Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
It’s time for the 2014 Books & Such Reader Survey. Please share your thoughts so that we can continue to meet your needs with our blog.
Click here to take the survey.
The survey is anonymous, but if you leave a comment on this post saying you took the survey, you’ll be entered in a random drawing for a $25 Starbucks gift card. Just our way of saying thank you for participating. When you comment, please feel free to share additional thoughts or suggestions about our blog.
The survey will be open for 7 days so please respond by Tuesday, May 20, 2014. Thank you for letting us hear your voice!
~Click the Starbucks logo to take the survey.~
Late breaking update! Since so many have said they don’t have a Starbucks near them, we will give the winner a choice of a $25 gift card to either Starbucks or Amazon.
Tweet about it!
Voice your opinion by taking the Books & Such Blog Survey. (Click to tweet this.)
I took it! Kind of fun–up until the age question. 😉
Howdy, Karen Barn(storming)ett(e),
Write about an Aviatrix………
You had declared, “We who enjoy writing about this time period need to stick together.”
Aint That The Truth………
Somebody should start a
Christian
(1920—1924—1929)
Website………………
Sincerely, Indeed,
COLUMBA KNOX
It should have an age box to tick for “totally in denial”.
I took the survey.
I’ve been reading this blog for almost two years, and I still find immense value in the information shared from the agents as well as the input from those who comment.
It’s been a privilege to meet many of you in person, and to become a Books & Such client this year. Thank you for the many ways you’ve nurtured us Rachelle, Wendy, Janet, Mary, and Rachel!
Amen!!
I took it!
Hello Mrs.Gardner, and everyone at books and such. While taking the survey I realized it was very thoughtful for you all to have taken the time to put this together. Learning this business is less stressful when beginners like myself have that extra nudge from professionals who care.
Bless you, and thanks for being so considerate. 🙂
Took it.
I answered the questions–while consuming my first cup of coffee. I don’t trust what I write BC (before coffee). This involved checking boxes, so it should be safe.
I took the survey. 🙂
Howdy, Ma’aM,
B = Business Aint Liked By Writers
L = LITERATURE; Aye, Now There Be A Topic
O = Only Inspiring///Thought—Provoking Types
G = Give Only Jesus Christ Thee Glorie
Stop the selfishness postings………
PLEASE allow writers to edit after something they typed arrived at the blog; and O Providential readers with your writers blogs///websites, do the same — not only is that the proper thing, but it has them learning the most serious thing about writing,
Doing Their Own Editing………
Thanks for B&S Blog………
O (hoping others can relate to this) —
Sharing thoughts at a blog is like
TALKING IN FRONT OF A CLASSROOM………
Sincerely, Indeed,
COLUMBA KNOX
I took your survey and liked the questions, they were fun to answer. Thanks for taking an interest in the thoughts of your readers.
Thank you for surveying us!
Done!
Took it, but don’t enter me. Sadly, we have no Starbucks in Bermuda. I know. I know.
You poor lady! 😉 Is there an equivalent there?
We’ve changed the prize — it’s now a choice between a Starbucks or Amazon gift card.
I enjoy your blog and find it very helpful. I’d live to see some posts on discerning whether to seek an agent and traditional publisher or to go indie.
I took the survey. 🙂 Thank you for all you do.
Survey done.
Thanks for asking for our input. And thank you for hosting a giveaway. Writing and coffee (along with chocolate) pretty much go hand in hand.
The Fictionista
Miss MacKenzie
I took the survey. Thanks for taking the time blog!
Took the survey.
Something I’d like to see addressed someday – “The Effective Use of Vernacular, Slang, and Jargon”
Here are the definitions of which I’m thinking –
Vernacular is a regional dialect or accent – Kipling wrote the poem “MacAndrew’s Hymn” in a Scots brogue, and it’s effective.
Slang – obvious, but it can date a book quickly (SO six months ago!). Conversely, correct slang in a historical novel can enrich the reading experience.
Jargon – occupation or activity-specific vocabulary. Tom Clancy used it effectively to draw in readers and make them feel “in-the-know” on technical and military matters.
The blog is great, and I appreciate the effort all of you put into it.
Thank you, and God Bless.
I had never really thought about the slang … thanks for bringing that up, Andrew.
Yo, Shel, sup?
You have had me laughing all morning, Liz!! 🙂
Annnnnd, I JUST figured out the ‘Liz’ reference. You can call me Clueless, as well.
