An indie author would like to know: how do you choose ebooks to read?

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Author Staci Kane has a sarcastic series of "Auntie SpecialSnowflake" posts at http://www.staciakane.net/tag/auntie-... tht are funny. "...the job of readersheep (readers) is solely to love and promote your book..." The articles are in reverse order, so scroll down and read last red headlined post first entitled "Be Rich and Famous The internet way!" http://www.staciakane.net/2012/07/24/...

[Jacqueline]

Clay, there is a group for indies called the Alliance of Independent Authors, which I am a member. So far, it's a great community. It helps indie authors but vetting editors, proofreaders and other publishing businesses. It gives business and writing advice and offers a support system. They have a group on GR, but it's not very active. Their site off GR is more active.

I've read through this thread, and I have to say I agree with nearly everything that's been said. As an indie, I know there's an uphill battle of perception. Some deserved since many indies don't take the time to edit or learn proper writing techniques or understand the need for professionalism. I also know how the pricing vs free has created a challenge for both readers and writers.

But we have to remember this new world of epublishing is still very new and has yet to settle into a firm mold. Everyone, everyday is stumbling their way through it.

I'm excited to be able to be apart of it and also overwhelmed some days. There's so much to do. So much competition. Not just from other books, but from other sources of entertainment. However, I love to write. I always have. I've been published in non-fiction and this new world is worth all the stress and craziness if I get to finally publish my fiction. I know we'll all discover our way through it as long as we all respect each other and continue doing what we all came here to do.

Read and love books!

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Some other indie groups

http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/6...
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/5...
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/8...
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/6...
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/8...
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/5...
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/7...
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/5... (read it and reap threads)
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/4...
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/5...
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/3...

Use with caution as can get depressing if instead of onnecting with readers who will review your books it becomes all indie authors talking to themselves. But, on the otherhand, a great way to get help from other authors with same questions or experiences.

[Clay]

Debbie wrote: "Author Staci Kane has a sarcastic series of "Auntie SpecialSnowflake" posts at http://www.staciakane.net/tag/auntie-... tht are funny. "...the job of readersheep (readers) is solely..."

This is hilarious!!!!!!!! Love it :)

[Jacqueline]

Yeah, I stay away from the promotion groups. Yes, of course, I would love people to read and review my books. But Debbie makes a important point. Groups such as those are nothing but authors selling to authors. I've owned a handmade jewelry business for several years and the same problem exists there in social marketing. All these artists join these sites and everyone is hawking their wares to each other. While artists are also customers, ultimately that was never my goal. Mine was to find customers like my mom. Non-artist customers with a bit of money to spend, but to find these customer a business owner has to get away from other artists hawking their wares. You have to be a customer as well. Get to know people and just be NORMAL.

[Joe]

Read the sample. It's the only way to be sure. I can smell an amateur a mile away.

[Sharon]

Jacqueline wrote: "I've owned a handmade jewelry business for several years and the same problem exists there in social marketing. All these artists join these sites and everyone is hawking their wares to each other. While artists are also customers, ultimately that was never my goal. Mine was to find customers like my mom. Non-artist customers with a bit of money to spend, but to find these customer a business owner has to get away from other artists hawking their wares. "

This is exactly the same problem I have with online marketing of my artwork. Makes for very interesting marketing issues.

[[deleted user]]

Jacqueline wrote: "nothing but authors selling to authors"

I've often thought this was (in part) a reason for the indie bandwagon. Lots of authors who wouldn't otherwise cut the mustard reading works by people like themselves. It becomes the case of one bad author praising another bad author.

Indie authors need to grow out of their self congratulatory groups lest they become like sharks at a feeding frenzy eating other sharks.

[Clay]

Jacqueline wrote: "Clay, there is a group for indies called the Alliance of Independent Authors, which I am a member. So far, it's a great community. It helps indie authors but vetting editors, proofreaders and other..."

