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How do you choose a new author
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Sarah
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Jan 07, 2009 12:22AM

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Just looked at the book on Amazon and it hasn't any Synposis to let the reader know what the book is about. So I was wondering if you could give us an insight to the book please.

Just looked at the book on Amazon and it hasn't any Synposis to let the reader know what the book is about. So I w..."
Are you asking about Iran Covenant? The premise is that Iran has weapons of mass destruction and it's aiming them at Israel. The Americans and the world don't believe it's imminent and a select few have to convince the world before the terror descends. The author should post a synopsis, though, or his publisher. I think he's on goodreads so you could send him a message.


Just looked at the book on Amazon and it hasn't any Synposis to let the reader know what the book is a..."
Your new book is out on Amazon now if thats any help xx


If it's a bookstore run, then if the title grabs my attention, I usually read paragraphs in the beginning, middle, and end of a book to see if the writing style appeals to me. If so, then it's off to the cashier counter.



Speaking of which, I will not look at a book if it has an "alternate title". For instance: The Battle for Wine and Love: or How I Saved the World from Parkerization. Either one of those titles would be enough to catch my eye. Both together, too much.
I'm all about simplicity when it comes to what attracts me to a book. If I look at a book and feel that it's screaming "Hey, you! I'm marketed at you! Come buy me! You're why I've been dressed up this way!" I just keep walking. The hot-pink and lime green modern Signet editions of Austen are exactly the type that make me think that.
I don't really shy away from books with pink on them though - only if it feels contrived.
I don't mind endorsements, but they should be in their proper place: the bottom of the back cover, under the book description or inside the book on the first few pages.
I also will not buy a book if there is nothing but the author's picture on the back. (Stephen King excluded.) If there is nothing telling me about the book, I'm not going to potentially waste time or money on it.
Regarding 1st time authors, I don't really have an opinion one way or the other. I let the book speak for itself- if it appeals to me, I will buy it. If it doesn't, then I won't.

This is a big one for me, too - I always look at endorsements from authors. If an author I love is endorsing the book, I will look at it further. I must say the cover and title are the first things to catch my eye (naturally). Then I read the synopsis and open the book to somewhere in the middle and read a little passage to see if I like the author's style. Maybe this is why I can spend hours in the bookstore!


I always look at endorsements from authors.
Funny, we're split on this issue... I never look, find them distracting, and don't believe that the authors themselves actually said/wrote the words being quoted... what, me cynical!?





I agree that author reccomendations are not so swaying to me. Like Hayes, I don't really believe the author in question really said that. If they did, it may have been taken out of context. Same thing with movie review blurbs.
"This author has high aims and strives to offer the next War and Peace, but falls horribly short, in every way except length" can be cit to "The next War and Peace!"

It's hard to believe that before GR I did a lot of rereading because of how picky I was when it came to choosing new books. Now it's hard to fathom rereading due to all the unread books I have at home!


This made me laugh Kandice! :)
I always look at the title and cover of the book.
I don't pay as much attention to the cover art now that I know the author doesn't normally have much say in it.
I also read the synopsis, and I hate it when there isn't a synopsis on the back.
I don't like pictures of real people on the covers either, unless it's an autobiography.
I don't pay as much attention to the cover art now that I know the author doesn't normally have much say in it.
I also read the synopsis, and I hate it when there isn't a synopsis on the back.
I don't like pictures of real people on the covers either, unless it's an autobiography.


I tend to be a 'moody' reader....what I'm in the mood for that day and depending on what I've just finished. Example: If I've just returned a King or Koontz, I might look into a 'historical fiction'. Or finished with a book from China or Japan, I might want a Romantic book or a 'silly, light' read. You get the idea.
I, also, belong to a couple of book clubs (on-line and 'for real'), and like looking at people's bookshelves (we must be TWINS, Mel!)....after all, there are folks from all over the world at GR and you don't always get the 'low down' on authors from different countries here in the USA (exception is British authors).
Barnes and Noble's website posts current and upcoming publications, that I occasionally look into. Amazon I avoid, unfortunately....its gotten waaay to mixed up with stuff and entirely confusing, for me!
