Passionate thoughts about the world of writing and the Power of God
So what does it for you? What makes you want to read a novel?
If you've never read an author, what will entice you to read his/her novel?
Father, help us who write to entice for all the right reasons. To honor you above all. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
First step: Is it a book that doesn’t have a woman on the cover? If so, I look further.
What’s the title? Is it something that’s not all hearts and flowers and signalling to me it’s another romance? If it passes that test, I move on…
Back cover blurb: Is there even a hint of romance in the description? (I’ve been burned too many times by back cover copy that doesn’t SEEM like it’s romance but then you read the book and where does the story spend all its time? Yep. You guessed it.)
On the back cover copy, I’m specifically looking to see, based on my limited choices: Is this a historical? Is it a thriller suspense? Are the stakes big enough to suit my tastes or is it just a feel good story about 2-3 people? I like big stakes and wide impact. In short, I want something that has an epic feel.
Hard to find. So I don’t get enticed very often.
That’s why I read far more non-fiction than fiction.
LikeLike
Thanks for all the definitives, B. Definitely a good and exacting list of qualifiers.
LikeLike
My preferences are contemporaries or mystery/suspense/thriller so I search between all the Amish & historicals, & weed out end-times fiction. After that I usually make a decision based on the back cover copy. If the story sounds like one I’ve read a zillion times, I’ll likely put it down. The plot line has to be fresh & have a unique perspective. The characters shouldn’t sound stereotypical.
Sometimes I’ll check reviews, but usually avoid the 4 & 5 star reviews & scan the rest as that’s often where readers stop gushing & give a more thorough analysis.
LikeLike
That back cover copy is usually what does it for me too, Bren. I rarely do reviews until after I’ve read the book.
An important thing for writers to remember: back cover copy is critical. I don’t respond well to the silly questions at the end of the summary. Just give me a brief look at what it’s about.
LikeLike
And back cover copies should not give away the entire plot. I want a teaser, not a synopsis.
LikeLike
Yes, couldn’t agree more, Bren.
LikeLike
Into the Fire 
Leave a reply to BK Jackson Cancel reply