Do you buy books from authors you've met online?

[Sunset Creator]

Would you buy a book, from an author that you met online?

[HConn]

I've met dozens of authors online, but only bought books from one or two.

[Dancre]

i'll give anyone a chance. but be warned, i WILL be honest. if i just looooove the book, i'll let you know, and if i think it can be better, i'll let you know. i just fell in love with deb lauman's book, I. Jospeh Kellerman, and i'm looking forward to her next one. (How's it going, deb?) as i told her before, that book will sell itself. the only things i refuse to read are child prono, anything that discriminates against race, religion, gender,etc. or something just plan nasty.
kim

[Sunset Creator]

Child porno...ewww:ack Even if it's a children's book, you would give it a chance?

[qatz]

Sunset, a couple things while I've got a minute.

First, a children's book is not "just" a children's book. Tell AK Rowling she "just" writes children's books, or for that matter RL Stine or any other successful writer. I don't particularly like Harry Potter books, they're not well written from my point of view, but give credit where it's due!

Second, it's not just a book, it's your book. You know I'll buy it and Kim probably will too. The rest of the world, who knows? But appropos of that, please know that honest criticism is the highest pinnacle of praise from a writer. They are taking the time and the effort and going to the trouble of telling you what they really think, in an effort to help you. Sofi does that from time to time. Someone she was helping the other day, a pretty dim bulb with a hackneyed writing style, called her "pretentious" for some correct English usage she employed. Pretentious it was not. Apparently he just wanted her to tell him how good he was, when he wasn't. Not fun to deal with people like that -- you are not one, by the way -- but she puts herself out there anyway, just to help. When you get reactions from people like Kim and Sofi and Jim, know that their honesty is not meant to be hurtful to you at all. They want you to grow and succeed, and see this as the best way to help you do that. As sweet as I am to you, I'll do that too. Why? Because it is the best way to help. So, I've seen you be defensive before. Remember, the world is a tough place but there are good people as well as meanies out here, and if you just keep on rollin' like the Mississippi (AJ can tell you about this), you'll get through fine. Listen to your heart.

Two more nights in Paris, then it's off to Cairo. I am sitting in an incredible bookstore, a worldwide crossways for writers great and small, called "Shakespeare's." We can have coffee here sometime to celebrate your twentieth release, or just meet for pasta in Walnut Creek California at a certain someone's home! Yo Mamma!

[Sunset Creator]

I think the only thing I would really worry about is...like say about the a pretty dim bulb with a hackneyed writing style guy... now since he's writing to many is considered...well crummy, later on, would you consider buying he's work...maybe not...if someone say, messes up at first but has improved greatly...would the person be given another chance, would you perhaps buy it...pre judging someone from their first piece of work is what I would be most afraid of :nerd

[qatz]

Hi, Laura.

I'm at the Folies Bergiere ... the late show ... intermission ... likin' those legs! No, not lickin' the legs, just likin' em!

Hmm, is this you getting a little stage fright? Ms. Bravery-is-my-middle-name?

I was just abusing that other guy because he made an uncalled for remark that I didn't like about a certain person, not you. I was wrong to do that though what I said was, I thought, true.

Shows you how easily people can hurt other people's feelings.
So be careful, and be more grown up than me, and let any comments slide like water off your well-brushed feathers.

And as far as writing lousily, everyone but Homer (the real Homer) and Shakespeare did that, and I'm not so sure about Bill. It is an act of pure genius not to write badly once in a while. It's okay to write badly. Jim has already given you permission to do that. I give you permission too. I write badly most the time. Once in a while I revise well, and people like it. I'm hoping that will happen with the tiger, but there is no way to tell. Hard work is the key.

And as far as second chances, certain people will not give them to you, like trying to get Attila the Hun interested in Dell Romances -- good luck -- and certain people will give you all the chance you need, because you're already golden with them somehow or another. But more importantly, life itself will give you second chances more times than it won't. If your heart is good, and you listen to it, and you work hard to honor it, you will get lots more chances than otherwise.

At some point life may get in the way between you and someone you love deeply or really respect, or some goal you've cherished, or a big pot of cash, whatever. Life might say, "there are no second chances this time," and that will break your heart. But pls. know that when this happens, it is just life speaking. It is time to buckle up, learn your lessons, and move on towards the next mountain. There is always a new sunrise and there is always a fresh ridge over the horizon. Life itself is one huge second chance. As long as we're still living, we have not run out of them.

Please read the Coehlo book.

