I asked about book buyers on Threads a few weeks ago and the consensus was that yeah, there are just so many books and people have to make choices for a small space. Anything that can help them make that choice is useful, and that is why often certain books will get picked (books with obvious marketing support, big names, etc.) and why things like 'track' make or break titles long before they even hit the printer. Its a hugely complicated ecosystem that is mistakenly viewed as writer to reader when there are about half a dozen filters in between.
For example, there is also the distributor, often Ingram, at play for many independents. And the world of bookstore purchases has been affected by the loss of B&T.
Fisher is great and so were your questions. I am impressed she stocked Your Name Here in display quantities and need an update about how it is selling— not enough talk about that book yet.
Lincoln, if you ever want to discuss how literary festivals decide who to invite, let me know!
We've sold two so far. Which honestly is impressive considering how long and weird it is! We've also sold six copies of Schattenfroh, and I'm convinced it's because its spine is almost three inches across so it visually stands out on the shelf. Someone turned it face out the other day and I turned it back so only the spine was showing. Some readers love a thick book!
Bookstores and bookstore events are very important in selling printed books. When someone asks me how they can sell 1000 books, my first answer is "get 500 bookstores to stock 2 copies." It's a numbers game and there are hundreds of bookstores, each a potential storefront for your book. Likewise, events, where people come almost expecting to buy the book if they like the author's presentation
David, this is very interesting. I have never thought about coming from the direction of a book buyer and how they decide what books to put in the store. Thank you for sharing this interview!
What a great and useful interview! Thanks Fisher! Re the glut question: I’ve wondered over the years if the superabundance of new fiction has depressed the fiction audience overall: too many overhyped and disappointing books, attention too dispersed, no sense of occasion/broad salience around major books with so much competing for attention.
Great interview! So interesting to see this side of the industry. Also, talk about a dream job...
I read this while sitting in an indie bookstore in San Antonio, where I found a copy of Metallic Realms. You had me at the dedication. I'll be taking it home.
I asked about book buyers on Threads a few weeks ago and the consensus was that yeah, there are just so many books and people have to make choices for a small space. Anything that can help them make that choice is useful, and that is why often certain books will get picked (books with obvious marketing support, big names, etc.) and why things like 'track' make or break titles long before they even hit the printer. Its a hugely complicated ecosystem that is mistakenly viewed as writer to reader when there are about half a dozen filters in between.
For example, there is also the distributor, often Ingram, at play for many independents. And the world of bookstore purchases has been affected by the loss of B&T.
What a wonderful and informative interview.
Fisher is great and so were your questions. I am impressed she stocked Your Name Here in display quantities and need an update about how it is selling— not enough talk about that book yet.
Lincoln, if you ever want to discuss how literary festivals decide who to invite, let me know!
We've sold two so far. Which honestly is impressive considering how long and weird it is! We've also sold six copies of Schattenfroh, and I'm convinced it's because its spine is almost three inches across so it visually stands out on the shelf. Someone turned it face out the other day and I turned it back so only the spine was showing. Some readers love a thick book!
Would love this
Bookstores and bookstore events are very important in selling printed books. When someone asks me how they can sell 1000 books, my first answer is "get 500 bookstores to stock 2 copies." It's a numbers game and there are hundreds of bookstores, each a potential storefront for your book. Likewise, events, where people come almost expecting to buy the book if they like the author's presentation
David, this is very interesting. I have never thought about coming from the direction of a book buyer and how they decide what books to put in the store. Thank you for sharing this interview!
What a great and useful interview! Thanks Fisher! Re the glut question: I’ve wondered over the years if the superabundance of new fiction has depressed the fiction audience overall: too many overhyped and disappointing books, attention too dispersed, no sense of occasion/broad salience around major books with so much competing for attention.
Great interview! So interesting to see this side of the industry. Also, talk about a dream job...
I read this while sitting in an indie bookstore in San Antonio, where I found a copy of Metallic Realms. You had me at the dedication. I'll be taking it home.
Thank you so much, and hope you enjoy!
A lot of this is already being done by the big, or "name" publishers. They will tell you what sells.
I loved every minute of this! A dream job for sure!