Do you Judge a Book by its… Publisher?
A few weeks ago I did a post about books that I just couldn’t get into enough to finish. One of those books happened to be from MTV Books. And someone mentioned in the comments section that they had always been “suspicious of MTV books” which I’m going to assume meant that they thought they wouldn’t like them.
But three of my all time favorite books are actually MTV Books:
& 
by Jennifer Echols
by Stephanie KuehnertI wonder if that person would think differently if they knew that MTV Books was an imprint of Simon & Schuster?
So that got me to thinking…. have I ever judged a book by it’s publisher.
I have to admit, I do at times look at the publisher. If it’s a title or an author I’ve never heard of, I usually read the synopsis and then look to see who the publisher is. If I’m on the fence about whether or not I want to read it, and the publisher isn’t one I’ve heard of, it’s highly unlikely I’ll read the book. Although there have been times I’ve read books from smaller presses that I hadn’t heard of before.
At the same time, if it’s an author or title I’ve heard of and the synopsis has me hooked, I don’t even bother looking at the publisher.
What’s up with that?
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On Friday, April 30th 2010
Manga Maniac
While I do look to see who the publisher is, especially with graphic novels, I rarely let that factor into a purchase decision. The cover has much more pull, though that is hardly a reliable reason to read or not read a book as well. Right now, price and reviews are the determining factor for me. If a book gets some good reviews and I can get it at a discount online, I will give it a shot. If not, I will request it from the library.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Lauren
Interesting post, Kristi. I'm pretty sure the comment you're referring to was mine. I said: 'I have to admit, I feel a little suspicious of MTV Books in general. I probably shouldn't judge like that, but I just assume they're not my kind of thing.'
I guess in the case of MTV books, my assumption is that they're meant to appeal to the same people that like to watch MTV. And while I occasionally enjoy watching My Super Sweet Sixteen (usually in shock!), I don't think of MTV's onscreen content as something that's likely to hold my attention for very long, or that really speaks to me. It also seems to be the case that some of MTV Books' titles carry the MTV label more conspicuously than others, so those are the ones that I would think are being marketed specifically to that audience… which isn't me.
However… that association wouldn't absolutely stop me reading an MTV book. I'd just have to be really interested in the premise to pick it up, and I have done in the past. I've heard only good things about Jennifer Echols and Stephanie Kuehnert, and that would hold much more weight than who the publisher is.
It's interesting that you're more likely to be influenced a little if you've never heard of a publisher. I'd probably be less influenced by this since I wouldn't have any preconceived ideas about them. I definitely agree that the synopsis comes first though. I guess the publisher is more of a tie-breaker, maybe?
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Sabrina (about happy books)
I honestly never thought about looking at the publisher before reading a book.
If I like the synopsis of a book I will read it.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
GABY
Not really. I don't look who is the publisher until I have too.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Liz B
I like to have balance on my blog; so if it looks like I've been on a Harper Collins roll I'll pick up a Little, Brown title next.
Other than that?
If it's self published, I judge. And don't pick it up to read based on that.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Deborah
actually i was thinking about this the other day. I think i do. not so much as i think one publisher is better than another but I am more inclined to read a book, if it's from a well known publisher than a smaller press that i've never heard of. there are certain publishers that i trust each and every time with the books they've released. they are known for high quality authors and books so about 95% of the time i am never disappointed. of course this does not mean that i don't read the smaller publishers but unless i've read a review of the book, i am more likely going to go with the bigger publisher
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Manga Maniac
While I do look to see who the publisher is, especially with graphic novels, I rarely let that factor into a purchase decision. The cover has much more pull, though that is hardly a reliable reason to read or not read a book as well. Right now, price and reviews are the determining factor for me. If a book gets some good reviews and I can get it at a discount online, I will give it a shot. If not, I will request it from the library.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Lauren
Interesting post, Kristi. I'm pretty sure the comment you're referring to was mine. I said: 'I have to admit, I feel a little suspicious of MTV Books in general. I probably shouldn't judge like that, but I just assume they're not my kind of thing.'
