tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post6819688935707900012..comments2024-03-18T16:17:37.995-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: What Makes a Reader Pick Up a Book By a Debut Author?Jody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-14980148241818504792014-10-05T01:01:22.267-04:002014-10-05T01:01:22.267-04:00Instead of promoting your home, you are offering t... Instead of promoting your home, you are offering the deed of your home directly to your lender or standard bank as a form of payment for your excellent economical debt. While you still reduce the ownership, you would still be allowed to reside in your home until you are able to find a new home. <a href="http://www.quickmove.com/sell-my-property-quickly.html" rel="nofollow">Sell my property quickly</a>Zackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09875668972227675257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-37828107064172237432013-07-24T20:03:28.739-04:002013-07-24T20:03:28.739-04:00Great discussion. I'm a little confused, thoug...Great discussion. I'm a little confused, though, by references in some of the comments to "the book blurb". Do you mean the description of the book on the back cover? I've always understood "blurbs" to be the recommendations from other authors or excerpts from reviews, so there would normally be more than one.<br /><br />I've stopped reading the back covers or reviews because too often they give important plot points away. I don't really trust blurbs (i.e., recommendations) either most of the time since I know how they can be traded. I go for word of mouth, cover & reading the first couple of pages. B. Morrisonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-21559390988189195582013-07-24T07:48:34.591-04:002013-07-24T07:48:34.591-04:00Hi Margaret,
17 reviews may not mean something is...Hi Margaret,<br /><br />17 reviews may not mean something is wrong with the book, but unfortunately, it will speak a message to readers about the "worth" of picking the book up compared to other books that may have 170 reviews. Your book could in fact be better written, better story, better everything than the book with 170, but readers won't think that. They'll see the low numbers and assume it's not up to par, otherwise why haven't more readers left reviews. Or perhaps they'll think the low reviews signal that not enough people have read the book and how can I trust the reviews that are already there? After all, most authors can usually get 17 people friends or otherwise to leave reviews. But 170? That's tougher and thus more reliable.<br /><br />All that to say, whether we like it or not, we need to get as many reviews as we can. It also helps raise our books in Amazon rankings and visibility. Big publishers know this, and so have review programs. For example, my publisher sends out a limited number of review copies in exchange for an honest review. That helps immensely and I get lots of reviews on my books that way. For someone self-publishing (or going with a small press), I suggest using the same strategy--offering a limited number of free copies in exchange for an honest review. <br /><br />Hope that helps!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-48729738553834426422013-07-23T10:18:02.771-04:002013-07-23T10:18:02.771-04:00Don't judge a book by its cover! However, I al...Don't judge a book by its cover! However, I always do. It's the first thing that catches my attention, then the blurb. It's why I bought my first Christine Feehan book in her Dark Series. The cover caught my eye, but because it was a vampire book, (I didn't read vampires at the time, plus I didn't know the author's work) I put it back on the shelf. None of my favorite authors had anything new to offer at the time and I kept going back to the Feehan book and eyeing the cover. I thought what the heck, buy it. It might be good and it was great. Since, I've read almost the entire Dark Series and there are a lot of books in it. I don't care if a book is traditionally published or self pubbed as long as it's a good story that captivates me from page one to the end.Tabitha Shayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05972042366495721348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-91486503697840126022013-07-23T09:38:15.385-04:002013-07-23T09:38:15.385-04:00I can empathize with EF Watkins. I have a debut no...I can empathize with EF Watkins. I have a debut novel which was the HF winner in the 2011 Harper Collins first novel competition and was subsequently mainstream published in late November last year. I was advised to tell my family etc NOT to write reviews, but to wait for 'proper' ones. Net result 17 reviews in 6 months. All good and some very lengthy and thoughtful - not 'luvvies' - Rather dispiriting that by Jody's reckoning there must be something wrong with the book. I realise that numbers of reviews undoubtedly help - but how, without wheeling in all my family, do I get genuine ones? And how to i get 'found' - it seems to be a bit of a cyclical argument - need reviews to get readers, need readers to get reviews. Second problem for me in terms of being 'found' is that I suspect that my book would appeal to the US market (it's set in 16th c Scotland amidst warring clans), but how on earth do i raise it's profile there? I think I have 5 reviews on Amazon.com to date - not a lot! <br /><br />Any suggestions would be gratefully received, as I know that the longer it's out there without making an impact the less chance it has. I don't want to endlessly spam folk as I see others doing online - though it has to be said that appears sometimes to work. <br /><br />(And just in case anyone is wondering who on earth is rabbiting on here - my name is Margaret Skea and my book Turn of the Tide.) <br /><br />I really would like to know what folk might suggest as I'm at my wits end with this publicity bit. