Isreal Odunayo
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Pls I just wrote my first book Can you advise me on ways to get readers for my book?
Lois McMaster Bujold
My own early breaking-in experience is too far out of date for today's newbie book market; too much has changed.
The one thing that has not changed is that one must write a book appealing enough for readers to recommend to each other; and then, write some more just as good. Single books tend to sink, but a grouping can make a cross-supporting raft to hold each other up. This doesn't have to be a series; author's name is usually enough of a link. But you can't afford to chuck out hasty duds just to have another title out, as they will provide drag not lift on the whole. "Each one better than all the others" is the unattainable ideal. (Why, yes, this market demand does make writers crazy, why do you ask...?)
Any commenters who have had more recent experience launching books are invited to chime in below. What worked/didn't work for you all?
Ta, L.
My own early breaking-in experience is too far out of date for today's newbie book market; too much has changed.
The one thing that has not changed is that one must write a book appealing enough for readers to recommend to each other; and then, write some more just as good. Single books tend to sink, but a grouping can make a cross-supporting raft to hold each other up. This doesn't have to be a series; author's name is usually enough of a link. But you can't afford to chuck out hasty duds just to have another title out, as they will provide drag not lift on the whole. "Each one better than all the others" is the unattainable ideal. (Why, yes, this market demand does make writers crazy, why do you ask...?)
Any commenters who have had more recent experience launching books are invited to chime in below. What worked/didn't work for you all?
Ta, L.
More Answered Questions
Jerri
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
I have been re-reading Penric's Demon and just noticed this sentence: "Sorcerer had certainly not been on Pen's former list of scholarly ambitions, but then, neither had theologian, divine, physician, teacher, lawyer or any other high trade . . ." Then I noticed that with the possible exception of lawyer, Pen has now studied/become all of the above. Did you realize this when you first invented Penric and Des?
Geraldine
asked
Lois McMaster Bujold:
Not a question but a huge thank you. Since lockdown began I have been rereading as much of the Vorkosigan saga as I could lay my hands on. Between Amazon, Baen, the local library electronic downloads, and copies I already owned, I think I have reread them all, not necessarily in order and some for the 3rd time, and they have provided wonderful escape when the news became too dreary. Any more Miles adventures coming?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more