I guess in the case of MTV books, my assumption is that they're meant to appeal to the same people that like to watch MTV. And while I occasionally enjoy watching My Super Sweet Sixteen (usually in shock!), I don't think of MTV's onscreen content as something that's likely to hold my attention for very long, or that really speaks to me. It also seems to be the case that some of MTV Books' titles carry the MTV label more conspicuously than others, so those are the ones that I would think are being marketed specifically to that audience… which isn't me.
However… that association wouldn't absolutely stop me reading an MTV book. I'd just have to be really interested in the premise to pick it up, and I have done in the past. I've heard only good things about Jennifer Echols and Stephanie Kuehnert, and that would hold much more weight than who the publisher is.
It's interesting that you're more likely to be influenced a little if you've never heard of a publisher. I'd probably be less influenced by this since I wouldn't have any preconceived ideas about them. I definitely agree that the synopsis comes first though. I guess the publisher is more of a tie-breaker, maybe?
On Friday, April 30th 2010
prophecygirl
I'll read anything by any publisher, but I suppose there are certain publishers that I get more excited about, like Simon and Schuster UK, Bloomsbury UK, SimonPulse US and HarperTeen. I think it's because I've enjoyed almost everything they've published, so if I see a new book from them, I'll definitely buy/read it.
That's not to say I don't read smaller publishers I've never heard of, because I do. I just read one from Amazon Encore, and there's a great one here in the UK called Orchard, who are putting out some brilliant books. So, to stop rambling and just conclude, I'll read any book from any publisher, but yes, I do have my favourites!
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Sabrina (about happy books)
I honestly never thought about looking at the publisher before reading a book.
If I like the synopsis of a book I will read it.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
GABY
Not really. I don't look who is the publisher until I have too.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Liz B
I like to have balance on my blog; so if it looks like I've been on a Harper Collins roll I'll pick up a Little, Brown title next.
Other than that?
If it's self published, I judge. And don't pick it up to read based on that.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Brent and Emily, The Naughty Book Kitties
I ALWAYS look at the publisher… though for different reasons. I like to see which kinds of books that publisher usually does. Like, HarperTeen usually does paranormal romance, where Simon Pulse & Razorbill usually do contemporary fantasy titles.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Alice
I've never actually paid attention to the publisher…it doesn't really matter to me.
I did have SOME things against MTV books at first though..I thought being published by MTV meant the book would be kinda Mean Girls-ish, but after reading a few and realizing that they were published by MTV, I stopped caring. I did the same thing with Disney Hyperion (until I realized the Blue Bloods series were published by them!)
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Deborah
actually i was thinking about this the other day. I think i do. not so much as i think one publisher is better than another but I am more inclined to read a book, if it's from a well known publisher than a smaller press that i've never heard of. there are certain publishers that i trust each and every time with the books they've released. they are known for high quality authors and books so about 95% of the time i am never disappointed. of course this does not mean that i don't read the smaller publishers but unless i've read a review of the book, i am more likely going to go with the bigger publisher
On Friday, April 30th 2010
prophecygirl
I'll read anything by any publisher, but I suppose there are certain publishers that I get more excited about, like Simon and Schuster UK, Bloomsbury UK, SimonPulse US and HarperTeen. I think it's because I've enjoyed almost everything they've published, so if I see a new book from them, I'll definitely buy/read it.
That's not to say I don't read smaller publishers I've never heard of, because I do. I just read one from Amazon Encore, and there's a great one here in the UK called Orchard, who are putting out some brilliant books. So, to stop rambling and just conclude, I'll read any book from any publisher, but yes, I do have my favourites!
