Quote:
Originally Posted by moonshot
Mobile Read. Not Mobile Write.
eReaders are for the reader. Another way to read books, more convenient for some.
It is also, by default, more convenient for people who write 'stuff' to have this 'stuff' displayed with 'proper' books and their e reader version. Sort of gate crashing the party.
If this generation of new writers are so keen to have their work read then they should at least offer it for free, much like software and apps developers do, in the hope that it is noticed and is good enough to be developed further with maybe a publishing deal.
But for someone to write and upload this 'stuff' as a book and charge for it without it being expertly proof-read and checked or money back guarantee offered, this is being delusional.
Ok there are exceptions to every rule but that percentage is very very small.
(Like the new author of 'Half Bad'. Her first book, sent to a publisher, accepted straight away, then given to a film company to read and they bought the rights to make the movie). A writers dream, but a exception to the rule.
Since all these small fish share the same ocean as the more established ones, we the reader need to be able to distinguish one from the other. Maybe by a vanity notice on these books, could be the line in the sand.
One exception might be a person writing a one off story, in their own words about an event in their life, where they state that it is 'in their own words' and has not been proof read.
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The expression "Caveat Emptor" or "Let the buyer beware" has been around for a long time. One may want to be spoon fed perfection in every aspect of life. But chances are it isn't going to happen whether you are buying a book, going to a movie, buying a car or a house etc. Sure all author should produce perfect books tailored so that one size fits all and everyone will love them. Pretty hard to do unless we are all conformists but someone may actually do it. Blue Jean manufacturers come closer than most.
Still if I am going to get a disappointing product because I am unable to make a sound decision or practice due diligence I'd rather it was a book I didn't care for than a house that fell down or a car that didn't run.
I can understand why a person would occasionally buy a book on impulse with no knowledge of the author etc. but I cannot understand why they would whine about it. You pay your money and take your chances in so many areas of life. Books are among the cheapest forms of paid for entertainment IMO, and can mostly be acquired from a library if one cannot or does not want to pay.
And if you are interested in an authors "credentials" as your main guide to buying their book, just check if they are available on Overdrive. Some good authors may not be, but chances are that those that are have passed a public and professional opinion vetting based on performance or popularity.
Expecting cheap or free books to have the same standards as more expensive ones is like expecting a cheap or free suit to be as good as an expensive one. Doesn't seem to work that way in my world.
Helen