What tempts you to try out an unknown author

[David]

For indie authors, getting a book noticed by readers can be particularly tough. I would be interested to know what pursuades readers of the group to give an unknown author a go. My own books have been tried by a few readers willing to try unknown authors, and those readers have given good reviews. They were drawn in by the blurb, after stumbling across the books. The problem is getting a high enough profile for that to happen.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

[Jennifer]

I'll bite - I read a decent number of self published e-books and/or e-books by unknown authors. First and foremost, the book blurb has to appeal to me. The book cover doesn't necessarily need to draw me in, but it can't be a turn off either. I also tend to have a much lower spend threshold for these books and often try them because they are priced low (or even free). I also try out a lot of new authors via the NY public library or the Kindle Prime lending library. Unfortunately, many of these books aren't well written so in general I don't want to spend too much on the first book. If I like the author, I'll spend more on subsequent books.

Not sure if that helps....

[Cheryl]

Well, David, maybe posts like this work! I just checked out your books and added one of them to my wish-list! :)

Even though I have my tried and true favourite traditional authors, I'm always willing to try out new ones, too. As well as being an author myself, I also have an insatiable appetite for reading, so I'm always on the lookout for good books to read. And, since joining Goodreads, I've had the privilege of reading many indie authors--some very good, some okay, and some, who with a good editor and a bit more polish, could potentially be good.

When other authors send me friend requests and they write books in the genres I'm interested in, I will usually add at least one of their books to my TBR pile. Or, I might see requests for reviews in some of the groups I'm in. And, in all cases, it's the blurbs that draw me in. Sometimes, I'm disappointed when the book fails to live up to its intriguing premise, but most often, I'm entertained.

When readers add my books to their TBR lists, I'm so grateful and appreciative to them for their willingness to give them a try. So, I figure I can show the same kind of support for other indie authors! :)

[Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms)]

Reviews from people I know like the same things I do and even one can pull me in. Also the book description is very important. Recommendations from other authors don't mean a thing to me - it's usually a friend! I also try to read reviews that are not from people who received ARCS and having done that myself I think there is pressure to give a book a more favorable review if someone gave it to you. The cover will make me pick it up - or not - but learned the hard way not to buy based on a pretty cover. The description of the story is very important. A quote or two from the book is good too.

[David]

Thanks for the feed back guys. And Cheryl, thanks for taking a look and adding one of my books. I have done the same as you say: added the books of an author who has added/read one of mine, but only if the story/writing style appeals.

I appreciate that recommendations from friends is the foremost reason for a reader to add a book. I'm the same myself. Good that you've learned to not judge a book by it's cover Terry, though I admit some of them are very appealing. Myself, I always take a read of the look inside on Amazon.

Writing style is more important to me than anything else. Interesting, well developed characters 2nd. An interesting plot 3rd.