You may recall I asked you, my lovely readers, to contribute some bookish questions of your own some time back. I’m getting to one, today. Author of medical suspense, Richard (“Doc”) Mabry asked this:
“Wonder if you’d like to revisit this perennial question: which factors most influence your a) picking up a book, b) buying a book, c) actually reading a book? Answers can be: 1) cover, 2) title, 3) author, 4) blurb on back cover, 5) recommendation of a friend.”
For me, I think the author is the strongest draw. There are a select number of authors that I would read regardless of all the other factors (cover, blurb, genre) because I know they are exceptional writers. While I love a great cover, it’s what is inside that counts, and if the cover is really a “There’s no way, I’ll be seen reading this in public” kind of cover, then you can thank Jeff Bezos for creating the kindle and no one has to ever know – hehe! Strangely enough, I’m also drawn to new authors – partly the thrill of a new discovery and partly because I know how incredibly difficult it is to get published – . I’m thinking they must be good! (Sadly, that isn’t a guarantee!!). Then there is genre. If an author is writing in a genre I love, I’m more likely to pick it up.
Which factors most influence your selection of a book?
May 20, 2014 at 12:03 pm
recommendations by friends ABSOLUTELY!
often a good cover or intriguing back copy
endorsements by authors i love
similarities to other books i have loved
Amazon reviews: not just the four or five star ones. in fact, if a book JUST has good reviews i will think there is nothing strong enough to warrant some debate and thus the book just MUST be missing something. books that have a variety of stars from 1-5? that intrigues me. a negative review written passionately and with a knowledgable reading of the book can influence me just as much as a positive review if it points to something i LOVE but that the reviewer may not have loved.
then there are my perennial authors: they could write the back of a cereal box and i would buy it 😀
May 21, 2014 at 10:25 am
Great comments, Rach! I’m in total agreement 🙂
May 20, 2014 at 12:21 pm
I have a list of 10 Christian Authors that I am faithful in getting their books n reading. Pre-order when the next book is due n then finding all their earlier books that are on kindle n reading. I have wandered after a single title of some authors n come back to my regulars. Finance is limited and I read only a limited genre. I like the scavenger hunt the authors do to introduce new authors. But I come back to my regulars. I like following some authors Facebook page especially like DiAnn Mills recent trip to Quantico FBI headquarters…. I am sure she has new atories to write. Really, really like when authors share the covers on their up and coming books just to share the excitement also.
May 21, 2014 at 10:28 am
I understand, Dianne – tried and true authors are always a comfort and you know you will get a good read!
May 20, 2014 at 12:22 pm
Great question. Certainly what’s on the outside shouldn’t totally affect our reading choices, though *I* will admit, a gorgeous cover is what draws my eye to a book. If it’s bland I tend to not “see” it as I will a book that has a pretty design – even if I don’t know anything about the book, I’ll give it a look if it’s attractive. That being said, I’m definitely a faithful reader of select books because of whose name is on the cover no matter what the cover is like or (mostly)what the blurb tells. Also a draw are the genres. For example, when I’m scanning for new reads, I’ll pay close attention to contemporary reads (romance, suspense) because that is what draws me in the most or will seek out historicals set in the eras that are favorites.
May 21, 2014 at 10:29 am
Thanks Rissi – that’s interesting that you have favourite historical eras. I don’t think I’ve ever thought about being that specific in one genre. So, do tell, what are your favourite time periods, and why? Maybe that should be another bookish question!
May 22, 2014 at 4:56 am
Not a fan of middle-earth or ancient times. And much as I adore Jane Austen movies, I tend to not enjoy reading regency romance. Not sure why. Because of this I lean towards the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s for historical drama. Though there are exceptions – the INSPYs proved that. I’m trying to write a review now for one of the shortlist books to share later on, and heavens, I’m nervous about it just because I thought the book was *that* good, and it was set in an era I’m not usually a fan of.
…basically, I’m just really picky. 😉
I also should say that in the last two years, I’ve really paid more attention to debut authors. There have been some sensational debuts in recent years. And I love that. 🙂
May 20, 2014 at 1:04 pm
Rel, I love reading debut authors too. You might just discover the next great Francine Rivers or something.
