I recently read a sample of what looked like an awesome book. Excellent cover, enticing blurb. The writing from the sample was very strong, emotional, evocative, well written. But after reading the sample, I didn’t buy the book.
A book that, had I not read the sample, I might have bought just because of the blurb and cover.
Why you ask? Reading the sample showed me it was not the right book for me. It was a darker and crueler world than I like to read (or write for that matter). The author had a young animal be injured, then saved, then basically sent off to be killed off stage. Yeah, no.
Now many folks would be fine with that- and it wasn’t gratuitous, it was to show how bad off these people were and the kind heart and abilities of the protagonist. But I am really not that kind of reader. For me, life is painful and dark enough, I read to escape. I don’t need everything flowery and bright, but I am also not looking for dark, gritty realism. I realized from that sample, that this book wasn’t going to be for me.
So, was having the sample chapter up a good thing or a bad thing for that author? They lost a sale from me after all.
Good thing. Very good thing. Had I bought that book, I would have stopped reading after the aforementioned incident, and been very disappointed. I would probably not recommend that author.
But now, I know I do have friends who might really enjoy that author- so I can point them that way. And more importantly, people who may have loved that kind of book, but who had been fence sitting on buying, would have hit that 'one-click buy now' button in a heartbeat after reading the sample.
As writers it’s natural to want everyone to love our book, but it’s not reality. I write funny, fast paced stories with magic and mayhem. Some are lighter than others, but my voice is the same. I wouldn’t want someone to buy my book expecting a high tale of morality, or an anxiety filed bit on the pain and suffering of life. So I try to make it clear what I write so my target audience can find me.
So if someone doesn't think my book is for them-I'm fine with that. Just recommend me to your friends who do like what I write-'k? ;).
Very nice post. So true, we cannot be everyone's cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteVery nice post. So true, we cannot be everyone's cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteThanks! The trick is finding the folks who will love us! ;)
DeleteMarie- at day job no access to Blogger
I know exactly which book you're talking about, and am still a bit bumfuzzled as to why that was picked as the opening scene.
ReplyDelete:(- yeah. I'm thinking someone in the publishing end of things thought it was a good hook? And it is, I guess for folks who like things gritty.
DeleteMarie- at day job no access to Blogger
Great perspective! A recommendation is a pretty good exchange for not getting a sale :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I can't speak for the author, but I know for myself, I'd rather someone who didn't really like my type of books suggest it to friends who do, than have them buy it and hate it ;).
DeleteIt's important not to expect everyone to like what you write. Some authors might take it as a personal slam that some people don't like their book, but it's not. Everyone's tastes are different. While there will be some who don't like what you write, there are others who will love it. Your blog is a good reminder of this for the budding author.
ReplyDeleteExactly! Some people have the mindset that if it's a good book OBVIOUSLY EVERYONE will want to read it (and yes, they say it in all caps ;)). Fact is, not everyone loves the same things- need to find the audience who does ;).
Delete