Fiction_L Archives Ledges (book offered by phone call) Dates: 2/9/00,12:37 PM  through  2/14/00,8:30 AM  (11 postings) Search for: Select one or more indexes to search: 2011-current     2009-2010     2004-2008    1995-2003    (Matches from each index will be displayed separately in the results page.) Return to February 2000 thread menu   |   Fiction_L Archives Menu

FROM: "Marla" <[removed]@orion.mtgr.mtlib.org>
REC'D: 2/9/00, 12:37 PM

I received a phone call from Michael Frederick, Arizona author of
"Ledges," who was introducing his book and wanting my library to
purchase a copy. I explained that my budget is very limited (and it
really is altho' I think he thought I was fudging) and can only buy
really hot best sellers and books of local interest, etc. I also
explained I usually don't buy something without reviews. He said
his book was a bestseller in the midwest, and on Amazon.com. I
didn't promise anything but said I'd look into it. I did check the
Amazon review which IMHO was pretty sketchy, but not certainly
not unfavorable.

So how about it, you midwestern fiction librarians? Is his book as
great as he says, and worth every penny (it is a paperbound, but
as I said, I really do have to count every penny). I would appreciate
any "reviews" from you if anyone can fill me in. Thanks. BYE!

Marla/Great Falls Public Library/Acquisitions
301 2nd Ave N
Great Falls MT 59401-2593
[removed]@orion.mtgr.mtlib.org

FROM: "Lynn Silence" <[removed]@imail.slcl.lib.mo.us>
REC'D: 2/9/00, 1:16 PM

I haven't received a call from Mr. Frederick, but if his book is a
bestseller in the Midwest, it has escaped our patrons' notice, and we are
one of the largest public libraries in the state; maybe Missouri isn't
Midwest enough!


lks


At 11:38 AM 2/9/2000 -0700, you wrote:
>
>I received a phone call from Michael Frederick, Arizona author of
>"Ledges," who was introducing his book and wanting my library to
>purchase a copy. I explained that my budget is very limited (and it
>really is altho' I think he thought I was fudging) and can only buy
>really hot best sellers and books of local interest, etc. I also
>explained I usually don't buy something without reviews. He said
>his book was a bestseller in the midwest, and on Amazon.com. I
>didn't promise anything but said I'd look into it. I did check the
>Amazon review which IMHO was pretty sketchy, but not certainly
>not unfavorable.
>
>So how about it, you midwestern fiction librarians? Is his book as
>great as he says, and worth every penny (it is a paperbound, but
>as I said, I really do have to count every penny). I would appreciate
>any "reviews" from you if anyone can fill me in. Thanks. BYE!
>
>Marla/Great Falls Public Library/Acquisitions
>301 2nd Ave N
>Great Falls MT 59401-2593
[removed]@orion.mtgr.mtlib.org
>
>
Lynn K. Silence Manager, Collection Development
St. Louis County Library
300 Clarkson Road, Ellisville, Missouri 63011
Voice: 636-227-1138, Fax: 636-227-9632
"To my thinking, a great librarian must have a clear head, a strong hand
and above all a great heart...most of the men who will achieve this greatness
will be women." Melvil Dewey

FROM: "Maryann Bakken" <[removed]@linc.lib.il.us>
REC'D: 2/9/00, 1:22 PM

Interesting how self-promoting authors get around.... Anyway, I have a
more generous book budget than you must have and agreed to purchase it.
(I believe he sent the thing and it was easier to add it than repackage
it and send it back.) I have no particular feedback on it except to say
that it has not circulated here in the month that it has been on our
shelves.

