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The Return: Judging a Book before Page One

Started by goodwordediting · 9 months ago

To be fair, I should judge The Return by a little more than its cover, right? But we do need to start at the beginning with…
1) The cover
As a science fiction fan, this cover gets my attention. I recognize that photo from NASA’s archives. Looks like a genuine Ro ... Continue reading »

11 comments

  • Eve

    1 year ago

    Sounds interesting, Mark. I didn't get a chance to read this one. I'll be back to see what you think.
    reply
  • real live preacher

    1 year ago

    Yoiks, you editor guys know your stuff. I'm on the opposite side of the spectrum. I frequently finish a science fiction book and can remember neither the author nor the title.

    You laugh. I'm serious. I'm not proud of it; I don't know what it means; but it's true.
    reply
  • A Musing Mom

    1 year ago

    I like the analysis. Seems helpful as a writer - it tells me what I should be doing every time I pick up a book in my genre. Thanks!
    reply
  • Susan

    1 year ago

    I'm always so jealous when I read a post like this - because I love to read fiction and there's so little time to read the things I must, much less venture off to the things I'd rather read!
    reply
  • Marcus

    1 year ago

    Eve, this one is definitely worth buying. And you know how picky I am.

    Gordon, I'm not always quite so thorough. For example, I still have trouble remembering who wrote Spin. His name is just unmemorable. But I can use Amazon to look it up. The main point for writers is this: don't forget you can learn about another author's network by looking in the acknowledgments. Do your homework. Study the relationships in the industry.

    AMM, I couldn't have said it better myself. Especially the part about "a book in my genre."

    Susan, I don't read books unless I enjoy them. After getting an MA in literature I'm done with reading the books other people think I should read. If the book is no good after 50 pages, that's it. I'm done.

    (Also, I don't really watch much TV. Books instead.)
    reply
  • real live preacher

    1 year ago

    Marcus,

    I read Spin, on your recommendation. Enjoyed it. Nice idea. I would have rather had a more thorough dealing with the science & phenomenon of the Spin itself than so much personal stuff about the characters, but that's just me.

    I can't remember the author's name either. ;-)
    reply
  • Heather Goodman

    1 year ago

    Look who's back!
    I like seeing this through your eyes. Not too long ago, I got to thinking about the whole judging a book by its cover thing. We're meant to, aren't we? A cover is meant to draw in its target audience. I know what a typical sci-fi cover is, or historical or chick lit or more literary, or snarky.
    reply
  • Deena @ My Bookshelf

    1 year ago

    Loved your unique critique!
    reply
  • Marcus

    1 year ago

    Heather, I got, um, swamped. Life is good, just muddy and swampy. The shore appears to be in sight, though.
    reply
  • spaghettipie

    1 year ago

    I love these different "reviews" that you've been doing. Again, while I normally would've skipped over your CSFF posts, I'm here reading them.

    And I met Austin last year in the San Jose airport heading home from Mount Hermon - he's one neat dude!
    reply
  • Eve

    1 year ago

    Mark, I'll keep your pickyness in mind when you read my synopsis. *grin*
    reply

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