And I must say, well played, Shelli!
Jennifer, I wondered if you’d figure it out … I figured you’d think I was plain loopy! 🙂
A subcategory of slang might be words that have completely changed in meaning.
The obvious example is ‘gay’, which used to express a certain lightness of heart. Now…well.
The sad thing is that there is no word that adequately replaces ‘gay’ in its previous meaning, and that makes us poorer.
Who, today, would call a novel “Our Hearts Were Young And Gay”?
But how moving it was to read, in Stephen Ambrose’s “D-Day”, of a reporter picking through the detritus of Omaha Beach on the afternoon of June 6, 1944, and finding that book in the hand of a dead infantryman. The book obviously got there through the expedient of explosives (no one had time to read), but its placement and title are haunting nonetheless.
I took the survey!
I completed the survey
I took the survey!!.
I, too, thank you first for providing such helpful content. I always glean something (usually many things!) from the posts here. Secondly, thanks for asking for our thoughts. That is truly appreciated!
I’m surprised that quite a bit of what I learned here, I had NO idea I needed to know.
You and me both, Jennifer. 😉
Ditto on the age question. I wanted to add that I read a post that indicated children’s books written by grandmothers and illustrated by grandchildren were trending as marketable. I would love to hear more about needs out there particularly in the memoir arena.
So what’s the problem with the age question?
I’m 29, and I’m very GOOD at being 29, given the years of experience that I’ve put into being that age.
Bahahaha!! AS IF!!
Should I ask Barb how old you are?? Huh? Are you pants on fire, Pinocchio?
LIII
So there.
You “so there” ‘d me????
LIII
I know exactly what that means. Muahahaha. But I shall only use my powers for good.
Mostly.
I had to google it. 🙁
Once upon a time, I used my powers for good, too.
But the colloquial meaning of ‘for good’ may have been different.
51?
LI-er.
You’re not a day over XXXV.
LI-er? You’re on a roll!
I am 48 and proud of it!!!! I embrace the old-fashioned view that age is glorious not something to be ashamed of 🙂
51…wahhhhh.
As long as I can do twice my age in pushups, I’m happy. So far I’m VII years ahead.
I can push buttons.
Done!
I learned more about writing and where to go for help, what to read, and how to deal with industry quandaries from this blog than anywhere else.
Thanks Books & Such for asking for input. I gave mine, for what it’s worth. I hope the survey results are helpful to ya’ll.
I took the survey and it reminded me of how much I look forward to your posts. Thanks for keeping us inspired and informed.
I enjoy the mix of personalities that comes through in the blog posts.
I completed the survey.
Thanks for a chance to win a Starbucks gift card.
I took the survey. I don’t drink coffee but Starbucks has other options.
I took the survey. Thanks all!
Love the blog and was happy to take the survey. Keep up the great work.
Took it! Thanks for all your time, talent, and wisdom—appreciate each of you ladies so much!
I just completed the survey. Thank you for all the valuable information that is shared on the blog. Everyone at Books & Such have blessed so many through the blog with a much needed look from the “other side”. I know that I have been very blessed.
Please don’t enter me for the drawing because I will be sending B&S a Starbucks Gift Card, as my way of saying “thank you”.
Class act, Jim. Truly.
But what if agents don’t DRINK coffee..?
Good point, Andrew. Hopefully they can get a sugar free muffin. 🙂
Is there such thing as an agent who doesn’t drink coffee?
I took the survey! Thanks for all you ladies do to provide a great, enriching reading experience for all of us.
Thanks for the opportunity to chime in! I have learned so much in the two years I have been reading this blog – thank you for creating quality, informed content even when you are all so busy doing the “real” work of getting authors published.
Thanks!
I took the survey. Was unsure what to put on “publication status” because I read this blog as a publishing professional, not as a writer. But I really enjoy what you all do, and either learn something myself or have a good link to share with my authors. Thanks!
I took the survey. Thank you for sharing inspiration and knowledge here! It’s much loved.
I took it too.
Survey taken. Hope the responses are helpful to you, just as the blog is to so many of us.
I took the survey, but don’t enter me in the contest. Nearest Starbucks is over 100 miles away.
We’ve changed the prize — it’s now a choice between a Starbucks or Amazon gift card.
Survey complete. I enjoy reading your blog and continue to learn more and more.
