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How Does A Book Get Your Attention
message 101:
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Diane
(new)
Mar 06, 2012 02:20PM
I tend to judge a book by its cover first. (I have always maintained that the old saying "You can't judge a book by its cover" is untrue. You absolutely can, in most cases these days.) Then I read the blurb. I'm afraid I'm not as generous as MJ--haven't got the patience for four or five chapters. If the first five to ten pages doesn't speak to me, I'll put the book down.
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There are many factors, but lately it's been networking with the author via social media first, then picking up their book.
the cover grabs my attention.. then I investigate to see if the story/ genre is something that would interest me. once i start reading i used to try and complete but these days if the first few chapters don't grab me I may end up never finishing. unless I paid a good amount for it or its something I have formally committed to reading I shelve unsatisfying books. I do pay attention to reviews from the get go and if its got mostly 2 or 1 stars I will probably not even bother to read it
I also look at cover first. Then the blurb. I've never downloaded an excerpt or sample chapter. I also primarily read series because I like to get really invested in the characters so I generally won't read a 'single' book...and definitely not a novella or short story.And, of course price. I've gotten so personally invested in indie authors that I will rarely even look at traditional authors anymore. Paying $7.99+ for an ebook seems outrageous. It took me 6 months of hearing about it before I broke down and bought all 3 "50 shades of grey" books for $30! I kick myself for waiting for so long. But in general, I will try anything for $2.99 or less...as long as the blurb sounds interesting. If they are more than $2.99...there better be GREAT reviews or else I just consider the author to be conceited and maybe a little delusional. I know that is really horrible to say...but its honest.
I pay attention to the amount of buzz coming my way. If a book is touted on several different blogs, then I start to pay attention, because clearly it's garnering some respect. Two other great ways to catch my attention is cover art and summaries. Cheesy cover art can kill a book for me. But even if a book isn't going through a blog tour blitz or the cover art looks cheap and cheesy, if the summary hits all my buttons, I'll do what I can to pick it up.
[Confession: I'm a cheapskate, so even if a book hits all three points above perfectly, I won't buy it until I've been able to borrow and read it first. If I love it, then I'll spend my hard-earned money. If I've been given the book as a freebie or part of a giveaway and I love it, odds are I'll pick up a second copy to help further the author's publicity.]
Jadette wrote: "For me personally, the cover and the blurb has to catch my attention. Even in that case, sometimes the book itself is not what I expected it to be. But that's my taste. The blurb is what hooked me."I totally agree. A lot of time when browsing books in store, online, or even my timeline on goodreads, the cover will first catch my attention then I'll read the blurb. If it sounds interesting, then I'll snag the book!
I admit to being a free e-book junkie since I'm always looking to discover new authors. But I only pick books in genres that interest me since I don't want to download something I know I'll never read.I'll overlook a meh cover as long as the blurb is good.
What I really *hate* in a blurb is:
- quotes from reviewers saying what a great book it is
- claims that this author/book is just like Cassandra Claire/Charlaine Harris/whatever (I'd like to be the judge of that! :)
- descriptions of what a 'fast-paced' book it is or what a 'thrilling book'...
Well I have a e-reader, so most of my book searches are done on-line....the first thing that I look at is the cover then the book rating, then I read the synopsis if it sounds good I well read it.
Interesting cover art, what the books about and if it's an interest of mine.
The cover is the first aspect, followed by the blurb. If both those work, I read the prologue / first few pages if it's on the border-line of acceptance into the 'Stephen reading program.' =3
most of mine are e-reads. but i check the cover, genre, blurb/synopsis, random page to check writing style then price. if i'm still undecided, i'll ask my gr friends if they read it and what they thought. if its personally recommended, i'll look at the blurb and my friends review of it
A book review by a reputable publication still helps. They're so many opinions out there and a review by someone who's studied/understands literature, who focuses on different aspects of a book, and tells readers how they formed their opinion is helpful to everyone.
Jenelle wrote: "A book review by a reputable publication still helps. They're so many opinions out there and a review by someone who's studied/understands literature, who focuses on different aspects of a book, a..."I agree. I like National Public Radio reviews quite a bit. However, some of the established reviewers, like Kirkus, now do paid reviews (that is, they get paid for writing a review). That makes them less reliable imho.
Whether we like to admit it or not the cover always draws people so every author has to make it as appealing as possible.
Giving out free copes for a weekend or so totally helps.
The more positive reviews the more people will buy your book period. People will just feel safer with your work.
Giving out free copes for a weekend or so totally helps.
The more positive reviews the more people will buy your book period. People will just feel safer with your work.
Janiera wrote: "Whether we like to admit it or not the cover always draws people so every author has to make it as appealing as possible.Giving out free copes for a weekend or so totally helps.
The more positiv..."
Yes, book covers are extremely important! But they must match the content of your book (a cute, chick lit book needs a cute cover, etc.)
Positive review are important, of course, but there's been a recent backlash against books with *too* many five-star and four-star ratings with no lower ratings to balance it out. Readers are becoming wary of these books because they think the ratings have been inflated. Unfortunately, in some cases, they're right.
