51 Responses to “First Look”

1. Hi Helen. The main reason I decide to try a new author, regardless of recommendations or reviews, is because I was able to read an excerpt and see if I liked what I read so far, the author’s voice. That could be either thumbing through the book at the local store, or reading an excerpt online, either at the author or publisher site. Now for me, that’s usually online. To me that’s the most important thing I want to see at an author’s site, excerpts - samples are what sells me, lol, and that’s what I’m mainly there looking for, something about your story more than anything else. A back-cover blurb, even short synopsis, can’t give you a real feel for a story - it will get your initial interest, just as a cover might do, but I think most readers want that excerpt if they aren’t already familiar with an author. Even for my favorite, auto-buy authors, there are times I want to see an excerpt, especially when they change the genre they normally write in.

   The excerpt doesn’t have to be the start of the book either. I like to see a short synopsis, followed by excerpts somewhere on the site. Yes, you want to post one that will hook in the reader, which won’t always be the first few pages; the synopsis can fill in for that. I even like more than one excerpt, and not necessarily sequential. I remember once reading one at an author’s site and thinking about trying it; then I happened across a different excerpt from another part of the book she posted on a group, which I liked so much it decided me on buying it.

   by Pam P on January 2nd, 2007 at 6:32 am
   
   

2. Helen, I try not to read the excerpt unless it’s for a contest. I prefer to read the blurps on the back of the books. That’s what helps me decide if I want to buy the book or not. Another is if I happen to like the author, I will buy her book anyway. I always like winning books from authors I haven’t read before, its a way for me to find out if I like their writing. I have found several good authors that way. Some I’d never would have come across any other way. Now I make a point to look for their books.
   But as far as the excerpt go I try to stay away from them. They are usually too much reading for me, I’d rather just have a little taste from the blurp on the book.

   by Tammy G. on January 2nd, 2007 at 7:02 am
   
   

3. Pam has totally hit the nail on the head!! That’s exactly how I feel about excerpts! I could agree more with what she’s said!

   Covers, synopsis or blurbs, and sometime even my most favorite writer aren’t really enough to get me to spend my money on a book! It’s wether or not the excerpt makes me feel and draws me into a story that gets me to buy a book from a writer new or old!! And the more that are spread out there be it on-line or snail mail, the better the promotion as far as I’m concerned. One excerpt can entice but if 2 or 3 get out there I tend to think it draws a reader in more and makes them really want to see what the book is about, be it from the beginning or middle of the book.

   I also agree excerpts on your site along with sample stories are what also help draw new readers. It shows that you want make yourself available to the new readers by sharing your work with them. And its also a treat for your loyal readers too!

   by Stephanie on January 2nd, 2007 at 7:28 am
   
   

4. I’m with Tammy G. Usually the excerpt is so long, and I feel like I’m reading more of the story than I wish to, which is frustrating. I usually just check the blurb in the front of the book, which is shorter and gives me a hint to the style of writing.

   Since most readers seem to like them, I can’t say not to post them, it’s just that I prefer to read what the book is about, maybe reading a few reviews if possible, but for the most part, a lot of my choices are made strictly on the blurb on the back of the book. It has really worked for me - rarely been disappointed.

   by Stacy ~ on January 2nd, 2007 at 7:29 am
   
   

5. I like to read the excerpts on an authors website, but buying the book does not hinge on it.
   I sometimes read the blurbs on the back of books, but not always.

   by Estella on January 2nd, 2007 at 8:07 am
   
   

6. I love to read the excerpts on author sites. It doesn’t matter from what part of the book it is. On fave authors, I still read their excerpts, but I know I’m going to get the book anyway. I will buy a book from a new author without reading an excerpt, if I like the blurb about the book.

   by Amy S. on January 2nd, 2007 at 9:59 am
   
   

7. Hi and Happy New Year–

   Just thought I’d chime in that I do not read excerpts before ordering books, or buying them in stores. I read the back cover blurb and check out the cover. Recognizing the author can help sell me, as well.

   by Robin Bayne on January 2nd, 2007 at 10:28 am
   
   

8. I agree with Tammy and Stacy. I really only want to read the blurb on the back of the book. I have found new authrs that way and I’ve also found a lot of new authors I like after I won their book and enjoyed it. Of course, I always buy books from my favorite authors.

   by Carol on January 2nd, 2007 at 10:29 am
   
   

9. 