Jacqueline,

I checked out that website and it seems as if it offers just about everything an Indie Author might need.

The only thing it seems to lack (and I don't see how it could be included in such an organization) is a manuscript screening process.

Okay, I am going to have to stop posting in this thread....you people are making me reconsider my decision to give up writing LOL.

[Donna]

Debbie wrote: "Author Staci Kane has a sarcastic series of "Auntie SpecialSnowflake" posts... "Be Rich and Famous The internet way!" http://www.staciakane.net/2012/07/24/... "

That is brilliant! I loved it. I am a "readersheep" who has enjoyed quite a few indie books but not that many indie authors. I use Goodreads to connect with people as readers, not authors. Authors who only post to talk exclusively about their books are a huge turn off to me. This discussion is about indie books so sure, talk about writing books here, but just throwing it out there in a discussion about a book is not cool.

With the Kindle and the ability to have this endless choice of books, I pay attention to what other people are reading and then read reviews, mostly here, but also Amazon. I am one who likes to read the really good reviews and the really bad ones to get a better sense of what people think and why. I almost never buy a book with only a few reviews which are all 5 stars. I have been burned by this before and now realize they are planted. It makes me lose respect for the author and have no interest in their book.

[Charles]

Heh...I posted that article on my FaceBook page, mainly just to remind me to read the next installment when I get a chance. :-)

[Clay]

Debbie wrote: "I'm glad that just because of the bad apples goodreads (unlike amazon) is not doing things like restricting authors from reviewing. Most good authors are avid readers and write some of the more useful reviews."

Well, I personally would jump for joy if Goodreads DID prevent authors from reviewing THEIR OWN BOOKS LOL.

A case in point would be the latest promotion by Suren in this group....of the three 5-star reviews...one is HIS!

If you look beyond that self-serving review to what others are saying, however, it is clear that many of the "off-putting" things mentioned in this thread about books by Indie authors are being cited. (Grammar, spelling, etc)

LOL I admit to grumbling here LOL. (Not only at this, but at the fact that I seemed to have confused my authors...for some reason I had it in my head Shuvom was author of a piece I recently sampled...but that was actually Kevis Hendrickson's book: Rogue Hunter....I have Shuvom's Infinity Squad on my Android but haven't actually got to it yet...But after looking at Shuvom's Goodreads page, I may have to bump it up ahead of David Drake on my list - be thankful you aren't behind L. Neil Smith or James P.Hogan, Shuvom or you would be waiting a while. LOL)

I am grumbling because it IS indie authors like that who make the rest look bad. All it takes is one bad experience to make a reader feel they have wasted their money and swear off all Indies altogether.

[Steven]

Clay wrote: "Why on earth go with a title like Duck Blood Soup when the name in Parenthesis would be a much better eye catcher: The Caldarium War!?"

Actually, I'd be much more inclined to check out a title like "Duck Blood Soup" than "The Calderium War": The latter sounds like very predictable fare, while the former has an element of uniqueness that would catch my eye.

Of course, that all depends on the audience you're going for. If you know your readers like titles like "The Kazinn War," "The Four Systems War," "Red Sun Revolution," "Battle for ZhuMarr," etc, go with that. If your desired audience isn't so big on war stories, attract 'em with something non-sequitor.

Debbie wrote: "Seems like an overwhelming percentage of indie authors are here on goodreads just to promote their book versus getting involved in the booklovers community."

Nothing surprising in that, considering the very few avenues indie authors have for promotion. But even that is good for indie book readers who have a hard time finding books they want to read.

I try to put more of my time into participation in the forums, hoping that forum discussion will lead others to explore me and my books. But it rarely works out that way...

[Frank]

Steven wrote: Actually, I'd be much more inclined to check out a title like "Duck Blood Soup" than "The Calderium War"...

Titles are tougher than I thought they would be, and after I wrote the state dinner section, Duck Blood Soup made sense as a title. (Thanks to all those who wrote reviews and confirmed what I thought - it makes sense).