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Stina Lindenblatt
Er, well, guilty as charged. I look at the cover, the synopsis, the publisher, and the first page or two before making a decision. But I know the content will be different according to the different publishers. Some tend to pick more literary novels. Others have no problems with edgy. Ultimately, it comes down to blurb and first pages. Hmmm. Sound familiar?
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Michelle
I never do this. To me it doesn't matter who published it as long as the premise sounds like something I'd enjoy. And like you said, MTV is an imprint of Simon & Schuster much like Speak, and Viking are imprints of Penguin etc. They're all connected in one way or another.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Brent and Emily, The Naughty Book Kitties
I ALWAYS look at the publisher… though for different reasons. I like to see which kinds of books that publisher usually does. Like, HarperTeen usually does paranormal romance, where Simon Pulse & Razorbill usually do contemporary fantasy titles.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Christine
Now that you mention it, I sometimes do. I don't think I ever discard books because of the publisher, but I certainly choose them because of it. Especially when it comes to graphic novels, I do it almost every time! Wow, insight, there.
I also tend to trust Bloomsbury an awful lot, but I can't really say if they deserve it or not.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Alice
I've never actually paid attention to the publisher…it doesn't really matter to me.
I did have SOME things against MTV books at first though..I thought being published by MTV meant the book would be kinda Mean Girls-ish, but after reading a few and realizing that they were published by MTV, I stopped caring. I did the same thing with Disney Hyperion (until I realized the Blue Bloods series were published by them!)
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Charlie
Not often, but if I'm undecided as to whether I'll like the book, as in really undecided and quite possibly interested, then I will. I trust Bloomsbury, in recent years because of HP, and also Vintage books (Random House) because I've enjoyed their historical fiction and non-fiction and they publish non-footnote versions of classics (which I prefer). I figure it makes sense to judge because if you like a lot of books from one publisher the odds are those publishers have got the same sort of taste as you.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Megan Hoover-Swicegood
Until I started seriously seeking representation for my own work, I never ever paid attention to publishers. I just bought what I liked. I didn't really "get" how the publishing industry worked so it never occurred to me that I might enjoy (or not) other works from the same publisher. I think a lot of readers are like that – they don't really pay too much attention to who is publishing their books. I didn't even know MTV had an imprint! I kind of miss my ignorant bliss days.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
GreenBeanTeenQueen
I find myself judging self-published books and sometimes small press. I've been surprised by some small press stuff-not surprised by self-publishing. I'm aware of the publisher for a book because when I'm looking at books to order or librarian preview's I look at the publisher. But that doesn't influence my reading of those books.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Stina Lindenblatt
Er, well, guilty as charged. I look at the cover, the synopsis, the publisher, and the first page or two before making a decision. But I know the content will be different according to the different publishers. Some tend to pick more literary novels. Others have no problems with edgy. Ultimately, it comes down to blurb and first pages. Hmmm. Sound familiar?
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Melanie Goodman
I don't think I have ever looked down on a book because of its publisher (with the exception of some self-pubs). If I recognize an imprint with books that I have been fond of in the past, though, I might be more inclined to give a book a shot.
I do notice that as I have begun book blogging, I have become more cognizant of who publishes the books I read because I include that information in my metadata, so I'm curious to see if that will shape how I select books in the future.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Gricel
There have been a couple of times when I have judged a book by its publisher… They were Christian fiction publishers and I was a bit wary but decided to give the books a try; I was surprised to find that they were not what I had expected.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Michelle
I never do this. To me it doesn't matter who published it as long as the premise sounds like something I'd enjoy. And like you said, MTV is an imprint of Simon & Schuster much like Speak, and Viking are imprints of Penguin etc. They're all connected in one way or another.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Jesse Owen
I do look at who publishes a book but more out of idle curiosity more than anything else and have never considered buying (or not buying) a book based on the publisher.
