tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post3103302371202580721..comments2023-11-02T06:57:11.400-04:00Comments on BookEnds Literary Agency: Effective MarketingBookEnds, A Literary Agencyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06287278822065839469noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-91261747171328026132010-05-06T18:41:39.172-04:002010-05-06T18:41:39.172-04:00..Oh, and one more thing, before buying a book I g.....Oh, and one more thing, before buying a book I go on Amazon books where sometimes the first many pages of a novel are posted, and read them, as well as reviews from readers. (I find book trailers totally biased and unreliable.)Sophiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12073069926385173328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-13171357914135468042010-05-06T18:32:40.591-04:002010-05-06T18:32:40.591-04:00What steers me to a particular title?
Word of mout...What steers me to a particular title?<br />Word of mouth and the NYTimes Book Review magazine.Sophiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12073069926385173328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-34274080272398769592010-05-06T14:58:50.675-04:002010-05-06T14:58:50.675-04:00Recently got a postcard in the mail from an author...Recently got a postcard in the mail from an author. Thought it was pretty cool she believed in her book enough to tell me about it. I've also read experts from her book in an email newsletter. I put it in the Amazon list right away.flowerpupshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15124724152720829373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-2546978009059761532010-05-05T15:17:23.248-04:002010-05-05T15:17:23.248-04:00It's not traditional marketing, but I've b...It's not traditional marketing, but I've become pretty heavily reliant on Goodreads, which is like the newfangled version of word-of-mouth. Every book I've picked up in the last year that wasn't given to me as a gift as been because of Goodreads recommendations. Books have exploded in popularity among the large group of acquaintances I'm linked with on Goodreads...all it takes is one person to give a book a great review, and suddenly it's on everyone's "To Read" shelf.Erinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-6112063367532865302010-05-03T11:12:30.293-04:002010-05-03T11:12:30.293-04:001: I agree with Anonymous.Magazine and newspaper r...1: I agree with Anonymous.Magazine and newspaper reviews. One gets to know which reviewers to trust and they can't help showing whether they really liked the book or are just doing a job.<br />2: The local Library...the staff know the new books (or should)<br />3: Word of Mouth.<br />NO,No,No, to readings, signings, meet the authors etc. A load of embarrassing promotional rubbish, which could just as easily be done (and has been) about a boring book, or simply one that's not my taste.The Reenospherehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05035767583210560722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-20622976177540052792010-05-03T03:14:07.362-04:002010-05-03T03:14:07.362-04:00I'm always bouncing around blogs, looking for ...I'm always bouncing around blogs, looking for popular titles. Especially mentions that come from agent's blogs, but also regular ol' readers who thought a book was good enough to gush about it online. <br /><br />I'm always more compelled to read a person's book when I feel like I know a little bit about them. Really, if I like the author, I'll disregard a boat load of bad reviews and give their book a chance. That works both ways though. I followed a series for years and dropped it after reading a self-written bio and a few blog entries from the author. She was a total -- well, she wasn't likable. At all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-85345816118146658782010-05-02T22:39:20.010-04:002010-05-02T22:39:20.010-04:00The way a book usually hooks me by way of a market...The way a book usually hooks me by way of a marketing tool is through a magazine or catologue (Target usually has some really good picks in there's, also Writer Magazine - for example, Lark and Termite sounds really good, was a book advertised in Writer Mag, and Target catalogue, now I want to buy). Also, giveaways are really big pluses. Even if it's not a giveaway, but just reviewing on a blog, that makes me interested in buying a certain book if it sounds good. I like the idea of publishing houses creating ventures for book bloggers to sign up and receive review copies to review on their blogs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-1034052188327176092010-05-02T21:31:02.408-04:002010-05-02T21:31:02.408-04:00Actually, what has pushed me to buy books I never ...Actually, what has pushed me to buy books I never would have otherwise, is a rave from an agent, on his/her blog. Especially if they didn't rep the author and still think the book is a must.<br /><br />Also, seeing something tweeted about over and over by YA authors have me shopping for some YA titles.<br /><br />LesliL.L. Muirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05479212854384361721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-6502855885818766652010-05-02T19:06:15.804-04:002010-05-02T19:06:15.804-04:00The blurb, the blurb, the blurb!...or summary. No ...The blurb, the blurb, the blurb!...or summary. No matter where it's broadcast, Oprah, oral pitch, book reviewer blog, author website, radio, book cover...if the hook's not there, I'm not taking.