How do you choose a new book?

[Kim]

I just finished the survey listed in our discussions that is being conducted by a student for her Masters thesis. The main point of that survey was how much the Publisher is considered when buying a new book.

Am I alone in my reading corner? I've never given the publisher a thought when browsing the bookstore. Cover, yes. Back blurb, big yes. But publisher? Does anyone really care? Just curious if any of you choose your books by the publisher.

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

I seek out certain publishers, as I've gotten to know what type of books they choose to publish. It is not the top reason I select a book, however.

Interestingly enough, I do choose a lot of Avon books. They are one of my favorite publishers. But, for that survey, I total missed recognizing their new logo.

[Becca]

I had never thought about it either, but the publisher brand seems to influence me. I pick up a lot of Ballantine, Berkeley, and Avon books because I like the cover art, story lines, and authors they have. I don't just consider the publisher name, but all components that make up the publisher brand influence my decision. It was an interesting discovery for me. I have to admit, I do like the avon books best. However, goodreads recommendations and reviews play the biggest role :)

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

Those are all great publishers, Becca. I know when I select those I won't have many - or any - typographical or grammatical. I'm not a grammar Nazi; however, too much can take me out of the story.

[Lauren]

I've never really considered the publisher when choosing my next book. It is the cover that usually captures my attention and then the blurb that decides it for me. Nevertheless, I did recognize some of the publisher logos (and there are ones that I know that weren't in the survey, like Zebra).

[~Leslie~]

It only influences me in that I know certain publishers have particular authors and publish a particular types of books. I am influenced a great deal by cover, blurb and reviews. But with some of the newer publishing houses, I've learned to be careful. I really hate grammatical errors in my books and too many typos will drive me nuts.

[Becca]

Ahh typos! I can't stand a lot of them either. My biggest pet peeve is when the wrong character name is inserted. It pulls me out of the story every time. Some of the big publishing houses have limited errors, and I've learned to be careful now that self publishing is becoming a bigger market. I'm glad I'm not the only one that gets upset with typos :)

[Lisa Kay, Moderator]

I'll forgive it here or there; however, I noticed it has become quite appalling in recent years, mainly due to the boom in self-publishing. I mean, really? An author can't get someone to read their book first?

[Becca]

I agree. Sometimes it is too much to get through. Having someone read through and critique your work can provide many benefits that include prevention of ghastly typos while also including clearer dialogue and more realistic discussions since a reader can describe to an author how a scene came across to them. Big name authors always have acknowledgements for an army of people that review their work...I think it is one of the secrets of why they are so good!

[Sandra J]

I'm much more likely to choose a book after considering blurb and first page (and probably last page, too. I'm an end-reader-don't like surprises). I like a clever title. That will usually catch my attention as well. Reviews on Goodreads and/or one of the blogs I read also influence me. I pay very little attention to the publisher.

[KarenF]

I started to pay attention to publishers during the dark days of agency pricing. I certainly knew which publishers agency priced their books. It didn't affect my reading choices so much as my buying choices. I got a lot more from the library or waited until I had a B&N coupon and bought the DTB.

I also don't really buy or read many self published books. If the author is a known quantity (like when Courtney Milan self publishes) I will but other than that I don't really play in that pool. As others have pointed out, too many typos, lack of editing and all that. I find that if it's really a gem, a publisher will pick it up anyway. I'm OK with not discovering the next big thing, I'm not OK with wasting my money and my time on something sub par. So I guess it's important to me that I've heard of the publisher.

[~Leslie~]

SandraJ - I'm an end-reader as well. Hate surprises!! I didn't know there was anyone else out there like me. I live for spoilers!!

And in the beginning with ebooks I was pretty indiscriminate. Now I am much more careful. I know which self-published authors have good editing and I'm careful to read reviews very thoroughly of those I'm not familiar with.

[Sandra J]

~Leslie~ wrote: "SandraJ - I'm an end-reader as well. Hate surprises!! I didn't know there was anyone else out there like me. I live for spoilers!!

And in the beginning with ebooks I was pretty indiscriminate. Now..."
Oh good. There are two of us! And I read every spoiler I can find before I decide to buy a book.

[~Leslie~]

Yes!! Every spoiler!! We can form a club of two.
My family thinks I'm crazy. There is nothing worse than getting to the end of a book (or movie) that you've invested time and energy in and then discover something bad happens to them. If I know something bad happens, I'm okay. Just don't want to be surprised! My mother is famous for recommending movies with sad endings. I take no recommendations from her until I know exactly what's going to happen.

[D.G.]

In general, I don't pay attention to publishers but when I started blogging, they are most top of mind that they used to be. But mostly because we have relationships with some of them and are able to get ARCs.

[Nichole]

~Leslie~ wrote: "Yes!! Every spoiler!! We can form a club of two.
My family thinks I'm crazy. There is nothing worse than getting to the end of a book (or movie) that you've invested time and energy in and then di..."

Make that three! :D

[Kit★]

I rarely think about the publisher either. I go by the cover art and back cover words, and on whether I can tell if it's part of a series (I tend to especially like ones that clearly say, 'first in a new series' if it's a new to me author. Been bummed out too many times coming home with an interesting looking book only to come and add it on GR and see it's number whatever in a series I don't have any of the others of. And since I'm one of those people that have to read series in order, it irks me.). If it's an author I already know and like, that goes into the consideration too. Mostly though it's the covers that get me. It does just so happen that a good many of the authors I read are Avon published, but I have plenty of other ones too :)

[Maggie the Muskoka Library Mouse]

Publisher is not a big consideration for me. When picking a new book to read, I first look for an interesting title, then I see what type of font the title is printed in, then I peruse the cover design. Next, I read the synopsis. If those things interest me, I open the book and read the first page or two. If the writer makes me want to keep reading, then I choose it. If the author's style isn't my cup of tea, I start all over again.