Unabashedly Bookish

[#1]

Whether one chooses to admit it or not, a person's physical appearance plays an increasingly significant role in numerous aspects of their life. We make countless snap judgments of people every day - the disheveled homeless guy laid out in the alley with an empty bottle of Thunderbird next to him; the stunning, six-foot tall woman walking down the sidewalk in front of you; the teenaged girl next to you on the subway with tattoos on her neck - it's just part of being human. Just as we make conclusions about aspects of a person's appearance, those same people are prejudging us in the same way - forming opinions based on our height, weight, clothing, hair color, demeanor, etc.

We live in a shallow society. That much is obvious. We've all heard, for example, about the studies that show taller men and women get more promotions and earn more money in their careers than their shorter counterparts. But that's just the tip of the superficial iceberg. I just overheard my wife and mother-in-law talking about a section of Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner's newest, SuperFreakonomics, that concludes women with bad teeth and obesity issues are penalized more in the workplace than men with similar conditions. It really got me to thinking about how far this insane superficiality extends - like how much an author's appearance influences their success (or lack thereof)...

• If an attractive 25-year old woman and a 90-year old man with a nose like an overripe eggplant wrote comparable paranormal fantasy novels, would be a literary agent or publisher sign the beautiful young woman faster than the old man? Is the young woman's novel more marketable because of her appearance?

• Do attractive writers (male and female) draw larger crowds than their unsightly or just plain ordinary counterparts at conventions, book signings, etc.? And, if so, why?

• Can an author's picture on the back of the book - or inside the dust jacket - compel a potential reader to buy it? Or can a "bad" headshot turn a reader off?

I'll admit it - I've decided to read a book largely based on an author's picture. I'm drawn to highly original and "unusual" works of genre fiction so if I see an author who looks unusual - i.e. interesting - I'm immediately intrigued. That's how I discovered brilliantly talented writers like Patrick Rothfuss, Nathan Singer, Brian Keene, Cherie Priest, Christa Faust, Justine Musk, Duane Swierczynski and, most recently, Kirsten Imani Kasai.

Just take a look around. Sensationalized sexuality and superficiality are everywhere - on television, in movies, advertisements, video games, music lyrics... If you're not one of the beautiful people, well, what's wrong with you? This skin-deep mindset has unarguably seeped into our collective subconscious and twisted the way we perceive reality (For those of you who haven't seen the Dove Self Esteem Fund video please click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U).  

Back in the days before MTV, cable television, and the Internet, an artist's physical appearance was irrelevant. I remember listening to albums and having no idea what the artist looked like - The Moody Blues, Christopher Cross, Roxy Music, etc. - and not caring one bit either. We live in a different world now, one where a person's outside is sometimes seemingly just as important as their inside.

Here are my questions to you (and please be honest):

1. Have you ever purchased a book, in part, because the author was attractive to you? Or, have you bypassed a book because the author was unattractive or unappealing to you?

2. Do you think the appearance of an author could potentially persuade - or dissuade - an agent or press from publishing their work?

3. Ever wonder about books and/or writer websites with no pictures of the author?

4. Are you slightly sickened that we're even talking about this?

5. I'm looking to publish a new collection of poetry - should I invest in a razor and hair plugs?

[#2]

Pfft, you've never met some of the poets in the IWP.... (don't change a thing )

Author appearances usually don't bother me unless I go to a reading and the author turns up looking like an escapee from a mental institution sans bath (has happened).  What actually bothers me are the author head-shots that looks very "Glamour shots" with make-up, very posed, and the author looks a shade on the uncomfortable side.  I would rather have an author picture that looks like the author is enjoying themselves.

Margaret Atwood's current author photo is great, looks smart, a little twinkle in her eye, and natural.  Jasper Fforde's shots look good, too (I think his wife does his photos if I'm not mistaken).

[#3]

Paul I do have to take issue with one of your points here... you talk about an earlier era where the look of an artist was irrelevent and then in your examples you list Roxy Music??  Seriously?!  Of all the bands of that era, their look was a HUGE part of what they were all about.  I mean wasn't that a big part of the point of glam rock?  I don't think they would have bothered with all the makeup and ridiculous outfits of no one was looking...

