Book Hype vs. Book Buzz: Stephen King Sheds Some Light
In an excellent article in June 6, 2008 issue of Entertainment Weekly, columnist Stephen King illuminates the difference between "hype" and "buzz" for writers.
King says, "Buzz is not hype and hype is not buzz. Hype is paid for: full-page ads, luxe websites, logos on the sides of buses, billboards on Sunset Boulevard, carpet-bomb TV campaigns. Buzz is free."
King goes on to say that hype is not only sometimes unreliable, it's often unreliable.
He says that buzz is almost always reliable.
When you think about how you are going to get known as a writer, whether before or after the book deal, do you think in terms of hype or buzz?
I think it's worth thinking about because we're all starting to recognize the difference.
King says, "Buzz is not hype and hype is not buzz. Hype is paid for: full-page ads, luxe websites, logos on the sides of buses, billboards on Sunset Boulevard, carpet-bomb TV campaigns. Buzz is free."
King goes on to say that hype is not only sometimes unreliable, it's often unreliable.
He says that buzz is almost always reliable.
When you think about how you are going to get known as a writer, whether before or after the book deal, do you think in terms of hype or buzz?
I think it's worth thinking about because we're all starting to recognize the difference.
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