| Author |
Message |
    
Stacy Anderson
Awareness Member
Post Number:
35
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 09:19 pm: |   |
Hello Everyone,
I am doing personal research and I would like to get your answer to some questions.
1) Have you ever read a very long book? How long was it?
2) Did its length dissuade you from reading the book at first?
3) Do you think long books ( books over 400 pages ) are harder to sell to the public or do you believe it doesn't make a difference?
4) As a writer do you think length or lack of is important compared to the content of a book?
Thanks for participating. I just wanted to know this for myself. Success to all!
www.stacy-deanne.net
P.S. Gone With the Wind and Pride and Prejudice comes to mine. LOL
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Perry Comer
Unity Member
Post Number:
1366
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 10:00 pm: | |
1) Have you ever read a very long book? How long was it?
Noble House
All of Robert Lundlum
Most of Michner
2) Did its length dissuade you from reading the book at first?
Nope - I think encourages reading if the work is GREAT
3) Do you think long books ( books over 400 pages ) are harder to sell to the
public or do you believe it doesn't make a difference?
yes for mass market
no for harback novels
4) As a writer do you think length or lack of is important compared to the
content of a book? Nope - content rules
http://www.pacwriter.netfirms.com/ |
Claudia Turner VanLydegraf
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1254
Registered: 06-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, May 23, 2004 - 10:58 pm: | |
Stacy,
as a rule, I read mostly long books, Michner, Wouk, John Jakes, Colleen McCullouck (sp?) Francis Parkinson Keyes (when I was young), Ayn Rand, Leon Uris, James Clavell, Jean Auel, M. M. Kaye, etc., and those many others who write over 500 pages are the ones that I PREFER. I very seldom read short books, but I wrote one. Hummm......
Short ones tend to disuade me, but I learned that people like Richard Bach and Robert James Waller and several others can write very enticing books and they can still be short, page wise.
I am sort of tending to think that the attention span of the average reader is getting shorter because of alll the other things we/they have to accomplish in any given day and they simply don't have as much plain old sit down time where they are not doing double work..... so I think that shorter books are the way to go and of the future, because of limited time involved in the actual reading. I don't think it makes a difference whether the book is mass paperback or hardbound, cause I buy both/either, if I want that particular author's works. IF I were a commuter on a train, for instance and had an hour each day to read while on a train or some other conveyance that did not require my full attention, I might have more time to actually read, but I am not and do not, so often is the time that I find myself wanting to read something and not being able to fit it in.
Content is always the most important to me, but because of length, you tend to get more involved in the story if it is well written, so content, no matter how long or short, but there again, I prefer long books, on a personal level. And always want the best content possible. I have put down and NOT finished long books because of lack of the ability to keep my interest, and have done the same in short books, for the same reason. I don't like it when a writer, no matter who it is, starts to do cookie cutter stuff, and will then no longer read anything they write. Sometimes there is a place to be concise and sometimes there is a place to be flowery with all the discriptive phrases and emotions one can put to paper. It mostly depends on the type of book, I guess. For the life of me, I couldn't read Cold Mountain, and I tried to do it about 4 different times, especially since I felt that because of the awards it had received, that I was missing something great, but no can do.....
But those are just my silly little opinions......
Claudia
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Gary Midge
Awareness Member
Post Number:
13
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 02:21 am: | |
Stacy,
Prefer longer books, but seldom turn away from shorter ones if they deal with subject matter I like. I think books over 400 pages could be harder to sell unless the author is a Michener or McMurtry, or someone else with that stature. Hope this helps.
Gary |
Todd Hunter
Unity Member
Post Number:
1551
Registered: 02-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 05:10 am: | |
1) Have read a great many long books...many by Tom Clancy (I don't recall the number of pages)...in the middle of one now entitled Joint Eagles, which is somewhere over 450 pages...I assume that qualifies as long.
2) Depends on the subject matter...I'm a sucker for a political thriller, so length in these cases didn't dissuade me...now if someone wanted me to buy a romance novel of equal length, I'd probably be more inclined to say no.
3) If the price is equivalent to those of shorter length, it shouldn't be a problem...the public is hesitant to purchase books which exceed certain dollar amounts...
Joint Eagles, as an example, costs $13.95...I don't think that's too expensive for a 450+ page book...
www.jointeagles.com if folks are interested...
4) Length is going to hinge on whether the author can get the author to WANT to come along for the ride...that means the author has to keep the writing (content) from getting long-winded...because the reader is going to trudge through such content and think to themselves "I still have over 300 pages left of this..." and may or may not finish the book...
