cell phone, however.)
But with so many books, it's important to get the word out, get a little buzz going. Then, like Cynique said, I think that if a book really has some merit it might begin to "sell itself." But these days, I think we need to help some books and authors along, with "viral marketing" or whatever other creative efforts we can think of. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3203
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 12:04 pm: |
|
Foks,
I don't think helping to spur interest in favorite author has to be as overt and, to some, financially stressful as buying 10 books a pop.
Often, the most effective, enduring tactics require only small, subtle but effective efforts. And such might include simply passing on those books you've ALREADY read/enjoyed.
See. Part of the issue might be we book readers often 'glamorize' the book experience including our wanting to maintain permanent ownership of every book we buy.
I understand/appreciate the romance associated with stocking one’s oak/mahogany bookshelves with treasured books. But I wonder if over the long-term, we might want to ‘tweak’ that pleasure...at least a tad.
I recently read some statistics about the book biz that on the surface appear contradictory but when examined in-depth portray sobering tidings for book buyers.
Consumer book sales have been increasing, as much 8% in 2004 alone. However, the total number of books sold has declined 9 percent over the last five years.
So. Basically, those of us who are ‘dumb’ enough to continue to buy books are being taken to the proverbial ‘cleaners’.
And as the pressure on publishers to turn a profit builds, the gouging of book buyers is likely to worsen.
Either that, or publishers will abridge the depth/breadth or what they offer. Or they’ll disappear altogether and whatever variety of reading we enjoy will wane as they depart.
‘Vette,
I remain suspicious of all the hubbub over blogging. I guess it’s because I’m not sure whether/why there is something different/special about what currently being tabbed as a blog versus what has occurred on the web for as long as it’s been utilized by the general public.
A blog is like any other media: It’s only as useful, interesting as its authors/editors.
And "viral marketing", huh?
Should I grab some hand sanitizer and a pack of Trojans before engage in such tactics?
HEHE! |
Cynnique
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 12:44 pm: |
|
I fail to understand why the burden of a how many copies a book sells falls on the shoulders of the readers?? It's the responsibility of publishers to believe in their products enough to market them effectively. It's also the responsibility of the author to write a book that somebody will want to buy. People are doing authors a favor by buying and reading their books. Readers are the ones who should be catered to, not authors. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3207
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 01:08 pm: |
|
Cynique,
If you don't want to make any special efforts to ensure the going concerns of your favorite writers/publishers that is perfectly within your rights.
Others, however, might choose to think/do otherwise. |
Yvettep
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 389
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 01:30 pm: |
|
And "viral marketing", huh? Should I grab some hand sanitizer and a pack of Trojans before engage in such tactics?
My understanding, ABM, is that viral marketing--or "buzz marketing"--is a kind of word of mouth campaign that can be highly formal (like those "do you Yahoo?" message at the bottom of people's emails) or informal--like the kind of stuff folks do on this board. The idea is to us existing formats and social networks to spread the word about a product, service, etc.
|
Yvettep
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 390
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 01:37 pm: |
|
A blog is like any other media: It’s only as useful, interesting as its authors/editors.
I agree.
I think the main "hub bub" is the ease and speed at which you can put content up on the web in an attractive, interactive, almost totally personalizable manner--without having to learn much (or any) html or Dreamweaver or other web design software, etc.
|
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3209
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 01:37 pm: |
|
'Vette,
Heck! That stuff's even WORSE than I'd imagined.
Maybe I should trade the sanitizer for ammonia. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3210
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 01:44 pm: |
|
'Vette: "I think the main "hub bub" is the ease and speed at which you can put content up on the web in an attractive, interactive, almost totally personalizable manner--without having to learn much (or any) html or Dreamweaver or other web design software, etc.
