Browsing the Bookshelves

Well, this is a first for me.

Some time ago, I was sent a proof copy for Kathryn Fox's Malicious Intent for review.  A gripping crime thriller, the central character of which is a forensic physician, somewhat reminiscent of Patricia Cornwell's Dr Kay Scarpetta.  A thoroughly enjoyable read.

When I review a book and think that I might like to read it again, I usually purchase a "proper" copy and pass the proof on to someone else who I think may enjoy a new-to-them author.  (Being a very law abiding bookseller, I don't sell proof copies that I have been sent directly from the publishers in advance of publication). So I gave my proof copy of Malicious Intent to a fellow bookcrosser and ordered a brand, spanking new copy for myself from Amazon. Of course I had to wait a couple of months for the new book to be published, but that's no problem. What is a problem for me is that the book which finally arrived this morning is such a flimsy paperback that I doubt it will stand one reading before the pages start to come away from the spine. Such a shame: the proof copy was a lovely, solid, pleasantly-feeling volume with eye-catching covers. The edition I've just received is insipid. 

Time, I think, to rethink my policy on parting with proofs and replacing them with published editions.  Such a shame that the pressure of discounting has drive book production standards so low. But there is perhaps a greater problem here for publishers. We review pre-publication books so that we can make sensible recommendations to customers. If I can't be sure that the published book will actually stand reading, I'm unlikely to make a recommendation. I'm sure other booksellers will feel the same.  I feel I've been misled. I'm certainly not going to mislead bookbuyers in turn.