Generally speaking if the description of the book sounds like something I would like I would give it a go.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Christine
Now that you mention it, I sometimes do. I don't think I ever discard books because of the publisher, but I certainly choose them because of it. Especially when it comes to graphic novels, I do it almost every time! Wow, insight, there.
I also tend to trust Bloomsbury an awful lot, but I can't really say if they deserve it or not.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Charlie
Not often, but if I'm undecided as to whether I'll like the book, as in really undecided and quite possibly interested, then I will. I trust Bloomsbury, in recent years because of HP, and also Vintage books (Random House) because I've enjoyed their historical fiction and non-fiction and they publish non-footnote versions of classics (which I prefer). I figure it makes sense to judge because if you like a lot of books from one publisher the odds are those publishers have got the same sort of taste as you.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Megan Hoover-Swicegood
Until I started seriously seeking representation for my own work, I never ever paid attention to publishers. I just bought what I liked. I didn't really "get" how the publishing industry worked so it never occurred to me that I might enjoy (or not) other works from the same publisher. I think a lot of readers are like that – they don't really pay too much attention to who is publishing their books. I didn't even know MTV had an imprint! I kind of miss my ignorant bliss days.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
GreenBeanTeenQueen
I find myself judging self-published books and sometimes small press. I've been surprised by some small press stuff-not surprised by self-publishing. I'm aware of the publisher for a book because when I'm looking at books to order or librarian preview's I look at the publisher. But that doesn't influence my reading of those books.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
L. Diane Wolfe
Since I am with a smaller publisher, I do not judge other books by their publishers. And half the time I don't have a clue anyway. (I will note a subsidy publisher though.)
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Melanie Goodman
I don't think I have ever looked down on a book because of its publisher (with the exception of some self-pubs). If I recognize an imprint with books that I have been fond of in the past, though, I might be more inclined to give a book a shot.
I do notice that as I have begun book blogging, I have become more cognizant of who publishes the books I read because I include that information in my metadata, so I'm curious to see if that will shape how I select books in the future.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Gricel
There have been a couple of times when I have judged a book by its publisher… They were Christian fiction publishers and I was a bit wary but decided to give the books a try; I was surprised to find that they were not what I had expected.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Jesse Owen
I do look at who publishes a book but more out of idle curiosity more than anything else and have never considered buying (or not buying) a book based on the publisher.
Generally speaking if the description of the book sounds like something I would like I would give it a go.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
L. Diane Wolfe
Since I am with a smaller publisher, I do not judge other books by their publishers. And half the time I don't have a clue anyway. (I will note a subsidy publisher though.)
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Jenni @ Falling Off The Shelf
Interesting question Kristi! I have to be honest though, I do look at the publisher of a book (when it's a review request mostly). If I don't recognize the publisher at all I tend to do a little research. I like to know if there are other readers out there that are enjoying books being published by them.
I don't however, judge big name publishers, because they have already proven themselves.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Sandy Shin
I don't usually make the publisher's name a criteria for buying a book, but I do take note of which publisher's published the majority of my favorite authors (Greenwillow, in this case). But it's just a passing notice — I think I pay more attention to publishers as an aspiring writer than as a reader.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Jenni @ Falling Off The Shelf
Interesting question Kristi! I have to be honest though, I do look at the publisher of a book (when it's a review request mostly). If I don't recognize the publisher at all I tend to do a little research. I like to know if there are other readers out there that are enjoying books being published by them.
I don't however, judge big name publishers, because they have already proven themselves.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Juju at Tales of Whimsy.com
Judge? No. But I definitely keep it in mind.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Catie S (Book Bound)
I rarely pay attention to the publisher. I decide to see who I had most of on my shelf & Harper won by a landslide. I usuall pay more attention to the author & the the synopsis.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Sandy Shin
I don't usually make the publisher's name a criteria for buying a book, but I do take note of which publisher's published the majority of my favorite authors (Greenwillow, in this case). But it's just a passing notice — I think I pay more attention to publishers as an aspiring writer than as a reader.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
CoachMT
One of the folks at Dystel & Goderich posted about this subject on their blog a week or two ago and got generally the same responses, though even more weighted toward the "don't notice/don't care" end of the spectrum.