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-3604399257301010702013-07-23T08:30:23.212-04:002013-07-23T08:30:23.212-04:00One point on which I disagree is judging a book by...One point on which I disagree is judging a book by the number of reviews on Amazon. I have a "traditional" POD publisher, so I share some of the same handicaps as self-published authors in getting advance copies out to reviewers. (Maybe more, because I have to actually wait until the book is edited!) In the past I've had great reviews from a number of sites, but for my latest it seemed much harder for me to rise above the onslaught of books they are receiving, probably many of them from self-published authors. The one review I did get so far was stellar (by a total stranger, not a friend). Maybe that's my problem--I aim for objective reviewers and not just my friends and family? Meanwhile, I read one book from a small house that got perhaps 30 reviews on Amazon, many of them raves, and I felt the book had real problems. So that standard can be misleading... E. F. Watkinshttp://www.efwatkins.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-51714968572705678372013-07-18T10:25:36.797-04:002013-07-18T10:25:36.797-04:00The reality of the self publishing world today is ...The reality of the self publishing world today is that bad perception that applies to the majority of indie authors but was created by the minority. Well, we all know bad word of mouth travels faster and farther. As the market shifts, I think we are going to see more self pub and less traditional and we need to understand how we can change that perception and actively contribute to doing so. Readers absolutely should expect writers to go through the full, professional process so that they have some security in the purchase, confidence that it is worth their time and money. It will be important for us to contribute to educating the readers and the writers that self pub authors can and do go through the same "hoops" and "tests" as traditionally published authors do, and by choice, not by requirement. If they know how to recognize that in the preview and/or listing of the books, just like they know how to recognize the publishing method, and authors fill in all that information, we can make a difference here. For example, instead of looking at the publisher, look to see if an editor is credited and if so, are they reputable. Authors taking the extra time to credit the professionals they work with in their books has more value than just giving credit.... I also have been keeping an eye on indiePENdents.org - a non-profit site that is working to get self pub authors a recognized form of validation, seal of approval, and get these books into libraries...has anyone here had experience with them or thoughts about that as a positive contribution to our environment?<br />Overall, it's my humble opinion that while, yes, they are growing more and more weary of self pub books, we should be trying to change that, not shying from self publishing because of it. Debra L Hartmann here. It's nice to meet you and thanks for this great article and a forum for sharing opinions and comments.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-45048664546214886612013-06-07T14:59:25.725-04:002013-06-07T14:59:25.725-04:00Great list; sharing it with my newsletter readers....Great list; sharing it with my newsletter readers.<br /><br />But about #3: I'm with Dina and Heather. Authors might look at the publisher. Precious few other readers will look, or care, if they do.<br /><br />Word of mouth is #1 all right. Can't be beat.Joel D Canfieldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11801896011346177144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-50977320135879548632013-05-02T09:10:44.794-04:002013-05-02T09:10:44.794-04:00Very informative post. I am a debut author and get...Very informative post. I am a debut author and getting my name out there has been one of my priorities. Because my publisher doesn't get the books out until 2-3 months after the book goes on pre-order. I've sent copies to reviewers myself.<br /><br />I tweeted.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-15971635994974291802013-05-02T01:56:05.394-04:002013-05-02T01:56:05.394-04:00As a self-published author, I might be a little bi...As a self-published author, I might be a little biased, but except for a few series I've been reading, I've almost exclusively been buying self-published novels for over a year now. More and more, what was coming out of the traditional publishing houses in my preferred genre (fantasy) was divided between "the same" and "more of the same," and most of it was in sub-genres that don't interest me. I'm finding the really fresh new voices and interesting stories coming out of self-publishing.