Steven wrote: I try to put more of my time into participation in the forums, hoping that forum discussion will lead others to explore me and my books...."

I also try to be a good citizen of goodreads and contribute to discussions. I've even recommended books that are not
Duck Blood Soup :)

I don't know about other indie authors, but I'm also trying to flearn about my potential market from these groups - prices they'll pay, what ticks them off, etc. I've learned quite a bit.

We walk a fine line between trying to get the word out there about our work, and being a spamming a-hole who adds nothing to the group.

[D.W.]

i didnt promote in forums at all. one of my frinds is a pro marketing manager for the kentuky durby... yea that durby. and she is helping me. also i have spent my adult life travleing in the military and other jobs and i kept up with all my frinds through face book. and i also play spades in a lg online and have since i was 21. its the largest one on the net and when they heard i wrote a book they promted to their frinds and on facebook and bought it. commication helped me start.
to carry this on i prmot my readers to email me or blog with me, and i have built a good fan base with alot of commication.
you have to be able to get your name out there initally once its spreades they come to you through word of mouth. i sold over 2500 copies this month already. dont give up and reach out to those you know. pool all of your rescourses and be patient.

[Snarktastic Sonja]

Frank wrote: "I also try to be a good citizen of goodreads and contribute to discussions"

Just for the record, I, for one, always check out the profile of the people whose posts I find interesting, funny, enlightening or any other positive adjective. (and sometimes the negative ones too. ;D) If he/she is an author, I chase down books. In any case, I almost always compare books and see if I have found a new 'friend'.

If you are an author, keep that up to date. It is interesting to note that I have found readers (as opposed to also authors) have much more complete profiles, book shelves and reviews. Put as much effort into these as forum posts. If you don't have time to write book reviews (after all, many are actually working 2 jobs), that's fine - but rate the books you have read. (Though, I also chase down people from reviews.) Let me see if my interests intersect yours. If they do, I am way more likely to take more than a passing gander at your book.

Make sure you HAVE a profile. It amazes me the authors that I have clicked on that have very little in their goodreads profile. If you have a website, list it there. But, if you have put no effort into your profile, I, for one, am unlikely to go to your webpage. Link your blog.

And, mostly (and the majority of you here have) make your internet presence light and well written. If you have a poorly written forum post, the reading public is much less likely to write off (pun intended) your novel.

[Steven]

D.W. wrote: "you have to be able to get your name out there initally once its spreades they come to you through word of mouth."

That's my problem: I know pretty much nobody, and no one on the forums or SM I frequent (including this one) shares me or my books with their friends.

That probably sounded a lot like whining... but it's true, you either have to have friends help promote you online, or you have to have the money to buy promotion. Since I have neither, I've pretty much consigned myself to some participation, some promotion, and no expectations from either.

[Kevis]

Steven wrote: "D.W. wrote: "you have to be able to get your name out there initally once its spreades they come to you through word of mouth."

That's my problem: I know pretty much nobody, and no one on the foru..."

Sometimes, you play by all the rules (spend years learning the craft, use beta readers, hire multiple editors and proofreaders, cover designers, price affordably, submit to blogs for reviews, participate in discussions, pay for ads and whatever else you can do to spread the word), and you can still find yourself without much of a readership. All you can do is to keep your head down and keep improving your craft. At the end of the day, the only thing an author can really control is the quality and quantity of his or her books.

[Jim]

Sonja wrote: "
If you are an author, keep that up to date. It is interesting to note that I have found readers (as opposed to also authors) have much more complete profiles, book shelves and reviews. Put as much effort into these as forum posts. If you don't have time to write book reviews (after all, many are actually working 2 jobs), that's fine - but rate the books you have read. (Though, I also chase down people from reviews.) Let me see if my interests intersect yours. If they do, I am way more likely to take more than a passing gander at your book.

