Poll : 31 October - 13 November 2012

Analysis

We're really excited about the launch of our new fiction imprint and are even more excited to learn that many of you seem to be, too! It's been a long time coming, but Las Vegas really seems to be developing a distinct cultural identity away from the casinos, and it's great to be able to encourage writing talent and to work with local artists (from whom we're commissioning all the cover art).

The debut novel from Vegas Lit is by well-known blackjack expert and author Arnold Snyder, but while Risk of Ruin has a blackjack element, the core is a dark and irreverent love story unlike any you've ever read. Next off the presses is the first work of fiction by acclaimed gambling writer Michael Konik. A hilarious piece of social satire, Becoming Bobby manages to be both disturbing and yet strangely inspirational. It's due back from the printer early December, and both titles will also be available as pdf downloads from ShopLVA.com (Risk of Ruin is already) and for all major e-Book platforms. Watch "Today's News" and follow @VegasLit on Twitter for updates (check out the excerpt of Becoming Bobby Tweeted by Konik that Snyder, Vegas Lit's managing editor, just posted on his blog).

• "I own a Kindle 2 and I love it! I don’t like holding hardcover books so I haven’t bought them in years (not even at 2nd. hand stores). Since the paperback publishers have put the print so close to the binding that you have to break the spine to read the text I don’t buy them either. I DO buy kindle books. They are the perfect solution – and for the most part the price is right!"
  
  
• "The only time I buy books is for the Eating Las Vegas series. I would prefer Ebooks in PDF as I don’t own a fancy Ebook reader." [Ed: You're in luck! See above.]
  
  
• "I don't use ebooks, kindle, etc. I do read a lot though, and would enjoy Vegas-themed books IF they were not so guy-oriented. I don't want edgy, mob-era, or noir-style stories. I want cross over into lighter sci-fi, fantasy, comedy and romance genres. Hey, you asked." [Ed: Yes, we did! As a female, I'd say both of these first titles have appeal for both genders, but especially Becoming Bobby, which a lot of women readers will be able to identify with, although the protagonist is a (deluded) male.]
  
  
• "I do read fiction both in print form and on an iPad. Usually in the action/thiller genre. As much as I love Las Vegas, not sure of interest in fiction books revolving around gambling, but would probably try on a discounted basis."
  
  
• "As a librarian, I’m always interested in what’s new on the publishing scene. I congratulate and encourage you on your work to expand Huntington Press. Who knows, maybe I’ll get some patrons interested in downloading your books!" [Ed: Awesome!]
  
  
• "I love good fiction (like the few Vegas based books I've read) and enjoy books on my kindle! But I also delve into paperbacks to read on my raft in the pool, as the kindle doesn't dunk as well."
  
  
• "I read approximately 10 books a month in both fiction and non-fiction. It is not uncommon to have several books around the house that are in mid-read and when I want to sit and relax a few minutes I will pick one up from where I last left it. Until I look further into the technology/costs/availability of authors/topics I'll stay with my paperbacks and hardbacks that I buy or get from the library."