I’m muddling my way through a post on the power of word-of-mouth and as a writer of the hybrid variety (I get great gas mileage), I wonder:
What gets you to read a book?
We worry so much about marketing and promotion, about guest blog posts and book trailers and interviews and signings and readings and Q&As and panel talks and nude fireman calendars and beard-wrestling competitions and cupcake bake-offs — further, so much it is is expected, it is assumed that these things are What We Do and it’s maybe not often enough that people ask If They Work.
They may! They may, indeed.
But I want to know.
And while I don’t mind hearing from the writers on this as to what works for you I am more inclined to hear from the readers on what exactly gets you to pick up a book. An advertisement? A reading? A funny tweet? Free swag? A recommendation from a friend? A NUDE FIREMAN CALENDAR WITH ME, A BIG HOSE, AND A SLUMBERING DALMATION? (I hope the answer to that is “yes” because I just ordered like, 10,000 of these things.)
What works for you?
What gets you first to try a book?
Then to buy that book?
jlward says:
Commenting to follow the conversation.
May 13, 2013 — 12:05 AM
Betsy says:
I tend to buy fiction based on book reviews, recommendations from friends, and if new books become available by authors that I like. For nonfiction titles, I buy based on the topic and in response to author interviews on NPR if they catch my interest.
May 13, 2013 — 12:09 AM
Tasha Turner says:
A friend recommendation is the most frequent thing that gets me to pick up a book by a new to me author. Being friends with an author comes next. If its part of a series I usually read until the series is over
May 13, 2013 — 12:09 AM
Ian Rose says:
For nonfiction, it’s all about subject. If it’s about something cool and interesting, I’ll try it. Admittedly that has led to more than a few disappointments with the actual writing. This also means that nonfiction can be successfully marketed to me. For fiction, I depend a lot on word of mouth. My friends are as voracious in their novel predation as I am, and I’m never short of recommendations. A lot of times, something random happens to move a book from the voluminous to-read pile and into my hands. I had been meaning to read Blackbirds, for example, for a while, but pulled the trigger and bought it because someone on Twitter mentioned it was your birthday, and I thought if I had a novel, I would want a birthday sales bump.
May 13, 2013 — 12:13 AM
rebeccadouglass says:
Two answers there, I think. FIrst, the main one, I admit, is a cover or title that grabs my attention. Then I’ll look closer, read the blurb, and if it’s my kind of book, I’ll check it out and take it home (maybe even buy it and take it home, but no lies: I get most of my books at the library).
Lately, another thing has entered the equation, and that’s Goodreads. I do sometimes follow up recommendations or references to books that sound like my kind of thing.
But either way, though there’s something marketing-wise that gets me to look closer (so that’s essential), the bottom line is that there’s a blurb that tells me honestly that it’s the kind of book I’ll enjoy. If it sells itself as one sort of thing (Like Bertie Wooster on Discworld!) but turns out to be something else entirely I’ll not only not get far in the book, but am unlikely to look at anything else by the author.
I have never bought a book because of a naked firemen calendar. But I have read books because I won them in giveaways, which I only enter if I’m interested in the book, but not necessarily interested enough to shell out my hard-earned money.
That leaves aside the ones I read to review because I’ve been asked to.
May 13, 2013 — 12:13 AM
Puck Malamud (@the_leaky_pen) says:
Generally for me it is based on friend/family recommendations, or recommendations by authors I like of authors they like. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book based on marketing; if I have, I can’t remember it.
May 13, 2013 — 12:13 AM
Puck Malamud (@the_leaky_pen) says:
Although to be fair, I grabbed Blackbirds because of reading your blog. But I got pointed to your blog by a friend, so I think it probably still falls into that category.
May 13, 2013 — 12:19 AM
jdsfiction says:
As a reader I usually buy a book based on the recommendations of friends. To be honest, I’ve never paid attention to reviews or whether or not there’s ‘swag.’ I’m not even sure what the hell a book trailer is, never seen one. I’m new to the whole Blog thing, and started one for promotional reasons (suggested by a friend). And I don’t use the Twitter… I know, what rock was I under.
I read a lot! When I’m not reading, I write. I’ve spent close to twenty years trying to publish the old fashioned way. It’s worked a little, a few short stories and a bunch of poetry. I’ve saved every rejection letter I’ve ever gotten, plan on wallpapering a bathroom with them one day. I’ve started paying more attention to some of the newer marketing devices, but I still trust word-of-mouth above all else.
