What makes you want to buy a book?

[Anne-Rae]

As a reader, what makes you buy a book? Is it because you saw an ad on a blog? Or a post on Facebook? Or a tweet on twitter? Or is it via word of mouth?

Everyone is welcome to answer.

As for me, word of mouth is definitely one of the ways I find out about books. I usually go and check the author's blog and read excerpt chapters from Amazon. I am also on an email list that sends me Kindle deals of best selling and indie books. I rarely click on ads on websites unless the cover of the book lures me in. Funny, I know we shouldn't judge a book by its cover but I have succumbed to this a few times. I guess part of me thinks that if the author invested on a fantastic book cover, the content should match the quality... Usually, it does but there have been the off times when it hasn't.

How about you? What makes you decide to buy a book?

[Khaled]

I'll buy the whole bookstore if I can. Every author deserves his or her work to be read. Alas, the reality is I am not a robot with a super brain who can read 10,000 books in 10 minutes. So what I do is create a mental picture of a particular genre to explore, and make a decision every month what to read. I am lured to buy a book based on a variety of reasons: Word of mouth, advertising on print and online platforms. I might even walk into a bookstore and pick up a book randomly after perusing. Sometimes, I let my mood decide on my choices. Do I want to be thrilled? Do I feel romantic? Or perhaps today is a good day for me to be a little bit scared, so I might choose a horror. :-)

[Anne-Rae]

Khaled, you are an author's dream come true... :)

Will you be my fan club? I love to write in multiple genres depending on my mood so you would be the best fan :)

Your next book, is it also a spy thriller? I'm thinking I want to read another Khaled Talib spy thriller soon.

[Khaled]

Thanks, Anne-Rae... and yes, of course I am your fan :-) As for my next novel, it's a thriller for sure, but I wouldn't completely say it's a spy novel. But one thing is for sure, there's going to be a major crime happening and there's also going to be plenty of action.

:-)

[Shon]

As a reader, I will buy a book because of what I have read and what the description is. I don't let others tell me if its good or not.

[Anne-Rae]

I like that Shon. I agree completely. Maybe authors should stop worrying so much about getting reviews? Just a thought.

[L.G.A.]

I'm all about the synopsis and the cover. I'm a victim of packaging. I'm with Khaled, I'll read anything and everything depending on my mood. If I could be a professional reader, I'd do that for a living.

I think I am drawn to a book through a process:
1) Cover catches my eye
2) Read the back cover - synopsis interesting?
3) If I like the synopsis, I read the inside cover scene excerpt (I hate it if it is just a bunch of reviews without the excerpt!)
4) If I am still undecided, I read the first page - If the writing appeals to me, I'm doomed to purchase it!

[Christine]

I am also a big victim of the packaging. Cover catches the eye, synopsis usually seals the deal.

[[deleted user]]

A lot of people judge my cover. Yes, they're attractive. But it's unfair to judge by the cover. I usually read a book by the reviews and ratings and critics. Recommendations matter, as well as the genre. Blurbs also have a good deal in it, but reviews and ratings matter the most! :)

[L.G.A.]

Many of the books I read are also recommended by friends. I think that word of mouth ranks as my number one incentive to purchasing a book.

[auntygeek]

Definitely a good recommendation

[L.G.A.]

https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/3...

Those who say that the packaging doesn't matter should check out this list. BTW - vote for the Exile LOL

[Yvette]

Word of mouth and a great cover. I know that sound silly but the cover really matters to me!

[Jennifer]

If i read the back and it looks like something i will enjoy i love books of all kinds so i am always up for trying something new to read.

[Kimberly Camille]

Recommendation from friends

[Jahlani]

I try to buy affordable books but also fun books. Im a scifi/fantasy kind of girl but there are a lot of books that fit that category. I especially like books that don't cut girls out of the story and a cool, catchy cover and title is always nice!

[Jasmine]

I usually buy books that I have seen here or from the many book store website emails I recieve, I check them out and add them to my TBR pile and when I see them and I have the money bam lol, this has meant my TBR pile has about 400 books but i don't actually own them all yet

[Anne-Rae]

I totally agree @JazzyMiranda . My TBR pile is so long both digital and physical. Friends who have lent me their paperbacks get first dibs because I hate keeping books that aren't mine.

Jasmine wrote: "I usually buy books that I have seen here or from the many book store website emails I recieve, I check them out and add them to my TBR pile and when I see them and I have the money bam lol, this h..."