Where do you buy your books?
Filed under General • 09-10-2008 •
Today, I’ve been discussing plans for the launch of an anthology of local-themed stories, and we’re trying to decide if it would be worth getting local bookshops involved, or concentrating instead on attracting online sales – and that’s why I want to know: as science fiction readers, where do you buy your books?
Personally, I tend to purchase the majority of mine online because a) it’s generally cheaper, and b) there’s usually a better selection – most of the SF books I want to read simply aren’t stocked in local bookstores.
So, in the interests of market research - where do you think is the best place to advertise a new SF anthology, online or in-store?
The only SF books I buy from a bookshop are ones they have to order for me anyway, so I tend to order on line now.
I estimate that about 80% of my sci-fi books have come from online sources – the bookshops just don’t stock the good stuff, prefering to fill their shelves with derivative fantasy, TV and movie tie-ins, and books about vampire shaggers. It’s no wonder the genre has such a poor image, if that’s what people think it consists of.
Normally I’d say stick to online with SF stuff, but it never pays to underestimate the power of local appeal. I’d suggest doing the local bookshops and (if they’re amenable) record shops too, especially if there are any non-chain outlets; just downplay the genre aspects and focus on the local landmarks when you do your pitch. Is there a pub or cafe that operates a poetry night regularly? Get in there too.
And please do a dying industry a favour – offer the local library service a few appearances. I expect they’ll bend over backwards to accommodate you, simply because you’ve remembered they’re there.
I’m quite lucky in that I work a stone’s throw from some of the largest bookstores in London and so I tend to shop in store, unless it’s a really obscure title. It’s always a bit of a shock when I go into a bookstore near my parent’s house and there are so few genre titles.
However, I agree with Paul that you should do both because most bookstores do have a small budget set aside for local titles and it could garner you some extra sales.
Personally I think you should always try to place your advertising wherever you think you’re most likely to find a receptive audience. If the stories are themed to one particular locality then it makes sense to get local bookstores, libraries, cafes, pubs, shoe shops, petrol stations… anyone you can persuade to support the book.
But it might also be worth looking into the cost of advertising on the local newspaper’s website (if it has one) and any local ‘What’s On’ guides (either online or offline).