Last year I conducted a historical fiction survey. As regular readers of A Writer of History know, more than 800 participants responded creating the first ever comprehensive set of data on historical fiction preferences. And … I want to go through the craziness again, but I need your help.
Beyond the topics included in last year’s summary report, participants provided input on favourite authors, favourite websites, blogs and social media sites, aspects that detract from enjoyment of historical fiction, and reasons for not reading historical fiction.
- What new topics would be useful to explore?
- What correlations amongst topics might offer further insights?
- How can I reach more participants beyond North America?
- How can I reach a higher portion of younger readers and male readers?
- Please email me maryktod [at] gmail [dot] com if you are willing to help get the word out when it comes time to publish the survey link.
Please use the comments to respond or my email if you prefer.
Many thanks for your help. Feel free to share this post with others.
14 Responses
I’m glad you’re doing the survey again and that I’ll have a chance to participate this time (the last one was already completed by the time I discovered your blog). I will think about your questions above and let you know if I have any suggestions.
I have shared this on FB and Twitter, and also posted the link on my blog. I have lots of friends and blog followers who I think will be happy to respond. I will give it some serious thought.
Good luck.
Many thanks, Jessie. The more the merrier 🙂
I’ll pass this around amongst the Brits who write LGBT historicals. good luck.
And I will pimp your pimping on twitter and harness the power of my 30 followers!
Thanks Elin – I really appreciate getting my request out there.
I’m not sure Mary’s ready to hear what the “Defying Leviticus” crowd wants. Or is this the new wave of Historical Fiction? Maybe I should take that job as a software checker.
Shared on Twitter and Facebook!
Many thanks Marg!
First I’ve heard of your surveys, but how cool! I suggest that in the question regarding type of historical fiction stories (where you offered strong female character, etc.), you add this year a choice for “Past-and-Present.” Writers from William Martin to Kate Morton to Karen White have great stories that alternate time periods.
Great idea, Tori. I see quite a lot of books like that – have written one myself!! I will add that in to one of the questions.
Do you have a banner for the survey inclusive start date? Handy to re-post, tweet, FB and blog with.
That’s a great idea, Francine. The answer is no, but clearly I should have one! Another item for the to do list 🙂