   It just depends for me about excerpts. In some cases if I am waiting patiently for a book to come out that I already know about I really want to read that excerpt. One of my favorite writers, Katie Macalister, has a series of books out about Aisling Grey. I love this series, but the books are a year apart. I wanted to read any and every bit of it I could before it came out. She put out a page a month until the release of book 3 in that series.

   Other books I do not know about beforehand I just like to read the blurbs on the back.

   Have a great day!

   by Shannon Upright on January 2nd, 2007 at 10:48 am
   
   

10. I am in agreement with the others. I buy books from back cover blurbs and the cover itself. I buy books from excerpts also. It doesn’t have to be the first paragraph of the story. If I’m hooked on what I’ve read it is a ‘buy’ for me.
    This applies to new to me authors as well as familiar to me authors.

    by RobynL on January 2nd, 2007 at 12:01 pm
    
    

11. I always read excerpts online before I buy a book, especially if it’s a book from an author I haven’t read before. If there’s no excerpt I usually don’t buy it, unless it’s a book by my favorite author. For me it doesn’t matter if the excerpt is the first pages or not. The back blurb is of course also great, but it’s the excerpt that tells me if the story will capture me or not.

    by Marie on January 2nd, 2007 at 12:42 pm
    
    

12. I also choose books mainly from the blurb on the back cover. I pick up the book if I like the front cover, read the blurb and then if I am still interested sometimes I will read the excerpt. Of course, this is in a bookstore..online it is different. If I am on an authors website or an online bookstore I do read the excerpts to see which book to buy. I don’t think it’s false advertising if the excerpt is not from the beginning pages. I think most readers understand excerpts are kind of like teasers to hopefully interest the reader enough to read the book (we all know the action doesn’t usually start on the first few pages)

    by Jeanette Jackson on January 2nd, 2007 at 12:47 pm
    
    

13. I have purchased a new author based solely on the excerpts and the story synopsis. I agree that excerpts are the best indication of an authors voice.
    To be honest, I have purchased books where the except was the best part of the whole book and the rest of the story just didn’t work for me. But the same holds true of the cover blurb..several times the premise of the story sounded really good in the blurb, but the actually story did not do it justice.

    I enjoy excerpts very much. I think all authors should post them either on their websites or send them in their mailing list emails.

    by Angie-la on January 2nd, 2007 at 12:51 pm
    
    

14. Excerpts or no?
    I like excerpts…they give me a feel for the book. I sometimes will pick up a book and read a random page just to give me an idea of what the author’s style is.

    Do you want those first few pages no matter what or are other pages okay?
    It doesn’t really matter to me what pages are used.

    Will you buy a new author without reading an excerpt?
    Yes…I read the back cover blurb and find out more about the story…the story is what is important to me. Excerpts do help though and give me an idea of the author’s voice and style.

    Do you bother with excerpts for your fav authors and auto-buys or are excerpts irrelevant for them?
    I don’t usually read excerpts of auto-buys unless it is going to be a while until the book is released. I will read the excerpt then to give me some idea about the story. I also read the super short excerpt that is at the beginning of some books and the sneak peeks at the back of books…doesn’t matter to me if those are for a new-to-me or a fave author…I read them.

    by Jennifer Y. on January 2nd, 2007 at 2:46 pm
    
    

15. yes i like excerpts. if a new authors book sounds good i might buy but i like to get an idea first with excerpts. i have autobuys and blurbs are good for those.

    by Melissa V on January 2nd, 2007 at 3:01 pm
    
    

16. One of the main reasons I will try a new author is because I have read some excerpts that have really caught my attention and interest. An excerpt does not have to be from the beginning of the book. It should be one that captures the attention and leaves me wanting to know more.

    by Cherie Japp on January 2nd, 2007 at 3:13 pm
    
    

17. Heck, I’ll take any excerpts that I can get! LOL :) I guess it just should be a section that makes me really want to go and get it. And I guess sometimes that may not always be the first couple pages because you have to build up to it and all. So as long as their is an excerpt, I’m happy! :)

    Lois

    by Lois on January 2nd, 2007 at 3:19 pm
    
    

18. Excerpts… I can take them or leave them. I generally make up my mind about purchasing a book from the blurb (and if I’m online and waffling, I’ll read excerpts and reviews). However, I prefer short and interesting excerpts… and it doesn’t matter where in the book it comes from, as long as it is catchy (and understandable).

    by Jennifer K. on January 2nd, 2007 at 4:19 pm
    
    

