Re: Blurb Requests For the Remainder of 2016
Posted on October 26, 2016 Posted by John Scalzi 8 Comments
This is going up for editors/publicists/etc who are contacting me for blurbs for upcoming books, where the blurbs need to be turned in before the end of 2016:
Sorry, I’m already full up on books to consider for the remainder of the year. If I have not already agreed to consider the book in question (which is different from you having sent it to me), you should assume the answer to your request to consider the book is “no.”
Otherwise, please consult my blurbing policy, available here. A reminder to authors that I automatically turn down blurb requests that come directly from authors — please route them through your editors/pr folks instead.
Thanks.
I was going to say, that seems a pity for the numerous really good self-published books which are automatically excluded from consideration; but then I thought about the even more numerous self-published books which are, well, not really good, and I do see where you’re coming from. I’m curious, though: If someone came to you and said, “I’m editing a book for an author who’s self-publishing and I think it’s really good; would you consider giving it a look?” would you automatically turn that down too?
Wait! Wait! No, really, wait! What about this … uh, thing … um … er ,,, uh … sigh. [Turns and scuffs away, moping, takes out frustration on stereotypical tin can.]
I wouldn’t automatically say no, but I’ve also got a very high bar to clear in terms of blurbing. I don’t blurb a whole lot.
Out of curiosity, why do you automatically turn down requests that are directly from authors?
If you click on the link to the blurb policy you’ll find the answer.
You mean you won’t blurb my Second Doctor/Mr. Wizard/Fraggle Rock slash fanfic? Uh man…
:)
Will you please blurb my cover letter for short story submissions?
Would you ever consider naming a character “Blurb”? And further, would you then consider giving another character dialogue which includes the phrase, “our Blurb policy”?