ABM: I share the excitement over how easily one can create their own web presense. But, again, I don't get all the chatter about this 'blog' phenomenon. Because, let's be real: There's been mindless/crappy stuff on the net for over 10 years. "Blog" is just a new name for describing it. |
Yvettep
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 391
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 01:54 pm: |
|
I think there's a lot of "crap" in terms of blogs--a lot of "Oh I went to a party last night and got so shit faced" kind of rambling. And a lot of people who think they're "journalists" writing about the same political crap that is being reported on by (paid) journalists but offering no special insights.
I tend to avoid this stuff.
But I do enjoy reading and participating in discussions on a handful of blogs.
I know that several writers have blogs. I have only read a few of them (e.g., Nelson George). I think many of your aalbc posts, ABM, and certainly Kola's would have been wonderful in a blog format.
Like they say, "Don't knock it until you've tried it!" |
Cynnique
Unregistered guest
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 01:57 pm: |
|
Yes, ABM, when it comes to buying books, people have to make a choice as to whether they want to be a fan or an enabler. I choose to be a fan. |
Yvettep
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 392
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 02:03 pm: |
|
People are doing authors a favor by buying and reading their books. Readers are the ones who should be catered to, not authors.
I do agree with this, Cynique. I can't think of how many times I have actually felt betrayed after plunking down my had earned money for a dud of a book--especially from an author I had (until then) enjoyed and respected.
I do think there are ways that I can help boost books and authors that I truly do enjoy. I don't, however, feel this is my "responsibility." But if I wanted to, I'd like to do more.
But I feel a lot of "buzz word" type promotion of books I have seen are really attempts by the promoter to say more about him or herself than about the book or author being talked about. A kind of "Look at me, I'm so cool, I'm reading X."
I'm not so much talking about what goes on on these boards as what I have read on people's web sites and blogs and what not. I do appreciate hearing about books people are reading here--I do not have nearly enough time to find out about everything that is out there so it helps to hear other people's picks.
But there is a fine line between a socialable recommendation between and among folks who already have relationships with each other and annoying Amway-sales-type shucksterism. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3212
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 02:23 pm: |
|
'Vette,
Thanks for flattering me.
But Babe: I would have a TERRIBLE blog.
SERIOUSLY.
Because I'd be asking and saying all kinds of frivolous, prurient and geeky tripe sans any editing/curbing.
(How jealous I am that Brad Pitt can blatantly cheat on his wife for the entire world to witness, yet his Q-rating improves.)
(Wonder did Mike Tyson enjoy the taste of Evander Holifeld’s ear. Did it taste like chicken?)
(What exactly IS “the best way to skin a cat”? And why would anyone [other than a Chinese cook] require such a skill?)
(Whether when Condelessa rendezvous with W every Wednesday night in the Lincoln Bedroom does her girlfriend get jealous.)
(If Osama called Kola and promised to treat her nicely would she go out with him again.)
After awhile, it would be such a mess, the FBI and Homeland Security foks would arrest me and put me in a cell next to Saddam Hussein. |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1296
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 02:28 pm: |
|
Nelson George has a BLOG!!!!!
Oh my god. I was pregnant with his imaginary baby when I was a teenager!
I used to practice cooking and pretend that he was waiting to taste the finished product.
When I was like 15---he was my make believe husband!
Oh my God!
|
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1297
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 02:34 pm: |
|
ABM, I really don't appreciate this B.S.:
(Whether when Condelessa rendezvous with W every Wednesday night in the Lincoln Bedroom does her girlfriend get jealous.)
Condeleeza has a BLACK Conserv. Republican Boyfriend in Wash. D.C. and he's the only person she's rendezvousing with. I don't know why we have to obliterate this woman's dignity just because we don't agree with her politics.
And YVETTE:
I agree with everything you've said here.
And Cynique is right---the "reader" should be catered to, which is why in lieu of profound wisdom of the ages---I decided to just tell the truth no matter what, and I find that my audience loves it.
|
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3213
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 02:34 pm: |
|
Cynique,
Some people's defintion of the 'duties' of a "fan" might differ from those of yours.