May 13, 2013 — 12:16 AM
Jessica Nelson says:
Word of mouth from friends or other respected writers and blogs, signings and readings, good blog posts, an entertaining Twitter stream, and jacket copy on Goodreads.
May 13, 2013 — 12:18 AM
Kew Gibson says:
A good blurb. If that can capture my imagination (strong characters, unusual telling of a tale/circumstances). For example, The Taliban Cricket Club grabbed my attention recently. Here’s a woman stuck in Kabul, in danger as she’s caught the eye of a Talib leader, and trying to train her male family members in the art of cricket for a chance at freedom. I had loads of questions – who was this girl? How did she come to be cricket expert in a country that doesnt play cricket? How is she going to train these guys from under a burqua? How does cricket get them a crack at freedom? So I read the book.
To recap – a good blurb which leaves me questions I want answered.
May 13, 2013 — 12:25 AM
KL Klein says:
I admit, I get most of my books off my goodreads recommendations list. This is because my friends mostly have terrible taste in books. If the synopsis looks good, I’ll see if I can find some excerpts, and if that looks good, I’ll see if I can get it from the library. If I still like it after I’ve read it, then I’ll buy it.
May 13, 2013 — 12:25 AM
Wendy says:
Funny thing is, for me, there’s a considerable difference between what gets me to “buy” a book vs. gets me to “read” a book. I have about 850 books on my Kindle and have read about 150 of them.
When it comes to buying novels, there are several things: Being on a bestseller list will sway me. Amazon reviews have often convinced me to take a chance on a book. I love reading YA. I have come to trust a few YA book bloggers and will buy books based on their enthusiastic reviews. Also, I check GoodReads to see what new books are being released and will buy (or pre-order) ones based on well-written book descriptions that really capture my attention. I’m also not ashamed to say, at times, I’ll buy a book based on the cover. Finally, I pay attention to the authors I love via social media and check out books they recommend.
When it comes to buying/reading non-fiction, I buy books based on the ones that seem to promise (via their title, book description, table of contents, reviews, etc) to solve whatever problem I’m looking for a solution to.
May 13, 2013 — 12:29 AM
T.L. Bodine says:
I’m the same way. I hoard books, especially if I can get them for free or cheap (the “how many books you can fit in this bag for $1” library sale kills me every time) but I might have a book on my shelf/reader for years before I actually bother to crack it open.
May 13, 2013 — 2:50 AM
dangarble says:
I often judge a book by its cover. Man nipples turn me off. If it looks interesting and resides in the fiction or science fiction sections I pick it up and open to 2 to 3 random spots. If it entertains me, I get it.
I’ve purchased two books recommended/mentioned on this site. One of yours and one you recommended.
From there, once I’ve exhausted every book an author I enjoy writes, I go off his biography and read authors he likes.
May 13, 2013 — 12:38 AM
Alamo Jack says:
–Giving a comparison to another book, as a point of reference. “It’s like ‘The Sun Also Rises’ except Spain is Minnesota and instead of bullfighting we have laser ice fishing duels.” If I like Book A, I may be tempted to buy Book B if I know it is somehow similar to A.
May 13, 2013 — 12:41 AM
Yoly says:
Friend/family recommendations of the author. I’ll pick out several of the author’s books, read the jackets or blurbs and see if the matter fits my current interests. Sometimes I’ll buy a book knowing I’ll want to read it in the future–even if I’m not in the mood to read it just then. So mood plays into it. That’s for fiction.
For non-fiction, it has to tie in with my hobby interests or work. I’ll read portions of the book and if the style and voice appeal to me, I’ll buy it.
May 13, 2013 — 12:54 AM
Erica says:
Well before I got obsessed with writing my own stuff and joined a lot of writer forums, I tended to focus on my own favorite authors. If none of my favorites had anything new out, and I didn’t feel like re-reading an old favorite, I’d go to a bookstore and browse visually. I’d wander over to the SFF section or to the mainstream fiction section and pore through titles and back cover copy until I found a book (or four) that seemed interesting. I’d be batting about 50-50 about whether or not these books turned out to be all that interesting once I got them home. When I was too pore to spend money on books I might not read, I’d do the same thing at the library.
