Amazon now puts readers in touch with the authors directly through their Kindles Ask The Author. If a reader has a question now regarding the book being read, they can address the question directly to the author. It’s a brave new world for authors, but a pretty ingenious selling point. I know many authors will be unappreciative of the potential feedback on that kind of instantaneous scale. It could mean developing a cadre of fans too, anxious for other novels the author has for sale or is in the process of writing. I’m intrigued with the prospect. Amazon certainly has decided to break new ground in the publishing world with this idea. I can easily imagine someone reading the free excerpt from ARCHANGEL or MONSTER and firing off a question or a statement of outrage. :)
I like the idea in theory. I'm rather afraid of it in practice. For me it won't be a problem but a big name writer with lots of fans could be spending a lot of time on such a thing.
ReplyDeleteYep, in theory it seems like a marketing bonanza, Charles. In reality, it would be exciting to say the least. It's only in the beta phase now. I'm sure the self-publishing guru Konrath will let us all know how it works in reality. I could see him having the form sentence ready for quick sendoff - thanks for your input, your friend, J. A. K. :)
ReplyDeleteSaw this earlier, & was of two minds. Could be good for curious readers & marketing, not a bad idea at all.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, it's basically promo. And if you've got a lot of books out there, or very, very little time as it is for writing itself...
It could generate sales, Raine, but also a plethora of questions even the author couldn't or wouldn't answer. :) I think that's why Amazon is beta testing it with some hard-shelled authors.
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