[#4]

I don't know if it determines sales, but it shouldn't. I will agree with you that an interesting look helps, so long as it doesn't look "forced."

This is probably just as shallow as looking at their appearance, but when checking out new authors, I'll often look at their MySpace pages for their musical interests. If the music they like is similar to what I like, I am more likely to give their stuff a chance.

Derek

[#5]

Jon:

You're absolutely right about Roxy Music – but my point was that after I stumbled across their debut album – I think it was my uncle's – and listened to it, I loved it and must've played it hundreds of times. But all I knew about Roxy Music at the time was what was on the album and that didn't feature any pictures of the band. I had no "visuals" to go by... same thing with my Christopher Cross and Moody Blues albums.

Paul

[#6]

And I still LOVE that album, by the way – one of my all-time favs!

Paul

[#7]

Paul,

I guess that I have not really paid attentiont to what the author looks like.  For me it is a matter of the story realy grabbing me.  I don't think that I have ever bought a book just on the authors looks.  Covers that is a different matter.  You always come up with great things to think abount.

[#8]

Well, mostly, paperbacks don't have pictures.  Because books are so expensive, that's usually what I buy.  I don't get the option/benefit of choosing based on looks, and even when I _do_ buy hard covers, it's based on what I like and need to read RIGHT NOW because I'm addicted to a particular author, rather than looks.  The hell with what they look like, they write real damn good! I need my book fix!

Now, if you want to talk covers, that's a horse of a different color, lol...

[#9]

Paul,

You really come up with some interesting topics!  Another great one by the way!

Honestly, I've never chosen a book by the author's picture.  This hasn't changed in all the years I've been reading and never will.  I can say that I never have a visual of the author.  I do however, have visuals of the characters  That's why I'd never see a movie based on a book unless I'd read the book first.  Then I'd only see it to see if they kept to the story in the book.  I'd want them to be good actors and make me feel the story as I'd done while reading  .   

The first thing I see is the cover, so yeah, that gets my attention.  Secondly, I'm looking for the blurb on the back to relate to that picture in some way.  It has to grab my interest as well.  Thirdly,  when I open that book  the writing has to be good.  It has to grab my attention right off the bat and never let go.  Fourth, if it's an established author that I've read, then I don't even bother with the other three, because usually the book's going to be good.  It's definitely writing.  Therein lies the crux of it all for me.  Poor writing is a waste of my time and my money. 

Yes, I do think the author's appearance can dissuade an agent from publishing their work.  Everything these days is based on first impression and physical appearance above all else.  We always hear and try to teach our kids that the inside of a person is most worthy.  The outside is just superficial.  Unfortunately this superficiality has become the way of the world in so many ways.  Which is terrible, because there maybe a diamond in the ruff somehwere.

No, I've never wondered about websites or books without pictures.  It just never occurred to me.  If there is a picture of the author, I consider that a nice boon.  I'm to overjoyed to get their newsletter (if there's one), so that I can keep up with their books!

Another no.  I'm not put off by this subject.  Like I said, I've never thought about it at all.

If you published your poetry and it said something to me, I'd buy it.  Personally, I like beards as long as their trimmed and kept up nicely.  Facial hair doesn't bother me.  Now the ears, yes.  I'd advise ear plugs.  To be honest, I never knew there were such things! 

[#10]

Wow! I never would have taken you for a Christopher Cross fan!

I have never chosen a book based on the author's look - cover art though heck yeah! If I had to think about it though I would probably be more turned off by someone who looked too perfect. I'm kind of suspicious of people with that plastic surgery, fake nails, boobs, calf muscles, hair color, eye color and photo white teeth look myself! I like it when people look like real people.

[#11]

This subject is funny!  I've thought about this, only because when I pick up a new author, read the cover, content synops, I look at their picture as well as the dust jacket art work.  And a lot of new authors come out with paper backs with their pictures on the inside cover.  I remember, when we were reading The Thirteenth Tale, the Diane Sutterfield first published novel, here at B&N.  Her picture became part of the discussion.  The dress, look, and pose was significant to the story, itself.