Make sure you HAVE a profile. It amazes me the authors that I have clicked on that have very little in their goodreads profile. If you have a website, list it there. But, if you have put no effort into your profile, I, for one, am unlikely to go to your webpage. Link your blog.

And, mostly (and the majority of you here have) make your internet presence light and well written. If you have a poorly written forum post, the reading public is much less likely to write off (pun intended) your novel. ..."

It's an interesting post, but tricky one. I've probably got three jobs AND a family, so the amount of time I have to spent on updating websites is limited.
However your comments did make me guilty so I went and checked my Goodreads page.
Well I've got a profile, but honestly I haven't got a clue what people want to know, and if they want to know what makes me tick,they're more likely to find it on my blog I suppose.
No website but there's a link to the blog (and of course wordpress link blogs to Goodreads which is useful).Mind you I probably ought to do a blog entry in the next couple of days.

(Interesting point, I've noticed that my blog entries that have absolutely NOTHING to do with writing or being a writer get far more people looking at them than blog entries that do.)
But as for putting on books I've read, I'm sorry but I've not got the time. I had a spell of it, but never got back to doing it again :-(
If it helps, the last two were Tom Holland, In the Shadow of the Sword, and Alistair Dunn 'The Great Rising of 1381.' Both good books, interesting, thought provoking (especially Tom Holland's ) but as a fantasy author I read more history than fiction, and I'm not sure people will be too bothered about my opinions.

[Steven]

Kevis wrote: "All you can do is to keep your head down and keep improving your craft. At the end of the day, the only thing an author can really control is the quality and quantity of his or her books."

But really... who cares about the quality of a book no one will read? What's the point of working thousands of hours on an opus no one will see?

I think all it will take is for me to come up with a new hobby, anything at all, and I'll drop this one like a radioactive tuber. Because, as much as I enjoy writing... I don't do it just for me.

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

I may be odd; but, when considering reading something by a new-to-me writer, informative reviews from my favorite authors help. I also think the best authors are avid readers and do glance at bookshelves for what books are their favorites (always a bit odd if nothing but perceived-as-highbrow classics or just the top sellers).

That said, it can be a nasty time-suck hole trying to keep your shelves up to date (plus all the distracting other books and topics you run across while doing). Tetris, Bejeweled,WoW, Farmville, and ZooWorld step aside, goodreads can really suck you in where writing and reading time loses out if you are not careful...

[Kevis]

Debbie wrote: "That said, it can be a nasty time-suck hole trying to keep your shelves up to date (plus all the distracting other books and topics you run across while doing). Tetris, Bejeweled,WoW, Farmville, and ZooWorld step aside, goodreads can really suck you in where writing and reading time loses out if you are not careful..."

So true. I don't really visit many sites on the internet anymore because of the amount of time it consumes. But even though it's a challenge to keep up with all of my groups and bookshelves, I'm always trolling Goodreads.

[Clay]

Steven wrote: "I think all it will take is for me to come up with a new hobby, anything at all, and I'll drop this one like a radioactive tuber. Because, as much as I enjoy writing... I don't do it just for me."

Okay....the talk of blogs and profiles earlier? You want to make sure you don't put something like that out for the public to see. Big turn off.

I write...I learned that I haven't got the self-discipline to write like you professional/semi-professionals, but I still write. I have to or I go crazy.

Actually, self-discipline is probably only one part of it...when I sat down to WRITE, it dawned on me that I was NOT writing for myself, but for an audience....So I settled the problem by deciding to not try to make money at it and just do it as a hobby on my websites.

I see a professional writer as being one who can write for an audience...BUT continues to write for himself. A writer that does not write for himself, I consider a hack.

If I came across a statement by an author declaring that he ONLY writes for the money...he/she won't get any from me.

There is a difference between demanding to be paid for your work (some one posted a link in the Ethics thread about that) and doing it only for the money.

If you are not pleasing yourself with your writing...if it would be that easy to drop it (like a radioactive tuber, I believe you said), then why are you still doing it?