I cringe at all the "self pub" prejudices, but I understand why they are there. Unfortunately there is a lot of garbage out there. I hope that when my book is available in a few weeks, I won't be adding to the pile ; ) PS: I have had my work professionally edited unlike many self pubs.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
ham1299
Can't say that I've ever given the publisher much thought.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Eleni @ La Femme Readers
Nope! I judge by the summary, I don't care if it's from a big or small publisher. There are two books I've been fortunate to read: Knight Angels, Book of Love by Abra Ebner and The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos who aren't published by huge publishing companies, but there work is impeccable. So no I don't judge by the publisher…
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Mindi Scott
I never paid attention to who published what until a couple of years ago. Now, when I see Pulse books, I'm like, "Awww, there's one of my peeps!"
But I don't choose to NOT read books that otherwise would have interested me based upon who published it.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
annie yu
i tend to judge sometimes when i see a book and the cover/graphic design of the book looks amateurish and frankly, is ugly. i think when it doesn't look professional, well designed i have this prejudice that the novel may not be up to par? that's probably not true, but i do this sometimes.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Juju at Tales of Whimsy.com
Judge? No. But I definitely keep it in mind.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Catie S (Book Bound)
I rarely pay attention to the publisher. I decide to see who I had most of on my shelf & Harper won by a landslide. I usuall pay more attention to the author & the the synopsis.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
CoachMT
One of the folks at Dystel & Goderich posted about this subject on their blog a week or two ago and got generally the same responses, though even more weighted toward the "don't notice/don't care" end of the spectrum.
I cringe at all the "self pub" prejudices, but I understand why they are there. Unfortunately there is a lot of garbage out there. I hope that when my book is available in a few weeks, I won't be adding to the pile ; ) PS: I have had my work professionally edited unlike many self pubs.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
ham1299
Can't say that I've ever given the publisher much thought.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Eleni @ La Femme Readers
Nope! I judge by the summary, I don't care if it's from a big or small publisher. There are two books I've been fortunate to read: Knight Angels, Book of Love by Abra Ebner and The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos who aren't published by huge publishing companies, but there work is impeccable. So no I don't judge by the publisher…
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Mindi Scott
I never paid attention to who published what until a couple of years ago. Now, when I see Pulse books, I'm like, "Awww, there's one of my peeps!"
But I don't choose to NOT read books that otherwise would have interested me based upon who published it.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
fallenleaf
No, never I just read the summery and if I like it I buy it
On Friday, April 30th 2010
annie yu
i tend to judge sometimes when i see a book and the cover/graphic design of the book looks amateurish and frankly, is ugly. i think when it doesn't look professional, well designed i have this prejudice that the novel may not be up to par? that's probably not true, but i do this sometimes.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
fallenleaf
No, never I just read the summery and if I like it I buy it
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Melina
I choose based mostly on the summary on the back. I also grab a book off the shelf because I like the title, I like the cover, or it is an author I like. I don't care who the publisher is.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
fantasylover12001
I don't, mostly because I know nothing about the publishing industry to begin with so how could I make an informed judgement? I base it on summary, cover, and if I've read the author before and what my experience with their books was, and if I'm just plain interested in the story.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Jenny N.
I would pick up a book because of the book summary, cover art or title. I dont really take note of the publisher at all.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Melina
I choose based mostly on the summary on the back. I also grab a book off the shelf because I like the title, I like the cover, or it is an author I like. I don't care who the publisher is.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
fantasylover12001
I don't, mostly because I know nothing about the publishing industry to begin with so how could I make an informed judgement? I base it on summary, cover, and if I've read the author before and what my experience with their books was, and if I'm just plain interested in the story.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Marie
I actually don't pay much or any attention to the publishers… but I might just start now that you mentioned it lol.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Jenny N.