Oh, I took the survey. I think it’s important for people in the writing world to share information with others in the writing world, and this blog does just that!
Survey taken. I appreciate you seeking our input, but you already do a great job of providing us with helpful, relevant content.
I took the survey.
I just took the survey after discovering your blog – excited to get reading : )
I took it! 🙂
it is one of those blogs that has a comment section as helpful as the posts 🙂
i have been reading for well over a year now and it was my number one source for research before i went out a-querying and it was the first place i came before the call to sign with my agent 🙂
I took the survey. I was a little disconcerted to find the religion question on the survey. I don’t see that it’s anyone’s business but my own what my religious leanings are. But I still answered it.
They are just checking their blog readership. They are a Christian literary agency, so I’m not sure why this surprised you.
A.M.,
Thanks for answering anyway, even though the question surprised you. It’s important for us to understand our readership so we can tailor our posts accordingly. I appreciate your participation!
Took it! You should have an option for “I am under contract with a publisher, but my book has not been released yet”! That’s me. 🙂
I just took the survey!
Done! 🙂
I took the survey!
Survey done.
Starbucks on every corner.
(I live in Washington state)
Survey taken! 🙂
Done!
I took the survey!
Survey completed.
Finished. What an interesting group of questions. Thanks for all you do here to keep us informed. I truly love visiting and try to catch up when I don’t make it out here each day.
Fun survey!
I’ve completed your survey with pleasure. If I win please take the next in line, as I live in Canada.
Books & Such is the most sensible place to find a steady stream of sound writing advice. It’s my favorite writing blog.
Thank you for your genuine efforts.
We’ve changed the prize — it’s now a choice between a Starbucks or Amazon gift card.
Thank you. 🙂
Survey taken. 🙂
Took the survey.
Done! Anything for you guys and Starbucks 😉
Took the survey!
Took the survey! Thanks for asking our opinions. 🙂
Done!
That was fun!
Survey completed.
Survey complete! Thanks for asking.
That was an easy survey. And I can see how it would be meaningful to the team.
Don’t give them ideas, saying it was easy.
Next time one of the questions will be a request for a proof of Fermat’s last theorem.
Andrew Wiles already did that. *runs to math lab to copy and paste 80 page proof into survey monkey*
Well, that’s a load off my mind!
I run out of steam after a five-page proof. Eighty pages…ugh.
I completed your survey. I always find your blog informative. Thanks for the work you all do!
Completed the survey and really appreciate your posts! I have been blessed to follow Books & Such for a couple of months. Having self-published one book and working toward traditional publishing for the next, the posts are encouraging, helpful, informative, and fun. Thanks!
Completed survey. Hope prizes are available to Canadians.
Living in Canada is a prize in itself, eh?
I hope that my opinion on the survey will be sufficient enough to help you meet the expectations of your client. As for me, I am satisfied with what you have been posting so far!
I hope that my opinion on the survey will help you to meet the expectations of your readers.
Took the survey. Looking forward to more great posts!
Took the survey. I enjoy your posts.
I took the survey and just can’t wait to win! 🙂 Feeling blessed and highly favored!
I took the survey.
Thank you all for asking for the feedback!
Thank you, Rachelle. I love coffee and books (especially together).
I did the survey. It was easy to understand and do.
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
Thanks for asking for our input!
I took the survey! Thanks B & Such team. 🙂 I read each post and click to tweet. LOVE this blog!
Thanks for listening to our input! 🙂
I took the survey.
Survey done and tweeted.
I did it but I have one suggestion not included. It would be nice if I could get the posts sooner. They usually arrive in my mailbox hours after they were posted.
I have the same problem, and it’s common to most of the blogs I follow.
I use Gmail; perhaps it’s slow at sending through notifications like this?
Done!
Feedback … breakfast of champions!
Taken! Thanks so much for keeping this blog up and helping out writers 🙂
I took the survey. I have been following the blog for many years. I have had many favorite posts from Wendy and was touched by a very compassionate post she made about new authors a while ago. My favorite post from Rachelle was How to cut 1000 words without shedding a tear – 4/25/12. Janet always gives great solid advice for those of us who are still searching for an agent!
Done!!
Took the survey!
Just took the survey, and I’ve learned a lot by following the blog. Thanks so much for all the great information!
Took the survey and tweeted about it.
I took the survey. 🙂
Survey done. And I love Starbucks!