Fast action, and quick dialogue is going to make the longest book move a lot faster, and the length won't seem to be nearly as long as it is... |
Steven Shrewsbury
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
794
Registered: 04-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 05:37 am: | |
I read William Shirer's RISE AND THE FALL OF THE THIRD REICH and Gibbons RISE AND FALL OF ROMAN EMPIRE, both monumental 1000+ page books more than once. ALso read THE STAND by King.
However, the idea of launching into reading the first book of Robert Jordan's WHEEL OF TIME, knowing 10 more 700 page books await me, deters me...even though I loved hsi early work on CONAN.
400 pages ain't bad.
www.stevenshrewsbury.com |
Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
3024
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 05:41 am: | |
Interesting questions, Stacy.
1) Have you ever read a very long book? How long was it?
I've read all the classics, which tended to be long books.
2) Did its length dissuade you from reading the book at first?
Length is not a factor if the book is well written. I tend to prefer long books with lots of narrative. Many books I've read recently fall into that category along with the classics. I rarely read current best sellers.
3) Do you think long books ( books over 400 pages ) are harder to sell to the public or do you believe it doesn't make a difference?
I believe it depends on the book and author as best sellers go. POD published longer books tend to cost MUCH more so readers may avoid them.
4) As a writer do you think length or lack of is important compared to the content of a book?
I've also read many excellent small books. Content and quality of writing is the most important thing to me, not length of book.
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C. E. Winterland
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1502
Registered: 06-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 06:35 am: | |
Hmmm...
As a reader of fantasy fiction, I tend to gravitate toward the longer, series works.
Robert Jordan, David Eddings, C. S. Freidman, Dennis McKiernan, Raymond Feist, Stephen R. Donaldson, etc... When book 10 of the Wheel of Time series (Robert Jordan) came out, I read the entire series for a second go - somewhere in the neighborhood of 10,000 pages, and enjoyed every moment of it.
Unfortunately, reading epic tales of this size tends to drive one's tendencies as a writer. Awareness: Book I of Mindsight went to print under the America House logo at 520 pages, or 190,000 words. The $30.00 price tag at that time came as quite a shock, but even as mass market, it would have fallen in at over the magical $10.00 - $12.00 mark. Right now I am working on that same manuscript, and have brought it down to 135,000 words at this point with a bit still to go. 120,000 words is the cap mark, as I have heard, for a new author - which all comes down to the economics of Price Per Page.
As a reader though, I actually tend to shy away from shorter novels, moreso if they are not serial.
CEW |
priceless1
Wandering Member
Post Number:
152
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 08:56 am: | |
Hi Stacy,
1) Have you ever read a very long book? How long was it?
I prefer long books. Once I pick a book up I carry it around like a good friend. Length provides the luxury of character development. If a book is 400 pages long, I'm a happy camper. I read all of Clancy's work, John Lescroart, Ayn Rand, etc.
2) Did its length dissuade you from reading the book at first?
No, the page length is what attracted me.
3) Do you think long books ( books over 400 pages ) are harder to sell to the public or do you believe it doesn't make a difference?
The public is very fickle. Many people I know prefer reading something short; in and out. Others, like me, prefer getting into a book and living with it for a while.
4) As a writer do you think length or lack of is important compared to the content of a book?
Content rules. Since the only thing I get to read these days are manuscripts, I've been humbled at the wonderful writings of many of the shorter manuscripts. In fact, some of the shorter ones have made me yank out my Kleenex box more than once. Having written a 450 pager myself, I had the luxury of a lot of real estate in which to develop my story. Long or short, it's the story.
Fun survey!
Lynn
Lynn
behlerpublications.com
lynnprice.net
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LaurieAnne
Unity Member
Post Number:
1462
Registered: 12-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 09:15 am: | |
1) Have you ever read a very long book? How long was it? I will read books of any length provided they hold my interest. The longest I have read was well over 1200 pages. The most recent LONG book was 900+ pages, and I was extremely disgusted by it, simply because of the content, not the length.
2) Did its length dissuade you from reading the book at first? Not at all. Anything less than 400 pages takes me less than a day to read, so length is not an issue.
3) Do you think long books ( books over 400 pages ) are harder to sell to the public or do you believe it doesn't make a difference? For normal people, of which I am not (lol), length can be an issue if you are trying to garner those who are not constant readers. I think that dedicated readers, though, do not care about the length.