I didn’t rely all that much on word of mouth, because most of my friends and family members had somewhat different taste than I do. Even my fantasy-reading pals had different favorite authors as a rule than I did. I did sometimes end up swiping stuff from my old boyfriend’s nightstand once in a while.
I discovered Amazon about 10 years ago when I lived in a tiny town with no bookstore. But Amazon is made so it’s easy to find authors you know and tough to find ones you don’t (no way to visually browse covers/back cover copy like in a real bookstore). Now even big towns don’t have bookstores, and I own a nook, so I buy a lot of books at B&N online. Their “recommendation” system is pretty hit or miss for me. Sometimes it digs up something new and interesting, sometimes it doesn’t. Same for Goodreads. It either tosses up books I’ve already read, or recommends ones I tried to read and didn’t like (it seems to think I’d like Robert Jordan, but I don’t).
Some of the newer authors I’ve read and liked lately are actually ones I’ve run into personally at workshops or online or have been recommended to me by other people in my online writer’s groups. Or there will be a novel that is using a similar technique or incorporating a similar plot element as my own writing, so I want to give it a read. Maybe critting each others’ work gives us a better sense for what we might really like, but I’ve had more hits lately. Still, it’s frustrating, because I know there are lots of good writers out there I’m just not finding, and I’m not sure how to go about doing it better.
Then there’s that time thing. Since I spend a lot more time writing in my free time, I have less to read than I once did.
May 13, 2013 — 1:13 AM
Michael Jason Stokes says:
Honestly I base most of my purchases on a sample reading,an intriguing premise and any pre existing bias towards ( for or against ) the author. decent layout and cover art that shows someone took the time to present this with care and literary self respect helps too.
May 13, 2013 — 1:14 AM
e.j. says:
The cover, a good synopsis of the story (the inside of the would-be jacket, and a sample reading (first page and if i’m in doubt the last 2 pages)
May 13, 2013 — 1:17 AM
Kate says:
A cool cover, eye catching title and interesting blurb.
Recommendations of friends
Twitter. I followed you, and discovered Delilah Dawson, so now I am reading her 1st book, and next I will move onto Karina Cooper.
May 13, 2013 — 1:28 AM
WanHuz says:
For fiction, a beautiful cover is enough for me to buy 😀
May 13, 2013 — 1:38 AM
Tish Els says:
Word-of-mouth from people who’ve read the books and enjoyed them. Occasionally a good review too.
May 13, 2013 — 1:55 AM
Shah Wharton says:
I’ll be honest – price, cover, blurb, word of mouth, free sample (although I rarely bother with this if it’s cheapideep!) in that order. I have moved away from FREE books from newcomers, however. If they are established but have a good following, cool. I have lost count of the FREE books I ‘bought’ only to forget about. FREE makes them unimportant. If I’ve had to invest, I’m more inclined to read it. That said, anything over $4.99 for an eBook is wrong! 😛
And yes, my 125’000 word novel is only $2.99! 🙂
I’d also be looking for them in the right genre listing, so that’s a biggie.
I read on Kindle Fire, too, so buy all my books from Amazon, but most of my books come from authors (or their reps) who want a review, in truth. So I read a LOT that I wouldn’t normally have chosen.
Hope this… mess helps?
May 13, 2013 — 2:03 AM
Mr Urban Spaceman says:
Mostly recommendations from friends. Other than that, having a nice-looking cover is always good for grabbing my attention. And once that’s grabbed, the blurb on the back is usually what makes or breaks it for me.
May 13, 2013 — 2:12 AM
John says:
If the subject matter covered in the book interests me, I will buy read it. More works of a trusted author that I have read before, I will buy and read it. If the book is part of a series that I am currently reading, I will buy and read it. If it is a new work that I have some interest in, I might check out the first page but I rarely do this as I want to sit down with the book and read and read.
May 13, 2013 — 2:17 AM
whiteravensoars says:
Honestly, if I am not reading one of my current favorite authors, or an ARC that I have snagged some way or another, it is all about the cover and the little blip I read on the back. I hate when all they do is put a bunch of info on what “others” wanna say about the book. I shrug that stuff off, and toss the book back on the shelf. I want to be drawn in, from the cover to the little synopsis on the back.
