If you have a few minutes, do take part in the survey Discovering reader preferences, habits and attitudes devised by authors M.K. Tod, Heather Burch and Patricia Sands.
As the ladies say, readers and writers have a symbiotic relationship. "Ideas spark writers to create stories and build worlds and characters for readers’ consumption. Readers add imagination and thought to interpret those stories, deriving meaning and enjoyment in the process. A story is incomplete without both reader and writer.
What then do readers want? What constitutes a compelling story? How do men and women differ in their preferences? Where do readers find recommendations? How do readers share their book experience?"
If you take part you can sign up to be notified in due course of the survey results, and you're encouraged to forward the link - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/68HL6F2 - to anyone else who might be interested. The survey will remain open for four weeks.
Great idea - off to do it now!
Posted by: Simon Thomas | 13 June 2018 at 11:00 AM
Well done, Simon!
Posted by: Cornflower | 13 June 2018 at 11:45 AM
I started it but did not finish. I do not think it is at all well constructed. What is Womens Fiction and if that exists, which some might believe, surely there should be Mens Fiction as a possibility too? Under non-fiction options almost none of the genre I read are options etc.
Sorry but I just stopped after having to leave several sections blank.
Posted by: Dark Puss | 13 June 2018 at 09:27 PM
Do let us know what you think, see my negative comment below which may be misinformed of course; I am no expert.
Posted by: Dark Puss | 13 June 2018 at 09:29 PM
Women's Fiction (for all that the label is open to unhelpful interpretation or existential criticism) is a long-established genre, often discussed on these pages and many others. I have never come across a male equivalent or the call for it, though they may of course exist.
You would have found, had you gone on, that there is space for you to add comments on the survey, or further information you feel is relevant, and you can also put yourself forward for interview about your reading.
As to the construction generally, I imagine the ladies designed the questions with a view to acquiring information that would be of general interest but also specifically helpful to them in their own writing and the marketing of their books. I don't think the survey set out to be all things to all men.
Posted by: Cornflower | 14 June 2018 at 08:35 AM
Thank you very much for your comment. I didn't feel I could usefully go on with so many sections left blank, however if you think the creators of the questionnaire might find any of my suggestions helpful then I will try to find time to do so. As for Mens fiction (which indeed does not appear as a genre),I guess I was probably thinking of a sub-genre of books of which Andy McNab's tomes might be an exemplar. Probably not a useful "genre" on reflection.
Posted by: Dark Puss | 14 June 2018 at 01:02 PM
I don't know why we don't talk about men's fiction in the same way we do women's fiction, but books like those by Andy McNab are surely primarily intended for, and certainly marketed specifically to, men. I'm wondering now why aren't they considered a genre.
Posted by: Desperate Reader | 14 June 2018 at 09:37 PM
Yes, it's an interesting question.
Posted by: Cornflower | 15 June 2018 at 09:41 AM
That is me done! I look forward to seeing the results when they are finished. Thank you for the link.
Posted by: Toffeeapple | 20 June 2018 at 04:16 PM
You're welcome. I'm looking forward to seeing the results too.
Posted by: Cornflower | 20 June 2018 at 07:39 PM