Mary Ann Bakken
St. Charles (IL) Public Library

> ----------
> From: Marla[[removed]@orion.mtgr.mtlib.org]
> Reply To: [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org
> Sent: Wednesday, February 09, 2000 1:14 PM
> To: [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org
> Subject: Ledges (book offered by phone call)
>
>
> I received a phone call from Michael Frederick, Arizona author of
> "Ledges," who was introducing his book and wanting my library to
> purchase a copy. I explained that my budget is very limited (and it
> really is altho' I think he thought I was fudging) and can only buy
> really hot best sellers and books of local interest, etc. I also
> explained I usually don't buy something without reviews. He said
> his book was a bestseller in the midwest, and on Amazon.com. I
> didn't promise anything but said I'd look into it. I did check the
> Amazon review which IMHO was pretty sketchy, but not certainly
> not unfavorable.
>
> So how about it, you midwestern fiction librarians? Is his book as
> great as he says, and worth every penny (it is a paperbound, but
> as I said, I really do have to count every penny). I would appreciate
>
> any "reviews" from you if anyone can fill me in. Thanks. BYE!
>
> Marla/Great Falls Public Library/Acquisitions
> 301 2nd Ave N
> Great Falls MT 59401-2593
> [removed]@orion.mtgr.mtlib.org
>

FROM: "Tova Aragon" <[removed]@weld.lib.co.us>
REC'D: 2/9/00, 2:22 PM

I also received a call. I thought I would give his book a try. It fit
into what our patrons have asked about. I am eager to give the
independent guys a chance. But, I just received it in the mail and
believe I will send it back if the list doesn't give it glowing reviews.
It looks like someone's bound thesis paper. The print is like New York
Times off a wordprocessor. I found the print and layout unattractive
enough to put people off. Is the story worth looking past the layout?
(I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover.)

Tova Aragon
Centennial Park Library
Greeley, Colorado

Marla wrote:
>
> I received a phone call from Michael Frederick, Arizona author of
> "Ledges," who was introducing his book and wanting my library to
> purchase a copy. I explained that my budget is very limited (and it
> really is altho' I think he thought I was fudging) and can only buy
> really hot best sellers and books of local interest, etc. I also
> explained I usually don't buy something without reviews. He said
> his book was a bestseller in the midwest, and on Amazon.com. I
> didn't promise anything but said I'd look into it. I did check the
> Amazon review which IMHO was pretty sketchy, but not certainly
> not unfavorable.
>
> So how about it, you midwestern fiction librarians? Is his book as
> great as he says, and worth every penny (it is a paperbound, but
> as I said, I really do have to count every penny). I would appreciate
> any "reviews" from you if anyone can fill me in. Thanks. BYE!
>
> Marla/Great Falls Public Library/Acquisitions
> 301 2nd Ave N
> Great Falls MT 59401-2593
> [removed]@orion.mtgr.mtlib.org

FROM: "Patience Beer" <[removed]@metronet.lib.mi.us>
REC'D: 2/9/00, 7:37 PM

This guy has been busy. I got a call from him also. It may be shortsighted
but I do not buy any unsolicited materials offered over the phone.

===========================================================================
Patience C. Beer PHONE: 248 625-2212
Head of Adult Services FAX: 248 625-8852
Independence Township Library
6495 Clarkston Road
Clarkston, MI 48346

E-Mail: [removed]@metronet.lib.mi.us

"A good library is a joyful place where the imagination roams free, and
life is actively enriched." John K. Hutchens

FROM: "Patience Beer" <[removed]@metronet.lib.mi.us>
REC'D: 2/9/00, 7:39 PM

Actually, isn't one of the first rules of readers advisory that you CAN
judge a book by its cover?

===========================================================================
Patience C. Beer PHONE: 248 625-2212
Head of Adult Services FAX: 248 625-8852
Independence Township Library
6495 Clarkston Road
Clarkston, MI 48346

E-Mail: [removed]@metronet.lib.mi.us

"A good library is a joyful place where the imagination roams free, and
life is actively enriched." John K. Hutchens

FROM: <[removed]@aol.com>
REC'D: 2/10/00, 1:33 AM

I've been watching the discussion about this book being presented for sale to
libraries and would like to offering the following:

When I was first published, as a romance novelist, I wanted area public
libraries to buy my book - preferably hundreds of copies, of course! So I
called the acquisitions department of each of the major public library
systems in Baltimore and the surrounding areas, told them who I was, and
asked each librarian if I could send a press kit and a copy of my book. Not
to purchase - but to hopefully read and enjoy, and perhaps generate orders.
I should mention that my book was not self-published, nor was it from a small
house. My publisher was Harlequin. So, my suggestion would be to invite the
author to send a press kit and a non-returnable copy of the book for
examination by the acquisitions department - with no promises or strings
attached.