I never read reviews until I am done with the book, too many idiots add spoilers, and nothing ruins a book more. I don’t care much for what other “famous” authors are saying about your book, of course if one of my absolute favorites has said its good, I might read it based on that. Also, I like to just search out authors based on how they compare to the ones I like aready.
I think advertising is a waste, that does nothing to get me interested. I would rather hear about you as the author, and the synopsis for any individual book!!!
May 13, 2013 — 2:46 AM
feralbulb says:
Simple: as a would be writer, and English not being me first language, I chose prize winning novels or select books already turned into fine scripted movies just seen. Else, I’ll get the local English book shop to order one of your never-yet-tried-genre novel ’cause this blog offers nice mugs & t-shirts. O, and big noses.
May 13, 2013 — 2:47 AM
Daniel says:
It all comes down to the blurb. Which I mean in the “description” sense, not quotes from some random jackwipe who may have crap taste or not even have read the book for all I know. Quotes are worthless.
If the blurb passes muster, then I may or may not look at reviews for further information. I don’t give a rat’s ass whether the reviewer liked the book, I’m looking for information that expands on what was present in the blurb to tell me whether I will like it. Does it include some trope I hate? Or love? Is it written in past or present tense? Third person? First? (I am more reluctant to try books by new authors if they’re in first person.)
Something may come to my attention because a friend read it, and friend recommendations can give a book a boost up to a higher position in the to-read queue, but even if sixteen friends tell me it’s the best thing ever, if the blurb says to me “this ain’t for you” then I’m not going to try it at all.
May 13, 2013 — 2:51 AM
Mario says:
It varies for me. Sometimes, it’s a suggestion from a friend. That’s what got me reading Justin Cronin’s “The Passage”. Other times, it’s because a book’s been on my shelf for a while like Michel Chabon’s “Wonder Boys” and I say to myself, “Okay, I don’t remember why I bought this book, but I might as well read it and find out.” And yes, sometimes it starts with a casual glance at the cover as it was with Robert Buettner’s first printing of “Orphanage” or S.M. Stirling’s “The Sky People”. The former had soldiers with Jupiter hovering overhead in the sky, and the latter had a spaceship in a prehistoric-looking jungle, and I’d thought, “Well, that’s kind of different.” Fortunately, I haven’t been steered towards a bad book because of a recommendation, gut feeling, or glances.
May 13, 2013 — 2:51 AM
Cris says:
What gets me to read books:
1) Friend recommendation
2) Recommendation of author I like
3) Good cover with interesting cover copy (blurbs from authors I like also help)
Different genres do have different thresholds for “yes, my precious, I must reads it,” but I’m willing to give almost everything a fair (if biased) shot.
Likelihood goes all the way up to guaranteed if 1) or 2) is accompanied by a sample chapter that grabs me.
It should be noted that I almost never buy anything anymore without checking it out of the library to read it first. I do buy a book or so a month (three if you’re including audio books), but over the last year they have all been, quite literally, things that I’ve already read by borrowing them (from a friend or from the library.) I am a not-exactly-rich graduate student, and my “shelving system” for books is now “shove it on top of other books on the bookcases or pile it on the precarious stacks throughout the apartment or attempt to convince myself that these stacked boxes are actually an acceptable bookcase substitute that won’t collapse and crush my cat.”
My future house? It will have a dedicated library room. Reinforced floors may be involved. At the present, however, self-control is required.
May 13, 2013 — 3:02 AM
T.L. Bodine says:
Recently, I was writing at the library (cheaper than a coffee shop) and noticed a display of books that all seemed to be geared exactly at me. I haven’t checked them out yet, as I’m in the midst of a series, but I’m definitely going back for them as soon as I get some time. I read a lot of library books and am much, much more likely to take a chance on an author I don’t know if it’s from the library. Although I’ll only give the author a chapter or two before I drop it if I don’t like it.
The biggest thing that gets me to buy a book is hearing about it from multiple sources. If I ever have the feeling that “everybody else” is reading something, it will make me feel like I’ve missed something important and jump on it right away. This is the only way I ever read a book outside of my preferred genre.
Speaking of my preferred genre. I have extremely specific, very strange tastes and it’s often really difficult to find books I’ll actually enjoy. I’ve been known to try Google searches for the types of things that intrigue me, but they never work. Which makes me sad, because I’d really, really like for someone to be able to reliably say, “Hey, based on your insane preferences, I have marked the following X books as things you will love.”
