On Mondays I try to write a post about books. (Enough snickering, out there. I know I’ve been an inconsistent blogger lately.) One thing on my mind is the fact that I had an ebook that I promised to write a review for. First, let’s set the definitions I’m going to use here. Many books are published in e-book format, which is a computer-based format, to be read on a computer or handheld computing device, or dedicated e-book reader. Many print-based publishers currently release e-format (and audio format) books, since it’s a growing market in today’s technology-based world. We’ll call those print publishers, because that’s their primary publishing method.
An e-publisher, tends to publish the majority (if not all) of their stock in e-book format. In this day and age, it’s not difficult to open up shop as an e-publisher, advertise, and suck in some writers with piles of rejection letters from those New York houses. I’m not judging the business model or the people who operate e-publishing. But after a horrible experience with an e-published book several years ago, I’ve steered clear of them. Now, I know there are some really poorly written print published books, but my experience indicates there are a lot more poorly written e-published books. My half-baked theory is that the people who edit e-published books generally do not conform to the same standards as their New York counterparts. If I were to extend that, I wonder exactly what credentials many of them have qualify as editors.
Keep in mind there’s a difference between poor editing and poor writing. IMHO, an editor should make sure the author has written a well-structured story and, if possible, keep the pacing and story moving along without dead spots. The editor should be making sure the timeline of the story is correct, that the story is fairly plausible, and so on. They may not see the same “flaws” I do, with wishy-washy heroines, or inconsistent heroes, or other personal preferences in characters and writing voice.
Back to that e-book I promised to write a review for. I succumbed in a moment of weakness about three months ago to a shiny-faced, eager acquaintance who’d e-published her first book. I read the back-cover blurb and the premise sounding promising. So I said I’d read and review it.
Notice I said three months ago.
I procrastinated. Not because it was an e-book, per se. But because I spend a lot of time on the computer and reading books on them aren’t my first choice for leisure time activities. Finally I realized I made a commitment, moved the e-copy to a memory stick so I had no more excuses, and started reading it.
If you’re waiting for the punch line – that I loved it – then you’d better go find something else to do now. Because I didn’t love it. It was OK. I found the first 2/3′ds of the book suffering from what I call average writer issues: too much narrative, not enough action, repetitive backstory, and conflict-bashing me over the head. But it wasn’t wall-banger bad and she did set up a good action-packed ending with a twist I hadn’t expected. But I suspect I know why a New York editor would have rejected it. I’m not entirely sure I would have finished it if I hadn’t had to, but the ending was more like what the first half of the book should have been.
Which, unfortunately, reinforced my theory that the quality of e-published books tend to be lower than print-published books. I blame the writer here – she sold her book, which was the best she could make it at the time – but it wasn’t the best book it could have been. I blame the editor for buying the book and not asking the author for more; a stronger story and more consistent writing. I suppose they both had optimism and dollar signs in their eyes. And as I read back over this, I realize I’m being harsh just because I thought the book could have been better.
Which is why it’s very hard to write stories and send them out to criticizing readers in the world. What if they don’t like it?
I’m sure there are many readers who are less exacting in their expectations than I am, and both the author and the e-publisher will be happy with the sales. But there’s nothing more aggravating to me then reading a book that you KNOW could have been written better. And that very reason, I’m sure, has propelled many a wannabe author to their keyboards.
What about you? Are you normally satisfied with e-books you’ve read? Does it frustrate you when you read a book with a good premise, only to find the author didn’t fulfill your expectations?
And now, off to write a review. Ta Ta For Now!
I know all of you finished your Christmas shopping by July 4th and are sitting there, sipping your egg nog and laughing at the rest of us scurrying around the crowded shopping areas and trying to cross items off our list. Bah humbug.