Binnie Syril Braunstein
Romance novelist/former librarian

FROM: "Lynn Silence" <[removed]@imail.slcl.lib.mo.us>
REC'D: 2/10/00, 8:32 AM

It isn't short-sighted not to do business over the phone--it's more like self-preservation. Most of the solicitations my library gets by phone are from people who are reading from a script and have no idea what "product" they are offering. I know that they have to earn their livings, but since we are accountable for our use of the taxpayer's money, we owe them a wiser selection process!

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: Patience Beer <[removed]@metronet.lib.mi.us>
Reply-To: [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org
Date: Wed, 9 Feb 2000 20:42:29 -0500 (EST)

This guy has been busy. I got a call from him also. It may be shortsighted
but I do not buy any unsolicited materials offered over the phone.

===========================================================================
Patience C. Beer PHONE: 248 625-2212
Head of Adult Services FAX: 248 625-8852
Independence Township Library
6495 Clarkston Road
Clarkston, MI 48346

E-Mail: [removed]@metronet.lib.mi.us

"A good library is a joyful place where the imagination roams free, and
life is actively enriched." John K. Hutchens


--
Lynn K. Silence
Manager, Collection Development
St. Louis County Library
300 Clarkson Road
Ellisville, Missouri 63011
636-227-1138 (Voice) 636-227-9632 (Fax)
"To my thinking, a great librarian must have a clear head,
strong hand and... a great heart...and most of the men who
will achieve this greatness will be women." Melvil Dewey
--

FROM: "Dennis Lien" <[removed]@tc.umn.edu>
REC'D: 2/10/00, 9:35 AM

>Date: Wed, 09 Feb 2000 13:29:00 -0800
>From: Tova Aragon <[removed]@weld.lib.co.us>
>Subject: Re: Ledges (book offered by phone call)
>
>I also received a call. I thought I would give his book a try. It fit
>into what our patrons have asked about. I am eager to give the
>independent guys a chance. But, I just received it in the mail and
>believe I will send it back if the list doesn't give it glowing reviews.
>It looks like someone's bound thesis paper. The print is like New York
>Times off a wordprocessor. I found the print and layout unattractive
>enough to put people off. Is the story worth looking past the layout?
>(I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover.)
>
>Tova Aragon
>Centennial Park Library
>Greeley, Colorado
>
>Marla wrote:
>>
>> I received a phone call from Michael Frederick, Arizona author of
>> "Ledges," who was introducing his book and wanting my library to
>> purchase a copy. I explained that my budget is very limited (and it
>> really is altho' I think he thought I was fudging) and can only buy
>> really hot best sellers and books of local interest, etc. I also
>> explained I usually don't buy something without reviews. He said
>> his book was a bestseller in the midwest, and on Amazon.com.
<snip>

For what it's worth, here's the WorldCat record for libraries in
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota who hold
the book (two cataloging records so two holdings lists):


IA
JIE ERICSON PUB LIBR
JIN NEWTON PUB LIBR

ND
DKG NORTH DAKOTA SMALL LIBR GROUP

SD
MIT MITCHELL PUB LIBR

WI
GZD MILWAUKEE CNTY FEDERATED LIBR SYST
GZG BROWN CNTY LIBR
GZX LA CROSSE PUB LIBR
W4N NEW BERLIN PUB LIBR
W63 USS LIBERTY MEM PUB LIBR
W64 W J NIEDERKORN LIBR
W66 CEDAR GROVE PUB LIBR
WIF FOND DU LAC CITY, CNTY FED LIBR SERV
WIK KENOSHA PUB LIBR
WIM MADISON PUB LIBR
WIQ OUTAGAMIE WAUPACA LIBR SYST
WSD EASTERN SHORES LIBR SYST
WSW SOUTHWEST WISCONSIN LIBR SYST

IA
IOS DAVENPORT PUB LIBR
IWB COUNCIL BLUFFS PUB LIBR
IWP SIOUX CITY PUB LIBR
JIM MARSHALLTOWN PUB LIBR
JIP PERRY PUB LIBR
JIU URBANDALE PUB LIBR
KAY CARNEGIE-STOUT PUB LIBR
LXY IOWA CITY PUB LIBR
UIB AMES PUB LIBR

ND
DIP DICKINSON PUB LIBR
LEA Full Institution name not found

SD
AML ALEXANDER MITCHELL LIBR
SDD SIOUXLAND LIBR
SDS SOUTH DAKOTA STATE LIBR
USD UNIV OF S DAKOTA
ZWA WATERTOWN REG LIBR


For a self-published book, that does seem like a rather large number of
libraries. (Curious that no Minnesota libraries show, however; maybe
he hasn't worked his way through the phonebook to my state yet). No
opinion as to if the number of libraries owning reflects quality/demand
or simply pushy salespersonship.

