Before we get to today’s guest blog post with the fabulous Kimber An, the chosen-at-random winner of the 8 x 10 glossy photo of the CON & CONJURE cover is Margaret! Congrats, Margaret! Just email me your full name and address and I’ll get your prize in the mail to you ASAP.
Now, on to today’s guest post. I know Kimber An from way back (MAGIC LOST, TROUBLE FOUND way back). She was one of the first book review bloggers to find, rave about, and spread the word about my books. Thank you so much, Kimber An! Now that Kimber has just had her first book published (SUGAR RUSH), I wanted to return the favor.
Kimber is offering a prize to a randomly selected winner — an eBook of SUGAR RUSH! Just read her post below and let’s hear your opinion on her question. I’ll randomly select a winner for the eBook of SUGAR RUSH. I’ll announce the winner tomorrow (Saturday).
Now, here’s Kimber An . . .
First of all, thank you to Lisa for letting me guest-post today! I really appreciate all her encouragement on my terrifying trip through Queryland. Okay, on with it.
I doubt you’re one, since you’re here on Lisa Shearin’s blog. Lisa, as you know, has a wise-crackin’ girl-hero in a Fantasy landscape with goblins who look like the Chippendale dancers with fangs. I remember the howls of protest from the Fantasy genre purists when Magic Lost, Trouble Found first came out. But, you’ve probably at least encountered one person who must have their meat, potatoes, and salad in neat little piles on their plates and the food items absolutely must not touch each other. Typically, they consume the same foods at the same meals every single day at the same time and in the same place.
I have a child like that. You should hear the hissy-fits she has over the slobs in her family.
I’m a buffet kind of girl. Just dump it on my plate, a little of this and a little of that, and, oh, that chocolaty goop over there looks really good, just plop it right here on my cheesy broccoli.
Now, imagine the other kind of person as a reader.
After four years of book reviewing (and many years of parenting,) I believe some of these readers are born very detail-oriented and there’s not much you can do, except let them cook their own meals. But, a lot of these kinds of readers have blinders of their own making on. It’s not their fault.
Here’s what happens. They read a book they love, say in the Romance genre. They love it! Yippee! You know how hard it can be to find a book you love sometimes. That’s why you hang out with Lisa, right? You know she can deliver the goods, and tell you about other authors who can too. So, this reader finishes reading that book and goes looking for more. She loved that Romance, so she goes back to the Romance aisle. In a hurry on her way home from work with two or three sick children and a cranky husband, she finds the myriad of books with masculine chests alluring but overwhelming. Well, the Romance she read before was about a Scottish rogue. She sees a hottie in a kilt and grabs it.
Pretty soon, she’s read a dozen Romance novels, all with Scottish rogues in them.
Finally, her children are well and off to school and her husband is in a good mood over his new Blu-Ray DVD player. She has some unhurried time to stop off at Barnes & Noble. She goes straight to the Romance aisle and grabs the first book with a hottie in a kilt on it. But, then, she sees a lusty werewolf on the book next to it. She puts back the Scottish kilt and buys the lusty werewolf.
The lusty werewolf book is crap.
She goes back and buys the Scottish kilt and her blinders are firmly in place. She only buys and reads Romance novels about Scottish rogues for the rest of her natural life. After a while, if you manage to sneak in a book that is not Romance genre and not Scottish rogue, she will automatically hate it, no matter how well it is written.
So, the question for authors in other genres, especially authors whose stories straddle two or more different genres, is how do we coax those blinders off so this chick will try us out?
Thank you, Lisa! This was a constant question for me over my four years as a blogging book reviewer. And now I face it as an author too. But, the best authors, like Lisa, never stop learning, so if anyone has any ideas, please, bring them on! Questions are great too. I might have answers or know where you might find answers.
Welcome, Kimber An! (And thank you for the compliment, you’re such a sweetheart!)
For those of you who don’t already know this, Kimber An, her husband, and all of their darling children are from Alaska — land of SERIOUS winter. Though I think a lot of us are getting a taste of what it must feel like. ; )
Excellent post! Congratulations on your book, Kimber An!
