Tip O'Day #417 - How One Reader Spots Winners

Guest blogger Trisha Russon on choosing what to read.

I'm passionate about the things that interest me. I'm addicted to reading. One of the most beneficial outcomes of reading is relaxation. For me, this is important therapy. To some people, myself included at times, reading offers an escape from the real world.

I'm an avid reader, always searching for new authors to fuel my addiction. I enjoy reading different genres depending on my mood. When I choose a book by an unknown author, there is a combination of specific things that draw me to the book. First and foremost are a striking cover, an impressive title and an intriguing description.

If a book lacks these qualities it gives me the impression that the unknown author is an unprofessional beginner who doesn't know how to write. In my honest opinion, that's a sure way to quickly lose a reader’s interest. I know there are people out there who believe in the saying "don't judge a book by it's cover." Sorry, but I have to disagree. I want to be captivated and drawn into the book like a child entering a candy store for the very first time.

I like to use a variety of different sites to help me when choosing a book. Web pages like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, authors and readers blogs, and even Facebook pages and groups with descriptive blurbs, synopses, anthologies and great reviews are all helpful tools.

With that being said, I still don't base my final decision about a book solely by what others have to say about it, for one reason. We all have different opinions about the books we read. What other people like or don't like will not sway me either way. At the end of the day it comes down to one thing.

Did the authors have what it took to draw me into buying their books?

Dixon says: These are all good points, and yet we’ve all had the experience of buying what appears to be a professionally-produced, thought-provoking book, only to quickly realize it’s poorly written garbage. However, there’s a way to prevent that.

Let’s say you’ve been intrigued by the catchy title, striking cover and interesting blurb. You’ve seen it mentioned on some websites you follow. You’ve read a few positive reviews, and noticed it has a high rating on Goodreads. My suggestion is that you now read some sample pages.

Sure, we all know the first chapter get edited and proofread a lot more than later sections, and yet believe me, any writer too lazy or clueless to run a book past Beta Readers or a critique group, will demonstrate those same qualities in the first five pages. One of the things I really enjoy about eBooks is the ability to preview a certain amount of the opening pages, usually about ten percent, just as you might do browsing in a physical bookstore. I recently previewed a book where I didn’t need to go past the second page to find about a half-dozen misspellings and misuses of there, their and they’re. So be a smart consumer, and do the work needed to avoid buying junk.

TipO'Day #403 - How to Pick a Book

Guest blogger Ellen Grogan on “So Many Books, So Little Time.”

With a collection of close to 4,000 books, the second question friends and neighbors always ask is, “How do you choose which book to read?”

“Well, that depends,” I respond.

When it comes to sampling books by authors who are new to me, cover design counts big time. If an author doesn’t care enough to invest the time and/or money in a professionally-designed cover, well, how much care could have been invested in the writing and editing of that manuscript? You see, we’re not in school any longer. We are offering a valuable work product (hopefully) in exchange for someone’s money and the time to read it. Value is expected in return! After that, all I want is to know what the story is about. If the description on the jacket of the book peaks my interest, I will read the first page of a sample. That’s it – one page. And price is always a consideration.

My first picks, however, are always from among the authors whom I consider to be some of the greatest living writers of our generation: Margaret George, Anne Rice, Stephanie Cowell, Michael Connelly, Ken Follett, Stephen Leather, James Patterson. Not only are they wonderful storytellers, but also there is much to be learned from the way they craft their stories.

I like true crime by Anne Rule if I want a really good scare. Nothing like a serial killer story to get my blood pumping. I like interesting detective stories: Harry Bosch by Michael Connelly; Alex Cross by James Patterson; Samuel Tay by Jake Needham; Inspector Zhang by Stephen Leather. I like everything non-vampire by Anne Rice. Her writing makes me feel like a little child curled up with a cup of hot chocolate listening to her as she tells me another magnificent story. (Of course I hear voices, silly – I’m a writer!) And Stephanie Cowell, well, all of her writing is so beautifully vivid that it just breaks my heart.

I must admit that I have not yet read any of the Dan “Spider” Shepherd novels by Stephen Leather but, those aside, I have never been disappointed by anything this amazing storyteller has written. Dreamer’s Cat and the Jack Nightingale series are beyond magnificent in story and in craftsmanship.