But I think I'm jealous: my wife's book (JOY OF HOME WINE MAKING) has
gone through six printings from a major publisher (Avon) and yet is
only in about half that many regional libraries per WorldCat. Maybe we
should acquire an 800 number and start browbeating our colleagues on
a one to one basis over the phone._

(Nahh...I'd rather be able to sleep nights.)

Dennis Lien / U of Minnesota Libraries // [removed]@tc.umn.edu

FROM: "Kaite Mediatore" <[removed]@yahoo.com>
REC'D: 2/10/00, 9:47 AM

My response to solicitations such as these has always
been to request literature on the
product/service/title in the mail. The reason is, I'm
on the phone all day, it seems, talking to patrons,
colleagues, various other salespeople and unless I'm
actively invovled in the subject matter, I won't
remember what's said.

Sales pitches for products, etc, I've never heard of
don't work on me. I can't remember! So I tell the
salesperson to send me something to read, then I'll
remember. Occasionally I hear a sales person say,
"this offer is only available over the phone." And my
response is, "I'm sorry. I won't remember a word
you've said after I hang up the phone. Send me an
order form and then I'll remember."

I find this is a good way to cut down on the
long-winded pitches as well, especially if I'm at a
service desk. ;)

--- Lynn Silence <[removed]@imail.slcl.lib.mo.us>
wrote:
> It isn't short-sighted not to do business over the
> phone--it's more like self-preservation. Most of
> the solicitations my library gets by phone are from
> people who are reading from a script and have no
> idea what "product" they are offering. I know that
> they have to earn their livings, but since we are
> accountable for our use of the taxpayer's money, we
> owe them a wiser selection process!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------- Original Message
> ----------------------------------
> From: Patience Beer <[removed]@metronet.lib.mi.us>
> Reply-To: [removed]@maillist.nslsilus.org
> Date: Wed, 9 Feb 2000 20:42:29 -0500 (EST)
>
> This guy has been busy. I got a call from him also.
> It may be shortsighted
> but I do not buy any unsolicited materials offered
> over the phone.
>
>
===========================================================================
> Patience C. Beer PHONE: 248 625-2212
> Head of Adult Services FAX: 248 625-8852
> Independence Township Library
> 6495 Clarkston Road
> Clarkston, MI 48346
>
> E-Mail: [removed]@metronet.lib.mi.us
>
> "A good library is a joyful place where the
> imagination roams free, and
> life is actively enriched." John K. Hutchens
>
>
>
>
> --
> Lynn K. Silence
> Manager, Collection Development
> St. Louis County Library
> 300 Clarkson Road
> Ellisville, Missouri 63011
> 636-227-1138 (Voice) 636-227-9632 (Fax)
> "To my thinking, a great librarian must have a clear
> head,
> strong hand and... a great heart...and most of the
> men who
> will achieve this greatness will be women." Melvil
> Dewey
> --
>

=====
Kaite Mediatore
Leawood Pioneer Branch Manager
Johnson County Library
Box 2933
Shawnee Mission, KS 66201-1333
913-344-0250 fx:913-344-0253
[removed]@jcl.lib.ks.us
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger.
<A HREF="http://im.yahoo.com">http://im.yahoo.com</A>

FROM: "Marla" <[removed]@orion.mtgr.mtlib.org>
REC'D: 2/14/00, 8:30 AM

Thanks to all who responded both on and off list to my question
about the book "Ledges." I appreciated all the wonderful
philosophical insights and caveats plus the practical "ratings" of
the book itself. BYE!

Marla/Great Falls Public Library/Acquisitions
301 2nd Ave N
Great Falls, MT 59401-2593
[removed]@orion.mtgr.mtlib.org

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