I thought that Rowling did a good job writing an adult novel. I know that this wasn’t her first one, but I know that her other book wasn’t received well.
I have never really been a mystery novel fan, but I kept wanting to read on and see what was going to happen and find out who the killer was. So I applaud her for keeping my interest, I might just have to pick up some more mystery novels in the future.
I don’t know how many books Rowling plans on putting into this series but I felt that she paced this one very well and didn’t try to squeeze too much into it. The relationships were on a more realistic pace for me. A lot of trilogies try to fit in too much, and then it seems too fast and unrealistic.
I also wanted to talk about how this book was published! I think it speaks volumes about the publication industry. I did some research on this so bear with me. Basically J.K. Rowling sent in the manuscript for this book under the pseudonym of Robert Galbraith. I don’t know if it is because her first adult novel, The Casual Vacancy, didn’t do as well. Or simply because she wanted to see what would happen. According to an article that I had read there were only 1500 copies printed, and while it received great reviews the sales were just ok. Once they revealed that J.K. Rowling was the author it shot to the top of the best sellers list.
I feel like it gives no hope for new authors, what if this guy had been real? He supposedly had an amazing book, but he wasn’t famous. Could his book have been great? Who knows. But it does make one wonder whether a name is all you need to succeed in the world of best selling novels.
It's very interesting how things went about for Rowling and this book. I'd heard before it was revealed to be her, the book was standing on its own pretty well. With what you posted, I have to wonder if Rowling's publishers wanted it to do better so they leaked the name. You've got valid concerns there. It makes me want to work on self-publishing first when it's time.
ReplyDeleteI had not heard of before it leaked, but then you work in a bookstore lol, so I'm sure you came across it. It seems to me that self-publishing seems to be the way to go these days.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Hocking did really well for herself by self-publishing before a big pub house picked up her Trylle series.
ReplyDeleteOf course there are also rumors that thanks to EL James publishers will start looking at fanfiction authors as well.
Interesting! Although I am not a fan of EL James, I have read some amazing fan fiction and I think that is pretty cool that people would be considered as more serious author's.
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