What makes you try a new author?

[Georgia]

I love my favorites, but after a while it becomes like a formula. I do return to them, but now I really enjoy reading authors that I have never read because I might get a fresh approach to a mystery and they tell the story differently.

[Kathy]

Georgia wrote: "I love my favorites, but after a while it becomes like a formula. I do return to them, but now I really enjoy reading authors that I have never read because I might get a fresh approach to a myste..."

I agree with your formula comment. Sometimes if I get too into reading a series I start to get tired of it and need a break. If the series is well written, usually a break is all I need and then I'm happy when I go back. There have been a few series' I gave up on though, when I realized there was nothing new - no character growth and the stories became too predictable.

I especially enjoy finding a new mystery series when I get close to finishing one of my favorites and start wondering how I'll get my next mystery/detective story fix.

[James]

If a friend recommends an author to me, it moves to the top of my list. Otherwise, I think it's a combination of things that draw me to a new author. I'll see the book in stores, read a review, hear someone mention the author, etc. Eventually, it finally drills through the clutter in my head that I take a seriously look at the book.

At that point, I'm willing to try the book so the question is: Does the story summary on the cover intrique me?

[Brendan]

Mainly the fact that most of my favorite authors are dead. It's either stop reading or try new authors.

As for which ones I try - title / cover, back cover blurb, availability in paperback, length (I prefer under 400 pages, and ideally under 300), and price are all factors.

[Feliks]

Alex wrote: "Hi All

Reading the posts, and looking through bookstores, it is ridiculous/phenomenal the number of books there are in the world, so my question is, what makes you try a new author? Is it the cov..."

The short answer is this: I don't try them. Reason? I don't really trust 'authors' anymore. All safeguards and all guarantees have vanished; hucksters and hoaxsters abound.

If I yearn to read a fiction novel, I stick with authors published by bonafide publishing houses; writers who can boast good pedigree and vetting. I avoid amateurs doing the whole get-fame-quick thing.

So to me, there are not a 'ridiculous number of books' available; there's a very finite set of books which (to me) are still worth considering trustworthy examples of what a book really is.

Its like this whole Youtube zaniness: just because 100,000 amateurs can play around with 'video' now--and upload random footage to some common repository--should I consider these folks 'movie directors'? Hell no. In fact they are ruining the core concept of what 'directing' or 'producing' ever was.

Anytime you flood a market with cheap product, you debase the authentic examples of the format which was actually worth something.

[Abubakar]

I am going to try ken follet's The Pillars of the Earth. I hope this try is worth it .

[Jeffrey]

Certainly, a professional book cover but also a book cover that successfully conveys intrigue as opposed to gore. Blurbs that are interestingly written themselves.

Then I need only open the book 3 times randomly. If none of the pages I encounter snatch my attention, that is it. The packaging helps, but it is all in the writing, I believe, and that can be assessed pretty quickly.

[Benjamin]

1. Recommendation from a reader whose opinion I value.
2. Reviews - good and bad help shape my drive to buy.
3. Catchy title
4. Cover design

[Dreamah]

His Eye of the Needle was good. I started Pillars of the Earth but didn't finish it.

[Kevin]

Genre, Cover, Blurb and then the sample in that order for me. If the story is to my taste (easy to read, fast-pace not interrupted by long blocks of description and has a clear plot line with the promise of twists.

[Terry]

I read widely and am always willing to pick up a book and take a look at the writing. I like cozy mysteries, noir, thrillers, police procedurals--you name it. I also read fiction other than mysteries. The cover can entice me to pick it up, but what makes me decide to read a book are a few things:

1)The writing grabs me when I read the first few sentences (I once picked up a book, starting reading it, walked to the counter to pay still reading, walked to my car still reading...)

2) The book has been nominated for an award

3) Someone has recommended it.

4) It has gotten good reviews.

5) There is a lot of "buzz" about it (sometimes, just to see what people are excited about.

[Maggie the Muskoka Library Mouse]

I am attracted to a book by the title, the title's font, the cover design, the synopsis, and the first few pages. If I want to keep reading, then I select it.

[Pamela]

Terry wrote: "I read widely and am always willing to pick up a book and take a look at the writing. I like cozy mysteries, noir, thrillers, police procedurals--you name it. I also read fiction other than mysteri..."

So true, Terry! And I have found that my tastes have changed over time so I really do tend to read the first couple of pages to see if I want to keep reading. That's what I like about ebooks (at least the Kindle...) I can read the first chapter or so and if I want to read more, I can purchase.
There have only been a few books that I've bought after reading the first couple of pages and found that as I got further in, I was disappointed.

And there are so many authors out there -- I feel conflicted because I want to read all of a favorite author but explore the new as well.

[Pamela]

I find I don't want to read books that have themes that I feel I have already read enough of. Nor do I want to read something too gruesome. So I like to read reviews that don't give away too much.