Sorry if this comes off a bit confrontational...but I figured you might want to know how a comment like that comes across.

[Jim]

Hi Clay,
Not disagreeing with you, but :-)
Writing for money (which in my case is articles, my two ebooks are fantasy which doesn't seem to be a big selling genre) I think there is a balance. I agree that someone who 'only writes for money' is probably not worth supporting.
However, from my own experience, if you write for money, then not everything you have to write is for the pure joy of creation. I've done articles to get the editor out of a hole (perhaps of his own digging. He had to have an article on the topic and he asked me.)
I've written articles driven by my sense of 'professionalism'in that 'ye gods and little boarlets' but this subject is sooo boring' but I felt driven to somehow get a bit of interest into it. But you try making an article on the planning successes of four local councils over the last year sparkle!
I ended up leaving a joke in the middle of it to see if the editor bothered to read it. I got an email, he'd found it but left it in because he wanted to know if anyone else noticed!
So yes, even when I write 'for money' and not every article is a joyful and spontaneous creation, I am driven by more than money.
Between ourselves I feel that if I'm going to call myself a writer, when I write an article, even a person uninterested in the topic should find the article interesting or at least worth reading.

But when I sit down to write fantasy, then that is where the joy comes in. Followed by the hard work as you go through what the editor has sent back and then what the proofreader tells you :-))

But yes, I agree with you, if the writer just does it for the money, forget them.

[Kevis]

I can't speak for anyone else. But I really don't understand how someone can write (fiction at least) purely for monetary reasons. Writing is just too time-consuming and lonely an occupation to do it full-time if you don't get at least a modicum of enjoyment from seeing your characters come to life on the page.

[Steven]

Clay wrote: "Okay....the talk of blogs and profiles earlier? You want to make sure you don't put something like that out for the public to see. Big turn off. "

Heh... They'd have to actually see it, first...

Jim wrote: "I agree that someone who 'only writes for money' is probably not worth supporting."

There is absolutely nothing wrong with "supporting" someone who does something well for you to enjoy, whatever their motivation. It's called "making a living." Even writers have to do it.

But I guess you're right: I'd be much better off pouring my heart out to my adoring fans, gushing over how much I love writing, even if no one reads my books, because if I can't write I'll have to immolate myself in a bonfire made up of my Doc Savage collection and lit by the candle I had signed by Ray Bradbury...

Except I'd be lying. I'm sorry to shatter anyone's sensitivities, but I write so that other people can enjoy what I've written. Sure, I like what I write. But if no one's enjoying it but me... it's the mental equivalent of one hand clapping.

And yes, it's too much work for me to just give away. If I want to give to charity, I send a check to The Nature Conservancy. Much less hassle.

As far as writing, at least I never feel like writing is a job. Selling? That's the lousy job.

[Jim]

A different point here Steven, giving your work away. Personally I feel that the whole e-book world has been devalued because there are just too many 'free books'. If someone has spent several months/years of their life writing a book and you want to read it, it doesn't strike me as outrageous that you be asked to toss them a few quid :-))

[Steven]

I agree that a writer has a right to charge for his work, and that readers have an obligation to accept that payment (or move on). However, I'm also of the opinion that offering a free book, perhaps as a "gateway drug" to discover and eventually purchase other works by that author, was also acceptable. It's essentially a marketing gimmick, but an effective one.

However, I've never believed that "free books" devalue the ebook world. Bad books, at any price point, devalue the book world. The world is not served by a badly-written Twilight knock-off just because it costs $8.00 (or, for that matter, Twilight at $10.00). It is served by a copy of Treasure Island, borrowed free at the library.

[Judy]

This has been an interesting discussion.

I would say that before I got my Kindle, I would browse the sci-fi/fantasy shelves of the nearest book store, first checking to see if my favorite authors had anything new, and then looking for anything new that caught my eye. Covers definitely encourage me to look closer at a book. Unfortunately, I've been burned a few times by great covers and shoddy books.