Your first book will probably not be a worldwide smash hit that will make you millions. It will undoubtedly be your first herd of sheep, something close to you that you can take pride in having and that teach you valuable lessons. If it is not all that and a bag of chips, know the next one will be better. Your friends will stick with you if you let them; mean people hopefully won't; you'll do better next time. Some people can be very unforgiving, and they'll be out the door; others are by nature more compassionate or "straight" in the good way, and they'll be there with you. Oh yeah, and there will be uncounted millions born after you who won't care about the quality of your first offering, because they weren't around then.

One last thing about bad writing. It is always the way to make good writing. Write and write and write, as James would say and has. Listen to him and your other friends.

Oops, the show is about to start. :hat

[Sunset Creator]

hehe stage fright...naw...I'm not even on stage :tongue uncounted millions born after you who won't care about the quality of your first offering, because they weren't around then. I hadn't thought of it like that :whistle I thought about it and I know plenty of people that don't seem to like Harry Potter and I realized that, not everyone is going to like what you've written or who you are and that one person's opinion whether it's bad or good isn't necessarily going to hurt or help you. Maybe I should put a "send me feedback on the book" area. I will check out in the library Coehlo book at the beginning of the year...I'd do it now, but Christmas is so close and time is crunched.

When my book's ready...I'm gonna stand tall and be proud of my book and I hope everyone else will like my style as well :D

[qatz]

I keep misspelling it, it's really

Paulo Coelho The Alchemist

"Taxi! My hotel is 'Le Dump' -- do you know it?"

:hat

[Ravenlocks01]

Well, I said yes, but that doesn't mean I would buy any and all books by any and all authors I might meet online.

[Sunset Creator]

Yeah...that's understandable.

[XThe NavigatorX]

I buy books that interest me. I likely wouldn't purchase a kids' book, unless I really wanted to read it.

[AJSearle]

I would buy a book written by an author I met online...IF the book sounded good to me and something I would normally read. I believe in giving writers a chance and promoting their work but if I don't read books that include alot of forensics detail (which I don't) then I won't buy that book if it has it...just because the author says "You should read my book". I would however tell someone I knew who does like that kind fo book about the author, my impression of them, and what was said about the book and leave it up to them if they wanted to purchase it or not.

Reading is not an obligation.

AJ

[Sunset Creator]

AJ- that's really nice of you to do for authors, helping get the word out... I personally wouldn't be interested in anything explict like they have now :ack A face looking like it was about to get sick would've been good here.

[qatz]

journal entries consolidated elsewhere.

I read some of your latest entries, Laura. The tiger book, the same one that is now probably too bloody for you, started out as a kind of children’s story actually. My guess is that the tiger will give you a headache just now, but later on when you can separate out style from writing more you may be able to tell which part of it you’ve influenced!
Likewise, I don’t know very much about your writing yet, but I’m already on your side because of the way you act from your heart. Polish can come later.

Whether someone likes your writing style may be quite different from whether they like your writing, or for that matter, you (and note these are all different subjects). I am not at all adverse to Harry Potter in concept, it’s just that I think Rowling is a little lazy in her execution. She can afford to be. I have no idea what she’s like as a person. Some children’s books, on the other hand, are just brilliant. The style is important, but execution is what matters.

:hat

[Sunset Creator]

Rowling from what I've seen on interviews is nice...I only have one of her books. You know what you should do (and this is only a suggestion)... go to this place (http://www.livejournal.com) and create a free journal...you could add it to your signature then on here for people to click on. but I’m already on your side because of the way you act from your heat. hmmm...

[qatz]

Okay, i meant heart. Was that Freudian? Talk to you about the journal later. Things are happening here now ...
:hat

[Sunset Creator]

heart works :D

[AJSearle]

If I saw something promoting child pornography online I would report it...done it before.

AJ

[Sunset Creator]

I completely agree, stuff like that is so nasty and people should be reporting it.

[qatz]

journal entries are being consolidated elsewhere. Laura, you know I'd read your stuff in a second. Proust too, maybe Joyce. only you great ones ...

[qatz]

Oh, sorry Laura, did not see your suggestion about blogging. I am too tired to talk about it now but will get back to you.
:hat

[Illandur Stormcrow]

I may just run out and buy one of Vicky's books. The "Guardian of the Stone" books sound interesting. Unfortunately these days I don't read much aside from the work of some fellow writers in a small private community to which I belong. When my book is ready for submission I may take a break and catch up on some reading, but not now.

[qatz]

Ill, avoid the temptation not to read when you write. Reading is a requirement as much as writing is. It's like breathing -- you can breathe out all you want, but breathing in has to be part of the process if you want to stay alive. Keep at it, old bean. :hat

[Thekherham]

Well, if his name is Stephen King or her name is Anne McCaffrey, maybe I would.