I would pick up a book because of the book summary, cover art or title. I dont really take note of the publisher at all.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Marie
I actually don't pay much or any attention to the publishers… but I might just start now that you mentioned it lol.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Milli
I don't really pay attention to the pblisher. But I am guilty of judging a book by it's cover…
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Audrey; (AyC)
I'll be honest, I don't really take not of publishers or anything, unless i'm looking for a specific book. this is really interesting though
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Lahni
Only if it's self-published. I generally don't read self-published books.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Hannah S
Not anymore… I'll admit, when I first discovered that BALLDS OF SUBURBIA was published by MTV, I was a little hesitant. However, like you, I ended up LOVING every moment, every page!
And I've heard only great things from Jennifer Echols' books.
I've actually read her romantic comedies and I thought they were adorable and am actually waiting for GOING TOO FAR. I ordered, like, two days ago?
Two days ago, four days ago, who cares? I just want to read it!
Love, Hannah
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Milli
I don't really pay attention to the pblisher. But I am guilty of judging a book by it's cover…
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Audrey; (AyC)
I'll be honest, I don't really take not of publishers or anything, unless i'm looking for a specific book. this is really interesting though
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Lahni
Only if it's self-published. I generally don't read self-published books.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Hannah S
Not anymore… I'll admit, when I first discovered that BALLDS OF SUBURBIA was published by MTV, I was a little hesitant. However, like you, I ended up LOVING every moment, every page!
And I've heard only great things from Jennifer Echols' books.
I've actually read her romantic comedies and I thought they were adorable and am actually waiting for GOING TOO FAR. I ordered, like, two days ago?
Two days ago, four days ago, who cares? I just want to read it!
Love, Hannah
On Friday, April 30th 2010
AnimeGirl
Well, I've always been super biased against MTV books due to the whole Bard Academy thing – and their depriving me of more books of that series!!! (which I know is kind of petty but hey! they cut my Heathcliff fix!) – but over all I don't really look at publishers that much and I do own a couple MTV books aside from my beloved Bard Academy series.
I've been nicely surprised by smaller presses, specially in the Romance front, so I tend to go with the flow, if the book sounds interesting I'll give it a go.
I pay more attention to other things, like the buzz the book has gotten -if any – and again I admit I try to steer clear of books with too much buzz because I've found out I usually end up not liking them that much. I also look the author up, but that's it.
I'm more swayed by a pretty cover than by a publisher in general. Though it could be argued that certain publishers have cover art that I would generally prefer, but again, that's only a factor.
My only No-no are self published books, vanity presses just don't sit well with me.
AG
On Friday, April 30th 2010
AnimeGirl
Well, I've always been super biased against MTV books due to the whole Bard Academy thing – and their depriving me of more books of that series!!! (which I know is kind of petty but hey! they cut my Heathcliff fix!) – but over all I don't really look at publishers that much and I do own a couple MTV books aside from my beloved Bard Academy series.
I've been nicely surprised by smaller presses, specially in the Romance front, so I tend to go with the flow, if the book sounds interesting I'll give it a go.
I pay more attention to other things, like the buzz the book has gotten -if any – and again I admit I try to steer clear of books with too much buzz because I've found out I usually end up not liking them that much. I also look the author up, but that's it.
I'm more swayed by a pretty cover than by a publisher in general. Though it could be argued that certain publishers have cover art that I would generally prefer, but again, that's only a factor.
My only No-no are self published books, vanity presses just don't sit well with me.
