Readers Under the Magnifying Glass
A topic that’s endlessly fascinating to those of us who write is you – our readers.
That’s right, we’re curious about what makes you tick. Why do you choose a particular book. Was it the cover? The back cover blurb? That catchy title? Did someone recommend it?
Did that first line we worked so hard to get just right, pull you in? How did you feel about the main character? Did you love them right away? Did we tell you enough to make you care? Or was that too much information?
What keeps you reading? And those special books…
You know, the ones you keep to read again and again. The ones you always recommend to friends. What is it that makes them keepers?
So many questions, right?
We recently read an article about how fiction readers choose their next read. A poll had been conducted and below is what was found to be the top five criteria.
1. The book was written by a favorite author.
2. The book was classified in a favorite genre.
3. The book sported an attractive cover.
4. The back-cover copy was appealing.
5. The book was recommended by reviewers and bloggers.
So, what do you think? Would you agree or disagree? How do you choose your next read?
We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Sparkle Abbey is actually two people, Mary Lee Ashford and Anita Carter, who write the national best-selling Pampered Pets mysteries which are set in beautiful Laguna Beach, California.
Downton Tabby, the 7th book in the series, is currently available for only 99 cents in all ebook formats for a limited time.
The authors are friends as well as neighbors so they often get together and plot ways to commit murder. (But don’t tell the neighbors.) They love to hear from readers and can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest, their favorite social media sites.
Also, if you want to make sure you get updates, sign up for their newsletter via the SparkleAbbey.com website.
The cover catches my attention along with the title then I read the back & if catches my interest I get it. Sometimes it's the characters & the puzzle of the mystery that keeps me reading the series.
IF it is an author I know, the author is the most important thing. If not, the cover is what draws my attention. Because I read ebooks only, the blurb is essential but I also read the 1st chapter if it is available. I do read through good and bad reviews on the purchase sites.