Sunday, December 21, 2014

Why ebooks make sense for mystery writers

By Kristi Belcamino

When I was first offered my book deal through HarperCollins' WitnessImpulse imprint, I admit, I didn't know what to think. The offer was ebook first and possibly a paperback print run, as well.

But I soon learned that the strategy behind the imprint is very smart and makes sense.

Apparently, mystery readers are big ebook readers and love to read series as fast as they can.

I get that.

The turnaround for an ebook is crazy fast.

Let me give you an example, by summer, I will have four books published.

Rather than readers waiting a year (which is the most common fast track for paperbacks and hardcovers), they will have four of my books within that same time period.

It's smart for many reasons.

Even if I love a book, a year is a long time to wait for the next one in the series. I do it, but honestly any more than a year wait and I've been sidetracked and had my attention directed elsewhere.

What mystery readers like to do is find a series they like and RIP through the books right away.

This makes sense.

I do the same thing with books, but also with TV series and podcasts.

For instance, when I watched my first Battlestar Galactica episode, I spent every second waiting for the kids to go to bed so I could watch more episodes until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.

Same with Sopranos, True Blood, and I can see this is going to happen with the Serial podcast, as well.

The only reason I haven't binged on Serial so far is I'm on deadline so I can make those four books out in one year. But as soon as there is the slightest down time, I'm on it!

So, the idea of getting books into reader's hands as quickly as possible makes perfect sense to me.

PS Just waiting for one of the DSDers to post about SERIAL. Alex? I better catch up before anyone does to avoid spoilers.


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