A book gets my attention if people I respect are reading it. I don't really think covers and titles and descriptions are adequate ways to evaluate a book. I feel the same way about star-ratings. It's somewhat of a shame that the internet has (in my opinion) forced us to regress a little to these more visual tactics. Granted, book covers and titles have always been important. But I would argue that their importance is getting a little out of hand, lately.
I agree with you, David. I look for a blurb that intrigues me, and a sample that hooks me in. I'm interested in substance not the cover or stars. I've also found that hype is not an indicator that I'll like the book - been burned more than once going with the hype.
I agree with everyone who commented after me."It's somewhat of a shame that the internet has (in my opinion) forced us to regress a little to these more visual tactics." It's true that ppl rely on the visual so much now, esp with ebooks. Covers and star ratings can be bypassed by reading the sample, which is a better indicator of whether a book is for you. I've read hyped books that I enjoyed, and some that I didn't.
I don't see what the internet has to do with "visual tactics" such as titles and covers. Yes, we have become a more visual society, but I was a visual person long before I discovered the internet. The vast range of books offered in our world is daunting, and it's simply impossible to read a summary on EVERY SINGLE ONE. Having our attention caught visually allows us to follow what interests us.
I admit to being shallow, too - a cover really does matter. I love indie books & I'm not overly fussy, but if the cover is very light & you can't see it well - or there is NO cover, I probably won't try the book.The genre - I don't read a lot of mystery, romance, or thrillers, so if a book falls into those genres, most of the time I'll just skip over it.
The blurb is also is a big factor for me, especially when it's one the writer is writing, not the publishing house. If I don't like their writing style in the blurb, I won't like their writing style in the book. I also do like reading excerpts / previews from the book, again, to see the writer's style.
Lastly, reviews from people I "know" - whether an online friend or a blogger I regularly follow, or a "real life" friend, counts, if I know we share similar book tastes.
Thanks - this was an interesting subject to read & think about.
It's funny, but I'm even more tempted to read a classic if it has an updated, cool cover. Classics that I've been avoiding for years suddenly capture my attention if they have a nice cover!
When it comes to a cover, do you guys like hot models, amazing photoshop work etc. or do you think 'less is more'?I'm asking because I don't have a lot of money to spend on making a cover so I'm looking for the best, affordable way to do it. :)
It depends on who your readers are and what kind of book you have. You want to make sure that your cover sets the right kinds of expectations. Putting a hot model on the cover isn't a good idea if your book is about the touching story of a young girl and her dog. ; )For art, I generally go to either Dreamstime or Fotolia. Their prices aren't too bad.
S.L.J. wrote: "When it comes to a cover, do you guys like hot models, amazing photoshop work etc. or do you think 'less is more'?Less is more. I don't think anything in particular catches my eye, but I do like to be able to actually read the title & the author name on it, & that's so hard to do with some of the flashy covers.
Anastacia Knits wrote: "S.L.J. wrote: "When it comes to a cover, do you guys like hot models, amazing photoshop work etc. or do you think 'less is more'?Less is more. I don't think anything in particular catches my eye..."
Listopia has some "Best Cover" lists - you could see if there's one for your genre, because it definitely varies by genre. I don't know if "best" translates to "most sales" but at least you could get a feel for what gives readers a happy first impression.
S.L.J. wrote: "When it comes to a cover, do you guys like hot models, amazing photoshop work etc. or do you think 'less is more'?I'm asking because I don't have a lot of money to spend on making a cover so I'm ..."
If it's a story about a really smokin' hot guy, sure, but I don't need people on the cover to get me interested. For me, the covers have to be unique and they have to give me an accurate feel for the story before I've even read it.
Making a cover is like making a movie in that most of the time more money does mean better quality, but not always. If you can take a few risks and get creative, you'll be fine.
I don't know how much it'll help, but you can check out my Cover Love posts to get an idea of what attracts me (and others) to a book. http://shelversanon.blogspot.com/sear...
First I the cover art if it catches my attention I read the synopsis and move onto reviews for more information about the book to see if it would be something I would enjoy or not :D Heather-
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.de/
3 things: the name of the book; what's written on the back cover; and the year the first edition was published. Ocasionally, when I don't have access to the second, I will look up some information about the book on the internet, or talk to someone who has read it.
Less is usually more for me, S.L.J.
But a nice cover can be a pleasant thing to the eyes.
But a nice cover can be a pleasant thing to the eyes.
Tom wrote: "3 things: the name of the book; what's written on the back cover; and the year the first edition was published. Ocasionally, when I don't have access to the second, I will look up some information ..."What does the year of publication do for you? You like older stuff? Or newer?
Kaje, I suppose it depends on the kind of book I want to read. If I'm looking for a novel on, say, the Soviet Union, I'd rather read sonething written in the 70s or 80s. If I want fiction, then something written after the 60s is good. But, generally, the newer the better for me, unless I'm looking for a classic or something more philosophical.
If a book had hands and feet and waved me down and ran over to me screaming at the top of it's bookmark(yes im also implying it has a mouth) and said Read me Read Me!! Well I'm pretty sure that is a book I will damn sure read!
