What Sells Books?

[Celia Yeary]

All of you are readers, right? Of course, we are, and each one of us has his/her own list of genres and TBR books on our list. Me? I have so many, I don't know where to begin. Many of us, I might safely say, are authors, as well as readers. So, any one of you, what sells books? When you go to a book store or to an on-line book seller, what are you looking for? Something familiar, such as a favorite author, or an often-read genre, or something new, perhaps? For many years, I routinely looked for Western romance, but when the well almost ran dry, I began to write my own. Now, I find that the genre really is alive and well, and I'm thrilled to be a part of that group of authors, now that I'll soon be published, with another waiting in the wings. Still, I look for other kinds of books to while away my time. I always said I DO NOT READ REGENCY ROMANCE. But, yes, I do, I admit, and the author I've chosen is one of my all-time favorites--Mary Balogh. Another group I DO NOT READ is Inspirational, but, oh, yes, I do--Beverly Lewis and her numerous Amish series. I am hooked on these, as well. Now, why is that? I say it's becasue these authors aren't just "this or that" but they are--good storytellers. that's all I'm looking for--a good story. So, what do you look for?
Celia yeary

[William Butler]

Hi Celia,

Of late I've found myself enjoying romance with tragic endings. Call me a sadist or a glutten for punishment, but something about the emotional drain appeals to me. Another area I've found I like are "slice of life" tales. However, as you stated, much of it is simply a matter of a tale well told. If it's a good story, I think, it doesn't matter what the specific genre.

My heart will always belong to science fiction, however. If only because of the scope of the stories. There's something about the "fate of the world" or the "fate of all humankind" that makes for an interesting story. Still the writing has to be good and the story has to be believeable, no matter how fantastic the setting.

When I venture into a book store, I tend to gravitate toward authors with whom I am familiar. That doesn't always mean popular authors. Two of my favorites are Jerry Pournelle and Larry Niven. Each are enjoyable on their own but when they write together it makes for an exceptional outing.

Be well,
William

[Celia Yeary]

Nice reply, William. Years ago, when I found myself with free time I hadn't had in my entire life, I began to devour books. I selected a genre or category, and read only that until I was ready to move on. I read Zane Grey, Willa Cather, and others who had multiple books on the shelf. Then I discovered an entire area in our library devoted to science fiction. Of course, I read those, too. I couldn't tell you the names of any of them, but I loved those stories. Maybe I'll try those again. Note: my book club for September is reading and discussing Pearl S. Buck's THE GOOD EARTH. I could not put it down! Thanks for the reply--Celia

[Celia Yeary]

If you read Phillipa Gregory, I'm impressed! I can't get through one of her books--my attention span, I guess is too short! Thanks for the comment. Celia

[Elaine Cantrell]

Nothing beats a good story. I didn't read inspirationals until I read Karen Kingsbury. Now that woman tells a good story.

Elaine Cantrell
www.elainecantrell.com

[Celia Yeary]

I've never read Karen Kingsbury. Since I write romance, that's what I love most. But I'm always on the look-out for something new. Right now, I have going--Barbara Delinsky's new one, "the Secret Between us," and Maggie Toussant's "In For a Penny," a CLEOPATRA JONES MYSTERY. Thanks for your reply, Elaine.

[Celia Yeary]

Hi, Sandy--I pretty much do the same thing. At the library, I go straight for the New Book shelves. I always feel like I found a treasure if I find one of my favorite author's new books. Last week, I saw on the order list they post, Beverly Lewis' newest--THE FORBIDDEN. I pu it on reserve and got it Friday. As I said before, all I'm looking for, basically, is a "good story, and Beverly Lewis writes a good story!!! It's amazing to me how many bad books are printed--downright boring or stupid stories. Have you found that to be true, too? (We need not mention bad books, although I have seen lists of such things in the paper.) Thanks--Celia

[Celia Yeary]

I'm going to stick my neck out here, but I have noticed an author or two who have multiple books published, and as time goes on--especially if it's a series--the stories become bland and I see more editing goofs. So, I'm wondering when is it time for an author to call it quits on a certain line or series? How many are too much? Generally, I love a series--gives me something to look forward to. But....I'm certain this won't step on anyone's toes, because my comments are so general--I do stop and think as you do--what is going on here? Thanks, Z

[Sandra Kosmalski]

I enjoy so many diffferent genres of music and books. It all depends on my mood. I have a good friend at the book store here, and I go directly to her for a book to fit my mood. Isn't that silly...she sales books! If I had published a book I would want her on my team. LOL
I talk with my dil to see what her book club is reading, and share with her what mine is reading. Another friend and I do the same. So I have a wide array of material to read from. But my favorite source is my friend at the bookstore.
It pays for an author to have someone like her promoting their book.
This is a little different take on the question...but I think word of mouth is and always has been the best promotion there is.
sk

[Celia Yeary]

WORD OF MOUTH--Ahhh, what all authors long for. Now that I think on it, probably half of my reading material I choose is because of "word of mouth." You've hit on something I never thought of. Thanks, sk. And thanks for replying. Celia

[Author Ernie Johnson]

Celia, welcome to the world of MARKETING OUR WARES. As authors, our work only begins when we sit down and write that best seller. Once it's published, then our work goes into overdrive, specially when we are new and "UNKNOWN". What sells books? I believe one of the biggies is the book's cover. You need something that's going to catch the readers' eye.

A good website is another, but then you have to find a way to draw traffic to it. Presently. on my own website, I have the AUTHOR'S WEBSITE LINK EXCHANGE - in which I put a link to author's websites in exchange for their linking to my website. The theory is, that we can draw new traffic to our sites that way. If you'd like to be a part, feel free to let me know. Check out my website at http://www.ernierjohnson.net

[Celia Yeary]

Well, Ernest, I probably haven't written that blockbuster, but I do have one book to be released first in e-book at Thanksgiving--the print next Valentine's. Right now, I'm deep in edits for the second one. So, look at my website and see what I've done, then get back to me at [e-mail] or by this Ning. site. I don't want to pass up a screen writer!
You're right about book covers. I'm a very visual person, and the cover gives me what I want or don't want. I write for The Wild Rose Press, an eBook romance publisher, and they allow the author to offer input for our covers. I'm thrilled with my first one, and it was a big hit with my author friends. Nice to meet you--Celia

[Chiron O'Keefe]

I love a good "beach read" (which I also call "bathtub books"). Something that carries me away.

Yes I notice my genres are really expanding. I tend to like popular fiction. Romantic comedies, suspense, thrillers, mysteries, cozies, sci-fi, fantasy. My book shelves are a riot of choices. *grin*

What I look for is something that engages me from page 1. Good characters, strong and not stupid. *grin* An entertaining plot line with good energy. Mostly, I want characters I can identify with. Not like me, but just with qualities I can relate to. If that makes sense.

Great discussion, Celia!

Smiles,
Chiron