Otherwise, I'd have to be really interested in his/her book to even consider it.

[Note On]

I like to buy books by authors I meet online, both to show support and to see whether I should take them seriously when they talk about writing.

[aka eraser]

To all those who would buy a book from a writer they met online:

Hi! Nice to meet you! :grin

[Lori Basiewicz]

Not trying to score any points with the professor or anything, but I did just order James' The Apocalypse Door.

[Minoterrae]

I will, that's for sure. It's remarkable, in fact, how many good novels you can find from authors no one knows.

If all you're looking for is an interesting read, what else matters?

[rtilryarms]

I bought 2 so far and plan on a 3rd. Different Authors. It is interesting how the writing styles are reflected in their postings.

[qatz]

if it's yours.

[Kempo Kid]

Frankly, it kind of depends on how nice the author is to me. If they act like a class one jerk--and I've met authors online who have treated me like crap and acted like I was something stuck to the bottom of their shoe--then hell no they don't get my money. But if it's a friend, yes, I'm more inclined to buy their books.

I once sold a short story to a couple who were editing a genre zine. I didn't make a lot of money, but they did buy it and they acted in a courteous, professional manner. I remembered that. Then they got out of editing and began to write books. I bought their first book pretty much out of loyalty (although it is a genre I regularly read), and it was a damn good book! I bought the sequel, too.

What goes around does come around.

[Dhewco]

That's a big maybe for me. I have done it. But only because the genre(horror) interested me. If it was romance(I talk to a couple of published romance authors now and then). I really enjoy talking to them, but I don't like reading romance. I wouldn't buy their romances(one of them writes westerns too, wouldn't buy it either).

But if it was fantasy, gen lit, mystery, fantasy, scifi, spiritual, horror, ghost, etc. I would give it a try.

David

[veingloree]

IO haven't yet but I know people I met online have bought my book. Mainly because we met in yahoogroups etc on a specific genre that we both read and write -- so it is the kind of book they like anyway.

[James D Macdonald]

Just buy mine.

I don't care if you read 'em ...

[ShinyPenguin]

I don't care if you read 'em ..
:rofl

Laura
(edited because I can't spell my own name right!)

[arrowqueen]

Dammit, James! I was going to say that!

;)

aq

[Dhewco]

Very funny James, I couldn't afford to buy a book I wouldn't read right now. Maybe a rich man like you, lol, could; but not me.


Still, very funny.

David

[Risseybug]

:rollin :rollin :rollin

That's funny.
Anyway, yes, I have bought books from people I met online. One was someone from the Writers Write boards, and it was POD published. So a bunch of us bought it, out of support, and it looked like a good story.
It WAS a good story, but could have used some polishing. And that's what I told the author.

The second is from BT Robertson, who you can find posts from on the LBF thread in the Bewares forum. Now that just sounded like a good story, so I preordered it at a great price.

I also do it to break out of my reading rut. Lately it's all been YA fantasy novels, b/c that's what I write. I call it research. Anyway, there's only so much Harry Potter you can read.

[SunSinger]

Hi,

I try to support the writers I meet on line in the same way that people who live in a small town support each other by shopping at each other's stores.

Even if the book is somewhat different than the kind I usually read, one can always re-sell the book on eBay or Amazon and get a portion of his money back...so to speak.

I try to be somewhat selective, though, because I don't have Bill Gates' money or enough time to read a hundred books every month. And, I usually tell people that I'll probably be a little bit behind in the on-line discussion of their book because I'm almost always going to wait until the paperback version comes out.

--Malcolm

[ElonnaT]

I've bought 2 of Jenna's books. They are on writing though, so figure I'd buy similar books anyway, might as well support someone I know and like :)

And the first one How to Outwit Writer's Block is good, very helpful. Still waiting on the second one.

[Yeshanu]

Just bought one of Jenna's books, Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer. Definitely worth the money, :thumbs and I wouldn't even have known it existed if I hadn't been a part of this forum.

Will absolutely, definitely buy UJ's novel about the ship when it comes out. Can't wait to find out the whole story. :jump

Will also be looking for Frank's book come Christmas...

So. Yes.

[Kempo Kid]

As I said, I'll buy friends' books, but I also try to support local writers. For the last couple of years I've gone to a local writers conference, and I'll often buy books from local authors, even if it's a genre I don't regularly read.