4) As a writer do you think length or lack of is important compared to the content of a book? I know that I will compare only AFTER I have finished reading. You should always leave the reader wanting more. You don't want to leave them absolutely hanging, but you do want them to want more. Leave something to the imagination.
LA
LaurieAnne
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Gloria Marlow
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
958
Registered: 04-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 02:14 pm: | |
My opinion, for what it's worth:
1) Have you ever read a very long book? How long was it? I used to read much longer books than I do now. I never pay attention to page count, I just remember that they were very thick books. There was one author who I read all of her books, but I can't remember her name to save my life and I don't remember the titles of her books. I remember the books quite well, but not the pertinent info. I think one of them was called "Calico Road", but can't be sure. I used to like to read books that spanned generations, but have lost interest in doing so.
2) Did its length dissuade you from reading the book at first? I probably would be dissuaded from reading a very long book nowdays. Years ago, I wanted a book that I could spend days reading. I wanted something to get lost in and get to know the characters, settings, etc. Now, I would still love to do that, but don't even usually waste my time trying. However, I don't want to waste my time with a book I'll be done with in an hour either. I usually get a book on Friday night and try to read it by Sunday morning. The past month or so, I haven't finished one yet. I just put it down and buy another the next weekend. I'm not sure if the problem lies with me or the books.
3) Do you think long books ( books over 400 pages ) are harder to sell to the public or do you believe it doesn't make a difference? I have no idea, I just know I wouldn't pay the kind of money that is generally wanted for books of that length.
4) As a writer do you think length or lack of is important compared to the content of a book? Content is much, much more important than length. If it can be said just as succinctly in 200 pages as 400, say it in 200. If it can't, then shoot for the 400.
On a side note, I feel that different genres require different lengths. Whether a book is driven by the plot, the action, the characters is going to go a long way in determining the length. I understand that all have to have strong character and plot development, but, in my opinion, the words needed fluctuate with genre.
} |
Kevin Yarbrough
Wandering Member
Post Number:
116
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 24, 2004 - 02:40 pm: | |
1) Have you ever read a very long book? How long was it?
I prefer long books, if the story is good and the writing doesn't...well, suck. Like Shrews I have read "The Stand" by King as well as his Dark Tower Series. Like C.E. I had read some David Eddings and Stephen R. Donaldson. I have also read the Harry Potter Series and all of the Dune series, old and new. If the book is long and the story is great I am a happy camper. I hate for a good story to end.
2) Did its length dissuade you from reading the book at first?
No. Like I said, I prefer long books, but I know the industry doesn't want long books from a new author so I try and keep mine short. If one of my favorite authors has a new book out an it's long, I'm in hog heaven baby.
3) Do you think long books ( books over 400 pages ) are harder to sell to the public or do you believe it doesn't make a difference?
I think they might. We are a group of people on the go and if the book is too long then it will take up to much of their time and they might not buy it. Unless your a big name author I think the shorter the better. Once you are know then people will buy your book no matter what.
4) As a writer do you think length or lack of is important compared to the content of a book?
No way. You can write a 1,000 or a 200 page book, but if it isn't any good nobody will read it. Content is much more important.
Kevin
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Tulla
Hunger Member
Post Number:
68
Registered: 12-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 11:10 am: | |
Hello Stacy~
1) Have you ever read a very long book? How long was it?
Yeah, this could be a loaded question. I have read such epic series by David Eddings (approx 10,000); Jordan-Wheel of Times (approx 10,000); James Michener Texas & Convenant (approx 900 pages each); Nora Roberts Three Sister Trilogy (approx 900 pages); David Eisenhower (900 pages); of course I have read the classics such as Gone with the wind, Scarlett, Pride & Prejudice, Grapes of Wrath; then there are the foreign author books may be about 400 pages but takes a while to translate in my head.
2) Did its length dissuade you from reading the book at first? NO not at all, the subject hooked me.
3) Do you think long books (books over 400 pages) are harder to sell to the public or do you believe it doesn't make a difference? I don’t believe it makes a difference if the subject can hold the public.
4) As a writer do you think length or lack of is important compared to the content of a book? I think you should write what your heart feels and not worry about the length or content. You will know when to put the pen down.
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Stacy Anderson
Awareness Member
Post Number:
37
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 - 10:02 pm: | |
Hello All,
The responses are wonderful AND surprising. Why you may ask? Because I always assumed everyone liked shorter books. I'm from generation X so I grew up with today's twenty-somethings and all they wanted to read in school were short books. I love to read so whatever tickles my fancy is what I will read. Like Laurel I don't read a book just because it's the new best seller. I read what I want to read, period. I look at a book's content and subject matter when choosing a book. I must be honest, maybe it's the " youngster " in me but I am turned off by very long books. It's not because I don't want to read them it's because I am so busy right now I find it hard to finish even a 300-plus page book. Also most long books are the classics and I am not into war stories or period books, though I love period films. I'm always reading and I enjoy crime series such as Kay Hooper and Victoria Thompson and most of theirs are short.
