Comments on: Online Book Browsing

By: annastan

annastan — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:40:09 +0000

PJ – I think you’re right that there’s something to be said for not knowing much about a book before you start reading. I feel that way about movies a lot of times – often the trailers show you all the good parts so that when you actually see the movie, it doesn’t seem that exciting!

Sherrie – That’s really interesting. You’re probably right that once we have a physical book in hand, we’re more likely to keep reading. It seems like more of an investment that way, even if we haven’t actually purchased the book.

By: Sherrie Petersen

Sherrie Petersen — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:11:37 +0000

It’s funny, I was playing with my new Kindle last night and downloaded the first couple chapters of The Maze Runner. I keep hearing how good it is. But somehow it left me off balance and I didn’t really want to read more beyond the excerpt. But I don’t know if that’s a reflection on the book or on the Kindle. I have a feeling that if I had the actual book, I might keep reading.

By: PJ Hoover

PJ Hoover — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:51:17 +0000

I’ve read very little online, and even less since my new philosophy is to try to go into reading a book totally unknowing of the plot if I can. This makes it so much better when huge surprises come along.
That said, I’d consider putting a chapter up before a release.

By: annastan

annastan — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:11:04 +0000

I’m sure that’s true. While it can be a good marketing technique, it doesn’t work for all books. And in the case of shorter works, like picture books, I imagine it wouldn’t really work at all.

By: MG Higgins

MG Higgins — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:55:06 +0000

I’m in agreement that if the excerpt doesn’t grab the reader, this sales tool will backfire. But I’m sure publishers realize this and won’t e-excerpt books with slow beginnings, for example.

By: annastan

annastan — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:03:13 +0000

You’re welcome, Nathalie. I see you have no problem with long excerpts being available online.

Laura, I think you’re right that it does put a bit more pressure on the writing. If the excerpt is good, people will be hooked and want to go buy the book. Longer excerpts mean that readers have more time to lose interest – the book needs to really grab them so they want to see how it ends.

By: Laura Pauling

Laura Pauling — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:43:46 +0000

No, that doesn’t bother me at all. If I had a book coming out, the more attention the better. Of course, if it is well written, this strategy will work. Better hope the first few pages really draw in that reader. As a reader, I love having the choice of reading the first few pages – that usually makes or breaks my decision to read a book. For me, it’s a good thing.

By: Nathalie

Nathalie — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:31:05 +0000

60 pages??? I’ve always wanted to read it but never found the time. I have no more excuses.
Thank you for the info, Anna.