In my experience, the best way to get people who generally stick to one kind of book to branch out is ‘recommendation’. Chances are, Scottish Rogue girl has a friend who just enjoys Good Books. Said friend will grab the book, read it, love it, and go to her friend and say “Hey I just read this Really Good Book! Check it out!” Word of mouth and recommendation cannot be understated. For example, I admire and respect Felicia Day. Generally the types of books I’d been reading were Celtic Romances or Historical Romances. I’ve followed Felicia on Twitter for a long time. One day, she tweeted about this really excellent author and her books. Lisa, she was talking about you!! Since I admire and respect Felicia, I went out immediately and checked out Magic Lost, Trouble Found and the rest is history.
Best of luck to you, Kimber An!
Well, isn’t it obvious?
Have a scottish werewolf wearing a kilt next time!
But really, I think it has to be word of mouth. No magic formula. For some women, reading romance is a guilty pleasure, and they may not discuss book ‘out loud’ which complicates things for you awesome writers.
In the end, it is the author, and not so much the genre that I seem to follow, but of course, I know I’m unique
Hélène
OKay, to sum up what these brilliant ladies have said or I’ve concluded from what they’ve said:
1) Word of Mouth. These kinds of readers value their friends’ opinions. Awesome.
2) Boost These Readers’ Confidence in Their Books of Choice. I can’t believe I still read articles ridiculing certain genres. How rude.
Did I miss anything?
Thank you! Keep ‘em coming!
Well, there’s always the anthology of shorts, with the scottish cover…entice with a taste and wet the appetite for more substantial fare.
Word of mouth is by far the best. I, too, saw Felicia Day’s recommendation of Lisa’s books, or I wouldn’t have tried them. The cover just wasn’t something I would have picked up randomly (sorry, Lisa). However, I read the first one, loved it, and now I’ve just finished the third. In a week. I’m starting the fourth one tonight.
I love Ilona Andrews’ books; I’ve talked about them enough that my friends that NEVER read urban fantasy are trying them out. It may not be their cup of tea, but they’re branching out from the normal.
A recommendation from an author I admire is also a great way to get me to try something new. I may not love them all, but I’ll try it based on the recommendation alone.
The person who joked about putting the werewolf in a kilt isn’t far off, actually. A good book, similar to what I’m reading, but with some new twist, can lead me further into the genre of twist.
Okay, adding to my list:
3) Anthologies with something tried and true and something new.
4) Something tried and true with a new twist.
Thank you! This is great stuff. I’ll have to save it to file.
I agree… there are a ton of books I would never have read if not for recommandations. and vice versa for the friends who recommended stuff to me. And then you have to recognize that maybe that chick just wants an highlander guy in a kilt, and it’s ok too. Maybe her fantasies are about that guy and she’s satisfied with just one fantasy. I find myself absolutely uninterested by mysteries or police books anymore… and really I can recognize that someone knows how to write, but the book just won’t do it for me. And that’s ok! That’s why there are a lot of genre, and I think that keeping a blog and guest blogging can be THE way to reach people interested in the same kind of genre!!! Maybe that lady does not realize that there are some books about scottish romance that don’t have a guy in a kilt on the cover, but if she was to check out her favorite author’s blog, she may realize there are more!!!
Yeah, Sophie. What if I handed her OUTLANDER? That might send her over to the Time Travel Romances, and then maybe into Science Fiction Romance.
As an extension of word of mouth I tend to also use the TAGS on Amazon.com and the website What Should I Read Next. (Have you ever used Pandora Radio to find new music? whatshouldireadnext.com is kinda like it’s slightly slower, less handsome, younger brother for books…) I also Google for reviewers that liked the book I just read and see what else *they* liked…
These are all variations on word of mouth, but they allow me to extend my reach (and decidedly odd taste in books) past my local friend group (who don’t necessarily share my odd taste) to the global pool of readers.
Since my book straddles the romance and fantasy genres while breaking plenty of rules in both, I’m facing this question as well. In my case, a great cover helped. One look at the cover and you know it isn’t a typical fantasy, but there isn’t a guy on the cover either, so it’s not a typical romance. But then there’s the bare shoulder–what’s that all about?
