Mar
04
2009
Random House is offering some sf/fantasy titles for free over here.
I will probably be snagging one myself. I’ve read Red Mars, and have a hard copy of The Assassin’s Apprentice at home that I keep meaning to read. Suggestions from among the remaining three?
If you’re looking for a good read off of that list and have a craving for spectacular sf, you can’t go wrong with Red Mars. Be warned: you’re going to want to go on to read Green Mars and Blue Mars afterwards. Clear your calendars!
Mar
04
2009
Cory Doctorow, on why the sales force matters.
My favorite part of the article, where I nodded vigorously and whispered “yes.”
(good bookselling is fractal: the sales rep knows what the clerk will like, and the clerk knows what the reader will like)
When I see the posts on various boards about how someone plans to Overthrow! Big! Publishing! and Revolutionize the Industry!, the questions that often receive the most ill-thought-out answers are these: How will bookstores outside of your hometown know about your books? Why will they want to pick up your titles over the ones coming out from publishers they currently deal with? Who will advocate for your books, outside of yourself and your immediate family/circle of friends?
Go give it a read. Once again, Cory Doctorow has won the internet again. (I wonder where he keeps them all.)