Oh, yes, and about that other question my friends and neighbors always ask me first: “Where do you find the time to do all this?”

Easy – I don’t do housework.

Tip O'Day #374 - Make Bookaholics Happy!

Guest blogger Janice Strong says, “Books are a way of life for me.”

I have the deepest respect for writers who have worked so hard to give others books to read. I have thought about how I choose the books I read and it comes down to these things:

Before I consider buying a book, I must read about the author. I must know the genre and the description of the book. Then, I must see the cover of the book. Sometimes the cover alone sells me.

I read the words of recommendations from other authors whom I have read and enjoyed. I am hesitant to read reviewers because I want to make up my own mind about the book. Amazon is where I go for any information about a book and author. I read a sample of the book if it is available. If not available, I will read the blurbs on the cover of the book from reviewers or other authors.

From a reader’s point of view, I love books. As long as I live, I will be buying books and reading about authors. Recently, I crossed genres and read some westerns. I enjoyed them! I am even watching “Longmire” episodes on television (a modern western set in Wyoming). It is never too late for a reader to change reading habits or to add new authors and genres. So writers, keep doing what you do best: WRITE.

Dixon says<: This reminds me that I haven't done "one-sentence blog posts" in months. So write one sentence only on the topic "How I pick a book to buy, borrow or steal." Don't post a comment here - instead email your submission to montananovels@yahoo.com and I will post my favorites in a couple weeks.

Tip O'Day #335 - Writers are Readers, Too

Guest blogger Ann Swann on what she looks for in a book.

First, I have my favorites like Stephen and Tabitha King, John Grisham, and Anne Tyler. Then there's my daughter, Sara Barnard. She's a new, soon-to-be-published Romance author, and I'm always reading her latest.

I also have my online author friends. I've got about sixteen of their books on my Kindle right now. I'm constantly downloading to my Kindle. Biographies are one of my weaknesses. Then there are my fellow Cool Well Authors. I'm such a nosy-Nancy. I want to read everything they write, but that doesn't leave me any time for my own work.

Finally, I am a real sucker for a colorful cover. I recently saw a Young Adult book, After the Snow Falls, and the beautiful snowy-blue cover caught my eye right away. The same way with the Twilight books, that red on black was really eye-catching. A book from a few years ago, The Body Finder, had a gorgeous cover. Of course the blurb is important, too. But that's a whole other topic!

Ann Swann is author of The Phantom Pilot, book one of The Phantom Series (The next book, The Phantom Student, will be out in October.) Learn more here or on this link to the book trailer.

Tip O'Day #330 - How Readers Pick What to Read, Part 4

I asked some writer/reader friends on FB what factors help them choose a book to read, and their answers have been appearing this week.

Ramona DeFelice Long - I have favorite authors I like to support, but the blurb and first page are deciding factors for me. Even if I love the blurb and am interested, the first page needs to be a winner if I'm going to lay down cash.

Ellie Mack - First genre; second title, then blurb. Author reputation does play a part if it's one of the authors I've read and like their work. I will buy books of my favorite authors - even if they are stinkers.

Dixon Rice – I used to mostly read favorite authors. Liked James Michener until his books seemed to be written by a committee of grad students. Loved John Grisham until the sloppily written The Chamber. What happened to the hit man subplot, which vanished two-thirds through? Admired Tom Clancy until he got so big he wouldn’t let anyone edit him, and now most of his books beg to shed a couple hundred pages. So I read reviews, listen to recommendations, and take a chance on online friends when I see them helping others within the writing community.

Thanks for your help, folks, and all the good insights. Let's do this again sometime.

Tip O'Day #329 - How Readers Pick What to Read, Part 3

I asked some writer/reader friends on FB what factors help them choose a book to read, and their answers appear this week.

Malika Gandhi - I go by the cover, as well as what is written on the blurb. The cover tells a lot about the book itself. It should be appealing and inviting at the same time. This is vital but a cover must complement the blurb. Writing a blurb is hard and to get it right is even harder. You have to go through many revisions before the final piece. Recently, I read The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It’s a brilliant book in itself; the blurb is fantastic but so is the cover which nicely ties together the whole package.

Keith Gouveia - I read a random selection of pages. If they grab me, I take it home.

