Reader Research #1: What can we learn from our readers? (50+, Female).

I asked 6 readers, both male and female and of various ages, what they shop for on Amazon.com when looking for e-books for their Kindle.Here's what reader number one had to say:BIO: Reader number one was over 50 years of age and female. She mostly reads Sci Fi, Crime and Thrillers. I did not gain any other information about this reader.When browsing online, she looks primarily at cover design, the book's description and any book reviews. 'Covers are the first thing I look at because they draw you in. For me they are the hook. Then I read the brief description to explore further; see if it grabs my interest. I then look at reviews to seal the deal or judge if I am going to buy the book. It doesn't always sway my decision though."As well as the above, she stated she has no preference for traditionally published or indie books. 'The book is more important. I didn't know the difference until I read a post on your site'*.*referring to this blog at www.erachaelhardcastle.com.When asked about her genre preference, she chose Crime, Thrillers and futuristic Science Fiction, explaining, 'that is why Aeon Infinitum's cover draws me in. I have always has an interest in unravelling a plot and predicting the future of a story. Aeon gives me a bit of both.'She also admitted that she didn't know you could leave a review on Amazon if you hadn't purchased a copy of the book and didn't know the difference between 'verified purchases' and non verified purchases. 'I don't check this. It depends on how many reviews the book has and what the person says'.Further to the above, she advised she recommends books only occasionally when it's something special. 'I don't use social media much but I recommend to friends and family by word of mouth. It has to be a genre I know they read or will enjoy and it has to be special. I know limited readers to recommend to but when I do I usually just let them borrow mine or give it to them unless I want to keep it.'She then went on to say that she doesn't have a favourite author. 'I read James Patterson but only because I like the genre and he has a lot available. I wouldn't shop specifically for an author's book, but if I buy one and there are sequels recommended and they look good or follow on, I might buy them. I go by content and not the author's name.'When asked if she can usually identify the self-published books from the listings on Amazon, she said she would look for odd or unusual prices, such as £3.64 and not £3.99. I continued the interview by asking if she has a negative opinion of indies and why some others may do. She said 'I think indie books are generally more expensive because they aren't in supermarket deals. I sometimes buy deals for example, but if I need something specialist or specific that I can't get in a bookshop I can sometimes find an indie book that's a bit more expensive, but I'm willing to pay because it meets my needs.' She finished by saying that she doesn't have any negative views of indies and so far is open-minded.I asked her to further explain if she would review an indie book in exchange for a free copy, and she said 'yes but I'd rather it be left after I've paid for the book. It's more genuine. I'd feel that it's an unbiased opinion then, but if they give me the book free I might feel obligated to leave good feedback'.Bad language doesn't particularly bother her either and if it did, she wouldn't choose the genres above.This reader had no other comments but to advise me she had purchased my books in paperback.What did I learn from this interview? What can indie writers take from this reader's feedback?From this reader's interview I learned that having several books available on Amazon can be beneficial, particularly if they are part of a series with appealing front covers, a gripping description and standard pricing (to the nearest pound or dollar).I think it's important to note that this reader didn't realise there was a difference between indie and traditionally published books to begin with, so this was never an issue when shopping online. This told me to make my book as professional looking as possible so those who are aware of the difference never feel the need to check.I also learned that this reader thinks indie books may actually be beneficial, filling holes in the online marketplace. A specialist non-fiction book may be priced a bit higher by an indie author, but it would seem that some readers would be willing to pay this if it helped solved their problem.Whilst she agreed reviewing books for free isn't overly frowned upon by readers, it was clear she agreed that paying for the book and reviewing it removed any speculation of false/ swayed comments.However, she admitted to sharing purchased books with others if she enjoyed them. This only affects an author's royalties and not their platforms. We still gain a new reader even if they haven't paid for the book, but it may still be something to consider.What can we do to get customers recommending to other customers rather than sharing already purchased books. This is in relation to paperbacks, not Kindle copies.Finally, I learned that this reader has no issue with books containing bad language or violence, particularly in genres she is used to seeing this in. It may still give us cause to consider dialing down violence and bad language in genres not so used to such scenes.I hope this has offered some insight. This is the first of six to come, and they will hopefully be released daily so check back tomorrow for another interesting and informative reader interview. Many thanks!