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Book blogs' buzz grows louder
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Crispin's blog sells advertising and pays writers for feature stories but not reviews; for those, contributors get free books. In return, reviewers get a chance to spotlight their heroes. "We do make an effort to cover and interview the less-well-known authors," Crispin says. "I really wanted to let the writers write about who they love and interview the authors they love."
As a result, professional book reviewers are losing a bit of their dominance over publishing "buzz." The blogs "democratize and level the playing field," says Peter Handel, an independent book publicist in Berkeley, Calif.
In years past, literary discussions were largely limited to academia and the occasional book club, says Sarvas of The Elegant Variation. "What the blogs have really done is encourage inclusion, encourage people from all walks of life to join the conversation...."
But is anyone listening? Many book bloggers seem to be talking only to themselves, judging by the dearth of postings by outsiders on their sites. And it's hard to tell if bloggers' mash notes translate into sales at Barnes & Noble.
Even when Sarvas and 20 other bloggers combined forces and chose a single novel to promote during the spring ("Case Histories," by British author Kate Atkinson), their impact was unclear. The book's sales remained steady for months after its release last year, said Ms. Arthur, its editor, but it's anyone's guess as to why.
A sample of bookish blogs
Looking for book reviews, publishing gossip, and impassioned debate? Here's a sampling of book blogs. Note: Some of these blogs tackle adult topics.
Beatrice
www.beatrice.com.
Daily literary news and musings by Ron Hogan, a writer and frequent reviewer. Daily literary news and musings by Ron Hogan, a writer and frequent reviewer.
Booksquare
www.booksquare.com.
Stresses "news and views of authors."
Confessions of an Idiosyncratic Mind
www.sarahweinman.com.
Sarah Weinman is the crime fiction editor for The Baltimore Sun.
The Elegant Variation
www.marksarvas.blogs.com/elegvar
Writer Mark Sarvas lives in Los Angeles.
Fresh Eyes
www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/shire15.
Robert Gray is a bookseller in Vermont.
Galleycat
www.mediabistro.com/galleycat.
Natalie Chicha blogs on books and publishing.
Litblog co-op
www.lbc.typepad.com/blog.
Aims to unite literary weblogs to promote the 'best' of contemporary fiction.
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