In Britain, of the 200,000 books on sale last year, only 10,000 sold over 3,500 copies. Of the 1.3 million titles sold in the US in 2004, only two per cent sold more than 5000 copies.
The Times, 16 February
I
In Britain, of the 200,000 books on sale last year, only 10,000 sold over 3,500 copies. Of the 1.3 million titles sold in the US in 2004, only two per cent sold more than 5000 copies.
The Times, 16 February
I
When I saw these statistics I wondered about the huge amount of time and effort that goes into research, writing and editing each of those books, the attempts to find publishers, quarreling with same about typeface, paper and cover illustration and price, then the heartbreak when you find that only your loyal friends buy your book and it is remaindered in ignominy two years later. What a waste! What bitter disappointment!
It is given to only a tiny number of us to be appreciated by the public and to have any influence, fame or notoriety. We may live in a relatively free society but freedom does not guarantee that our voices are heard amid the hubbub.
What distinguishes the successful (who sell only 5000 + copies!) from the rest? Knowing the right reviewers. Genuine talent? Remorseless self-publicity?
What distinguishes the succesful from the rest?
I suggest two sorts of books.
1. Now that we are learning more and more about less and less, it is the book which is aimed at a target audience, the niche market. Train spotters for instance or science fiction. Or the book which many have on their shelves but will never read, Hawkins’ Brief History of Time!
2. A successful book is one that is riding on the latest social fad. Keep fit, healthy food, self improvement or, as with the Harry Potter phenomenon, magic.
Sadly, few people read these days,especially men , I understand. People prefer their stories dished up to them visually.
The people presenting these images are the ones who are having their voices heard (seen!) and are shaping opinion, and dictating the zeitgeist.
I think you’re right and I think it’s sad. Content on the TV or computer is fleeting and easily forgotten; a book is not, depending on how much concentration you give it.
Yes, Jane, I agree with your observation: “The people presenting these images are the ones who are having their voices heard. . and are shaping opinion, and dictating the zeitgeist.”
When we learn who they are, how they think (if they do), and where they peddle their wares, we have a healthy option: Run rather than walk to Epicurus’ Garden Gate where we may read what’s worthwhile wherever its found then talk about it with like-minded souls