So many of my favorite writers are vanishing from the scene.
Publishers seem to be targeting growth in sales over
everything. The old days of consistent mid-list authors
selling in the 12,000 to 15,000 copies range appears to be
over.
Bill Pronzini told me several years ago how "lucky" he was to
have two publishers, one for mysteries and the other for
westerns. Then a year or two later, he announced that his
"Nameless" series was going to end but, fortunately, another
publisher stepped up with a two-book deal to "save'
Nameless.
I think we're also past the phase in publishing where a
promising writer can get a three-book contract for a new
series.
I have to admire the hustle of writers today. Mr. Kantner,
you keep writing the Ben Perkins novels and I'll keep buying
them. I'm glad to see John Lutz back in hardcover books and
although I'd love to see his Nudger series revived, I am
skeptical of that happening.
I don't mean to sound sardonic to Mr. King but Putnam may be
the publisher for him. Lord knows the Robert B. Parker novels
they've put out over the last few years have the widest
margins and thickest pages I've seen.
As a former book dealer, I have a lot of sources where I can
buy new books cheap but I make a point to "support" my
favorites authors' sales numbers by buying from Amazon and
the like. I guess that's the most I can do other than touting
those writers to anyone interested. So Bill Crider, Steve
Brewer, Rob Kantner, Bill Pronzini. Terrill Lankford, Les
Roberts and more can count on a sale of their newest book to
me! Maybe that's the only answer for the fans, buy your
favorite author's book new and do it today!
Terry Sanford
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