<br /><br />So, for taking a chance on a debut author? For me, it's all about the book description. Grab me with a really interesting story description that sounds like the book I've been waiting all my life to read. Based on that, I'll download the sample, but I almost always end up buying the book. I can forgive some shaky writing and editing if the story and characters grab me and won't let me go.<br /><br />A good cover will catch my eye, but it's secondary to the blurb and the sample. <br /><br />Also, price. I'll gladly take a chance on an unknown for .99 to $5 or so. (In fact, at .99 I'll just go ahead and buy the book without sampling first, if it sounds interesting enough.) For $10 or more, for me to take a chance on an unknown, mmm, no. Not unless it's something that really grabs me and that I will die if I don't read it.<br /><br />I don't go by word-of-mouth because I don't really know anyone who shares my taste.Kyra Hallandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13288312791720729181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-19598421124106629012013-04-23T22:30:05.102-04:002013-04-23T22:30:05.102-04:00I am drawn to book covers. I love scanning booksto...I am drawn to book covers. I love scanning bookstore shelves and coming across that one image that just makes me want to buy it: mostly subdued colors and a pleasing font. Thanks for another great post!Jolina Petersheimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01735429508293558963noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-4887116050232841342013-04-23T03:17:22.134-04:002013-04-23T03:17:22.134-04:00This is an interesting conversation for me since I...This is an interesting conversation for me since I'm working on my first novel off and on and wondering how to publish it. My first choice method would actually be a hybrid method: traditional publisher to do all the print books, and self-publishing for e-books. <br /><br />I do know that you're not the only one with the bias against self-published authors. And I don't blame people for this bias personally - it's easy enough now days to publish a book that you can write a book about "My little pony" and probably actually self-publish it on Amazon's Kindle platform. (Which isn't to say that it's impossible to a decent book with that title, just that I'd be surprised.)<br /><br />As far as giving away the first book, the one caution that authors have to take into consideration with this is something Scott Adams found out the hard way. When he gave away a PDF version of one of his books, he found out that people started expecting him to give away his future books as well. In other words, he reduced the expected price for his books to $0. So while authors can give away books, by all means, do so if you think it helps, but be careful on how you do it.Evan Lynchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09363748519572643804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-24302844284726187622013-04-21T20:49:24.204-04:002013-04-21T20:49:24.204-04:00Hi Heather,
Yes, I'm sure I've stirred u...Hi Heather, <br /><br />Yes, I'm sure I've stirred up some disagreement! :-) But hey, that makes blogging fun from time to time! :-)<br /><br />Anyway, as I mentioned above, at a couple of recent speaking engagements, readers mentioned to me THEIR frustration with having to wade through self-published books to find the good from the bad (and I have to admit it mirrors mine). And yes, of course, there are traditionally published books that don't rise up to the standards. But let's be honest, there are many, many more writers self-publishing who aren't doing their homework (like you have). So it is growing more confusing for readers to wade through the sheer number of self-published books out there. They don't have the time to read blurbs and samples of everything. And so, debut self-published writers need to be aware of the uphill battle ahead. Not that it can't work out! But it's simply one more obstacles to overcome as a debut self-published author.<br /><br />I found it interesting in the comments above, that many readers are more willing to try debut authors (self-published and traditional) if they can read the book for free (either a free download or library copy or influencer copy). Perhaps once a self-published author has a second book out there, giving the first for free for a limited time could be a really good strategy?Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-73481636556205010862013-04-21T16:40:32.616-04:002013-04-21T16:40:32.616-04:00As a reader, I love discovering new, fresh voices....As a reader, I love discovering new, fresh voices. While I rely on word-of-mouth, good covers, and back cover blurbs, I also like to read sample chapters, especially when trying an author I've never read.<br /><br />As I'm sure you can imagine, Jody, I 100% disagree with your point on only choosing debut authors who have been fortunate enough to have garnered the support of an agent and been gobbled up by a big publisher. I believe there are some amazing writers out there who chose different routes.