AG
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Haleyknitz
I may or may not judge a book on it's publisher, because although I may assume it's stereotypical it usually doesn't affect my decision to read.
my sister, on the other hand, holds firm that anything published by randomhouse is worth reading and that anything by harperteen is…. well, bad.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Jessica Secret
Actually, I do. Mainly to check if it's YA, but sometimes to see exactly what type of book it is. Like if it's more likely to be more of a contemporary or a supernatural romance.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Donna
Looking at the publisher is probably the last thing I do when looking at a book, if at all. Although my ears do perk up a little when it's a smaller publisher or they have a unique spin on how they present their books. I just stumbled upon a new imprint, Carolrhoda Labs, which is an imprint of Carolrhoda, which is an imprint of Lerner Publishing. CL has these really avant garde books that really get you thinking and they're stylistically experimental. They're not something that's being widely published by the bigger firms so it's fresh and unique. For me it's just a way to diversify. But really, at the end of the day, all publishers have good and bad books so what's the point in judging a book by it's publisher?
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Haleyknitz
I may or may not judge a book on it's publisher, because although I may assume it's stereotypical it usually doesn't affect my decision to read.
my sister, on the other hand, holds firm that anything published by randomhouse is worth reading and that anything by harperteen is…. well, bad.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Jessica Secret
Actually, I do. Mainly to check if it's YA, but sometimes to see exactly what type of book it is. Like if it's more likely to be more of a contemporary or a supernatural romance.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
nomadreader
I do judge a book by a publisher, but usually only for good. I confess to being skeptical of MTV Books until I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which remains one of my favorite books. I do, however, read books I might not otherwise read if they're from an imprint I enjoy. I realize I'm more tuned into publishing than many readers, but I pay more and more attention to imprints.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Donna
Looking at the publisher is probably the last thing I do when looking at a book, if at all. Although my ears do perk up a little when it's a smaller publisher or they have a unique spin on how they present their books. I just stumbled upon a new imprint, Carolrhoda Labs, which is an imprint of Carolrhoda, which is an imprint of Lerner Publishing. CL has these really avant garde books that really get you thinking and they're stylistically experimental. They're not something that's being widely published by the bigger firms so it's fresh and unique. For me it's just a way to diversify. But really, at the end of the day, all publishers have good and bad books so what's the point in judging a book by it's publisher?
On Friday, April 30th 2010
nomadreader
I do judge a book by a publisher, but usually only for good. I confess to being skeptical of MTV Books until I read The Perks of Being a Wallflower, which remains one of my favorite books. I do, however, read books I might not otherwise read if they're from an imprint I enjoy. I realize I'm more tuned into publishing than many readers, but I pay more and more attention to imprints.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Missie
"But three of my all time favorite books are actually MTV Books" <<< This make me mad curious about your all time favs list. Have you shared this list before in a previous post?
Thanks!
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Missie
"But three of my all time favorite books are actually MTV Books" <<< This make me mad curious about your all time favs list. Have you shared this list before in a previous post?
Thanks!
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Chachic
You've read Forget You? I'd love to know what you think about it! I can't wait to read that book because I loved Going Too Far.
As for your question, nope, I don't really judge books based on their publishers.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
A.J.
Nah, I don't judge. If the summary sounds good and if it has a fairly good rating, I'll want to read it. And actually, lately I've been getting more interested in reading books released by smaller publishers.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Chachic
You've read Forget You? I'd love to know what you think about it! I can't wait to read that book because I loved Going Too Far.
As for your question, nope, I don't really judge books based on their publishers.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
A.J.
Nah, I don't judge. If the summary sounds good and if it has a fairly good rating, I'll want to read it. And actually, lately I've been getting more interested in reading books released by smaller publishers.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
librarypat
In all honesty, I have never considered the publisher when choosing a book to read. On some I will note the publisher when I pick up the book and know what to expect (christian fiction publishers in particular).
On Friday, April 30th 2010
librarypat
In all honesty, I have never considered the publisher when choosing a book to read. On some I will note the publisher when I pick up the book and know what to expect (christian fiction publishers in particular).
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Nayuleska
I admit that in the past I have judged a book by it's publisher (although mostly in a good way). Now – well, I know better!
