Do You Buy Books Based on an Author's Bio?

[doreenjoy]

Originally Posted by GlenBarrington

I'm smart and good looking, but I'm not perfect.

You left out modest!

Originally Posted by GlenBarrington

If they are too cute (i.e. list all their dogs named Sam, or talk about kid's 'poopy' diapers), or obviously contain a lot of inside 'jokes', I begin to suspect that if you can piss me off in 2 or 3 paragraphs, what could you do with a whole book?

Just give me the straight info; tell me who you are, and why you think you aren't a big fool for writitng the book.

In defense of authors who mention cats-kids-spouses in their bios, those are often written by publicisits who are trying to reach a very specific demographic of readers (and I'd guess you're not it). Some genres of fiction in particular are aimed at readers who want to know that the author is a fun/friendly/warm-hearted person.

And yes, it's also important that readers who'd be turned off by such subjects learn from the bio that this is NOT the author for you.

Once when I grew tired of all the bios of authors in my genre mentioning how much they love cats/kids/spouses, I came up with a bio that went like this: "DoreenJoy is happily child-free, believes animals belong out of doors or in the refrigerator, and recently told her husband of 30 years that buying a house with him would be too big of a commitment."

Completely unusable in my chosen genre, but it did get a load off my chest. I considered sending it in with a book submission to give the editor a laugh, but I was afraid it might accidentally get picked up and used.

[dreams]

Originally Posted by doreenjoy

<snip>
Once when I grew tired of all the bios of authors in my genre mentioning how much they love cats/kids/spouses, I came up with a bio that went like this: "DoreenJoy is happily child-free, believes animals belong out of doors or in the refrigerator, and recently told her husband of 30 years that buying a house with him would be too big of a commitment."
<snip>

Loved it.

[ardeegee]

I try to focus my reading only on authors who wrote their books from prison, in longhand.

[GraceKrispy]

Originally Posted by doreenjoy

In defense of authors who mention cats-kids-spouses in their bios, those are often written by publicisits who are trying to reach a very specific demographic of readers (and I'd guess you're not it). Some genres of fiction in particular are aimed at readers who want to know that the author is a fun/friendly/warm-hearted person.

I must say, they don't turn me off, but I do like knowing what I'm dealing with! It tells me something, even if it was written by a publicist. It tells me what kind of a book I can expect (usually brain candy, which I am in the mood for at times). I dislike the ones that just say "Joe Schmoe has written three novels." That gives me nothing, except that this ain't Joe's first time at the rodeo. You would think that'd mean he was good at his art, but I have found that's not always the case.

Originally Posted by doreenjoy

Once when I grew tired of all the bios of authors in my genre mentioning how much they love cats/kids/spouses, I came up with a bio that went like this: "DoreenJoy is happily child-free, believes animals belong out of doors or in the refrigerator, and recently told her husband of 30 years that buying a house with him would be too big of a commitment."

OOh, it IS a huge commitment! I LOVE the refrigerator comment! That takes the cake.

Originally Posted by ardeegee

I try to focus my reading only on authors who wrote their books from prison, in longhand.

Karma for that one. That was just too good!

[Cliff Ball]

No, I don't buy books based on the author's bio. There are some authors that I probably wouldn't want to read if I knew what they personally believed. I think some things should remain a mystery. Just like I really dislike turning over a mass market hardcover and see the author's face staring back at me. I find that kind of creepy.

[GlenBarrington]

Originally Posted by doreenjoy

You left out modest!

My wife insists I have much to be modest about.

[crich70]

I buy books based on the blurb on the back or the fact that I've read something they have written before. At least as far as fiction goes. As for non-fiction it's usually because the subject interests me, not because the author has this or that in their bio.

[meromana]

For non-fiction, yes, of course, but with fiction, maybe. If I'm undecided about a fiction book, and I see that the author has some experience and knowledge in the subject matter, ie, sci fi, medical/legal thriller, etc., it will probably push me towards buying. I'll assume the science, medicine, law, etc. will be more believable, and that I won't find myself annoyed at some completely preposterous situation coming up. That may not end up being the case, but I'll know my odds are better.

--Maria

[MartinParish]

Yes, if it's non-fiction. If it's fiction, no. For fiction, the bio doesn't really make much difference. Case in point -- take Orson Scott Card. Here's a guy who (if his public statements are to be believed) is against same-sex marriage and believes that evidence disproving anthropogenic global warming has been suppressed. (Check out this link: http://www.ornery.org/essays/warwatch/2007-03-04-1.html ). On both these issues, quite frankly, I couldn't disagree with him more. But you know what? Ender's Game is still a neat book - despite my personal disagreement with the author's views. There are many novelists in history who were disagreeable people but their books are great all the same.

[lene1949]

I don't read a book, because of the Bio... But I always read the Bio... mostly after I've read the book.