Does selling a million books mean much these days–especially to the average reader?
Author: admin | Category: HuntingIt doesn’t even dawn on me–personally–if the author in question has sold a million books or not.
The question I’m asking myself is: "Is the book I’m holding in my hands good enough to read?"
I’m often sold on the cover work and the plot–two things that come to mind when I go book-hunting.
But these trends…? These "fad" novels? Turns me off completely.
I won’t even look at them–much less read them.
Thoughts?
It doesn’t matter to me how many copies a book has sold… it’s all about the quality of the book, whether recognized or not.
Granted, I love Harry Potter. But I would love it even if everyone else hated it… because I honestly like it…
Most books lately that sell a lot of copies however, are just fad books, with no real substance *cough* Twilight *cough*…
August 31st, 2010 at 11:37 pm
It doesn’t matter to me how many copies a book has sold… it’s all about the quality of the book, whether recognized or not.
Granted, I love Harry Potter. But I would love it even if everyone else hated it… because I honestly like it…
Most books lately that sell a lot of copies however, are just fad books, with no real substance *cough* Twilight *cough*…
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September 1st, 2010 at 12:25 am
About all that means is that the writer (and publisher) is raking in the "big bucks". Other than Stephen King, and a few other authors who I liked before I realized how famous they were, it doesn’t really mean much to me as a reader. In fact, the books I’ve found that were "best sellers" recently have been mediocre at best. I think the authors tend to get lazy once they have a "smash hit" or two under their belts. They become lax and start to believe that people will buy it for the author’s name rather than the material within, and sadly I think it’s true more often than not. I really tend to dislike trendy novels such as Stephanie Meyers’ series. It’s been blown way out of proportion. But, there are a few authors that never seem to disappoint.
But, to answer your question since I’m being longwinded. No, to me, the number of books sold doesn’t mean much to me, and I tend to avoid a book that says "New York Times best selling author"…or something similar.
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September 1st, 2010 at 1:01 am
Hell no! Things like "New York Times Bestseller" don’t mean anything these days. I mean, Twilight sold millions but that doesn’t make it quality reading.
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September 1st, 2010 at 1:10 am
It sure means a lot to the authors. Some of the best novels in the history of literature have sold tons of copies, e.g. Catcher in the Rye, Bell Jar, 1001 Arabian Nights, Siddhartha, Lolita, Great Gatsby, Catch-22, ad infinitum.
Don’t take this the wrong way, but closed mindedness and prejudice will limit your choices in life. Also, many brilliant authors, e.g. John Irving, Sylvia Plath, longed to sell a million copies
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English Ph.D. ABD
September 1st, 2010 at 1:34 am
The ones that sell… I give respect where respect is due. There is *something* to them or they wouldn’t have gotten published. I’ve seen enough of the publishing world first hand that after a while, you get the idea that most publishers are pretty harsh. *somebody* loved that book. Several somebodies in fact, because the editor can’t make the decision by herself. But not only wouldn’t they have gotten published without somebody liking them, but they wouldn’t have sold so many copies. Let’s say a publisher publishes crap. It happens, because everybody likes different things in books. It really is VERY subjective. But that doesn’t make people go out and by the book. Twilight might not be everybody’s cup of tea. Frankly, I’m pretty sure *I* can write better than Stephenie Meyer. BUT… it’s got a HUGE fan base. There’s something TO that book that sells and it’s not the advertising.
my 2 cents. Good thoughtful question.
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September 1st, 2010 at 2:20 am
best selling is not the same as good but doesn’t exclude good work either.
Most of the books I buy are because I liked the podiobooks.com audio version.
A recommendation from a friend has more effect on me on my than sales of book
is it only a fad novel when it is a good a Twilight or are the Harry Potter books fad novels too?
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