On Friday, April 30th 2010
BookChic
I usually don't judge by a publisher, though I was originally leery of MTV Books because of how their channel is. But then I saw Wuthering High and I was like "Woah. This does not sound like typical MTV." and now in fact, MTV Books have become some of my favorite novels. I loved Going Too Far, I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone, and the Bard Academy series. But most of the time, I hardly even notice the publisher until after I post my review since I have to figure out what publicist to send it to, lol.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Nayuleska
I admit that in the past I have judged a book by it's publisher (although mostly in a good way). Now – well, I know better!
On Friday, April 30th 2010
BookChic
I usually don't judge by a publisher, though I was originally leery of MTV Books because of how their channel is. But then I saw Wuthering High and I was like "Woah. This does not sound like typical MTV." and now in fact, MTV Books have become some of my favorite novels. I loved Going Too Far, I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone, and the Bard Academy series. But most of the time, I hardly even notice the publisher until after I post my review since I have to figure out what publicist to send it to, lol.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Kari
I had no idea MTV had an imprint…
I actually thought of this issue a lot when I read The Postmistress, because I feel the Amy Einhorn imprint is getting a lot of press since The Help…and people automatically think if it's an Amy Einhorn book, it's going to be amazing. I think they market that, too, so I'm a little wary of it.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Kari
I had no idea MTV had an imprint…
I actually thought of this issue a lot when I read The Postmistress, because I feel the Amy Einhorn imprint is getting a lot of press since The Help…and people automatically think if it's an Amy Einhorn book, it's going to be amazing. I think they market that, too, so I'm a little wary of it.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Tara
Since I'm an aspiring author, I've found myself paying more attention to this sort of thing since it's nice to have an idea of what sort of works the authors are publishing, but it doesn't influence my decision. I read everything from self-published books to the big publishers.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Tara
Since I'm an aspiring author, I've found myself paying more attention to this sort of thing since it's nice to have an idea of what sort of works the authors are publishing, but it doesn't influence my decision. I read everything from self-published books to the big publishers.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Amy
Yes, I do. I have my favorite publishers, and there are others that just don't deliver the kind of books I want to read. Odd, that.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Amy
Yes, I do. I have my favorite publishers, and there are others that just don't deliver the kind of books I want to read. Odd, that.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Alison's Book Marks
Sometimes, sure!
If I am on the fence about reviewing a book – the author, the title and the synopsis have me interested, but not completely hooked – I'll glance at the publisher, and this may put me over the edge one way or the other.
I try my best to read a mix of books from several different publishing houses. I don't want to become a billboard for any one publisher – I like to spread the love and change things up for myself.
I do have my favorite, though I would never reveal which ones they are!
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Alison's Book Marks
Sometimes, sure!
If I am on the fence about reviewing a book – the author, the title and the synopsis have me interested, but not completely hooked – I'll glance at the publisher, and this may put me over the edge one way or the other.
I try my best to read a mix of books from several different publishing houses. I don't want to become a billboard for any one publisher – I like to spread the love and change things up for myself.
I do have my favorite, though I would never reveal which ones they are!
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Tiffany
I was very guilty of this when it came to anything with the name Harlequin. Then, they started to publish YA books and being a dutiful YA librarian, I read the first Soul Screamers book by Rachel Vincent, and could NOT put it down. I still laugh at the very bad titles and covers on some of the adult Harlequin books, but no longer discriminate against them as a whole. So far, everything I've read of their YA books have been amazing.
On Friday, April 30th 2010
Tiffany
I was very guilty of this when it came to anything with the name Harlequin. Then, they started to publish YA books and being a dutiful YA librarian, I read the first Soul Screamers book by Rachel Vincent, and could NOT put it down. I still laugh at the very bad titles and covers on some of the adult Harlequin books, but no longer discriminate against them as a whole. So far, everything I've read of their YA books have been amazing.