It’s pretty clear when you read it.
I do agree TOTALLY with the word-of-mouth thing, but it also helps if your artistic team recognizes that your book is going to have these problems and they come up with a cover that, like the book, is somewhat unexpected.
Great comments! I definitely have to agree with the power of word of mouth. If someone whose taste I trust recommends an author/book, I’ll definitely check them out.
And Felicia Day has been beyond wonderful by spreading the word about Raine & Company. Plus, she’s just wonderful, period.
Lisa
Word of mouth seems to be the consensus, but that is not my personal experience.
As shallow as it seems, the book cover is the most important to me. A great example is Linnea Sinclair’s books. My first book of hers had a science fiction style cover. I would never have picked up her later books that have romance-oriented covers without having already been introduced to her.
I’ve never understood why publishers only allow one book cover per book. Especially in the digital age, why not have more than one style of book cover? Amazon knows I buy science fiction/fantasy so when I log in show me the scifi cover. When a romance reader logs in, show the romance cover. Maybe, I’m expecting too much.
Catherine
Let me state off the bat that I’m an not an author or aspiring author. I’ve always like to read but don’t have the creativity or drive to write a book.
Let me say first off that both your title and cover look like a typical romance book, which I seldom read. This does not look like a book that I would typically buy.
But I didn’t Lisa’s books based upon the cover, either (sorry Lisa). The market is flooded with these books of women with weapons on the cover and you open them up and glance through the book and they’re generally written in a similar formulaic style that isn’t really that interesting to me as a reader.
I believe that I bought Lisa’s first book based upon the high reviews. And it was recommended as “if you like your current book, then you might like these similar books”. I believe the current book was one in Ilona Andrews “Magic” series. When I opened Lisa’s book and did a quick skim of the first few pages, I was hooked. It’s the plot, world building, humor and writing style that’s draws me in.
What keeps me coming back for more is a dynamic story that progresses. I don’t want to read the same story over and over again in every book as it becomes static, stale, old and boring.
As an example, in Lisa’s books Raine, Mychael and Tams lives are dynamic and changing. Additional interesting characters are being introduced. It keeps you interested because you’re always wondering what’s going to happen next.
I hope that helps.
Wow- great post! Unfortunately, I am useless to add anything beyond what’s been said-LOL. I think word of mouth and great reviews are about it.
.
But I really loved your post- GREAT luck on your book promo junket
I was interested in the great reviews comment – I’m sure they must work but it’s impossible to quantify unfortunately. I had a really nasty comment made about one of my books – not a review – it was an off the cuff remark made when another book was being discussed and you know – I’ve sold more of that book than many of my others. Of course it might not have anything to do with that comment but the story is about two brothers who fall in the love with the same woman and for some reason it had people all riled up!
I buy on author name, on blurb, on friends’ suggestions, often a book is a bargain and I will try something new if I hear enough people raving about it. I have yet to be converted to steampunk. The two I tried, I didn’t like.
Adding to the list:
4) Tags
5) Awesome and Accurate Cover Art
6) Gripping Titles
What great comments! Kimber An, you’ve picked a great topic; I think we’ve all learned something new.
Sorry I’ve been absent for most of the day. I took today off to get ready for my sister and niece to visit for the weekend. I’ve been running errands, grocery shopping, cleaning house, and baking. They should be here any minute now — I’m so excited!
I read a lot of different fiction genres in general, but I have my favorites. This is the same with authors. I don’t know about our people, but the following are what makes me pick up a book from someone I never heard of or maybe a genre that I don’t necessarily read very often (which is usually anything outside of fantasy, science fiction, romance, and mystery). I think a lot of them have already been mentioned though.
1) I love the cover and the summary on the back. It is a bonus it there is a blurb on the cover from an author I like.
2) Recommendation from an author I like, includes cover blurbs and giving guest blogging spots. I have found a lot of new authors by them just being guests on an author’s blog that I follow.
3) Book reviews. These can come from amazon, authors, and bloggers. If I run across a really good review, I will usually try it out if it is something that I could like. Yes, there are plots and common characters that I have taken a break from or just can’t read anymore due to overexposure.