[Yeshanu]

I support my local authors, too, but what can I say? If you've got a kid, you've probably got a Robert Munsch book or twelve on the shelves... :)

Bought a book by a local poet once... Now it's one of my faves because it has this great poem about zucchini in it. :grin

[Lori Basiewicz]

When my mother watches my cat for me when I travel, I try to pick her up a book by a local author from the place I've been. She understands that I will know nothing about the author and that the book may or may not be something she will enjoy, but it gives her an opportunity to read someone she otherwise wouldn't -- which she likes.

[James D Macdonald]

Just out in paperback reprint is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0765340046/ref=nosim/0765340046/madhousemanor/" target="_new">this anthology</a> with a story by charming and cheerful me in it.

Buy one! Better still, buy a dozen! They make excellent gifts!

[Terra Aeterna]

I've bought several books by authors I've met online. In one case I was pleasantly surprised to actually enjoy some medieval Romance (not usually my thing) and in another case, I was very disappointed. Both of those authors were published by big name publishers. I've bought one self-pubbed book, a collection of poetry from an author. I already knew from reading his online posts that he's a talented poet.

[cherilnc]

not from all authors i meet, but i have bought maybe one or three.

[Tiellan]

I've bought books by a couple authors I've met online.

[aka eraser]

Will also be looking for Frank's book come Christmas...

How did I miss this? :huh

Don't worry Ruth, I'll remind you from time-to-time. :grin

<eraser wanders off, singing in his pleasant, if slightly off-key baritone: "Sleighbells ring...are you listening? In the lane, snow is glistening....">

[LiamJackson]

I've purchased four to date.

[Greenwolf103]

I've actually had it both ways: I met authors online whose books I've previously bought and bought books after meeting authors.

For the first instance, I've only had it happen once where the author wasn't very friendly. His book is good. Another one was -- and his book is GREAT!!!!!

Er, I don't know if my glowing response has anything to do with how they treated me. ... But the other book, I read it faster than the not-so-friendly author's book.

Anyway, with the second instance: I've bought a couple of novels from authors I've met online (and one of those, a POD book, could've been written better). I've also bought other books -- Jenna's, too. No regrets. :grin

As far as the genre thing, I really just look at if the story interests me or not.

[newfieval]

If the book was of interest of course i would.:)

[blacbird]

Rarely, but it happens. It has happened, in fact, to one of the authors prominent on this site.

caw.

[maestrowork]

Just in time. Buy mine! They make good gifts. :)

[sunandshadow]

I will buy a book if the summary makes me want to read it and the price is reasonable. Or maybe I would buy a shelf copy if I helped the book get written by critting or freelance-editing it. But generally whether I have met the author has no bearing on whether I will buy their book.

[Maryn]

There was a time when I'd buy the books of the authors I met here in town if they were supportive of other authors (teaching classes, giving workshops). I could afford it, barely.

Then I started meeting writers online, and buying their books strained the budget a bit, but I could still do it.

Finally I found you all, and I absolutely cannot afford to buy all your books, although I'm sure they're terrific reads. I've had to limit myself to buying only the ones I might have read if I didn't know the author online. When I am rich, I will buy them all!

Maryn, not holding her breath

[jules]

As others have said: if it's a book that looks like the kind of book I'd have bought anyway. So far, this comes down to 3 novels (not actually from writers here, I'm afraid -- 2 from another writers' site and 1 from blog comments) and an e-book on characterisation, a subject I really needed to read up on...

[Christine N.]

I've read (bought or been given) copies of books of authors I've met online. Some were good, some weren't. Diana's book "Empress of Clouds" is AWESOME. If I had seen it on a bookstore shelf, I probably would have bought it anyway.

I'm with Maryn... just because I know the author doesn't mean I'll buy the book, unless it's something I like to read.

And I've had people on this board buy my book, and I know who they are :P.

So, buy my book! LOL. Only if you want to. But if you do and you tell me, I'll send you a signed bookplate. Unless of course I happen to get the order (like if you order direct from the publisher, she tells me who orders) then I'll personalize it before it ships.

[rhymegirl]

Yes.

[maestrowork]

I have, but I agree with Maryn, that the book has to interest me, too. Sometimes I'd get someone's book out of friendship and mutual respect and support, etc. I am currently reading Aruna's book. :)

[Dawno]

I have a pretty nice book budget and I've bought a number of AW author books. I'm thinking of creating a special shelf for them. If I ever get around to buying another book case and can find the room for it.

[BlueTexas]

I do. I've only had one that I regretted and traded at the used bookstore the next day. And no, that person wasn't from AW.

[stace001]

Absolutely. I'm waiting for "Phoenix", written by our very own Neurofizz to be released in July, and I also have my eye on a copy of "The Pacific Between", by Maestro.:)