Now with eBooks, I've come across books in a variety of ways including through blogs, browsing on Amazon, and also here. I agree that promotions generally make me yawn, but every once in a while something will catch my interest. I like the idea of discovering new writers and have read quite a few indie novels. Sadly most of them are below traditional publishing standards, but there are a few gems here and there. I don't know how I every lived without the "Sample" feature. I don't get any book, even from a well known author, without first reading the sample chapter(s).

[Jim]

I think the 'look inside' feature is vital for browsing for new books, and hopefully it gives you enough of the book to give you a feel.

As for Steven and his 'gateway drug' argument, yes, I agree that is one place where the 'freebie' is probably worth doing.
Mind you, you have to have the supply ready for when you've got your victim hooked:-)
No point in getting them hooked and them having to wait a year for the next shot

[Frank]

Jim wrote: "As for Steven and his 'gateway drug' argument, yes, I agree that is one place where the 'freebie' is probably worth doing...."

But how long before they swallow the 'gateway drug?' I know we've given away 200+ freebies during a couple of free days in the hope of getting reviews. We got a couple out of it (admittedly better than I hoped they would be) but I'm not sure the giveaways were worth doing for us.

That might be an interesting poll question: How much time passes between when you do a download and when you start reading? I know for me it can be 6 months.

[[deleted user]]

You know, talking about hooking readers is strange. Maybe I'm not a binge reader, but I don't normally consume more than one or two books per year. I like to think of putting good books into the bank and saving them for later. For example, I still have Iain M. Banks books waiting for me, so even if he writes only one book every two years, I'm fine. And even if I did get ahead, there are other books by other authors to fill the gap. When I try to read too much by one author in a short period of time, I get this overfull feeling.

So I think authors should take the time to write better books and not just more books.

[Reid]

Have you done any book signings? Contact a Barnes & Noble. I'm not sure how much it will help but it can't hurt. I'm trying to put one together for myself and two other authors in April.

[Jim]

Hi Greg
Wander across to UK Amazon Kindle Forum, there are people there who will read two books a week!
I know I once could, now I can struggle to get through a book in a fortnight, (mind you they're pretty chunky) and I enjoy a good train journey to help make a mark on the head.
But you're right on about having to keep the quality up. If writing full time with nothing else in the way I'd say my limit for quality would be two books a year

[Steven]

Jim wrote: "As for Steven and his 'gateway drug' argument, yes, I agree that is one place where the 'freebie' is probably worth doing.
Mind you, you have to have the supply ready for when you've got your victim hooked:-)
No point in getting them hooked and them having to wait a year for the next shot "

I didn't do it until I had 8 other books for the reader to buy; and I specifically chose one of the better books to go free, as added enticement.

My issue isn't getting people to buy after reading the free book. My problem is getting them to find the free book and get the ball rolling.

[Jim]

It looks like I'm sort of heading down the same direction as you, as I'm currently writing a 'prequel' which, if not free, will be considerably cheaper.
Hopefully by that point, I'll have the contacts to push things a little effectively

[Steven]

Shuvom wrote: "What do you do when on the hunt for a new ebook- Amazon "also liked" lists, forum skimming, goodreads friends' lists- what? Indie authors are dying to know!"

I try to search through independent authors, to find that new voice. Trouble is, there are so few outlets for those indie authors to display and promote their books, and so few ways for readers to search for particular kinds of indie works beyond all-encompassing genres.

One site I go to has all of its science fiction and fantasy in one category, with no way to filter out fantasy, say, or battle fiction. Makes it tough to search through all that at once.

I miss having a source that knows my preferences, and therefore knows what kind of books are likely to interest me. I haven't had that in quite some time, and my book buying has significantly diminished as a result.

Of course, the absolute final test is a sample. Independent writers' writing ability is all over the map, and I want to make sure the writer can write in a style I'm comfortable with.

