Harlan Coben
This might turn out to be one of those book series to read and to sell.
I haven't read Harlan Coben's books yet but after reading the recent Atlantic article about him I intend to read one because I enjoy the occasional mystery novel.
I also read the article from a "what's in this for me as a bookseller" perspective. Coben is a bestselling author but I hadn't heard of him before, which means he isn't hypercommon. I did some research on eBay and was happy to discover that lots that contain all eight of the books that feature detective Myron Bolitar fetch almost $5 per book for mass market paperbacks.
Not surprisingly, hardcover editions of his first book, Play Dead, fetch three figures. Any of his hardcovers are worth running through ScoutPal. I don't know yet how plentiful his books are at sales and thrifts.
The article is also interesting from a writing and marketing perspective. He understands that writing is a business and is successful because he brands himself and has a niche. If you have a wish to be published someday his story might be of interest to you. I admit, though, that I did have to work hard to suppress the urge to covet his seven figure advances and large Victorian home. Bookselling doesn't tend to be as lucrative. Alas.
I haven't read Harlan Coben's books yet but after reading the recent Atlantic article about him I intend to read one because I enjoy the occasional mystery novel.
I also read the article from a "what's in this for me as a bookseller" perspective. Coben is a bestselling author but I hadn't heard of him before, which means he isn't hypercommon. I did some research on eBay and was happy to discover that lots that contain all eight of the books that feature detective Myron Bolitar fetch almost $5 per book for mass market paperbacks.
Not surprisingly, hardcover editions of his first book, Play Dead, fetch three figures. Any of his hardcovers are worth running through ScoutPal. I don't know yet how plentiful his books are at sales and thrifts.
The article is also interesting from a writing and marketing perspective. He understands that writing is a business and is successful because he brands himself and has a niche. If you have a wish to be published someday his story might be of interest to you. I admit, though, that I did have to work hard to suppress the urge to covet his seven figure advances and large Victorian home. Bookselling doesn't tend to be as lucrative. Alas.
posted by Anita at 9:33 PM
2 Comments:
I have not yet read the article (thanks for the link) but I have run into him occasionally at bookstore events. He is very personable and I remember hearing he was one of the few males in the Women Mystery Writers Group (thus stood out). I agree that he definitely marketed himself in a very deliberate (and effective) way. My sister is a big fan of his books.
Enjoyed visiting your blog. I used to be an online bookseller, so it was like revisiting my past.
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