Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveEisenberg
I can't get good statistics on this, but general consensus seems to be that Nonfiction sells a lot more than fiction[/url]. And yet you look at this thread, and, unless I am missing something, it's all fiction.
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1- This site is populated primarily by ebook readers.
2- Non-fiction sales includes cookbooks, reference material, textbooks, travel guides, technical guides, self-help, and other material not generally available in ebook form.
3- This particular thread is about favorite authors; few non-fiction writers ever develop the kind of name recognition/following that accrues to even mid-list genre writers. If you look at the quoted names most are long-time veterans and/or prolific writers who have built strong followings over time.
Much as I appreciate the insightful works of Jared Diamond, Desmond Morris, Michio Kaku, Philip Bobbit, or Stauss&Howe, their total collected output doesn't add up to as significant a part of my reading history as Lois McMaster Bujold by herself. I like their works, I'll readily recommend them to anybody interested in their areas of expertise, but their appeal is a lot narrower and specific than a quality fiction writer.
Isaac Asimov once pointed out a very insightful and well-received article he wrote in the 60's about Neutron Stars, explaining the concepts and principles governing them. He also pointed out that Larry Niven went out and wrote a short story (NEUTRON STAR) that covered the same material, won a Hugo Award, and would reach a lot more people and be remembered long after his article was forgotten.
Humans, as a rule, value entertainment over education.
