Comments on: Final Question

By: jonny20

jonny20 — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 22:09:42 +0000

jonny8

By: Margaret Garrison

Margaret Garrison — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 16:33:14 +0000

Received the info to be able to find the Reply Message. Still not sure if I did it okay. However, I will go back to see if my reply was posted. Thank you for guiding me in the correct directions. Thank you Again.

By: Elaine Carlini-Davis

Elaine Carlini-Davis — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 23:04:36 +0000

I love reading book reviews. Except for those of my favorite reviewer in the Oakland Press (in Michigan), I find most newspaper reviews are only done on well-known writers. Now I look up reviews on the Internet after I’ve read a book. As a previous writer wrote – to see if they agree with me.
I do read excerpts on writers’ websites and the blurbs on the back of the books. I also buy books of favorite writers because I have high expectations for their newest works.
I read a book every two days or so, and these methods help me choose. Books are my biggest expense for recreation.
You must be so pleased with your success as a new writer. Good luck in the future.

By: Sela Carsen

Sela Carsen — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 13:43:57 +0000

I buy often as a result of word of mouth. Or at least put in on my list of books to check out. I have a process in regards to online book buying. First, I’ve heard about it somewhere. I’ll go to the author’s website (if you’re blogging it — please put up a link!) and read the blurb. If the blurb sounds good, I’ll read an excerpt, if it’s available. If it’s not, it’s no big deal. I’ve never refused to buy a book because I couldn’t find an excerpt.

Sometimes, though, if it’s a recommendation from someone I really trust, I’ll skip all that and just go get the book.

I try to remember to go to author chats, but I usually forget. If it’s a choice between dh taking me out to Sonic for a milkshake or a chat — I get the milkshake.

Regarding chats, though — I’ll go if they’re part of a workshop or class or if they have a specific topic they’re going to discuss. I love those. I feel like I’m getting double duty out of them.

Our local paper has a romance reviewer — isn’t that cool?! But she’s fixated on Nora Roberts and historicals. She seems honest enough and I take her word into account when I go book shopping.

But aside from her, I rarely read reviews before I buy a book. I do it backwards. I read the book, then go hunt down the reviews and see if they agree with me.

By: Stacy ~

Stacy ~ — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 14:55:13 +0000

From a reader standpoint, I use a variety of methods. What I don’t do: I don’t click on banners, and I don’t like to read excerpts unless I’m still not sure about the blurb, then I might want more info to see if it’s worth my time. Bestseller lists and awards don’t mean anything to me.

Word of mouth is huge, it really is. I just started JR Ward’s books, and I am loving them. I don’t know why I waited so long, but so many people I know have raved about them, so finally I started reading them, and wow. Amazing.

If you are going to have a website/blog, please keep it updated. It doesn’t have to be everyday or even every week, but regular updates make a huge difference. I just visited a blog for someone who hasn’t posted since the beginning of June, with no mention of being on vacay or sabbatical or anything, so of course I’m not going to leave a response.

Ayreann mentioned a very significant one: keep writing good books. Quality over quantity. Write what you would read and give each book your full attention. This is the most effective way of gaining, and keeping, readers.

By: Ayreann

Ayreann — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 02:12:24 +0000

Here’s what works for me:

1. Become a favorite author and continue to write good books.
2. Keep your website updated with current releases, upcoming releases and exciting excerpts. And yes, a contest always helps if you’re trying to increase readership because that’s way I find a lot of new authors.
3. I’m not much into the promo items but I agree with you about the pens. I can always use more of them.
4. I do read reviews, particularly if it’s a new author I’m considering trying out, but I don’t buy a book based on the reviews because I’ve found too many of them to be misleading.
5. I read the back blurbs on books.
6. I check out the best seller lists at the supermarkets and online.
7. I’ll attend chats if they’re my favorite authors or a round robin author chats and publisher chats…especially if they’re giving out prizes. LOL
8. I browse the bookstores and visit the library.
9. I read excerpts posted on lists because I can get an idea about the writer’s style, particularly when they’re a new author I’m considering.
10. I also go by word of mouth from friends and family.

By: Helen Mac

Helen Mac — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 00:40:15 +0000

I did the clicky thing. Dont know if it worked. And I almost forgot, I really do like an author’s website to be kept up to date and I do attend signings.

By: Helen Mac

Helen Mac — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 00:37:26 +0000

I like to read back blurbs to see what the story is about. Of course I cant wait for my favorite authors books to come out – so that is my #1 reason for buying a book. I am not influenced by banners, or award stickers.

By: Jordan

Jordan — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 23:09:00 +0000

That actually pretty much sums me up, too. Although, I do read excerpts from books, if they’re available.

By: Cheryl S.

Cheryl S. — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 22:59:14 +0000

I HAVE to read excerpts to get an idea of the author’s writing style — if it is a style that appeals to my taste. Some covers will grab my attention but I still have to check out the excerpts. I would not buy on cover appeal alone. I love promo items especially ones that can be used – pens, letter openers, mugs, t-shirts, etc. I think it reminds you of the author and their books everytime you use the item. I like contests because they sometimes turn me on to new-to-me authors I might not have tried otherwise.