May 13, 2013 — 3:03 AM
AM Gray says:
Fiction, non-fiction, to buy to borrow from the library. All have differences.
Library books – at first instance, the title on the spine, then the cover, and then the blurb on the back. I don’t take much notice of quotes or references from other authors. I may choose a tagged Australian author (to support my locals).
For buying books: a friend’s rec, or a goodreads review from someone I respect. After that price matters. If it is another part of a series I will pre-order or wait for the paperback if I can. Or borrow from the library if it is a must-read now and buy my own later when the price drops.
May 13, 2013 — 3:22 AM
Michael Wilson says:
A recommendation from a friend or trusted review source. An interview, particularly in podcast form, where the writer and his/her work comes across as interesting/entertaining and resonates on some level. Seeing that the author has won prestigious awards like an Arthur C. Clarke Award or Hugo. The author has had short fiction published in a publication/anthology I respect, for genre that may be Black Static, Best New Horror (Jones), Best Horror of the Year (Datlow), for literature that may be Tin House, The New Yorker, The Best American Short Stories. Finally if a title has been published by a publisher I respect which has a great track record this might be enough to get me to read a book. And it goes without saying that if I like an author and have enjoyed a previous work I’m likely to return.
May 13, 2013 — 3:52 AM
Robin Karlsson (@Robin_Karlsson) says:
I’d say it’s one part the story itself – the subject matter, the style, etc, gathered from the cover or reviews – and one part recommendation, be it from a review or from a friend. The rest of it, the other promotional stuff, may get me to notice a book in the first place, but not more than that.
May 13, 2013 — 4:04 AM
G.R. Dresmé says:
Well, recommendations from friends, but also recommendations from other writers. If I’ve established some form of loyalty towards a writer, I’ll look him/her up online. Maybe checkout the face/tweet/blog thingies of that author. And if that author comes off as sincere, and posts something like: this book by XYZ is good, give it a read. I just might. You got me on to Marko Kloos.
Buying an ebook for me is about finding out new authors (new to me, anyway) I find myself not so much looking at the cover, but more at the online presence of the author, and the reviews. Buying an ebook is about finding something new, discovering hidden gems, and be surprised at how good/bad/idiotic/etc my find is.
Buying an old school book, is all about the cover, and also some form of anticipation. I waited with buying the latest Murakami, for instance, until a hardcover version with cover art I actually liked was released. Buying a book in a physical store is more about experience and getting myself a treat,
May 13, 2013 — 4:49 AM
Cheryl Martin says:
I found you through Danny Marks (aka Mark Henry) on Booktube. I sort of logged the name Chuck Wendig in my brain. The fact that people on YT show the book cover is very helpful as well. So I had the cover of Blackbirds in my mind. Then it came up again in a google search for advice for aspiring authors-yep this blog.
Lately Booktube is where I get my books almost exclusively. There are some great people on YT making videos, and not just for Young Adult novels. Their are some really interesting people on there like Justadustjacket, mothereffingbooks, AdamandKarate, kaseyrxrd, thesunwentred, Caleb J Ross, Lindsay Mead, Bunny Cates, Sue Moro, abookeveryotherday, RJ Gonzales, Rinceyreads, wordienerd, Chapterstackss, Ophelia Dagger, CharleyReads, BookRatMisty, supersushipizza and so many more book readers. I can hit them up on twitter, and say I want something like this a steampunk action lady hero or whatever and they always have a recommendation.
Next would be Goodreads where I can see what others are reading and the Goodreads awards which tend to favor independent authors. Found Hugh Howey that way. Before YT and Goodreads, I got books off a good book blurb on a blog advertisement like on Dlisted. I picked up Pure by Juliana Baggot that way. Before that there were some podcasts I listened too when I had more time. I know there are book blogs, but I haven’t found one eclectic enought that I click with yet. Of course a listing in Entertainment Weekly or Oprah Magazine always helps (The Night Circus, How to be a Woman, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened).
May 13, 2013 — 5:55 AM
Lisa L. says:
I have a few blogs that I subscribe to and I do look at their recommended reads but when it comes time to click the buy button, I will have checked out some reader reviews. I actually search out for the bad reviews believe it or not. They are more helpful plus it has become a nasty habit of some to buy good reviews for their novels.
