Finding your next perfect read. It’s complicated. Part I

Sorting through all the books in the world can be like isolating a single droplet of water from a flood.

Recently my good friend, Danny, asked what it takes to become a published author.

What does that have to do with finding the perfect read you say?

Because in order for a reader to find a good book, the nugget of the idea leading to that book has been in process for…well, millennia. By an author who pictures who the audience will be.

Let’s jump ahead a bit. Hold on, you’ll see where I’m going.

First, you already know there are many good books out there. And many millions more waiting to be published. Imagine you’re standing at the bottom of the waterfall in the photo. Yeah.  Millions pouring onto the market every year.

Millions, Bev?

U-yeah. With the advent of computers, it’s estimated there are over a million unpublished manuscripts. Just waiting to be discovered, published and read.

And that’s why Danny’s question made me think of readers. Because to write, to be published, a writer should first know something about his reader.

And if a writer does his homework (besides learning the craft, clicking out a great story) you, the reader, have to work to find your favorite genre, new authors in the style you enjoy, to compare similar books, read reviews, download samples…whew.

More complicated than walking into your corner bookstore or library? Yes, but it is getting easier than ever to find your next great read. Or is it?

So before I address Danny’s question, I have one for you, the reader.

Where do you find trustworthy recommendations? What’s your favorite way to find your next great read? Have you learned new ways to explore the world of books for new authors, new genres?

If so, do you share your discoveries on Facebook, at the water cooler…erm, coffee shop?

I’ll start, here are some links I follow.

http://www.goodreads.com/ Authors and readers connect, you can fill up your shelves, follow other readers and writers, and join groups with people who enjoy reading the same things you do.

Library Thing Similar to Goodreads, I’m just learning how to navigate this powerful site.

Real Simple, both the magazine and online community. Besides the book club, they do an excellent job of compiling lists, getting reader input, and letting you know what’s hot. Full disclosure, my novel, FRESH START SUMMER, made their 21 Hot Summer Reads of 2011. Booyah!

For more about the author to reader connection, I found Anne Trubek‘s blog in the New York Times, erm…eloquent. (You may have to subscribe, but when I signed in, it was free.)

In Part II, we’ll talk more about Danny’s actual question.