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The Reckoning Trees
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What makes you want to read a book?
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Thanks again, Christine. I often devote my reading to a fellow self-published authors with the intention of writing thoughtful reviews for them. As you know, there are plenty of talented indie authors out there, and if I can help with a review, I do. That conviction alone occupies my time. A commitment to a daily dose of reading takes me along a path of better writing. In addition, I have a monthly newsletter, and am trying my utmost to work productively on my 4th book -- focusing now, as you might guess, on character transformation.
The quality and cleverness of the cover and title of a book are what first attracts my attention and inspires me to read the first few paragraphs.If the technical writing (spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure) proves adequate and the narrative sparks my curiosity and inspires me to want to read more, I will purchase the book.
I agree with Jim's comment. A captivating title that clues the potential reader to what the book is about is critical, and much thought should be given to titling your hard work. Developing an idea for the cover while being budget-conscious also takes time and effort. Also, I think the first paragraph and page can make or break a book; and often needs frequent editing; requiring numerous re-writes. I've seen titles so nebulous that I can't even begin to imagine what the book is about, or which side of a debate the book might take. Reading the prologue might be required, but what if there isn't one? How much time is a potential reader willing to spend before deciding on a purchase? In the interest of sales, it behooves authors to survey friends about various title picks before settling on one.
When I was young and an avid fantasy fan there used to be short blurbs in the inside back of books describing similar books in the genre. Armed with those titles I’d hit the used bookstores. It was honestly like a treasure hunt. I found incredible reads in shadowy aisles while indifferent clerks sat reading behind antique cash registers obscure band tees hanging overhead.But these days it’s hard. There are so many waves of new books constantly it’s harder to discover the gems. I prefer physical books, so prices and the economy come into play. I tend to lean on recommendations, but a unique, interesting title can definitely draw my eye.
The title or cover draws me to a book. The description and recommendations prompt me to purchase.
A good cover that draws the eye and makes you read the back cover. An author's name. A genre. A recommendation from a friend or acquaintance.
One thing that repulses me from buying a book is when the back cover is filled with 'quotes' from big names/companies calling it 'top bestseller of the year' or 'fantastic book'. More often than not, those 'quotes' are what I consider false advertising and stink of crass commercialization and I thus avoid them like pest.
Another category of books I avoid are books that have been written by ghost writers but still bear in big letters on the cover the name of the original author (usually deceased) who started/inspired the book series. Those basically go like 'A SO-AND-SO BOOK, then show the name of the real author at the bottom of the cover in (very) small fonts. An example is Command Authority While such ghost writing is legal, I find this practice most intellectcually dishonest.
Another category of books I avoid are books that have been written by ghost writers but still bear in big letters on the cover the name of the original author (usually deceased) who started/inspired the book series. Those basically go like 'A SO-AND-SO BOOK, then show the name of the real author at the bottom of the cover in (very) small fonts. An example is Command Authority While such ghost writing is legal, I find this practice most intellectcually dishonest.
The category of a book, the book's title, the brief description(blurb) for a fiction or preface and index for a textbook are among the first things that attract me to a book of an author.
A thought provoking title catches my attention and then I will at least read the blurb for the book.Today I got sent this recommendation and because the title intrigued me, along with the fact I have read other stuff by the same author, I immediately clicked on the link.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/b0bzzghpdl
Currently, it's just mood mood I recently started reading 14 new books while I still had 20+ books on my current reading list. Right now it's at 37 but then it's nice to be able to switch the books if you feel like it.
https://thewritechris.blogspot.com/20...