During reading of these new authors, I admit, I look at their pictures.  I look into their eyes, their faces, and see what they are trying to tell me, how they are transfering themselves into their writing.  I know this sounds a bit crazy, but I do this.  It brings it down to a more personal, intimate relationship to the author's writing, when I can link those facial expressions to their words.  And if an author's shot is full blown ugly, or homely, I wonder what prompts the most beautiful writing that I've found, within their novel.  Or if an author is too perfect, I wonder how perfect their writing will be.  Do they think beyond what they see in their mirror? 

I had discussed Julia Glass's novel, The Whole World Over, and thought, what an academic looking woman.  Come to find out, yes, her whole family was extremely educated, and these words came accross in her writing.

The last FL discussion I was on, Shandi Mitchell's picture said to me......this is me, take me or leave me.  Not a picture to write home about...no make-up to speak of, no touching up of that picture, and you got prose from her that spoke volumns to the reader.  She looked straight at you, with eyes those spoke to you of honesty and truth, it's what she portrays in her first novel...absolutely genius.

But, to be perfectly honest, it's always a toss up to be able to tell about a work of fiction by what the author looks like.  It's just fun to try!

Kathy S.

[#12]

1. No and no. Though I will admit that I watch all movie adaptations of Paul Auster's books (after I read them) since it seems he likes to make cameos.   He's probably the only author I've ever thought about in those terms.

2. Unfortunately, yes. But I'd like to think that the publishing houses are more intrigued with the actual work than the appearance of the one creating it.

3. Nope, never crossed my mind.

4. As a matter of fact, yes. When I first saw the title of the blog my first thought was, "Seriously!?! Please tell me this is a Mischief Night prank!"

5. HA! I'm not going to justify that with an answer!

[#13]

Never has an authors looks determined If I purchase a book or not..It has never crossed my mind..John Irving is and was in his youth a Good Looking Man..But would never buy any of his books based on that,really now......Physical attraction is so important if you are in like/love...then again sometimes,I have been wrong....never judge a Person by their cover,...A book cover,well thats one of my passions......Musically speaking  Bob Dylan,Frank Zappa,Jerry Garcia,Janis Joplin..Brilliant...AND SEXY BECAUSE THEIR MUSIC  WAS  SO amazing.....Just my point of view...Good Questions...

[#14]

Thanks for all of the feedback! (I was hoping that your responses would be like this.) It's nice to know that there is still a segment of our culture that hasn't been terminally diseased with the superficiality plague.....  

Paul

[#15]

Great Topic! No, how the author looks doesn't matter. I just glance at the picture.

So I have never purchased a book based on looks of the author.

I have listened to authors speak or read/hear author interviews.

It is amazing that some authors might be able to write but are not very eloquent.

So that has affected how I view their books, but the book speaks for itself.

I don't wonder about an author's website if it doesn't have a picture.

It is nice to see their picture, but it doesn't matter.

Lastly I think it is a great topic to talk about.

And when you publish the poetry, skip the makeover, be yourself.

[#16]

Exactly,always be yourself..when in doubt just check with us..We are a supportive group.....In Vermont,if one is superficial,they ask you to leave...to go over the Border too NY........

[#17]

Paul, Paul, Paul, where do you get your inspirations. No don't tell me. Another great story.

Well let me answer your questions

1- I have never purchased a book because of the authors looks and never will.

2-I hope not, but I'm not that naive and I'm sure that has happened

3-yes especially one of my favorites John Twelve Hawks, but if he looked like the devil incarnate it wouldn't stop me from reading him.

4-  ;-)

5-Your enigmatic looks would only increase your popularity, I see in your future having to employ bodyguards to keep the masses of women from throwing themselves at you or at the least their clothing.

In my own life I try not to be effected by physical appearance related to my own very biased teenagehood. Let's just say that I was who Janis Ian wrote about in her song At Seventeen so knowing first hand how feeling like a misfit is I make every attempt to not use prejudice in who I choose as friends or how I react or interact with people in general.

Deb

[#18]

Wow!  I never even thought of this.  I purchase books based on the books stories, or if I know the author and have loved other books by them.  When I research the books to see if I would like them the look of the author is the furthest thing from my mind, I just want to know about the book.

So, that being said I have never purchased or not purchased a book based on what an author looked like.

