Tuesday, December 12, 2006

I read the news today, oh boy…

Mall hours have shifted once again, adding early openings to go with those late closings. Here are some things to think about while I’m gone:

This just in from PW and the Spier Ad firm:

“A new survey conducted by the advertising firm Spier New York found that 18% of readers have been to a publisher's Web site, while 23% of readers polled have visited an author's site. The survey, based on a sample of 813 readers, did not ask if readers bought a book from either site. Not surprisingly, the younger the reader, the more likely that person visited the Web. The survey found that 35% of readers under age 35 had visited an author's Web site and 21% of respondents in that age bracket had been to a publisher's site.

The Spier survey also found that 50% of those asked said they had purchased a book as a gift within the past year. Twenty-eight percent bought a book online as a gift online, while 89% said they bought a book at a retailer. "What these numbers show is that consumers continue to feel that books are one gift that has universal appeal," said Tom McCartin, president of Spier New York. According to the survey, 86% of those who purchased a book as a present bought at least two books.”

I would love to see this done with a larger group, but I think the findings are pretty accurate for most cases. All the more reason to target those who don’t get on the internet, and get them to buy your book.

The Book Biz Santa (MJ Rose) wants to know what you want in your publishing stocking this year. Best Dear BB Santa letter nets your favorite charity $100.

Via A Chair, A Fire Place and A Tea Cozy came this link to Anna Louise essay on when characters don’t have the necessary common knowledge. The essay focuses on TV shows, but could just as easily be applied to any kind of genre fiction. I run into this a lot with YA when characters don’t like the right music or TV shows and the author gives no reason for this.

The Man in Black asks why summer bestsellers list seem to be dominated by women and winter lists by men?

The NY Times announces the 10 best books of 2006. Agree, disagree or abstain from voting?

Booksquare and Molly Crabapple tell you how to have a slammin’ book release party. If, you know, you actually get one.

The SBs and Slate follow the newest twist in the McEwan/Andrews “Was it plagiarism or did he acknowledge enough” saga.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've only read one book on the list, The Omnivore's Dilemma. But I think the NYT looks more interesting than the Washington Post list.

Karen said...

I just finished "The Emperor's Children" and I loved it. Of course, I suppose I'm biased because I love Claire Messud just in general. But I think this is her best work yet.

Anonymous said...

LOVE the bookparty bit. At my first, one (nameless) relative thought she'd get to take home limitless copies of the book to give as gifts. For free, mind you. That and a crabcake.

MotherReader said...

I am sad to say that not only have I not read any of the NY Times best books of 2006, I don't even think I've heard of them. I am so ashamed.