Quote:
Originally Posted by pwalker8
It's certainly possible, on the other hand, I've purchased some 200 books so far this year and more than a few of those are authors that I've run across this year. I'm pretty willing to take a chance on new authors. I've been reading SF&F since the early 70's, so I've seen a lot of new authors come and go. If I wasn't always on the look out for new authors, I wouldn't have much to read.
It's pretty rare for new authors to make best of lists simply because it's tough for a new author to build up enough of a fan base to win against the name authors. As an example, Django Wexler had his first hit about 3 years ago. Think about some of the recent big hits by new SF/F authors and how many of those actually made the awards lists.
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I'm with you. I have purchased more than 100 books so far this year as well (although most are nonfiction and in hardcover; every so often I list my book purchases at my
An American Editor blog under the title
On Today's Bookshelf) but I find it difficult to find good, new fantasy authors. I like certain styles of writing (David Weber, Terry Brooks, Robin Hobb, LE Modesitt, Jr come immediately to mind) and it is difficult to know whether a new author will rise to my expectations. I have found a couple, however, including Brad Beaulieu and Sabaa Tahir. I also discovered about a year ago Django Wexler and wondered how I missed him.
My biggest disappointment has been Patrick Rothfuss. Not disappointment with his writing but with his productivity. I'm still waiting for the next book in the Wise Man Series.