9.19.2011

Let's Buy Some Books

First, some non-book business? Aren't they cool? They're grains of sand under a microscope. See more microscopic pictures at: http://sandgrains.com/index.html

Sand grains under the microscope microscopic sand photography art photo microscopy artwork

Sand grains under the microscope microscopic sand photography art photo microscopy artwork

Okay, back to book stuff. Recently I've read from authors that they're being rejected because their book isn't currently marketable. I mean, we heard this stuff back during the vampire craze and anyone who wrote realistic fiction received eyerolls and head shaking as if they were trying to sell aspirin to a group of people who only wanted cocaine. (sorry about the analogy. my entire family has been sick and I'm exhausted and it's the only one I could come up with.) But it's still there - the "great book, but I'm not sure it's marketable enough to sell).

SO - my hope is that if we really dedicate ourselves to buying in the genre we write in (or borrowing from the library, but let's put our money into it if we have any - remember, books make great Christmas presents!), maybe the agents and editors and publishers will be forced to see there's a market out there that wants it. I mean, sure, I do enjoy the occasional memoir or adult fiction or YA fantasy. But for awhile, it will contemporary YA for me. And fantasy/paranormal MG for my son.

I know, I know, alone we like - well, grains of sand on an ocean floor. But together, we can be something bigger. What genre do you write? Have you bought any books in that genre lately?

I'll start: Within the last couple of weeks, I bought The Liar Society, Anna and the French Kiss, The Summer of Skinny Dipping, Rich Boys (technically, that one I won), Story of a Girl.

15 comments:

  1. People keep saying realistic fiction will make a comeback but I think there still needs to be a huge hook, esp. in this market. I love realistic fiction when done well.

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  2. I mainly write realistic YA, but I buy books in many genres. I just pre-ordered Mara Dyer and I can't wait to read that! :) Right now, I'm reading an ARC of Shut Out.

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  3. Yep, I agree. Write in your genre and don't worry about the trends. There's always the possibility that even though your book isn't accepted NOW, you can save it for when the trends cycle back around!

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  4. I bought at least a dozen books this summer, mostly mystery/suspense, which I write, but also literary, YA paranormal, and nonfiction. I think agents who say, 'great book, but this isn't selling right now' are just not the right agent. If it really is a great book, there's an agent out there who'll want it and who knows who will buy it.

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  5. btw, I'm so sorry your whole family's been sick(!), but I love that analogy--it's perfect.

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  6. Wow, those sand grains are COOL!

    Well, you know what I write, but I do buy books in all genres. I guess I need to get some y/a contemporary... any suggestions?

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  7. You make a fantastic point, and I love how you worked the grains of sand in. Awesomeness. You know, I haven't recently bought any books in my genre and I usually try to buy at least one a month. Thank you for the reminder!

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  8. I heard contemporary YA is making it's way back too. I really hope that's true. I always end up buying in the genres I write which is contemp and UF.

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  9. those are grains of sand? Gorgeous!

    I haven't bought any books in my genre... yet! But it's b/c it sort of took me by surprise! I will, and I plan to. And when I was doing contemp YA fiction, yes. I was buying books in that genre all the time. Really liked Anna & the French Kiss, btw~ :o)

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  10. woot on the comments today, erica! and i'm off to buy me some contemporary ya! i've needed more titles and two or three of those listed up there i've never read! thank YOU! GREAT post. wow, srsly? those are grains of sand. so beautiful! christy

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  11. Laura, I think you're right that many agents are looking for the big hook, but VOICE is the numer one these days for moving on to publication.

    Have fun with your new books everyone! (and obviously I was tired when I wrote this. Yes, I do know how to add articles into sentences and correctly punctuate. usually. ;)
    erica

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  12. I buy books in the genre I write (when the budget allows). I need all the good examples I can get to study. I'm also branching out into other genres as well. Trying to be "widely" read.

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  13. This idea completely rules. I just bought Dirty Little Secrets and I am meeting Simone Elkeles on Thursday at a book signing so you know I'm going to buy Chain Reaction! Great thinking, gals.

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  14. Great idea! All those grains of sand can form a beach or a desert. Dirty Little Secrets is awesome! So is Story of a Girl. Sara Zarr is one of my heroes. Enjoy!

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  15. You are kidding - that's what sand really looks like? It's BEAUTIFUL. No wonder I love the beach so much.

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