A Brief History of Library Journal’s “First Novelists” Feature
More novelists, less coverage
1951: On Oct. 1, LJ presents “New Creative Writers,” including authors of story collections as well as novels, totalling 14. There were 2-3 paragraph biographies of each writer, not statements by them.
1977: The feature is now called First Novelists. It runs twice a year, following the traditional publishing schedule of “spring list” and “fall list.” Authors are invited to submit personal statements and photos. The Feb. 1 spring total is 37. ( LJ does not claim to cover all novelists appearing that season.)
1982: First novelists have become steadily more numerous. The Oct. 1 issue presents 82, with the comment: “In spite of upheavals that have occurred in the publishing industry recently, many publishers are still actively seeking and promoting first novelists. These authors, who are being published in an increasingly competitive field, are aware of their need for exposure. LJ is one way of fulfilling that need.”
1986: With 121 novelists to cover, LJ changes format: a staff-written article with quotes from some of the novelists; a few brief authorial statements; an author-title list of the rest.
1987: “For over 35 years, LJ has encouraged those willing to face the risk and the challenge,” LJ comments, announcing “a record-breaking 182 first novelists” on the spring/summer list.
1988: Another format change. 43 novelists get to write a short response to a common question. The other 123 get only author/title listing.
1990: In the March 15 issue, without comment, LJ drops novelist statements and photos and offers only an author-title list, geographically divided so that librarians can stock their regional authors.
1992: The First Novels feature assumes its present form, as “a retrospective of last season’s most successful first novels,” which mentions only books “that received a measure of critical acclaim as well as audience support.”