Do publishers or agents care how many library check-outs a previous book has, when considering signing an author?
Let me rephrase.
A scenario: Author Annie, without an agent, had a book published by a small publisher and it sold 4500 copies. But over the past 3-4 years, it's been checked out of public libraries a gazillion times.
Does the book's great library success have any effect at all on whether Annie will be offered agent representation or a publishing contract?
Do agents or publishers think that those who read Annie's first book would be possible buyers for her second? Or do they only consider the actual sales for the first book?
And - do library purchases count as part of her sales record, or only retail sales? How about remainder sales?
And now I'm wondering - does anyone even keep records on how many times a particular book has been checked out of public libraries, for any specific country? Perhaps a national library association that tracks those figures?
I'm in USA, if that matters. Thanks. I was at the library today and started wondering about this.
Let me rephrase.
A scenario: Author Annie, without an agent, had a book published by a small publisher and it sold 4500 copies. But over the past 3-4 years, it's been checked out of public libraries a gazillion times.
Does the book's great library success have any effect at all on whether Annie will be offered agent representation or a publishing contract?
Do agents or publishers think that those who read Annie's first book would be possible buyers for her second? Or do they only consider the actual sales for the first book?
And - do library purchases count as part of her sales record, or only retail sales? How about remainder sales?
And now I'm wondering - does anyone even keep records on how many times a particular book has been checked out of public libraries, for any specific country? Perhaps a national library association that tracks those figures?
I'm in USA, if that matters. Thanks. I was at the library today and started wondering about this.
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