<br /><br />That's why I read sample chapters of both self- and traditionally-publsihed novels. As a reader, I don't really care any more who published the novel as long as the story is great and the writing is well-crafted and well-edited. There are some amazing stories being told these days. It's an exciting time!Heather Sunserihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12552506888985553471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-90400881714887532502013-04-21T07:54:50.219-04:002013-04-21T07:54:50.219-04:00Great topic. Word of Mouth is number one, but the ...Great topic. Word of Mouth is number one, but the book cover comes in close behind. I hate to say it, but although the inside can't be judged by the outside, the book cover is something which can definitely draw me to a new author. The back blurb and first few pages also need to past the test before a purchase is made. :)Cher Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15817089871390887197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-87210068566552677722013-04-19T08:14:04.037-04:002013-04-19T08:14:04.037-04:00For me, Amazon's Kindle program has been an am...For me, Amazon's Kindle program has been an amazing way to discover new authors. I'm subscribed to a feed that alerts me when a new book is offered free. They're not all of new authors of course, but many are. And yes, many are self published and sometimes it shows. But then again (as someone else stated as well): I've also read some pretty disappointing traditionally published books, so that's all part of the game. Once I like an author, I usually look for more books he or she has written. Another thing that works for me (in addition to what you wrote and what others commented on) is Amazon's recommendations. They're not always spot on of course, but I've found some interesting new books and authors that way!Rachel Blomhttp://www.youthleadersacademy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-50854300104793098042013-04-18T22:32:28.212-04:002013-04-18T22:32:28.212-04:00Definitely word of mouth! Whether debut or not, I ...Definitely word of mouth! Whether debut or not, I totally rely on what other people say about a book. For instance, I normally would never read a book like Hunger Games. But everyone kept saying how amazing it was, and I devoured the series. Julie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-47062597404700832242013-04-18T22:17:42.954-04:002013-04-18T22:17:42.954-04:00One thing that helps me decide is when I read an e...One thing that helps me decide is when I read an excerpt of the book and I want to keep reading. I'm able to do that at brick-and-mortar bookstores, of course, but it's also nice when I can read excerpts of the books online. Then I can decide for myself whether I like a book or not. I do read reviews, and sometimes I buy books partly based on what others are saying. But my tastes are not always aligned with other people's tastes, because I often end up liking stories that other people don't like, and vice versa. Neurotic Workaholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06775298184138766683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-46290472896131347342013-04-18T20:14:01.992-04:002013-04-18T20:14:01.992-04:00Words of mouth is very important indeed.
My seco...Words of mouth is very important indeed. <br /><br />My second would be the cover and the blurb. <br /><br />And I'll have to agree that sometimes I hesitate when I find out that the book is self-published. But there are surely some good ones out there. <br /><br />Interesting post, Jody, <br />Ganisenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-10302916054823758252013-04-18T18:21:08.904-04:002013-04-18T18:21:08.904-04:00I have tired some new debut authors, you were one ...I have tired some new debut authors, you were one of them!! And I'm glad, because your books are awesome!! I usually go on the publishers web-site to see what books are coming soon, and if a cover looks good on new authors, I will read what the books is about, if it sounds good, I will buy it. Some of I have liked and some I haven't. If I like them, I will keep them as an author that I must read. :)CherylAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-11900066301746414902013-04-18T17:05:05.918-04:002013-04-18T17:05:05.918-04:00Great topic, Jody. For me it's 3 things:
1. B...Great topic, Jody. For me it's 3 things:<br /><br />1. Book premise or hook: if the story doesn't make me curious then no matter how many people recommend it, I won't read it.<br /><br />2. Book cover/title: I'm with you on this one. The cover has to be appealing for me to pick it up from the shelf. Having said this, I have read several books with bad covers based on recommendations or the premise.<br /><br />3. Recommendations: I'm cautious about this one because I don't always like the same things my friends do, but at least I give a book consideration if it's getting some attention.