October 12, 2007
This week’s Booking Through Thursday leaves me in a bit of a tight situation. Read on and you’ll see why.
* Have you ever met one of your favorite authors? Gotten their autograph?
* How about an author you felt only so-so about, but got their autograph anyway? Like, say, at a book-signing a friend dragged you to?
* How about stumbling across a book signing or reading and being so captivated, you bought the book?
I’m a writer. We all know that around here. That’s why this blog exists. So of course I know other writers, which means I’m basically obligated to buy their books, whether or not I want to. I try to not buy them unless I can get an autograph, but with the Internet being what it is and this community I’ve built, it’s hard to do. Especially those e-books; how do you get an author to autograph one of those?
One thing I particularly like to do is buy extra copies of books written by authors I know, and then share them via BookCrossing, PaperBackSwap, or BookMooch. Of course, I have a few real-life friends to whom I hand books all the time.
I believe in buzz. That if I share a friend’s book with someone who otherwise wouldn’t pick it up, if they love it, they’ll go out and if not buy it, they might buy the backlist. Or the next release. It doesn’t matter, so long as I’m helping a friend’s sales.
I know better than to expect them all to do the same once it’s my turn. I can and do hope that they will. But even if they don’t, I believe we writers are all in this together and helping you will, in the long run, help me.
Christine d'Abo
October 12, 2007 11:45 am
I buy books of people I know now, even if I don’t think I’d like it. Like you, I want to support the friends I’ve made out there. That said, I’ve been pleasantly surprised on more than one occasion with those books. It’s great to try new authors, some of whom have become must reads for me. 🙂
Christine d'Abo
October 12, 2007 11:45 am
I buy books of people I know now, even if I don’t think I’d like it. Like you, I want to support the friends I’ve made out there. That said, I’ve been pleasantly surprised on more than one occasion with those books. It’s great to try new authors, some of whom have become must reads for me. 🙂
Christine d'Abo
October 12, 2007 11:45 am
I buy books of people I know now, even if I don’t think I’d like it. Like you, I want to support the friends I’ve made out there. That said, I’ve been pleasantly surprised on more than one occasion with those books. It’s great to try new authors, some of whom have become must reads for me. 🙂
bunnygirl
October 12, 2007 12:34 pm
I have a few favorites that I buy extras to give away, too. It’s fun to share a favorite!
pussreboots
October 12, 2007 12:49 pm
When I am better settled in my life (which should be as soon as next year!) I plan to follow current and new authors more than I do now. Happy BTT.
FRIGGA
October 12, 2007 2:27 pm
I’ve never met an author before. Well, not one that I read their stuff before meeting them. I’ve known people who are authors. Hey, I know you – well blogville you ;-)BR/BR/Hey, congats on the correct answer for my Name That Song – care to take another try?
FRIGGA
October 12, 2007 4:13 pm
Congrats X2 – you’re good at this!! Next one’s up 😛
Joely Sue Burkhart
October 12, 2007 4:18 pm
That’s why I give books away on my blog. I typically buy a copy for me and one to give away to hopefully spread the love!
J. Kaye Oldner
October 12, 2007 7:52 pm
Hmmm…I don’t get into autographed books. Here’s why. In my mind, the only reason I’d want one is to keep it. And well, I don’t keep books, even if I love, love, love the book. Like you, I believe in passing the books on.BR/BR/That said, I do keep reference books, but nothing in fiction or self-help, etc.BR/BR/From a reader’s POV, I like creating a buzz. I love when a reader recommends a good book and s/he appreciates when I do the same for them.BR/BR/Another thing I have learned through experience is just because I like or dislike a book doesn’t mean my friend will feel the same way. Because of this, I have tried to be less opinionated…lol! You know, for me, that’s a chore.
Amy Ruttan
October 12, 2007 8:27 pm
I support my friends. And I can be surprised by the books I thought I wouldn’t like, but did.BR/BR/Ya I get autographs from tons of authors all the time, mainly cause there are tons of PAN’s in my RWA group.BR/BR/It’s a cut throat industry and we have to support eachother. 🙂
gautami tripathy
October 12, 2007 8:33 pm
I have been trying to publish my poetry with not much success. No one wants to read poetry!BR/BR/I too buy extra copies of books I love and love passing those around!
Red Garnier
October 12, 2007 10:46 pm
I love trying out new authors, and love it when a friend shares her fave. Usually I AM hooked!
Bob-kat
October 13, 2007 6:47 am
That is a great outlook. Sometimes you just have to good a good turn and hope that it is reciprocated in some way by someone.BR/BR/I have a few signed books. Ben Elton signed one of my books when I was working back stage. he was doing his live show at the time. We had a great chat and I got a mention in his show. he was a cool guy.
Seeley deBorn
October 13, 2007 10:21 am
I have a few signed books and more on the way (it was a lucky week last week). BR/BR/I have bought extras of books to give away, but usually ebooks because they aren’t give-away-able.BR/BR/I’ve only met one author at a signing and she was wonderful. I bought one of her books for just about everyone I know. BR/BR/I like buying books by people I know. But it’s come to the point that I ‘know’ half of the names on the erotica shelf in Chapters… since I can’t buy them all, I always turn the ones I recognize to have their covers face forward.
Dewey
October 13, 2007 8:08 pm
I’ve met and had autographs from T.C. Boyle, Margaret Atwood and Gwendolyn Brooks. It always happens that when I really love a BTT question, I don’t notice it until days later!BR/BR/Agree with you about buzz!
Camille Alexa
October 14, 2007 11:04 pm
You have a fabulous sense of author community, Susan. I salute you.