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What works for ya?

 

Author Mike Duran poses some interesting commentary about marketing on his blog (http://mikeduran.com/?p=11871#comments).

 

So I ask you. Readers and writers alike, what sells a novel for you? Really. We know covers play a part, back cover copy, and all those things including the cost of a book. But what clinches why you decide to buy a novel?

 

Think about what appeals to you? Does marketing even or ever affect what books you buy?

 

What role does marketing play in your selection of books?

 

Think about it and feel free to leave your opinions on marketing, what you think genuinely works, or if you don’t see anything that really works for you. 

 

Appreciate all thoughtful commentary.

 

 

Father, help us to do our part to share our stories. Help us to follow your instructions and to do our best—whatever we’re to do. And, Lord, may we be diligent in prayer about all things. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

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6 responses to “What works for ya?”

  1. Brenda Jackson Avatar
    Brenda Jackson

    Well, since I don’t have time to actively seek out books, that leaves word of mouth. One of the last novels I read, Try Dying, was because I kept hearing comments from blog responders who kept quoting lines from it and saying how much they enjoyed it. Also learned of another recent novel I read through mention on a blog.
    Another novel I just read came up on my radar through a new list of Kindle offerings.
    Another one came up on my radar by being mentioned on an email list of new releases at ACFW.
    So unless an author does something completely spectacular (ie. they went around the world in a rowboat and it made the Yahoo news page) I’m not even going to know you’ve been marketing.
    Book trailers? Don’t watch. Bookmarks? Don’t go anywhere to get them. Book signings? Chances are I’ll never know you’re in my town. Book Reviews? Usually not reliable.
    After word of mouth gets my attention and makes me go look for the book, then I screen by book cover, back cover blurb and first few pages. If it passes the test, I make the purchase.
    That’s why there’s still no substitute for fine quality writing. Lots of books are announced on the web—book reviews are a dime a dozen, telling how wonderful book X is. This occurs so frequently that I ignore it. But you can tell when a book has REALLY hit a nerve with people because they mention specific things about the book, not just gush all over it in the standard “if I promote theirs, they’ll promote mine” method.
    That’s how I find books.

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  2. Brenda Jackson Avatar
    Brenda Jackson

    P.S. Author interviews are also marketing things I skip (just saying)–unless they figure out a way to grab my attention in the subject header. Otherwise I know I’m just getting the standard “when did you know you had to write this book” and “how long did it take you to write” questions.
    Though there are times I’ve read author interviews AFTER the fact when a book has grabbed me.

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  3. Brenda Anderson Avatar
    Brenda Anderson

    How do I choose books? Admittedly, I’m probably abnormal. What’s new there? 🙂
    I don’t watch book trailers–How do people have the time?–and I don’t typically read author interviews. I do scan the Amazon or Goodreads reviews, but most are too glowing and don’t offer substantial information. To me, the most informative reviews are 3 star or less.
    Christianbook.com is probably my greatest source. I scan upcoming releases and new releases looking for something that grabs me. I’ll generally pass over anything historical, Amish, or Chick-litty, and that doesn’t leave too much. After that I read the publisher’s description, and if I’m interested I put it on my wishlist. When a book on my wishlist releases, I check my library. If they don’t have it, I ask them to order it, and I’ve never been turned down. IF I absolutely love the book, then I’ll buy it. (Keep in mind, I read well over 100 books per year and couldn’t possibly afford to buy that many.)
    As I said, not the typical reader.

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  4. mike duran Avatar
    mike duran

    Thanks for the link, Nicole. I would point out there’s a difference between marketing and what criteria a reader uses to buy a book. You ask, “Does marketing even or ever affect what books you buy?” But without some form of marketing, no one would even have a choice of books. From cover, to sample chapters, to endorsers, to synopses, heck, even word-of-mouth is the result of someone having come into contact with the book at some stage. Marketing is just getting the book out there enough, to the right people, for word-of-mouth to take place.
    Thanks again for the link!

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  5. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    Mike, I could’ve asked the question differently, I guess. We know most people select novels for specific reasons whether it’s for entertainment, thrills, romance, etc. But then do they go specifically to places to look for those stories? That’s what I meant.
    Whether or not they recognize that those places imply a form of marketing, they do. The consensus states that word of mouth is the only sure and successful measurement for “marketing”. However, while it may be effective, it can take forever sometimes to get a novel recognition depending on how other methods work in connection to making people aware of a book. I wanted to hear from other reader/writer friends who shop for books based on their particular criteria. That way I can see what kinds of marketing work for them.

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  6. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    Brenda-s, thank you for taking the time to give your sources/reasons for selecting particular novels and mentioning those particular methods of marketing that don’t pertain to you or you don’t select as influential.

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