Judith Anne Horner - I have favorite authors. I also read reviews on various websites. If I think the book is one I would like to read, I either download it to my Nook or reserve it at the library.

Tip ODay #328 - How Readers Pick What To Read, Part 2

I asked some writer/reader friends on FB what factors help them choose a book to read, and their answers appear this week.

Elicia Stoops Clegg - The first page.

Jonnie Comet - Usually, the blurb. I like to read the synopsis and see the premise of the plot and what the characters will be like. I'm not that visual and visual images don't usually sell me without intriguing text. I also don't pay attention to reviews-- maybe because as a thinking individual I consider my opinion as valid and valuable as those people's, maybe more so.

Nick du Plessis - With nonfiction, I select based on topic and sometimes based on recommendation. With fiction, I choose based on personal recommendations and books by authors I have previously read.

Tip O'Day #327 - How Readers Pick What to Read, Part 1

I asked some writer/reader friends on FB what factors help them choose a book to read, and their answers appear this week.

Claire Atherton - I have favourite authors but although I pick up their books, like any other book it is the blurb that pulls me in and peaks my interest. If it excites my reading senses, then I am sure to get it. For someone who I haven't read before, it’s the front cover and lettering that will draw me in first, and then the blurb.

Randy Bekkedahl - Tips from friends. I have such a wide reading group of friends, I get lots of recommendations.

B. Chris Bell - Authors. I've always read anthologies to find them. If I like what I see, I’ll read one of their books. Guess I'm not real trendy.

Tip O'Day #302 - How Readers Pick a Book

Periodically, I like to share comments from readers about how they select their next book to beg, borrow or buy.

Amos Lassen - I try to review every book I am sent, of which there are many. If I’m thinking of buying a book, I read the blurbs and scan the sample pages a bit. Usually I will buy a book that I have read good things about if the concept appeals to me.

Laurie Jenkins - For me, besides time, the most important factor in my decision to read/review a book comes down to genre, then the blurb, then reading a bit of the sample. It's tough. Like most these days, I never have enough time to read all the books I'd really like to read, so I try not wasting time on ones I don't think I'll enjoy. It is getting more and more difficult to meet all my review commitments so my resolution for this year is to say "no" more often and try not to feel so guilty doing so.

Clara Brown - What makes me choose to read one book over the other is a creative plot. Right now I’m reading a horror story written from the POV of a giant flesh-eating Venus flytrap. Not only was the story well written, but how many Venus fly traps do you know?

Dixon Rice – One thing I love about the writing community is how helpful everybody is, even to clueless newbies. When I see there is a new book from someone who’s been active in online author groups, someone who posts thoughtful reviews, someone who is supportive of other writers – that’s a book I’ll take a chance on.

Tip O'Day #284 - "Grab 'Em by the Collar"

Your genial host, novelist Dixon Rice, tries his hand at writing a blurb.

Joanna Penn recently blogged about what makes an effective book blurb in The Creative Penn. It needs to be brief, no more than 100-150 words. If space allows, you may want to make some about the author remarks, but be sure to include:

(1) A hint of the plot.
(2) Use of words that evoke images and resonate with readers of the genre.
(3) Main characters named and characterized.
(4) Idea of setting.
(5) A question or a hint of mystery that draws the reader in.
(6) Some hyperbole.
(7) Finally, quotes about the book or previous books by the author.

I like Joanna’s analysis. A blurb should be some of your best writing, not feeling like a book report. It should briefly convey a sense of the plot, setting, main characters and themes. A blurb needs to grab readers by the collar, getting them to look at the opening page (or click on the online sample pages) to see if the writing lives up to the hype. Following is my 150-word attempt to apply this concept to my novel, The Assassins Club.

Deputy Marconi spoke softly. “We know you’ve been killing people, Ty…”

Deputy Trueblood pushed his partner aside. “The point is, we want in.”

Ty blinked. “Excuse me?”

In Montana’s Rocky Mountains in the 1970s, college student Tyler Goode figures he “accidentally” became a serial killer.

Another serial killer, a bearded, thirtyish man, emerges nude from the ocean in Baja California. He thinks he is Jesus. He walks up the coast, killing when it pleases him, and gathers a Manson-like tribe of losers.

Ty and Jesus eventually collide in this fast-paced suspense-thriller, but only one will survive to pursue his addiction.