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03933301194042602307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-45440018690752254252010-05-02T15:56:48.437-04:002010-05-02T15:56:48.437-04:00I'm going to join the w-o-m group on this. The...I'm going to join the w-o-m group on this. There is nothing more powerful than a referral from a person you respect or trust. This said, there is nothing as disappointing as starting a book others have recommended and discovering it is just not all they claimed. I've given more books to the charity shop or back to the library because someone said I 'must' read it. <br /><br />I pay no attention to hype - the more it's hyped, the more you can trust that book/series won't meet your hyper-inflated expectations. <br /><br />Don't trick me. Just give me a good read and I will tell all my friends for you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-79859571381615515952010-05-02T01:25:38.934-04:002010-05-02T01:25:38.934-04:00Word of mouth, catchy title, interesting back cont...Word of mouth, catchy title, interesting back content, interesting cover. <br /><br />Sadly, a lot of times I find books at King Soopers (Kroger's, to you not on the Front Range of the Rockies) and while I can't buy them when grocery shopping, if I'm interested enough, I do pick them up at my local bookstore.Kari Wolfehttp://www.imperfectclarity.net/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-29910612112679835532010-05-01T13:33:07.965-04:002010-05-01T13:33:07.965-04:00I'm old fashioned. I browse books at the fron...I'm old fashioned. I browse books at the front of the bookstore. I pick up books with catchy titles and covers and read the first few pages. Also, if a book is on the NYT bestsellers list, I'm liable to pick it up at the bookstore, but I won't buy it if I don't like it.E. L. Psomiadishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00789909329079833027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-31625898440247543272010-05-01T12:21:43.500-04:002010-05-01T12:21:43.500-04:00Lately, I've been finding great books to read ...Lately, I've been finding great books to read from the samples of query letters I am reading while trying to write a decent query of my own!<br /><br />I also pay attention to the book recommendations from authors that I read.<br /><br />I am going to throw in another vote for posting the first chapter. This has gotten me into the bookstore on several occasions.<br /><br />PS- It's nice to have the oppourtinity to help you out for a change. I have been grateful for all the advice you and Jessica have put out here!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-29824634806492523012010-05-01T09:14:36.006-04:002010-05-01T09:14:36.006-04:001) Cover Art- I'm a visual person, so this i...1) Cover Art- I'm a visual person, so this is big for me. Unfortunately, the author has little to no control over it. And if you're a Romance author, you're likely to get stuck with one which looks almost exactly like all the other ones in the aisle and it may very well be misleading, which readers hate. This is another reason word-of-mouth can be soooo important.<br /><br />2) I was stunned yesterday to discover an author without a website, not even an email. Tracked down the publisher (small press even) and they were no easier to contact. I couldn't believe it! Do these people want to sell books or not? <br /><br />Be easy to contact!<br /><br />Keep a stash of books to give to reviewers on the spot. Buy them if you have to, keep a couple in your purse. You want a reader/reviewer to get your book when they're excited about it, because then they're more likely to give you an awesome review. Don't ever make them wait. <br /><br />Make it fun and easy.Kimber Lihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03982239712083114488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-50669987856418582022010-05-01T06:59:22.329-04:002010-05-01T06:59:22.329-04:00I'm currently developing a Facebook app that (...I'm currently developing a Facebook app that (fingers crossed) will raise awareness of my book. The biggest barrier to sales is that people don't know the book exists. I'm hoping that a fun app that relates closely to the content of the book will get people curious about the book, then talking about it with their friends and - crossing toes now - buying a copy.Rikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10564300512472868098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-57480334507952769992010-05-01T03:43:16.506-04:002010-05-01T03:43:16.506-04:00Besides Word of Mouth, which seems to be everyone&...Besides Word of Mouth, which seems to be everyone's #1 way of hearing about a book, I think speaking engagements are the biggest motivators for me to buy a book. Just a few weekends ago I bought four books as a direct result of an author speaking on a panel at the UCF Book Festival.Sarah N Fiskhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15336889385096937607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-79893886520046591592010-05-01T02:31:08.281-04:002010-05-01T02:31:08.281-04:00I have never purchased a book from a blog review o...I have never purchased a book from a blog review or magazine review.<br /><br />I'm a bookshop browser. Usually, I see a nice cover, and pick it up. It then needs to have something origianl about the premise on the blurb, then a great opening page. If I like the opening lines I'll flip to the middle of the book and see if it holds up - is the dialogue still tight? I'm annoyed by poorly structured dialogue and I know I won't make it through the book if it doesn't feel real. Also, if they're trying to be too arty and there's no evidence they know how to tell a story, I'll also pass.<br /><br />A small card with a staff member's recommendation is a big plus, likewise, word of mouth might make be buy too.<br /><br />This doesn't of course relate to my favourite authors - I usually pick up their latest regardless.Victoria Kerriganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16957037073432262769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-2009759311222722532010-05-01T00:13:25.473-04:002010-05-01T00:13:25.473-04:00--Seeing a short synopsis and glowing praise on an...