A compelling cover with some eye candy doesn’t hurt. Sex does sell after all especially on romance covers. But too cheesy gets an eye roll.
Mostly it will be the synopsis. I don’t care who recommended the book, if the story doesn’t intrigue me from the summary or from taking a peek from the sample, I won’t spend my money even if the book is free.
May 13, 2013 — 5:57 AM
C J Eggett (@CjEggett) says:
I just picked up The Flame Alphabet and The Age of Wire and String because:
1. A bookshop I know tweeted a picture of their beautiful covers
2. They have beautiful covers
I then went and rummaged around various reviews and other gubbins about Ben Marcus before ordering. I think I found myself interested in a very simple “keyword” kind of way (which kept me digging until I was comfortable with parting with my cash) – so I hopped between descriptions of the book being “postmodern” and being “about language”.
I think this just show that a good, broad description of something can do 80% of the convincing.
May 13, 2013 — 6:27 AM
Emelle Gamble says:
1. I love the author from a previous book. (PD James, D Raybourn, Jeanne Ray)
2. I love a series character…(Walter Mosely, Sue Grafton)
3. I read a review or cover blurb and like the plot.
4. Someone gives me a book and says ‘you have to read this!’ This happens alot, but I seldom read it unless it contains one of the above.
5. It’s free on Kindle and I fits #3.
Swag, covers, reviews, tweets, NYT lists, etc. don’t move me. But a big hose and a dalmation…I might risk it.
May 13, 2013 — 6:44 AM
Seamus says:
Recommendations from authors (like you) of other authors and books is where I have been starting as of late. From there, I look to see if the subject of the book is something I would enjoy. If so, I buy a copy. I have yet to be disappointed. Also, “Sword and Laser” on Geek and Sundry has played a large part over the last year. I don’t pay attention to advertisements in a traditional sense, and a sure fire way to get me not to read a book is to be an asshat and make comments publicly that offend me. I know, free country and free speech, but exercising such right is a double edged sword and can cause someone to gain and lose readers. Last but not least, Twitter. I really enjoy following various authors on Twitter and seeing how they interact with their fans and other authors. There is a level of familiarity that is gained from it and makes me generally like most of them more. Blogs have some affect as well. Your blog never fails to entertain me and Scalzi’s blog is great.
May 13, 2013 — 6:55 AM
Hope Benson says:
I find an author I like and usually, if I like them, read everything they write. But what get s me to pick up a book in the first place? I am ashamed to admit I judge a book by the cover. If the front looks interesting (creepy, funny, scary), then I read the blurb. I will also try a book recommended or endorsed by an author I like.
May 13, 2013 — 7:01 AM
Indru says:
I dedicated a whole post to this matter on my blog:
http://indruwriter.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/what-gets-us-to-read-books-chuck-wendig-follow-up/
I felt since it is such an important matter (at least for me), it is better to explain my point of view in detail.
Thank you, Mr. Wendig, for putting the subject on the table. 🙂
P.S.: I am not a native English speaker, so if something sucks in that area please feel free to tell me. 😛 I won’t get mad, I’ll only hack your e-mails and pop the question to other dudes’ girlfriends, so nothing too big, ya know? :))
May 13, 2013 — 7:01 AM
Bob Bois says:
A recommendation might put me onto a book but that alone won’t make me read it.
I will read the back cover copy to see if the premise is intriguing, promising a great vicarious experience. If it seems up my alley, then I read the first 10 pages or so to get a feel for the voice and to judge if the writer is likely to deliver on the promise.
May 13, 2013 — 7:20 AM
Tina says:
– A recommendation from a trusted source (can be someone I don’t actually know but feel like I know well enough – like you!).
– A promise that the book is similar to another book I liked, for example by Amazon or Goodreads. I also tend to go through the Goodreads lists of which the book I liked is part and check out the ones that get a lot of good votes/ratings.
May 13, 2013 — 7:32 AM
Tina says:
Ah, just noticed that a lot of people judge a book by its blurb. I rarely do that, because I’m easily interested/entertained. A blurb needs to be really bad before it has a significant impact.
May 13, 2013 — 7:33 AM
Anne says:
Agreed. I was surprised to see the number of folks who make decisions based on blurbs. It gave me something to think about – I love seeing how other people do things. Myself, I pretty much give blurbs a passing glance, and they have little weight in my decision to purchase.
