Writers Meeting Readers

[Dan Coleman]

Okay, I've said it before here, but it was avoided, nobody admitted giving a rat's, or was afraid to jump in, for whatever weak reason. Aside from the schmoozing, which is a big part, I agree, the main purpose for clicking in here is for readers of crime fiction, especially(and non-fiction), is to find good novels, and for the authors of such novels to find readers who worship them.

That said, could you posit ideas as to what we might do to increase the number of good books and the readers who buy them? Review systems, writing/publishing programs, etc.? I mean, be creative, yet realistic. I mean, can we be the best source for crime writing and readers anywhere in the world? If we can't, why are we here?

Number ONE is the only One.

[Dan Coleman]

See your point, too. Major consideration.

[R. Michael Phillips]

If I understand this correctly, one of the questions is how do we build a better awareness of CrimeSpace authors and expand our readership? Rather than the e-Zine will the Ning functionality allow for PDF downloads from the site? My thought is a "CrimeSpace Sampler". It could be assembled, featuring a chapter/excerpt from a dozen (just to use a figure) authors. Each excerpt would include a short author bio, books written and the sample work. They can feature 3 crime sub-genres, with 4 authors in each one. One or two of these can be produced per year, an author would only be in one issue, but all issues would be stored for download at any time. The link (Badge) for this can be disbursed throughout the internet and added to event collateral.
My other thought along this line was a scaled back version. Will the Author Directory be sorted by genre also and allow for sample chapter downloads?
Either way, I see these as a way for a reader to test drive the book/author. That's what we do when we approach a publisher- query and sample chapter. Why not use the same formula with new readers. There would probably be a governing body and admin people needed for this too. Just a thought.

[Dan Coleman]

Good idea, Michael. It would take someone other than I to do all this computer stuff, though. But, yeah, I see it happening. Wonder what Daniel's input would have to be here?

[John McFetridge]

Yes, Daniel is right, it's not a good idea to dilute the current fiction ezine scene.

Now, whenever a Crimespace member has a story in an ezine they sometimes blog about it and that blog entry is on the fornt page of Crimespace for a short time.

Maybe somewhere on the front page there could be an ezine list or some way for members to annouce stories in ezines other than blog posts?

When Patti Abbott, Gerald So and Aldo the Mystery Dawg run their flash challenges (as they are now, based on the Pople of Walmart website, it ooks to be fun) maybe something like that could go on the front page of Crimespace somehow. If they want, of course.

[minervaK]

I think one of the best pieces of writing advice I ever got was 'be very selective about who you show your work to.' Not all critique is good critique. For it to be useful, at least for me, it has to come from a source I know and respect.

[Jack Getze]

I belong to another online group where writers are invited to post chapters or query letters for open critique. This site also has a short story contest every month that only members can submit to, and only members can vote and comment on. Several winners have gone on to be published, online and in print. Flare-ups are very rare, and the whole thing seems to work well.

[Dana King]

Jack, it's good to see you again. I was starting to worry. I hope you're feeling better. You were missed in Indianapolis.

[Jack Getze]

Hey, Dana, thanks for worrying. Missing Indy was a big disappointment, as I had so much lined up -- including meeting you and Jon. Truth is, I'm still ill, have to go back to the doctor tomorrow and get more antibiotics, although I'm much better. I want to start a thread on freaking generic drugs.

Hope you guys did some networking.

[Jon Loomis]

I networked with several large glasses of bourbon, had a couple of interesting conversations with Theresa Schwegel, made my best case to my editor on #s 2&3, had the great pleasure of meeting Dana, and kept saying to myself "where the hell is Jack?"

Glad to hear you're doing better, Jack--sorry about the drugs/doctor thing. Next year, right?

[Beth Groundwater]

I missed you, too, Jack, and I'm so sorry you're still ill! Time to get the big gun antibiotics and put them to work. Her's hoping you're back in fine form soon.

[Clay Morgan]

Electronic media is a good route. Not necessarily an e-zine, but what if you set up a site geared toward readers at, say, Bouchercon? Or another conference?

For that matter, one thing I've often thought about. At my newspaper, I can print 4,000 16-page "tabs" - the tabloid version of newspapers, for only about $400-$450. Would it be worth it to fill one up with stories (and additional contact/ordering info) from Crimespace authors, then give them away at a conference? The price of printing on newsprint is such that printing enough to give thousands of copies away is within reach.

The key is getting your writing in the hands of more than us - getting it in the hands of general readers who may be interested in your books.

[Jon Loomis]

What are these newspapers of which you speak?