--Seeing a short synopsis and glowing praise on an agent's blog, one I regularly read for good advice. (Jeff Somers, Evan Mandery) Or seeing it in agency sales. (Ally Carter)<br /><br />--The author has a witty, entertaining blog on the book, publication, and something relevant to the story. (Gary Corby)<br /><br />--A friend said they loved it.<br /><br />--I meet the author, who has something good to say.<br /><br />--Hearing it was interesting, thinking it looked interesting, and having everybody I asked between the ages of 12 and 15 say they loved it. (The Lightning Thief) That, and every copy at the library being checked out for over a month straight so the only way to read it was to give up and buy it first.<br /><br />--Seeing it while browsing at the library, reading it obsessively, and finally just buying it so I can read it a few more times.<br /><br />--A good cover and title will get me to read the back of the book. A good back/inside cover will get me to read the first page or two, and we'll see after that.<br /><br />--A good bookstore. B&N/Borders--maybe. An indie bookstore that keeps cats and has friendly people? I want to buy books just because I like the place.<br /><br />One that's key to this context is blogs. I've read at least 5 books I've seen on an agent's blog recently, and have at least 3 (including A Farm Fresh Murder) on my to-do list. If the blog is useful and interesting, I stick around and am more open to books outside my usual tastes. Of course, the books does have to look decently interesting.<br /><br />I'm much more likely to buy something I read and liked than something I've never read--though that's been changing a bit ever since I found this really cool bookstore downtown._*rachel*_https://www.blogger.com/profile/03293167107180931700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-21194970333992716492010-05-01T00:09:18.778-04:002010-05-01T00:09:18.778-04:00Goodness! Wasn't expecting to see my own book...Goodness! Wasn't expecting to see my own book come up in this comment trail. *g* I'll take that as a compliment of the highest order.<br /><br />For unknown authors, I used to rely on word of mouth and the cover blurbs on the backs of books. These days, I've added a few books to my queue based on the word of a few bloggers whose opinions I've come to trust. <br /><br />When I'm browsing the bookstores, mostly it's the cover art and back cover blurb that draw me in.<br /><br />-JJess Haineshttp://www.jesshaines.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-84325831393481242102010-04-30T23:35:47.747-04:002010-04-30T23:35:47.747-04:00A review on NPR.A review on NPR.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-53742864801060083402010-04-30T23:30:28.766-04:002010-04-30T23:30:28.766-04:00Oh also! I can't believe I forgot this one: I ...Oh also! I can't believe I forgot this one: I check out the first few pages on the Amazon "look inside" thing ALL THE TIME. I can't tell you how many times I've gone there first to see if I like the writing style on an author I'm not familiar with. I have also not pursued an author further when that little "Look inside" wasn't available. That's sort of my need for immediate satisfaction. When I'm thinking about a book, I want answers on whether I'd read it or not right now and will forget about it soon after if that need is not met.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-58660989548434686142010-04-30T21:20:51.669-04:002010-04-30T21:20:51.669-04:00The cover, the blurb, the first few pages…
Doing ...The cover, the blurb, the first few pages…<br /><br />Doing a fantastic guest post on a blog I read, especially when there's a link to an amazing blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-32726795851305710822010-04-30T20:04:16.253-04:002010-04-30T20:04:16.253-04:00THE COVER, THE COVER, THE COVER
Bought Memory of R...THE COVER, THE COVER, THE COVER<br />Bought Memory of Running because of the original cover, the red bike in the grass under the stars, great cover, GREAT BOOK.<br />Who could possibly resist reading THE SHACK after looking at that cover. Loved it. Like I said,<br />THE COVER, THE COVER, THE COVER.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-44899400645003304702010-04-30T19:22:55.738-04:002010-04-30T19:22:55.738-04:00I haven't seen any yet. Most of what I see are...I haven't seen any yet. Most of what I see are well-intentioned attempts to promote too hard, which tends to turn me off. And I've seen plenty, too :)<br /><br />So far, it's word of mouth for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23051453.post-39665122409616671012010-04-30T17:33:25.692-04:002010-04-30T17:33:25.692-04:00It's weird, but for me, a lot of the "jew...It's weird, but for me, a lot of the "jewels" I find is just from wandering around the bookstore. Generally it's a clever title that gets me first.<br /><br />As an adult, I read both adult and YA novels. I don't remember how I found this one novel, but the title made me think of the movie "The Princess Bride", so I picked it up, read the synopsis, thought that not only was it well titled, but that the storyline sounded good. I had it on my wish list for Christmas and got it as a gift. It's "As You Wish" By Jackson Pearce and it was awesome.<br /><br />Another one was when I was wandering a Barnes & Noble and I found this one book of a retelling of "Romeo & Juliet" called "Saving Juliet" by Suzanne Selfors. I thought it was awesome and ended up loaning it to my mom. I also received the author's next book for Christmas and that was fantastic as well (the book is titled "Coffeehouse Angel").<br /><br />Christie Craig's got some great titles. I've read "GOTCHA!" and I'm looking forward to "Shut Up & Kiss Me" her titles are just so clever.<br /><br />Promient displays work for me, too, but often it's just me looking at book titles that gets me.Bethanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001921970529109760noreply@blogger.com