19. For authors that I know, I never bother - they’re autobuys. On a whole, I don’t usually bother with them - especially the really long ones. Usually word-of-mouth convinces me to buy a new author. I too read the blurbs on the back cover and sometimes it may sway me one way or the other. Hearing other people talk about books and winning them are my two favorite ways of picking a book from a new author. If I like the author on a first read, I usually go out and buy more of their books.

    by catslady on January 2nd, 2007 at 4:20 pm
    
    

20. I like to read excerpts because not only does it give me a feel for the author’s voice but it also gives me a feel for the story. Therefore, I read excerpts from both authors that I know and those that I don’t know. It doesn’t matter to me, where in the book the excerpt comes from as long as it gives me a sense of the setting and the main characters. I usually will not buy a book without first reading an excerpt.

    by Linda F on January 2nd, 2007 at 5:23 pm
    
    

21. I like to read excerpts before buying a book. I don’t think it matters where the excerpt is from in the book but I appreciate when the author puts a note if it is from well into the book. I want to read an excerpt that gives me a good idea of the story so if the first few pages don’t do that then I don’t need to read them in the excerpt.

    by Maureen on January 2nd, 2007 at 6:40 pm
    
    

22. I need an excerpt from a new author so I get a taste of their storytelling. For my regulars, excerpts are a nice perk, and it doesn’t need to be the first pages. For my auto buy authors, I have bought sight unseen, and have rarely been disappointed.

    by cathy on January 2nd, 2007 at 6:45 pm
    
    

23. I love to read both the blurbs and excerpts of new books. And my take on what I read is definitely the deciding point as to if I will buy a book or come back to it another time. So reading the except is important and I think you did the right thing, listing an excerpt that was not the first few pages. In fact, it never has to be the exact first pages. You can take the excerpt from anywhere in the book in my opinion. After all, you want your example to be full of romance, action, mystery, and adventure. You want to hook the reader. Many authors I read do the very same thing when publishing or posting about a new book.
    When it comes to new authors, I denfitely like to read a sample of their work before I purchase. Many times I was impulsive and bought some book where the author made the story way too complex and I had trouble following it. Like sci-fi authors for example might have a book in the future with all this new terminology. Now, I dont mind learning the terms and words but I have to learn gradually. Anyhow, the point is that I always read before I buy. Get a feel for the way an author writes. As for my favorite authors, well I still read excerpts and blurbs for their books no matter what. The reasons are because A) Even a favorite author can try a new kind of writing or book style and make you lose interest once in a while. B) Your interested about the plot in this new exciting book in the series. And C) If you dont have a great deal of money to spend on all the great authors and books that are out, you might read the excerpts and blurbs like I do to kind of pick and choose which books you most want to buy/read now and put the others on a list for another time.

    by April on January 2nd, 2007 at 7:05 pm
    
    

24. Excerpts are what makes me buy. The blurb lures and the excerpt hooks

    by Liz Denler on January 2nd, 2007 at 7:28 pm
    
    

25. iwll buy without excerpts,

    by KIM H on January 2nd, 2007 at 7:29 pm
    
    

26. I don’t mind reading excerpts though I usually buy according to what becomes known about the whole book. One new author, however, recently snagged me with her excerpt. I have no idea if it was from the beginning of the book or page 60.

    However, I don’t actively look for excerpts. I read them for contests, like many of the commenters above, but generally wait until the book actually appears for authors that are auto-reads or auto-buys.

    Since you’re still a fairly new author, I’d say to start an excerpt where you feel most comfortable and where the main protagonists meet for the first time or something similar. For me excerpts are more about the style of writing. Once I know an author, I rarely read the excerpts anymore.

    Good luck with this next book. And I’ll read the excerpt.

    by Ruby55 on January 2nd, 2007 at 8:49 pm
    
    

27. I guess it really depends. I like to have the excerpts there, but I don’t always rely on them. I should more than I do. The back blurb of a book doesn’t always give the best indication about an author’s voice.

    by Nicole on January 2nd, 2007 at 9:06 pm
    
    

28. I love reading excerpts. It often determines if I buy the book or not. I even read them for authors I usually buy. Sometimes I find their styles change and I no longer like to read their books.

    by Debby on January 2nd, 2007 at 9:17 pm
    
    

29. I read the excerpts. Sometimes that will give me an idea of the authors writing style to see if I would enjoy reading that book.

    by Lisa Williams on January 2nd, 2007 at 9:47 pm
    
    