4) The “if you like this, then you are sure to like that” recommendation on amazon. This is how a found out about Lisa’s books.
5) Friend or family recommendation. This is probably the least common way for me. Almost all of my friends and family don’t have the same taste in books as me. Yes, I will try a book if the recommendation is strong enough; however, unless they physically put the book in my hands and make me promise, I find that I don’t usually follow through on these recommendations.
Hope this helps.
“If you liked this, you might like that” recommendations are great for book reviewers to provide. I tried to do that, as a book reviewer, but often forgot!
I can’t say that word of mouth recommendations work with me, as I don’t discuss my reading. What does work is Amazon’s front page and targeted recommendations, just like the previous blogger.
I have to say I agree with the person who didn’t buy Lisa’s books because of the covers – I was actually very put off by the first two! (Reminded me of the old children’s TV program “Bewitched”). But, continually, Amazon waved Lisa’s books in front of me, so I bought 4. Hey, guess what, the recommendations were right. When they told me that people who bought books by the same other authors were buying Lisa’s, that became the equivalent of word of mouth.
Tags in Amazon. Yes.
Recommendations – either verbal or associative. Yes. I look at Amazon an average of 3 or 4 times a day.
Covers. Please, more creativity and less pulp.
Reviews. I’m sure the author can add to reviews in Amazon. There’s nothing sadder than a book NO-ONE cares enough about to leave a comment. Unless it is an author I follow then I won’t buy a book that has no reviews and no ratings. I’m not especially picky – I get through at least 20 books a month so quantity is important, just not anywhere near as important as quality.
Proof reading. Please. I know a few words are Americanisms, but so many more are simply mistakes. I’ll read one book with text errors and merely be irritated. If a second one by the same author has errors I think that they have been taken up by poor editors and I’ll leave them.
Sorry, I’m going off track. This was intended to be just about acquiring readers; I’m digressing into keeping them
Perhaps giving out a few copies (on the understanding that a quick review should follow) may help? Books have to be “out there” to get on!
One more thing, sorry, but bear in mind not everyone handles the books to buy, or sees blurb on the back cover. I like books shops but can’t get to them, so 99.9% of my book purchases are online. I don’t have the option of flicking through stood at the “Romance aisle”.
Best wishes to you.
Hi!
But the internet is a very good thing – yhats how i found Lisa and her books 
I love the fact that you guys tell your readers about other authors – that NEVER happens in Denmark!!!
Recommendation is ALWAYS a good thing – thats how me and my friends usually finds new books – we talk a lot
And leaving snippets and letting yor potential readers having a “taste” of your books is also a good thing – usually as a reader you know if you want to read more or not.
Thank you everyone!
In case you’re wondering, I found Lisa through Linnea Sinclair, awesome Science Fiction Romance author. She told me there was a debut author I really needed to get to know.
linneasinclair.com
THANK YOU LINNEA!
Let me state off the bat that I’m an not an author or aspiring author. I’ve always like to read but don’t have the creativity or drive to write a book. Let me say first off that both your title and cover look like a typical romance book, which I seldom read. This does not look like a book that I would typically buy. But I didn’t Lisa’s books based upon the cover, either (sorry Lisa). The market is flooded with these books of women with weapons on the cover and you open them up and glance through the book and they’re generally written in a similar formulaic style that isn’t really that interesting to me as a reader. I believe that I bought Lisa’s first book based upon the high reviews. And it was recommended as “if you like your current book, then you might like these similar books”. I believe the current book was one in Ilona Andrews “Magic” series. When I opened Lisa’s book and did a quick skim of the first few pages, I was hooked. It’s the plot, world building, humor and writing style that’s draws me in. What keeps me coming back for more is a dynamic story that progresses. I don’t want to read the same story over and over again in every book as it becomes static, stale, old and boring. As an example, in Lisa’s books Raine, Mychael and Tams lives are dynamic and changing. Additional interesting characters are being introduced. It keeps you interested because you’re always wondering what’s going to happen next. I hope that helps.