Instead of slapping author quotes on a book cover, books should come with the first ten pages devoted to a short story by a different, lesser-known writer, like a support slot for a music gig.
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Rick Riordan does something like this. Brings other lesser known authors who write about mythology. Often times as a separate little book for free with his books.
I love this idea. I never would have considered this. I personally enjoy when authors/publishers take their own unique take on the physicality of their books and writing styles. So to have this element added would be yet another element that could really stand out about an author :)
When rights to my story collection revert to me, I’m tempted to try and put together a sister publication of remixes from other authors. (I live in a parallel world where the book sold well enough that I can pay people for their work.)
I like your idea of giving a lesser-known writer some exposure!
I've read a few books where at the very end there is: "If you liked this book, you might also like..." followed by a first chapter of another book, although they tend to be the same author.
The Ace Doubles tête-bêche prints from the 50s and 60s often did something similar. One story from a well-known writer, the other from someone new to the Ace stable.
Although practically, it would have to be someone from the same publisher, I’d love it if the author got to choose and it didn’t matter - it would definitely puncture the marketing feel (albeit at the cost of maybe making local scenes even more insular…)
I honestly really dig the idea! Not quite the same thing, but it reminds me of how many Pixar movies used to have a short before them created by the newer hires of the studio, to both teach them how to work with Pixar's tools and showcase their talent publicly.
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Let's goooooo!
I've read a few books where at the very end there is: "If you liked this book, you might also like..." followed by a first chapter of another book, although they tend to be the same author.