[Judy]

Steven wrote: "Shuvom wrote: "What do you do when on the hunt for a new ebook- Amazon "also liked" lists, forum skimming, goodreads friends' lists- what? Indie authors are dying to know!"

I try to search through..."

I hear you there. Have you tried keyword searches? I've had some success in that particularly in my Kindle. For example I happen to like dystopian fiction, which isn't really a genre.

[Jim]

One nice idea to help is http://www.indie-book-bargains.co.uk/...

Not a lot of books on it yet but it strikes me as one possible solution to the problem of trying to search for books

[Steven]

Judy wrote: "Have you tried keyword searches?"

Keyword searches don't seem to work well on any of the sites devoted to independent authors that I visit. I don't search on Amazon, simply because I use a Nook; but my Barnes & Noble searches for indie author material tend to be... disappointing.

[[deleted user]]

Steven wrote: "Keyword searches don't seem to work well on any of the sites devoted to independent authors that I visit."

I think a lot of authors &| agents, in an effort to expose their work to as many customers as possible, slap as many tags as they can on their books. So everything is "science fiction, fantasy, adventure, mystery, romance, suspense, dystopian, paranormal, action". (Amazon used to distinguish between fantasy and science fiction in their Kindle bookstore browser, even though most of the listings under sci-fi were often fantasy. Lately, Amazon just collapsed the two categories into one.)

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

I hate the categories all collapsing into one and the tag drives to either put a book in with the more popular areas (ca-ching) or into esoteric areas (my book made it to number one on amazon in the whatever category blurb).

I like the "Write For Youself, Edit For Your Readers" quote, not completely sure who originated. An article of that name is at http://selfpublishingadvice.org/blog/...

[Debbie's Spurts (D.A.)]

Judy wrote: "...For example I happen to like dystopian fiction, which isn't really a genre..."

On goodreads it is - http://www.goodreads.com/genres/dysto...

[Snarktastic Sonja]

Debbie wrote: "I hate the categories all collapsing into one and the tag drives to either put a book in with the more popular areas (ca-ching) or into esoteric areas (my book made it to number one on amazon in th..."

And then you have the whole, no it doesn't fit that category it fits THIS category . . . we are categorizing ourselves to death. :)

[Steven]

Snarktastic Sonja wrote: ". . . we are categorizing ourselves to death."

But when we don't categorize, we get swamped with a mountain of books, and finding what you want becomes a needle in a haystack. So you're damned if you do, damned if you don't.

[Snarktastic Sonja]

Steven wrote: "But when we don't categorize, we get swamped with a mountain of books, and finding what you want becomes a needle in a haystack. So you're damned if you do, damned if you don't.

Yep. :D Cuz when we *do* categorize, we risk limiting ourselves to a certain number of books which may leave out some we really love. For instance. I *hate* books about werewolves and vampires. But, I *love* Mercy Thompson. Had I refused to read those books based on my dislike of the genre, I would be very sad. Of course, I wouldn't *know* I was very sad . . .

Can't win for losing. =D

[Kenny]

Debbie wrote: "Judy wrote: "...For example I happen to like dystopian fiction, which isn't really a genre..."

On goodreads it is - http://www.goodreads.com/genres/dysto..."

Why do those mostly look like romances? :D

[Jim]

Perhaps they're dystopian romances :-)

[Kenny]

Well, certainly possible.... :shrug:

[Steven]

Snarktastic Sonja wrote: "Cuz when we *do* categorize, we risk limiting ourselves to a certain number of books which may leave out some we really love. For instance. I *hate* books about werewolves and vampires. But, I *love* Mercy Thompson."

I hear ya. I'm an SF fan, but I love the Dresden Files too. And superheroes. I often spend so much time doing site and keyword searches that I reach a stage where I'm too fed up to continue, and end up with nothing new to read. That's why I valued personal contacts (like my old bookstore clerks) who knew me and could steer me to new stuff they knew I'd be interested in... human filtering. That's the ticket.