Beth, I really debated about opening this up for multiple responses per voter, but really, we just want to know the one, most important swaying element when you've got that book in your hand and you're torn between putting it down and walking to the cashier.
Like Beth said, this is hard to answer; I think we all take multiple factors into account. The cover or author's name draws me first, but since I have to choose just one of these elements, I'd have to say the back cover blurb will make or break the sale.
Here's the thing...if I don't like the cover, I won't even READ the back cover. LOL! First step, I have to at least pick up the book, and the cover does that for me.
Ohhhh! We are passionate about our books and about our methods for choosing. I agree with all of you, but for the sake of clarity, I had to limit us to one element. Now don't hate me for that, 'kay? We can still be friends.
For me, price makes or breaks the deal, especially if it's an author I'm not familiar with. I'm surprised that author name hasn't received more votes. I mean as much as publishers push platform for marketing purposes, I would think more readers would snatch up a book by an author based soley on the association that "their last book was good so this one must be too."
I put down back cover blurb, but I'm torn between two answers. I tend to follow authors I've read or have heard about. So, the author's name also plays a big part in the books I read. When I find an author I like, I read everything he/she has written. But that back cover blurb still influences me a lot on authors whose works aren't as familiar.
Anyway, great post, Sandra. I enjoyed seeing how other authors choose the books they want to read.
One more thing...I have to like the character's names. If the hero's name is Gaylord or something like that, probably won't buy it. Give me a Brock, Eli, or Jonah. :-)
Ha! We should have put that as one of the choices, Lisa. Character names. . .never thought about it. Funny thing is Brock, Eli and Jonah wouldn't sell me. Adam, Chance and Chase would though. LOL!
These results are surprising for me. Is anyone else shocked by what they're seeing? I guess I thought price and author name would have more of a decision-deciding impact.
I put down author's name, but I have purchased books based on the cover or blurb.
ReplyDeleteBeth, I really debated about opening this up for multiple responses per voter, but really, we just want to know the one, most important swaying element when you've got that book in your hand and you're torn between putting it down and walking to the cashier.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's all about the back cover blurb. Is it the type of story I love? The other aspect is word of mouth. :)
ReplyDeleteLike Beth said, this is hard to answer; I think we all take multiple factors into account. The cover or author's name draws me first, but since I have to choose just one of these elements, I'd have to say the back cover blurb will make or break the sale.
ReplyDeleteHere's the thing...if I don't like the cover, I won't even READ the back cover. LOL! First step, I have to at least pick up the book, and the cover does that for me.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh! We are passionate about our books and about our methods for choosing. I agree with all of you, but for the sake of clarity, I had to limit us to one element. Now don't hate me for that, 'kay? We can still be friends.
ReplyDeleteFor me, price makes or breaks the deal, especially if it's an author I'm not familiar with. I'm surprised that author name hasn't received more votes. I mean as much as publishers push platform for marketing purposes, I would think more readers would snatch up a book by an author based soley on the association that "their last book was good so this one must be too."
I put down back cover blurb, but I'm torn between two answers. I tend to follow authors I've read or have heard about. So, the author's name also plays a big part in the books I read. When I find an author I like, I read everything he/she has written. But that back cover blurb still influences me a lot on authors whose works aren't as familiar.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, great post, Sandra. I enjoyed seeing how other authors choose the books they want to read.
Sandra Robbins
Back cover blurb. If it doesn't grab me or if it sounds too much like what I've already read, I likely won't buy it...
ReplyDeleteOne more thing...I have to like the character's names. If the hero's name is Gaylord or something like that, probably won't buy it. Give me a Brock, Eli, or Jonah. :-)
ReplyDeleteHa! We should have put that as one of the choices, Lisa. Character names. . .never thought about it. Funny thing is Brock, Eli and Jonah wouldn't sell me. Adam, Chance and Chase would though. LOL!
ReplyDeleteLOL! No accounting for taste, eh? At one time, I thought Mr. Darcy was the coolest name in the world.
ReplyDeleteThese results are surprising for me. Is anyone else shocked by what they're seeing? I guess I thought price and author name would have more of a decision-deciding impact.
ReplyDelete