Hey, look, after 1.5 years of meaning to get around to it, I’ve finally dipped my toe into the Book Blogger Hop. I generally find the topics interesting, but have over-thought my responses. By imposing a strict time-limit on myself for answering the question, I figure I can join in the fun.
This prompt was submitted by Julie @ JadeSky:
Are you more likely to choose to read a book based on the synopsis, or the cover?
98.6% of the time, I’m choosing to read a book based on the synopsis. Covers lie and/or mislead. Well, synopses do, too, I guess. But really, those are the exceptions (and those who produce those need to be punished). Whether it’s the official inside-the-jacket-flap/back-of-the-book/author-or-publisher-website synopsis, an elevator pitch I hear on podcast interview with an author, or a blogger’s version of the synopsis–it’s knowing what the book is about more than whatever picture is on the front that’s going to get me to read a book.
At the same time–outside of getting a recommendation from a blogger/author/etc. it’s going to come down to the cover to get my attention and get me to read the synopsis (even if it’s just the author’s name on a cover).
What about you?
Robert Germaux
This is a tough one, mainly because I have a personal stake in it, having written twelve books. Brandi McCann does an incredible job with my covers, and I’ve been told by more than one person that the cover of one of my books was what grabbed their attention. On the other hand, in my case, the cover might grab my attention, but the synopsis is the final determiner for me. So, in the end, yeah, synopsis.
HCNewton
It’s a one-two punch, really, isn’t it? Soften you up with the cover and put you down with the synopsis…
BookerTalk
If I have not heard of the book or the author, then the cover will be what attracts my attention. But it will be the description that guides me to a decision whether to buy together with the info about the author. As an example, if the book is set in Vietnam I want to know whether the author is from that country or has ever lived/worked there. That will give me a sense of how authentic it will be.
Louise Hallett
I agree – a cover might make me read the blurb if it’s a new-to-me author, but blurb is what makes me buy.