I am happy to see that a lot of people enjoy reading long books because sometimes you just can't cut a book down no matter what when you're writing it. Anyway when it comes down to it people have different opinions which proves that no one ( whether editor, publisher or agent ) can truly say what someone will or will not buy.
Tulla,
I really loved your response about writing what your heart feels. I think too many writers let editors, agents and publishers determine how their work should be. I say go with what you believe because if you change it for someone else it won't really be your story anyway.
KEEP THE ANSWERS COMING FOLKS! |
Olen Armstrong
Wandering Member
Post Number:
217
Registered: 06-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 08:11 am: | |
Okay, I've been lurking and have a comment.
Maybe you're survey responses aren't completely valid coming from this particular forum.
The reason I say that: writers are, by nature and need, readers. This forum is full of writers of one type or another. They're much more likely to be avid readers than are the regular joes of the world.
Would that not slant your responses in favor of the "I love to read" side of the question?
The regular reading public may be starkly different in their tastes.
I of course have ZERO facts or data to back up that thought, but my instincts say that it may be so.
Just a thought.
Good luck.
Later,
Olen A |
Trina Green
Hunger Member
Post Number:
58
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 09:31 am: | |
The storyline is what is important to me, not the length. I do however love a lengthy book, especially mysteries. I am a voracious reader, it annoys me to have to put one down. |
Jeffrey S. Callico
Awareness Member
Post Number:
3
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 09:35 am: | |
The longest book I've ever read is either by John Irving (A Prayer for Owen Meany), The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky or something by John Updike. If I like the author, I'll read it. But War and Peace? Nah. |
Stacy Anderson
Awareness Member
Post Number:
38
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 10:03 am: | |
Hello Olen,
Thanks for your opinion. Of course I know most writers are readers, but a lot aren't. Writers are still people ( different from one another ) and not all writers read. There are millions of writers who won't read anything but what they write. So we can't say all writers are readers. Also, my survey wasn't about " who loves to read ". It was a question posed for the Mindsight group
( specifically ) about their opinions on long books compared to short. I wanted to get the opinions of people in the industry, not just everyday readers. My post was dealing with this particular group, the only board I post on. I am not interested in surveying the millions of readers or non readers of the world. Hope my response doesn't sound harsh to you ( don't mean it that way, believe me ) but I don't think you understood my reasoning for this survey. If I wanted to survey readers only, believe me I know where to go. But it would be pointless to think you could survey all the readers in the world on the Internet anyway, I believe. This is just a personal survey and it's becoming very interesting to me. Success to you.
www.stacy-deanne.net
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Stacy Anderson
Awareness Member
Post Number:
39
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 - 10:06 am: | |
Trina,
I agree! Sometimes I hate having to put a good mystery down. Unfortunately most of the mystery authors I like intend on writing the smaller books to fit them in a huge series, LOL. Thanks for answering!
Jeffrey,
I am with you on War and Peace. |
Barbara Korsness (Unregistered Guest)
Work-in-progress guest
Posted From: 24.170.164.170
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 31, 2004 - 05:36 pm: | |
I enjoy reading long books. I usually set aside an hour each evening to read and look forward to that time. I have read most of Stephen King's novels. read a nineteen volume series by Peter Danielson called "Children of the Lion," and have just finished #10 of Wheel of Time. As I await #11, Knife of Dreams, which Jordan is working on, I am on book #2 of The Outlander historical series by Diana Gabalon. All four books are near 1,000 pages.
I enjoy longer books because they become like a soap opera for me. I tune in each day and visit my characters to see what unfolds for them. Once I finish a book I feel lost until I get into another.
Most of the younger people I know rather read a short and easy book because they are so busy, but longer books are still very popular with avid readers. All of Jordan's "Wheel of Time" books and Diana Gabaldon's series were on The New York Times best seller list.
For all you "Wheel of Time" fans, here is a web site you might enjoy. When I was reading book #10 I thought it would be the last in the series. When it ended the way it did I knew th}ere had to be more to come.
I found this site which tell you about #11 and also the prequels to the series.
}
http://www.tor.com/jordan/questions.html
Barb} |
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