Are Online Reviews of Books By Customers Fair?

I was starting to research an article about Valentine Day mysteries, and began with looking up a title by Dorothy Cannell. I’ve sold the lovely Ms. Cannell’s books, and  always had the impression her work was enjoyed by most. Well, if you were to go by reviews up on amazon, you’d think she’d written the … Read more

Self Pubbed Author Slams Publishers as Unnecessary

J. A. Konrath, whom I’ve heard of, only through facebook constantly recommending I friend him because so many of my friends are his friends, responded to an interview with a person from a publishing company–that interview I didn’t see, and don’t really need to–he shot down any and every argument the person offered for the … Read more

Oh, How I Agree! Mostly.

My friend and superlative bookseller/bookshop owner, Maryelizabeth Hart, owner of The Mysterious Galaxy–with two locations now!–posted a link to this article on Facebook, and I just had to share! The article discusses what things an author who visits for an event or signing should do while there, and after leaving. Some of the points I’ve … Read more

Out of the Loop–It's No Mystery Why

I remember calling up an author to set her up for a signing. Nothing unusual about that. However, the signing was in relationship to her having been nominated for an Edgar–the prestigious award given to outstanding crime fiction each year by the Mystery Writers of America. When she answered, I congratulated her, and she was … Read more

Good For Them! But Is It a Sound Business Move?

Publisher’s Weekly covered the announcement by Barnes and Noble, that they will not carry anything published by Amazon in their brick and mortar stores. The fact that I am championing B&N is not lost on me. Me, who ten years ago likened B&N to the ‘Evil Empire’, like the Soviet Union. But now, just like … Read more