<br /><br />I used to be a very loyal reader but my tastes have become so eclectic that now the premise is what sells me a book.Lorenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17848249911635132594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-61740586922159293922013-04-18T15:32:20.235-04:002013-04-18T15:32:20.235-04:00Jody, I tend to follow the same standards you use ...Jody, I tend to follow the same standards you use in making an informed choice regarding which books I'm willing to pay for with my limited resources. Being a reviewer/blogger I have been approached by numerous "new" authors who need reviews for their books, and some of these authors have been remarkable. Reviewing has opened up a whole new influence for my wish list of books to purchase. Some established authors I endorse and review for send all of their releases to me for review. I always share my blog reviews so that others can get a good idea what I have enjoyed reading, so I hope that as reviewers we can assist in getting the word out regarding those authors who have nothing previous to back them up. We all have to start somewhere. Thanks for the opportunity to share our views regarding how we choose our reading choices.Nanceehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588677121611836251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-61532342720319065152013-04-18T14:48:27.777-04:002013-04-18T14:48:27.777-04:00Great topic for discussion today, Jody! If I'm...Great topic for discussion today, Jody! If I'm looking for a new book, I often stick to known authors, but recommendations from trusted friends will influence my choice, too. Since tastes often differ, however, I still check out the blurbs and first page for myself. When it comes to a debut author's book I will buy it if I've built a relationship with that person and want to support her/him, however the book has been published. Whether or not I buy the next book by that author will depend on what I thought of the first one.<br /><br />While I know there are traditionally published books that don't measure up, I'm more likely to risk choosing a debut author's book if I know it's been thoroughly vetted by the various departments of a respected publisher.<br /><br />As an aside, one thing I've noticed over the past couple years of reading blogs and comments, is that the biggest defenders of self-published books are self-published authors. Others are more inclined to judge books on the quality of writing regardless of how they are published. The average reader who selects a book from the shelf probably doesn't even know (or care) how it's published. If the cover is appealing, the blurb interesting, and the first few pages seem well written, it meets the criteria. If the story doesn't measure up, it will get the usual negative feedback in reviews and forums... although it's at this point that self-published books might get hit a little harder by those who recognize their origins. <br /><br /><br />Carol Garvinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02182655399708415140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-21170172591106362382013-04-18T14:25:57.962-04:002013-04-18T14:25:57.962-04:00I'll automatically buy and read the debut nove...I'll automatically buy and read the debut novels of my friends. In fact, I'm already committed to several copies of my very best friend's, and college roommate's debut novel, coming out this fall (everybody who reads anything, ever, is getting one for Christmas ;-) And sometimes my friends' friends (I have a copy of Jessica Keller's recent debut on my TBR shelf just because she's a dear friend of a dear friend, even though I've never met her, cyber or otherwise.)Also I give them a shot if they're endorsed by a favorite author or a friend I trust. I picked up my first Jodi Hedlund book because the aforementioned bestest friend said she couldn't put it down, and carried it with her everywhere just in case she could squeeze in a minute of reading.<br /><br />I have those tried and true, I always buy them, authors. My "system" for books by new authors--debut or just new to me--is simple. I'll pick it up if the cover catches my eye, and I'll buy it if the cover copy tickles my fancy. I often don't know I'm reading a debut author until I look for the list of "Other Books by ______" and don't find it.<br /><br />Andrea Stronghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04561504163570350209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-75018961835637899202013-04-18T13:58:03.410-04:002013-04-18T13:58:03.410-04:00Honestly, as much as I love fiction, I would not p...Honestly, as much as I love fiction, I would not pay for a fiction book (especially by a debut writer) unless I have already read it (from the library) and it was so life-changing that I can't imagine being without it. But I am very quick to put interesting-sounding books on hold at the library, and I often fill out the "suggest a purchase" form when I hear of a new book I want to read that is not in the system yet.<br /><br />With that being said, if I actually had the time and money to browse at a brick-and-mortar bookstore, I would flip through the first half of the book (wouldn't want to spoil the ending!) and take time to read several passages. The most attractive things to me would be: witty dialogue; well-crafted descriptive passages; and a main character who is compassionate and well-grounded.Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01219927747463858511noreply@blogger.com