With sites such as Amazon awash with titles, why would readers choose to buy those that are self-published?
Sure, there is a risk involved in investing time and (often) money to read something that has not survived the gauntlet of a publishing-house editor. But with this risk comes the possibility of excitement. What a buzz to be one of the first to stumble upon a hitherto unknown gem!
Sometimes the 'look inside' feature on Amazon gives an odd impression of the formatting of the book, and it's a good idea to try a actual sample first.
There are some wonderful authors out there who have chosen to self-publish. I know of several who have received exciting reviews, and yet their books remain undiscovered by almost all readers.
The purchase of a single self-published title can mean something far more significant than it might suggest at first thought. It can be a symbol of hope to a writer struggling for recognition. A positive review becomes the icing on the cake!
Next time you're looking for a new title, why not consider giving the Indies a try?