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.

[Clay Morgan]

Haha.

I can't speak to other "newspapers" but the ones I speak of (and publish) are actually growing in print circulation and online readership. Incredible what happens when you actually work on circulation instead of bitch about it.

[Jon Loomis]

That's great news. I actually still think there's a place in the world for print media--I like books, especially--but who knows what will happen in twenty years.

It's also true, I think, that major newspapers in their most recent heyday (1970s) were much better than they are now--much more committed to investigative journalism and actual reporting of hard news. There's way too much uncritical stenography going on right now, and too much unthinking advocacy for the corporate point of view. No wonder so many people are turning to online sources for news/analysis.

[Clay Morgan]

I couldn't agree more. I work in small town papers, which are a different breed, and can honestly say that despite the revenue declines in the recession, we did not cut page count or news staff.

It is interesting, because when a newspaper puts out a really spectacular story or series, it sells copies. But then they go back to the bare minimum.

I will be interested to see how it all shakes out in the future.

[Dan Coleman]

Interesting. Sure, if a wider audience is what you're immediately after. A good thing. But if you're just testing the waters for critique from other writers, then maybe the work isn't ready. Of course, with good editing beforehand, it'd be as ready as ever, just throw it out there and see if it sticks.

[Jack Getze]

I like Clay's marketing concept. The idea of multiple authors in one package under the Crimespace flag is a very good one, I think. As you guys know, the giveaway tables are full at Bouchercon and every other convention I've been to. Quite a lot of competition. But having the multiple author package would make us stand out. Plus, if the excerpts and/or short stories were any good, the package has a real entertainment value. Not just promo crap for one book or author.

We might be able to include a copy in each attendee's "goodie bag," too. They always ask for things to give away.

[Keith thomson]

Huffington Post (29 million unique users last month) just started a Books page, which is read largely by authors and other publishing folks. I bet they'd love a piece about this site. I am glad to have learned about this site for the exact reasons Dan listed; I never had heard about it until last week. I write for HuffingtonPost (huffingtonpost.com/keith-thomson), but am on book-deadline-mandated hiatus as of Friday's story. If anyone with a modicum of journalistic or publishing creds wants such to write a piece, let me know and I'll grease wheels or whatnot. Or perhaps there are already HuffPost bloggers here?

[I. J. Parker]

I really like the way you think, Keith Thompson. An behalf of the site and myself, thanks.