May 13, 2013 — 11:00 AM
MarcelleLiemant says:
If a book keeps popping up places I’ll begin to get interested. Also, if a writer seems interesting, I’ll probably check out their blog and eventually their book if it seems like my cup of tea.
May 13, 2013 — 7:47 AM
Kelly A. Harmon says:
I bought Blackbirds after a friend’s Facebook post about one of your blog posts. led me to your blog I liked your ‘voice,’ and subscribed. THEN, I bought Delilah S. Dawson’s book after she guest posted here because I liked her ‘voice.’ I point this out, particularly for Delilah’s book because if there’s a vampire in a contemporary book, I’ll put it right back on the shelf,. (Mostly because I like my vampires as pure and unadulterated bloody old-style monsters. No so, hers.)
That being said, I wouldn’t have learned about either book if I hadn’t heard about you from a friend. I think word of mouth and blog posts/guest posts work really well for me.
May 13, 2013 — 7:49 AM
Axl T says:
Honestly to get me to buy and actually read a book is extremely difficult because I already have so many books to read, half-read books or classics that I want to read, not to mention a big fat Globe and Mail hitting the porch everyday, previewing YA books for the kid, plus I have to read my own shit. Oh yeah and the internet’s got some words too. Though I have to say Twitter has caused the layers of dust on the bedstand to get thicker because it makes it so much easier to find something really good, because, well, if Margaret Atwood’s recommending it, it’s got to be good, right?
May 13, 2013 — 8:03 AM
Daniel Hampton (@orion100783) says:
Honestly, one of the first things I do is judge a book by its cover. I know, I know… But I do. If the publisher (or author, now-a-days) doesn’t take the time to create a captivating cover (and especially one that doesn’t look like it was done in Photoshop by my 6-year-old niece), then I attribute that to the story within as well.
Other things that are just as important, and sometimes more-so, are recommendations from friends and authors I like (cue Chuck Wendig and the Angry Robot gang) and simply reading the dust jacket or back of the book for a synopsis. Most of the time, that’s enough.
May 13, 2013 — 8:18 AM
sharon says:
Mostly of the books I enjoy I’ve picked up at like a pharmacy or newsstand book rack. Because I’m easily distracted , the small number of books allows me to make a n easy pick. If its an author I like to read I usually buy immediately. Otherwise I read some of it. I look at the back cover the first page and occasionally the end. If I like the writing then I buy.
May 13, 2013 — 8:20 AM
adstarrling says:
Likely many above, an eye-catching cover and title, and an interesting blurb.
May 13, 2013 — 8:21 AM
TheOtherTracy says:
I buy and read books based on recommendations from people whose opinions I trust. For me, that usually comes from social media. If I follow someone, and I come to “know” them online (or at least have a feel for their tastes, content, etc) and I see them recommend a book, I’m likely to check it out.
I’ll also follow popular opinion, but only when I’m read to. It took me a while to pick up Lies of Locke Lamora, frex, but I was glad I finally did.
FWIW, you’re one of those trusted people, Chuck. I try to pick up practically anything you suggest; our tastes are apparently similar.
May 13, 2013 — 8:23 AM
Aerin says:
Two things mainly:
1) Familiarity with the author. If it’s a name I know and like, the name alone is sufficient for me to grab it, even if it’s outside their usual genre. Even if they’re not a big name, knowing them through a blog or social media — meaning, enough exposure for me to know that this person is smart and articulate — will usually lean me in that direction.
2) Solid recommendations. There are a few people whose recommendation for a book will send me immediately to Goodreads to add it to my TBR shelf. (For instance, pretty much every author interview here gets that, especially the ones you vouch for having read. Which would be so much easier if the post itself included the Goodreads link AHEM AHEM.) Outside of those people, a really good professional review in general or one that mentions something really interesting will bring a book to my attention, as will a general mass of recommendations. That’s usually the “Hey, I’ve heard really good things about this book, but fuck if I know who from” effect.
I have occasionally picked up a book solely on the basis of an interesting cover or title, but honestly, that’s rarely worked out well. I also immediately tune out pleas of “Hey, buy my book!” just on principle. We get inundated with so much overt advertising every day that I’ve just started tuning it out.
My reading time is limited, and my TBR backlog is already immense. I will seek some assurances that I’ll enjoy it before it gets added to the list.
May 13, 2013 — 8:23 AM