Cover Comments From Authors
I’ve recently started noticing endorsements on books from other authors. I’ve always known they were there, but never really paid much attention to them.
I don’t care if someone else liked a book; I care about if I will like the book. And to figure that out, I usually pick a page about half way through the book and start reading. If your writing is so captivating that I want to continue reading - even if I don’t know what’s going on, you’ve probably made a sale. Oh, and even author’s I love have to go through this process…no free rides with me <g>.
But because author ‘cover blurbs’ are on so many books I figure someone must benefit from them. Is it the author of the book by receiving more sales? Or is it the commenting author who has their name exposed to more readers who benefits? And do those commenting authors actually read the books they ‘cover blurb’?
Have you ever bought a book because of a cover blurb from another author?
These are the burning questions on my mind today. I hope you’ll comment.
Until next time,
KMA367
July 26th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Hi Kathy!
I can’t honestly say I’ve ever bought a book based on the cover blurb, though I’d look twice if Nora endorsed it! Most of the time I’m not familiar with the authors giving the blurb, so it doesn’t influence me. I’m like you - the writing needs to captivate me, and the subject of the book must intrigue me before I buy.
Keep us safe!
July 26th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Kathy: Great question. My answer is like Lynne’s sorry to copycat. If it’s someone like Nora or Susan Elizabeth Phillips, I pay attention.
On Hank Phillippi Ryan’s cover, the late Robert Parker gave her a quote, and on Linda Castillo’s Pray for Silence, Sandra Brown gave her a positive comment.
Yes, I think they help sell books , and that’s why the publisher’s marketing department apply them to those book covers.
But… you have to be careful. I know of one author who used his pseudonym to promote a book…that kind of stopped me
Provoking blog. Hope you’re feeling better!
July 26th, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Hi Lynne!
You’re right. In today’s world of little money and many choices, I can only count on myself to know what I want. Thanks for stopping by.
July 26th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Hi Donnell!
I was thinking that most books DO have author blurbs, but when I checked my shelves, I was surprised to see many of them did not.
Have a great time at conference and I’m rooting for you! Thanks for commenting.