Took the survey. I appreciate everything you guys teach us here. You are so generous with your wisdom!
Took the survey! Great questions.
Took the survey. Refused to answer the personal faith question as it really is none of your business.
Took the survey, but I wanted to add just how much I enjoy the blog! I’ve been in PR for about 20 years, but writing is home for me. A couple of years ago I began writing fiction again and won a couple of short story competitions. When I found your blog, it gave me the courage to keep going and serialize on my blog what will eventually become my first novel. Thank you for the push!
I took the survey. Would like to add that I’ve found lots of useful information on your blog.
I took survey – one question was tough for me – my religious affiliation. I’m born again, but my husband’s Catholic. I attend protestant Bible studies but go to Mass in obedience to husband being spiritual leader of family.
Did the survey…spent a bit on thinking hard about what was most entertaining vice what was most useful about the great posts here. I do like the ‘writing craft’ posts best but, even though having self published in the past, I learn more from the ‘please a publisher’ posts.
I took the survey.
I don’t comment often, but I enjoy your blog a great deal. It has been both a source of encouragement and help to me. Thank you.
I took the survey and appreciate your desire to meet our needs. Personally, I like what you’re doing right now.
Took the survey
I enjoy your posts, though by the time I receive them, there are usually already 40+ comments posted, so I don’t often post a comment. I would like to see more articles about the ‘craft of writing.’
Thanks for the chance!
I noticed there’s no option in the ‘how often you visit the site’ section for saying I read your posts in my email and only click through to the site when I want to read comments or make a comment. So I only visit once a week or so, but I read the posts as they come out.
Hello Rachelle.
For the record, even without a Starbucks gift card, I will continue reading and learning from the blog posts here.
Thanks again.
Appreciate the opportunity to tell you what is most helpful to me from your blog. If I am honest, all of it is helpful. I rate yours as the most helpful on the net. Rebuilding my website. Ready soon.
I took the survey. I hope our answers help propel you to your next level. Good luck!
Took the survey. Loved how you phrased some of the questions.
Also, thanks for altering the prize to offer an alternative of an Amazon card. There are no Starbucks in Perth. The nearest one is several thousands of kilometers away. (Then again, when it comes to Perth, EVERYTHING is several thousands of kilometers away. Except for lost planes.)
I took the survey. Thank you for the regular thoughtful blog posts. I’ve been reading them for almost a year, but this is the first time I’ve commented. Thanks for encouraging me to figure out how!
Survey… check.
I took the survey. Good questions!
I have been reading Books and Such for over a year and I always look forward to the posts. I gladly took the survey.
I took the survey! I don’t have time to read many blogs but I love this one, and I try to catch as many of the posts as I can. Thanks for being such a helpful, positive voice in this industry.
I took the survey. Great idea.
I took the survey. :0)
Thank you.
Reba
I took the survey – already love this blog and if it got better I would explode! (okay probably not, but…)
I’ve answered the survey. I don’t write Christian fiction, but I find many of the posts here applicable to the other categories I write.
I took the survey! Hope our input helps!
I just took your survey. I found your blog by watching Rachelle Gardner on the author platform summit. Very excited to continue reading and following your posts!
I took the survey! Thank you for all your helpful work here on the blog.
I love your blog because of you – such a balanced and intelligent point of view of this very detailed and complex field of publishing. Thank you.
I took the survey. I thought the questions were very well thought out. Thanks for all you do!
I took the survey. Thanks for your posts and input into the lives and careers of so many!
Took the survey. Thanks for your blog!
Took the survey, Rachelle, thank you so much. It is great!
I just finished taking the survey. It was short and sweet. Thanks, Rachelle, I love your blog!
I took the survey…Just gotta say, I LOVE this blog. I read two blogs every day, and this is one of them. Thanks so much for being a consistent, valuable, Christ-centered resource for writers. 🙂
I took the survey! 🙂
Love reading your blog and glad to participate in the survey!
I took the survey!
Christen Krumm
christenKrumm.com
Took the survey
Did the survey. Love this blog – always helpful and inspirational!
Took the survey.
I took the survey
Thank you for the blog. Took the survey,too.
I took the survey. One thing it didn’t address was if we read your posts through our email. I read the portion of the post that comes via email every day and then come to your blog if I want to read more of think I have something to contribute to the conversation.
took survey
I took the survery. Thanks!