30. If the excerpt is interesting as in “hot”, it definitely catches my eye, lol.

    by Shuck Ying on January 2nd, 2007 at 9:48 pm
    
    

31. The way I choose my books are first a) authors I have read or recognize their names b) the picture of the book for unknown authors c) the back summary of the book is a main deciding factor d) excerpt are a good way to tell if I would enjoy reading that author based on their writing style

    by Deborah on January 2nd, 2007 at 9:50 pm
    
    

32. I love to read exerpts from books, It gives you an idea of what the book will be about. I don’t think you necessarily have to start at the beginning of the book. I think you should pick something that will catch the readers eye.

    by Teresa W on January 3rd, 2007 at 12:32 am
    
    

33. I love excerpts! Long or short. I don’t care where they come from in the story…sometimes the beginning just sets the scene, or goes back in time, so I prefer meeting the main characters. I want them from my favorite authors and my new authors. Every book hopefully is a little different.
    New and old authors- I definitely read the back of the book. A lot of authors are trying new genres…romance to romantic suspense, historical to contemporary, all the before mentioned to paranormal or mystery. Some I like , some I don’t! Excerpts give you a taste! Books are expensive so I don’t want to be disappointed. I remember buying one book from an author I had read before..just grabbed it up and was so upset after reading it. It was terrible! I felt that I hadn’t gotten my moneys worth and was amazed that it had gotten published! I’ve not purchased another book of hers!
    I have definitely purchased books based on an excerpt! I say keep em coming!

    by Laurie G on January 3rd, 2007 at 5:56 am
    
    

34. I like to read an excerpt before I buy a book, especially for a new author. It doesn’t have to be from the first chapter. If it’s an author on my auto-buy list, then I tend to just put their book on my TBB list without reading about it.

    by KimW on January 3rd, 2007 at 6:19 am
    
    

35. I will not buy a book unless I’ve read an excerpt or at least a blurb or summery of the book, because I buy books based on the story. An excerpt is nice because it gives me a feel of the author’s voice, especially if it’s a new-to-me author. I’ve read books that I had no intention of reading until after I read an excerpt and the author got me hooked on the story and H/H. It doesn’t have to be the first few pages but I like it to have the main characters in it, so that I can get a feel for the story and the H/H. I’ve read excerpts with just one of the main characters and it left me frustrated because I wasn’t able to get a feel for both the H/H. The only auto-buys I don’t need an excerpt for are series books that I’ve already started, but excerpts are nice to read until the next book comes out.

    by Wanda S. on January 3rd, 2007 at 9:20 am
    
    

36. I like reading excerpts. Sometimes an excerpt will intrigue me to try a new author. If an author is an auto buy, the excerpt doesn’t influence my decision but I do like to read the excerpt to see what the book is about.

    by Crystal B. on January 3rd, 2007 at 11:10 am
    
    

37. I don’t like reading excerpts, I always feel like I’m cheating the book. If I end up reading the book I’ll skip over the excerpt part. But I don’t usually buy a book that I’ve read an excerpt of unless the excerpt was really REALLY good. It seems pointless to me. I feel like I’ve already read the book. I might go into a bookstore and stay in there for a while skipping to the excerpt part and reading what comes after it. I think authors should stick to the back cover blurbs. So many books have been ruined for me because I’ve read the excerpts.

    by Maria Duncan on January 3rd, 2007 at 2:42 pm
    
    

38. For me it depends on how good the excerpt is. It would have to be Mega good for me to actually go out and buy the book. If it wasn’t that good I wouldn’t ever bother reading the book. Which isn’t really fair because I don’t think an excerpt can give you an overall view of the book. I don’t. It can show you the author’s style but it mighn’t be enough to draw you into the story. The story might be absolutely wonderful as a whole but the excerpt might only show a mediocre story. I like to concentrate on back cover blurbs and recommendations from people who like the same books as myself.

    by Aisling on January 3rd, 2007 at 2:47 pm
    
    

39. I usually go by the blurb on the back of the book. (It really annoys me when there is a picture and not the blurb on the back!) If I am still waffling then I’ll read the excerpt. If the author is one of my auto-buys then I don’t read the excerpt. I wouldn’t worry too much about the excerpt starting from page four, I’ve read books where the h/h don’t even meet until after page 100!! (Now THAT frosts me.)

    by Joyce on January 3rd, 2007 at 2:51 pm
    
    

