Questions

2/25/2013

2 Comments

 
Picture
This is Henna wondering if I am edible, and, yes, it was before I dyed my hair :)

Okay, I have some questions. Since I have a new novel coming out in April, I admit to still floundering around with the promotion/marketing thingy. Although I do take it very seriously, I still refuse the 'buy my book mentality', so here are some questions for you:

When searching for a new e-book or physical book to read, how do you go about it? Is it purely by word of mouth? Great cover and blurb, or price? Or a combination.

What kind of giveaways most draw you to pick up a new read?

Shiny things, a free book, or... insert what makes you wish to buy from a particular author.

How often do you actually go to an author's website to read about them?

Even if the author is little known - a newbie - what is it that draws you to try their writing?

Thank you in advance. I really appreciate your input.

Today's photo, Henna, Jelmer and me - Richard Curnow
2 Comments
AJ
2/26/2013 03:14:28 am

When searching for a new e-book or physical book to read, how do you go about it? Is it purely by word of mouth? Great cover and blurb, or price? -

Price is usually not a huge factor cuz books are mostly priced the same. If a book costs more than $10 I start getting antsy though. I rely on word mouth if a book comes recommended by someone whose opinion I trust (i.e. we have similar tastes in books.) I find most of my books on Amazon these days though, to be honest i usually go book hunting when they send me suggestions in my email and then i go through the blurbs and reviews before buying. Because it's Amazon and I look for professionalism in the book covers because some people who self publish usually don't have very good covers. If I see a bad cover I will skip over the book.

I work very close to several book stores so on my lunch hour I'll go browse and see if anything new and interesting has arrived. Usually the name of the book and the cover are what attract me then. And if I see something interesting i tend to pull out my phone to Google it before buying it.

Giveaways have no effect on me. sorry.

How often do you actually go to an author's website to read about them? Almost never. Unless it's a really huge author and I'm expecting a new release and want to see the date...I actually can't think of any I've visited (except this one of course) :)

Even if the author is little known - a newbie - what is it that draws you to try their writing?

An unusual/really good concept mostly, good reviews certainly help but mostly i'll judge for myself based on Amazon excerpts. if i feel drawn in to the book from the sample, i'll buy it.

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Susan
2/26/2013 06:47:56 am

Well thanks for dropping by. Very nice to see a new face! I really wish Kindle et al would have a better system on their e-readers for finding new books. I tried a couple of times to search and unless you already know an author's name it really is potluck as to what you can find.

Hms, I can see with this new book I am going to have to find some more genuine reviewers. I am like you, I tend to read both blurb and an excerpt. Covers, yes, they do catch the eye, but the inside counts more for me personally, although I fully understand the importance of a good cover.
Thanks so much for your answers. I am actually glad you said you didn't care about giveaways. My mind boggles a bit at stuff like that.

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