Amazon sends me e-mails recommending books, and while I usually don't pay attention to them, I have been trying to find anything else to do other than my homework, and I decided to check them out. I found a few books to download like this one:
I am a little obsessed right now. haha. I have to get through this trilogy AND focus on my homework. BAD time to begin a novel. ugh.
Anyways. Since I am a Library Science and Information Studies student, I unconsciously reflected on my search for new books and found some interesting things I thought I'd share with you. You might already do these things, or know they have a purpose, but as a writer and a student, I liked my revelation.
1. Book covers DO matter.
We all know the whole "don't judge a book by its cover thing" might be true, but it really isn't practiced. Even as I scanned Amazon's lists of books to read, I ignored ones that didn't have a interesting cover. That isn't to say that they aren't good books...but I just won't read what they're about if I'm not enticed by the cover. I know...I am a bad reader and writer. :(
2. Titles Matter.
Yeah...so...titles are important, too. I've noticed that there is this new obsession with one word titles (perhaps I am wrong, and this really isn't happening), but it SEEMS that all titles are now one word. This if fine. If the word strikes me in some way. Also, if the title is too long, I am just going to be frustrated.
3. That really cool option on Amazon "Click to Look Inside" is important.
I was deciding between the book above and another and the determining factor? Reading the first few sentences of the chapter. Granted, the description is helpful in a lot of ways, but in the instance of the books I was choosing between: they both had great descriptions, but only one had words that drew me in immediately.
4. REVIEWS ARE SO IMPORTANT!!
It SERIOUSLY surprised me how constantly I overlooked books that didn't have reviews. I know this is bad. I mean, I could the book and give it a review....but really, that's not my thing. The books I was drawn too were ones that had reviews.
So, tell me how you look for books? What is the deciding factor most of the time?
Great observations, and so true! I think all these things matter too. I have definitely taken to reading a lot of GoodReads reviews lately, or at least skimming the unspoilery ones.
ReplyDeleteooohh!! GoodReads is a good place, too! I didn't think of that! I will utilize that more in the future!
DeleteReviews are a big one for me. I also love the great covers.
ReplyDeleteIt's really crazy how reviews swayed my interest! I hadn't observed that in myself before. lol.
DeleteYou are right all these things matter and influence our decisions to buy (or not!).
ReplyDeleteThanks, Suzanne! So glad you stopped by!
DeleteI agree with all of the above save for the last. While I do believe book reviews are important, I find that they can be skewed on Amazon (and probably elsewhere as well).
ReplyDeleteYou're homework load? I don't miss it. A friend of mine actually started a writing service a few years back at economywriters.com and it is doing well, probably because of all the students who are overwhelmed. I know one thing, I don't miss those university deadlines1 lol
Good luck!
I can definitely see how they would be skewed. Depending on how the review is presented (tone, content, arguments), I may or may not take it into consideration. That's why I like to read the first page--then I can judge for myself if I will like the book. So much of liking a book is your own interest!
DeleteLOL. I do not miss my homework load either, trust me!! Thanks!!
Great observations! I agree about the titles, and kick myself on the butt because I never seem to be as clever as other writers. :(
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the mid terms!
Me and titles (especially chapter titles) don't get along! Not sure what is about summarizing in a very discreet way what things are about that's so difficult. LOL.
DeleteThanks, Elizabeth!!
Yeah, The title is very important to me. The way my books site works is I see a list of them, each with a synopsis under it. The title has to grab me first, then I'll go to see what it's about. With regards to reviews, I do some in my blog and they are usually the most popular posts. I think they carry more weight when coming from friends. Also, there's the fine art of enticing while not giving too much away. Happy reading and all the best with your continued studies.
ReplyDeleteI agree that they carry more weight when they come from friends--reviews on anything do. Thanks, John!
DeleteUsually the cover catches my eye first, and then the description, and any reviews I've seen of the book. I usually check books out from the library unless it's a series I'm reading and/or one of my favorite authors, so I usually don't buy a book unless I love it and know I'll want to reread it.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in my hometown I checked out books from the library, now that I am in a bigger town, and my time is eaten up with work and school, I buy books. I have never bought a book I didn't like (so far!). I hope this strategy keeps me from that! haha.
DeleteThanks!
I can't explain how I'm drawn to a cover. But for sure I ignore covers with pink. Yes, there seems to be a one-word title craze. I think it's gotten stale and is becoming a turn-off. But, most of all, good luck with your school challenges. I have a feeling you're going to do great!
ReplyDeleteCovers with pink! How interesting! I do think the one-word title thing is a little bit of a turn-off. I mean, maybe you just can't help it sometimes. I'm not sure. Thanks for stopping by!!
DeleteReally good observations. I agree that the "look inside" option is really helpful. I've been using it more and more often lately.
ReplyDelete