But, from a business perspective ~ and I hate to say this ~ but there is always a chance of a publisher picking up or not picking up an author due to looks.  The shame of the matter is that is in the world, and in business.  I hate the idea being there and it is not right, but people are human.  I think if an author has an awesome book the look should have nothing to do with getting it published and shared with the world.  But, well, we live in a cold hard world ~ it happens. Not that it is right, but it happens.

I would think that books is a way to do something that doesn't matter what you look like.  This is words and paper and most of all feeling.  This to me is a way for the physical features to not get involved.  But there are book signings and things that may go with the book deals.  I don't think it should matter.

I am just a little amazed we are talking about this.  I guess because I never thought of it.  It just seems that we should be past all this.  People are aware of it.  I am not saying you should get plastic surgery but people know there is more than just the outside, and yet for some reason this is what we keep coming back to.  Just can't seem to get past this.  Well, we are all human and have our flawes, weither physical or something a little deeper...

Maybe this blog topic will get others thinking about this very issue and help get past it.

Oh, by the way Paul, don't do the plugs and no razor needed either.  Be yourself.  More people should.

[#19]

Great comments everyone! What did you think of that Dove self esteem video, by the way? I've got two young daughters and that just chilled me to the bone....

[#20]

Paul the video didn't surprise me, but it did make me mad.

I'm a proud Dove user and have been for years and applaud what they're doing.

deb

[#21]

I haven't saw the video, so I have no opinion on that.  I've used Dove for many years and still do.  As one of those geek misfits from days gone by, I try very hard to encourage my young relatives to be themselves and like who they are.  Everyone brings something special to this mix called life and that's what makes it interesting.  If we were all the same with the same ideas, thoughts and opinions, it would truly be beyond boring.  Now that is depressing!

[#22]

Is that what they think we all want to see?  By they I mean all the video, photographers, and tv people.  Is that what makes a product sell?  I am glad Dove has shown this to open eyes to people to show what is done with the photographs and that these people really may not be real.  How are they young girls of today and tomorrow to live up to something that is not even real?

I am sorry, I am not as nieve as some people and know that if I use their product it is not going to make me the beautiful bomb shell walking down the road.  But, I have found things that do help my skin, but not in the way they like to commercialize.

I am glad to see that Dove shows this side of how they get what they want you to see, but are enough people seeing this?  Why don't they just put the true picture on the billboard?  She looked beautiful to me the way she was with the makeup and hair done.  Wow!

[#23]

Girls are bombarded with this type of manufactured image of what is beautiful from a very young age.

It is sad to think that companies believe that seeing a person as they really are would not help sell their product. Look at Barbie, not exactly how a typical woman looks.

I like what Dove has done in this clip to show that it isn't a real person.

[#24]

I have not purchased a book because of the author's appearance.  However, I DO believe that the apperance of a writer could and likely does impact the decision of the publisher to sign the author.  Also, I believe that the author's appearance would affect how many people would come to a book signing. 

I can't say that I have ever wondered why an author would choose not to post a picture of themselves on a website.  I have not really thought about that........

I believe an individual's appearance has always affected how people are perceived; I don't think this is really a new thing.

[#25]

I think that the Dove vid is important, but I don't think it's the be-all end-all. As the parent of 3 young children, two of whom are boys and, having heard from one of those boys that he thinks, at 5 that his skinny little 34lb butt is fat, I don't think that this problem is limited to girls. I think it's a problem of parenting. If you approach it as raising good kids who will have a well rounded sense of self, think that they are inately beautiful, at least in some part (or, think that they can do something well enough to be beautiful for that thing), and who have some sense of control over the parts of their lives, I think you'll find that the commercial sense of beauty is unimportant. You'll have given them the tools to find the beauty in themselves and others. My kid, who thought he was fat? I told he that he was the PERFECT weight for him and if he ever thought different to come and talk to me/us about it. So far? The subject has been dropped by him. . (The question that brought all of this up? What to feed grandma when she came to visit...she _is_ overweight and has a gallbadder issue, so the question was actually one that was pertinant to our household.)

[#26]

The Dove video was extremely telling. I've also seen several of their commercials on television, and always find myself moved by them...I used to be one of those girls. I think it's hard to understand that message when you're so young, but Dove is going in the right direction by trying to say something loud and clear to everyone. Hopefully, publishers and agents are listening.