40. I’ll read the blurbs on the books…but I also like to read excerpts. I, too, sort of think it is cheating…but I think I am doing myself more harm than good anyway since I don’t get to finish the story right then. If I like the excerpt I will get the book!

    by Kathleen on January 3rd, 2007 at 7:05 pm
    
    

41. Excerpts are a hit or miss for me. I have to be in the mood to read an excerpt in the first place. And like with movies and trailers it can sometimes spoil the experience or at the very least take something away from the experience of reading the book from front to back. But I do like blurbs so I know what I’m getting into. I don’t like to read excerpts for authors I know, but if it is a new author I’m curious about, an excerpt is a great way to find out if the authors voice/style is going to appeal to me.

    by Sue A. on January 3rd, 2007 at 7:54 pm
    
    

42. Hi Helen! I hope you had a great Christmas and New Years. I just love reading book excerpts. The excerpt doesn’t have to start at the beginning of a book. I feel an excerpt should be a scene from the book that catches the readers attention and makes them want to go out and buy the book to read the rest of it. I’ve bought quite a few just from reading the excerpt. I’ve discovered alot of new authors that way. As far as my favorite authors go, they are on my auto buy list. This year, I have to make an effort to read more than I buy so I can make some room on my shelves.

    by Janet on January 3rd, 2007 at 9:04 pm
    
    

43. Excerpts are a must for me. I especially like excerpts from somewhere other than the beginning of the book as it gives me a better indication of whether the author’s voice is a good fit with my reading style.

    by Cheryl S. on January 3rd, 2007 at 11:13 pm
    
    

44. I never buy a book based on the front pic (I usually wait to read a book and then check out the front to see how close they came to the story :grin:) and until recently I only bought books by reading the blurb on the back of the book. Then I was told by some authors a few months ago that the blurbs are usually written by people, at the publishing company, who might not have even read the book. Now I go by both the blurbs and excerpts if I have time to read them. I don’t care where the excerpt is started as long as it gives me good feel for both the story and the main characters. The only books that I don’t need blurbs or excerpts for are books that are continuations of a series, but they are nice to read until the next book comes out. In my case I don’t think that excerpts take away from a story because by the time I read the book after it’s been in my TBR pile I’ve forgotten what the excerpts were about anyway, . A few times I’ve wanted a book just because of the excerpt. That’s how I’ve found a few new authors. That and contests!

    by Cat S. on January 4th, 2007 at 7:47 am
    
    

45. I never read excerpts, only back cover blurbs. But after what Cat S. just said I’m going to be quite sceptical when I read them too. I like to buy books that I’ve read a good review of on a good romance website, and sometimes I browse one of the internet bookseller websites, go to the page of my favourite books and see what the people who bought that book bought with it. I have to take a chance but often it’s worth it. Happy New Year everyone!

    by mary on January 4th, 2007 at 1:44 pm
    
    

46. I read both the excerpts - unless they are those long ones that go on foreverrrrrrrrrrrrrr - and blurbs, but the reviews are what point me to new authors!

    by Karen B on January 4th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
    
    

47. Hi HelenKay,
    I like to read an excerpt, especially when the author is new to me. I don’t care if the excerpt is from the beginning of the book or not. The main point is to get a feeling of what the characters are all about and the authors writing style. I have my favorite authors whose books that I buy no matter if there is an excerpt or not (and you are one of them).

    by Susan on January 5th, 2007 at 11:48 am
    
    

48. When the author is new, I like to read an excerpt. But I never read excerpts when I know the author, just a back cover blurb. Happy weekend everyone!

    by mary on January 6th, 2007 at 9:55 am
    
    

49. I usually buy books based on the blurb and sometime by the excerpts (when I have time to read them). I really like reading excerpts for new-to-me authors so that I can get a feel for the author’s writing and the story. I don’t rely on reviews so much because they are so subjective. I enjoy reading excerpts with the first few pages as long as it includes the main characters and it sets up the story for the rest of the book. Otherwise, it doesn’t matter where the excerpt starts, as long as it includes the main characters, so that I can see if I’ll like them.

    by Cathie S. on January 7th, 2007 at 12:51 am
    
    

50. Thanks for input. Sounds as if excerpts are as important as everyone reports.

    And…we have a WINNER!!! Special congrats to Cat S. (comment #44) for winner the prize. Email me and I’ll get that gift certificate right out to you.

    by HelenKay on January 9th, 2007 at 1:30 pm
    
    

51. wtg cat s

    by KIM H on January 9th, 2007 at 7:15 pm