If I’m browsing, an awesome cover will make me flip to the back cover. If the blurb’s intriguing, I’m there. If the cover isn’t so hot, but I like the story blurb, I’m there.
Since I’m also a writer, I pay attention to the publisher. There are a few houses whose fiction I don’t care for. So a publisher can be a turn off–or a turn on. There’s one publisher who seems to have changed what they’re publishing, and I love it so far!
May 21, 2014 at 10:31 am
There aren’t many readers that pay attention to publishers, I’ve discovered, but I’m with you. As is my friend, Tracy 🙂
And yes, it really all boils down to the story, doesn’t it?
May 20, 2014 at 8:13 pm
The author is the first factor for me. If it’s a debut author then the publisher becomes the important, quite often. Publishers tend to have a ‘flavour’ that is unique to them and over the years I’ve developed a bit of a feel for that.
I’m probably more likely to read the blurb than look at the cover to choose a book. But really, but biggest factor for me is what you happen to hand me!! And then when I read a book that is just stunning I want to read more of that author’s work. I will also go in search of sequels if the book is part of a series.
May 21, 2014 at 11:57 am
I’m glad I get to choose books for you to read – glad I get it right most of the time 🙂
Miss you!
May 20, 2014 at 9:45 pm
The first thing I look at is the author, whether he is a favorite or is someone I have heard great things about. I like a catchy title and a beautiful/intriguing cover too. But prior to purchase, the cover blurb must grab my attention. I do read the author recommendations, but they really don’t influence whether I buy a book. Genre is important, but only for what I am in the mood for, since I am an eclectic reader. So I guess my answer would be all of the above!
May 21, 2014 at 11:58 am
I agree, Beckie, the genre I pick up depends on my mood (or a review deadline – LOL!).
May 20, 2014 at 10:01 pm
Rel, thanks for using my question. I posed the same one on my blog, and the answers pretty well mirror the ones you’ve gotten so far. As for me, the thing that least influences me are endorsements, perhaps because I know that some authors (not all–I repeat, not all) endorse based on their friendship with the author, rather than familiarity with his/her work. Likewise, the cover isn’t important because I know that one isn’t always indicative of the author’s work. I choose based on prior experience with the author, recommendations by friends and acquaintances, and the subject matter.
May 21, 2014 at 12:00 pm
Yep, I’m with you on author endorsements. I’m really not sure why publishers use them so often. We discussed the very issue in a previous bookish question! Thanks for the question and the feedback 🙂
May 21, 2014 at 3:06 am
What a fun question! First for me is definitely the author. There’s a handful of favorite authors I’ll buy no matter what. Even if the story premise is about unicorns. Other than that, friend’s recommendations, an intriguing description or if it’s from a trusted publishing house. Debut authors are fun to read as well!
May 21, 2014 at 10:53 am
Hahaha! Unicorns. I like you, Jamie 😉
May 21, 2014 at 12:01 pm
Unicorns – ha! Yes, yes, and yes!
May 21, 2014 at 5:41 am
Covers grab me, premises suck me in, but it’s the first few pages that ultimately make it or break it for me. I need a good hook.
Great question!
May 21, 2014 at 10:50 am
Completely understand and agree on this one, Juju.
May 21, 2014 at 12:01 pm
Ah, the hook! Yes, that is always fun.
May 21, 2014 at 10:49 am
Title, cover and most importantly BLURB!
May 21, 2014 at 12:02 pm
Short and sweet! Love it, Ganise xo
May 23, 2014 at 12:39 pm
I will buy a new, full price book if it’s by an author whose work I know I love; will re-read it many times; can count on the author every time to write memorable, heartfelt, riveting books that stay with me long after the fact. They already have to be a tried and true well-loved author.
I choose books to read from the library usually by asking the library to order them, though they are very good about staying on top of the latest Christian fiction even without my requests. Besides the long list of authors whose latest work I always read, I usually look at the cover first and then read the synopsis. If it’s a horrible cover and an author I’m not familiar with, then I’m afraid I don’t always make it to the synopsis. One of my sisters says that she rarely pays attention to covers at all.
May 23, 2014 at 12:40 pm
The title doesn’t matter to me at all.