GoodWordEditing.com - Latest Comments in The Return: Judging a Book before Page One

Re: The Return: Judging a Book before Page One

Eve — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:54:39 -0000

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

Re: The Return: Judging a Book before Page One

spaghettipie — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 17:53:37 -0000

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!

Re: The Return: Judging a Book before Page One

Marcus — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 16:28:17 -0000

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

Re: The Return: Judging a Book before Page One

Deena @ My Bookshelf — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:16:28 -0000

Loved your unique critique!

Re: The Return: Judging a Book before Page One

Heather Goodman — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:30:32 -0000

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.

Re: The Return: Judging a Book before Page One

real live preacher — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:36:15 -0000

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. ;-)

Re: The Return: Judging a Book before Page One

Marcus — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:18:34 -0000

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.)

Re: The Return: Judging a Book before Page One

Susan — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 08:48:20 -0000

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!

Re: The Return: Judging a Book before Page One

A Musing Mom — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 07:22:05 -0000

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!

Re: The Return: Judging a Book before Page One

real live preacher — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:04:38 -0000

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.

Re: The Return: Judging a Book before Page One

Eve — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:02:29 -0000

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