I have a book blog and authors send me a blurb in an email with a request for review, so I don't even see the cover. Which is fine with me because I don't pick a book solely on the cover. I don't care how great the cover is, the blurb has to grab my interest for me to read it. If it's a book I'm wavering on from the blurb, I'll read a few reviews, but otherwise I don't read reviews.
A title that can't be ignored, e.g.Nothing in This Book Is True, But It's Exactly How Things Are
Six Characters in Search of an Author
I'd say cover. If I like it, I take a look at the blurb. If I like the blurb, then I'm likely to read it. Since joining Goodreads, I check it out here too. Oh, and on Amazon to see the rank (as in how much hype it's getting)I do read reviews too, but they rarely influence me. One man's trash is another man's treasure.
I also tend to read something if it's highly recommended by someone I trust. So the recommendation system does wonders in my case :)
The cover art is first, and then the book description.
When all my friends on Goodreads have it on the to-read shelf, read shelf or curently reading shelf
I'd have to say (1) the author's reputation; then (2) the title.But then, I'm talking about long-dead authors.
Russell
Trompe-l'oeil
1. Cover2. Blurb
3. Reviews/recommondations
4. Author of other books that I've enjoyed in the past.
5. Word of mouth... If a lot of my goodreads friends have enjoyed it then I am more out to give it a try.
6. Price. If it's an unknown author then I'm willing to give their book a try if it is priced low.
The cover has to catch my attention that is even more important now with all the e books I read if the cover is lame than I just skip straight over to next cover, and yes I know I am probably missing out on a whole lot of really good books.Next the blurb, then if I'm not sure I will check reviews not for a whole run down on the book, I cant stand those kind of reviews, just to check on the editing, something I never really found a problem with until I started reading indie books.
The title has to catch my eye, the cover doesn't matter a whole lot to me, though I'll admit a good cover does get one's attention. A well-written description is a must... The make-or-break for me is the preview, and I'll admit that's where I get disappointed most...
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1. A very select few friends and authors can get me to read by recommending. Takes a lot of pressure to get me to read things not normally in a genre I enjoy (not, for example, a big mystery/thriller fan).2. Genre and blurbs. Even if interested for other reasons, I always check the blurb before deciding.
3. Covers do not make my buy decisions but can attract me to checkout a book. If it has elements of genres I like to read (oh, say dragons or spaceships) or looks hilarious I will likely check the blurb.
4. Goodreads recommendations. AUTHORS CHECK HOW YOUR BOOKS ARE SHELVED. Put 'em in the right genre to have goodreads target members accordingly. If I accidentally get something not my thing due to mistaken genre, I do not finish or rate (if very misleading based on blurb or cover I will note on the book page but other reviewers might 1 star you in disappointment).
5. Goodreads discussion. I do not always participate, but if considering a book and a discussion shows at bottom, I will skim thru the posts.
6. I will return a kindle purchase if blurb did not warn a short work (short story, novella, single, anthology, whatever) was a short work and I thought I was buying a full-length novel (a file size is somehow not something I easily translate to number of pages).
Just some general things. Once I think a book is interesting based on blurb, if a sample is available I do read before purchase.
Unfortunately for a lot of indie authors, beyond books not always being seen, I get jarred out of the story if poorly edited (in real life, I do too much copy-editing/proofreading . Despite how posts from touchscreen devices make me sound, I do notice).
I have discovered some wonderful indie reads but some truly awful ones. I follow EReader News Today, Pixel of Ink, and other freebie posting sites. I am getting a little burned out on bad freebies. I have learned to check for publisher before downloading a purchase to kindle. Indie authors get put way down on even sampling unless have good recommendations.
More attracted to an author post saying free for a certain time than a permanent freebie.
Deborah,Thanks for all of this. Very instructive.
Russell
I'm usually attracted to a book by a review. Then I try the sample and if I like it, I buy the book. I've only been burned twice when the book did not live up to the promise of the sample or of the hype.
For me...there are different things.1. Twitter - yeah, there have been a few recommendations for books that I saw on Twitter, and liked enough to buy.
2. The blurb - this was my biggest obstacle as a self-pubbed author. Creating an enticing blurb. If a books blurb piques my interests, I'll buy it.
3. Cover. If the cover is awesome, I'll at least read the blurb, or look for reviews.
4. Reviews. I look at good or bad. Some bad reviews have actually made me curious enough to at least read a sample. Sometimes, I even buy it.
5. Here. I've found a few really good books just in the short time I've been here.
And H. L, ladies and gentlemen, knows whereof she speaks!If you haven't yet sampled The Last Grimm: Red's Hood, I heartily encourage you at least to sample it.
Russell
- A cover that catches my eye.- A well-written blurb, about a topic that interests me (of course).
- Blog posts/reviews: those help me making a choice, but they're not a 100% determining factor either.
A good cover will tease me and lure me in - but won't make me buy. The story has to fascinate me, and then I'm hooked. After considering the old cliche, "You can't judge a book by its cover," it seems that statement isn't always the case - and that plenty of people here have learned to trust the quality of a book based on a strong book cover.
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