Some of the best, most treasured media were intially supported, if not rescued, by ardent, faithful fans chosing to do a lot more than what you prefer to do.
Had Alice Walker chosen to a the type of fan you prefer, most of us might never have heard of Zora Neale Hurston ('course, that presume such would matter to you).
'Vette,
I'm more apt to consider the merits of a book via WHO'S (that 'who' being the total quality of his/her opinions, reading, experiences, etc.) hyping it than I am by it simply being hyped. |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1298
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 02:38 pm: |
|
"The Kool Room" is really....Kola Boof's BLOG.
But of course, I had to do mines larger than life---and guess what? My ratings are WAY BIGGER than most of the others, because I was smart enough to have mines be attached to the nation's #1 website about black books and black authors.
ONLY Amazon.Com sells more "black books" per month than AALBC.COM
2,000 people per day visit the MESSAGE BOARDS section alone.
|
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1299
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 02:41 pm: |
|
ABM is so right about this:
Cynique,
Some people's defintion of the 'duties' of a "fan" might differ from those of yours.
Some of the best, most treasured media were intially supported, if not rescued, by ardent, faithful fans chosing to do a lot more than what you prefer to do.
Had Alice Walker chosen to a the type of fan you prefer, most of us might never have heard of Zora Neale Hurston ('course, that presume such would matter to you).
_________
It really is the fans, ultimately, who decide whether or not your enemies will devour you or you will be triumphant.
White people love that asshole Russell Crowe and will keep him on top----but let a BLACK actor pull some of his bullshit.
|
Yvettep
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 395
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 02:42 pm: |
|
Kola, your "pretend husband" can be found here:
http://www.nelsongeorge.com/blog/
No comments so far on his most recent post so go ahead and let him know about your cooking fantasy! LOL |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3214
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 02:48 pm: |
|
Kola,
Girl. You know I'm (mostly) joking about Condi. I'm sure the only people she knockboots with - including W - are male (or at least they're very 'butch').
And, hmmmmmm. Lemme see.
In Condelessa Rice we have the following:
@ A BLACK woman who grew up in the South and professes to be religious.
@ But never marries.
@ No kids.
@ No one ever actually sees/hears/reads anything about this (phantom) conservative beau of her.
@ Or any OTHER prior gentlmen callers or f@#$partners for that matter.
@ Oh. And she's spent much of her adult life in the San Francisco area.
NO. There's NOTHING at all about Condi that even remotely infers that she might be a sistah sappho. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3215
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 02:55 pm: |
|
Kola,
I'm a big fan of Russell's. He's really almost a throwback to some of the great White actors of prior generations (e.g., Brando, Newman, DeNiro, etc.).
But I agree if Denzel and Will were pulling the kinda crap he's pulling, the only 'Oscars' they'd be concern about would be some 300 lb fool who's trynah turn them into his prison b@$%&es. |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3216
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 02:57 pm: |
|
Kola,
I noticed you didn't address my LAST 'blog' topic. |
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1302
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 03:09 pm: |
|
What was your last BLOG topic, ABM?
YVETTE:
I looked over Nelson George's blog.
I'm just too intimidated to even contemplate what I would say to him.
He probably has heard all kinds of things about me and thinks bad things anyway. I'm the Diana Ross of the publishing industry, you know. It's better if I don't try to shout out.
|
Kola
Moderator
Username: Kola
Post Number: 1303
Registered: 02-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 03:10 pm: |
|
No---ABM, I would never dare go out with OSAMA.
EVER.
|
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 3219
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 03:50 pm: |
|
Kola,
Send George one of your "Flesh and the devil" book covers.
That'll put some steam in his pants. |
Yvettep
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yvettep
Post Number: 401
Registered: 01-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, June 07, 2005 - 04:19 pm: |
|
Send George one of your "Flesh and the devil" book covers. That'll put some steam in his pants.
LOL! |
Email This Page