See why reviewers say: “…so fast moving, you don't stop to think how it's all going to end. But even if you did, it will still be a surprise.”

“So real you can taste it.”

“An engrossing read with a compelling plot... This novel will keep you guessing until the end.”

So what do you think - did I grab you by the collar?

Tip O'Day #283 - How You Choose a Book - II

How three more readers select a book.

Cindy Davis - After being an editor for so many years, I am hard to please. I choose a complicated plot--usually mystery. I enjoy unraveling plot lines.

Luna Sweete - If a book has a horrible cover or an uninteresting blurb I will not pick it up and buy it or read it. It could be the best book in the world and I would never know it.

Aleksandra Zaric - For me it’s always been the initial appeal of the front cover. If the synopsis sounds okay and it’s within the genre that I like, then I’ll buy it. The price is not really a concern. I think it’s really worthwhile for any self-published author to utilize some of the best cover designers in the industry. It is really worth the investment.

Tip O'Day #282 - How Do You Choose a Book?

How three readers select what to read:

Tami Kidd - I have a lot less time for reading now, but when I do I read what I think I will enjoy. I usually stick to mysteries, paranormal, some romance. I have a two hour commute to work every day, so audio books have been a blessing.

Cathy Speight – I’ll read anything, especially if it is a genre I have not tried before. Review list aside, I have a somewhat eclectic taste in books. I only read e-books (clarity, font size, etc). I download heaps of free books. Unlike some, I don't believe free = crap. (I also pay for books, within reason.) I glance at the ratings. If they are consistently poor, I will probably give the book a miss, but if they are mixed or consistently good, then I'll give it a go. I buy books on recommendation, also.

Deborah J. Hughes - I look at the cover, of course, but what determines it for me is the blurb. If the blurb is not written well, I expect the book won't be either. So that's it. I buy a book on personal recommendation, reviews and their ratings, and a well-written blurb.

Three more readers speak up tomorrow.

Tip O'Day #256 - "Blind Dates"

Guest blogger Mark Souza on how readers choose a book.

Readers choosing their next book are similar to someone searching for a date at a club or watering hole. Reviews are like exhortations from friends before a blind date. This is not usually enough to seal the deal. Your friends’ opinions don’t always jibe with yours. You want to see for yourself if you’re a match.

Say we have entered the Barnes & Noble Bistro and Bar on a busy Friday night. There are a plethora of choices, including the one recommended by your friends. The first thing you’ll do is pick out those you find attractive. The cover is the first evidence of what to expect. A good cover is one that makes the reader stop and look closer. Does it catch the eye? Does it set the tone for what’s inside? Does it look professional?

After narrowing our candidates to a handful, we’ll want to dig a little deeper. In our dating analogy, we’d sit down and start a conversation to find out what we have in common. In terms of books, this is where we read the blurb. Here we’ll learn about the genre and premise, and whether the author can write worth a damn. If an author can’t hold your interest for one paragraph, what hope is there of holding your attention over 300 pages?

Then we may crack the book open and read the first page or two. Readers look for voice, effective language, and a story that grabs them by the lapels on page one. Spelling and grammatical errors or lifeless prose are huge danger signals.

So whether browsing for a book choice, or looking for a date at the local watering hole, the selection process is same. Physical attraction often comes first and then it’s time to look deeper. A book has to convey a bevy of positive cues in a very short amount of time in order to be selected, and there is very little tolerance for shoddy appearance, obvious flaws, or flaccid prose. Take a little time and do it right.

Connect with Mark online at his website.

Tip O'Day #211 - Write for Readers 2.0

Following up yesterday’s post, here is more of what readers look for.

Gerald Sessions: I read mostly fiction. (Not a writer.) Some books I buy because I like the author. Sometime the cover is the clincher; other times, the blurb telling about the story.

Jane Vogley - I go for the obscure, books that don't have mainstream appeal or marketing. As a screenwriter, sometimes I only have time to read when I'm working on an adaptation or doing research for a movie. For example, right now my dining room table is covered in every book known to man about Raoul Wallenberg, because I'm writing a script about him. I'm also working on a spec script based on a book called Swamplandia so I'll have to start reading that soon.

So what makes you pick up a book by an unknown author, and give it a try?