Author looking for some help

[MarkH]

Hi everyone,

I’m very happy to say that I’ve recently had my debut novel published and would love to swap thoughts and opinions on what makes a compelling read. Obviously, some of my motivation is market research, but if I don't ask people who are interested in fantasy books who can I ask! With this in mind, what do you think attracts a potential reader? Would it be the front cover like mine at the link below or is it more likely to be on the strength of the synopsis? Just how important is the cover art and what really determines our decision to invest the time to actually sit down and read a book? As a new author, I feel these questions are very important, so any insights you can give will be greatly appreciated. It may help me not to make the same mistakes if I ever get around to writing another one!

For anyone interested you can read more about my book here:

http://hometown.aol.co.uk/markjohnhockl ... ywork.html

[Gyro Zeppeli]

Let me just say...move back with your parents now, before it's too late

[Athos]

Hi everyone,

I’m very happy to say that I’ve recently had my debut novel published and would love to swap thoughts and opinions on what makes a compelling read. Obviously, some of my motivation is market research, but if I don't ask people who are interested in fantasy books who can I ask! With this in mind, what do you think attracts a potential reader? Would it be the front cover like mine at the link below or is it more likely to be on the strength of the synopsis? Just how important is the cover art and what really determines our decision to invest the time to actually sit down and read a book? As a new author, I feel these questions are very important, so any insights you can give will be greatly appreciated. It may help me not to make the same mistakes if I ever get around to writing another one!

For anyone interested you can read more about my book here:

http://hometown.aol.co.uk/markjohnhockl ... ywork.html

I congradulate you on getting your novel published. From my end of the book business, I know that it can be tough to get a book published. I'm currently a bookseller who works for one of the largest (if not the largest) booksellers in the U.S.

When I see a book, is what I first look at is the Title and the author. Second, I don't really pay attention to the front of the cover because I know that over time, the publishers (sometimes) will do a reprint in a different format (e.g. mass market paperback, trade paperback, or hardcover) and will alter the cover art. But what I find more important is the synopsis which is either printed on the flaps (if it's hardcover) or on the back if it's a paper back edition.

And then of course, I open the book (either to a certain chapter if it's political) and skim around to see if it grabs my interest. And personally, I am more of the classic British-literature and current affairs reader. However, I have seen some fantasy novels to grab some of my attention (such as Issac Asimov's "The Last Question")

[MarkH]

Thanks for your reply Athos. As you know it's very tough to get a new book noticed at all. Agree about Asimov, although my novel is very different in style and tone so may not be to your taste. If you get a chance to read the excerpts at the link above, I'd value your opinion.

[Athos]

I've bookmarked the page, I plan on reading it eventually >.> Between school and work, I don't have much time set aside to even read. XD but I do promise, it will get done. You never know when a customer might ask you for an opinion for a certain book...

[MarkH]

I thought this review that was just posted on Amazon UK might be of interest. I'm really pleased with it because the reader absolutely 'got' what the novel is meant to be about.



'If ever you've strayed in a dodgy part of town you'll have felt what this novel at times conveys; a sense of anxious dread and paranoid suspicion. Evil doesn't play by the rules or rather it does but the rules are hidden. You're left constantly wondering what lurks beyond the next page and 'The Magic Lands' doesn't disappoint with twsts and turns aplenty.

Surreal, beguiling, entrancing, deflating, uplifting and even at times demanding the book reminds you of life itself and I guess that's the point. I'd recommend this for the older teenager and above or a bright younger teenager as the concepts, whilst wrapped in a context akin to a child's story, are altogether adult and belong to a world we know in real life to be decidely grey and occasionally bleak.

However there is hope - but again, as in real life, at a cost - and the reader is ultimately rewarded for the journey they take with the two boys and their companions. I'll leave you to discover what that is for yourself but if you like your novels to reach out, grab your brain and go 10 rounds instead of lying passive like the pulp they often are then I highly recommend this book to you.

'The road is cruel and dark, my friend.'

[Athos]

Wow. What a smashing review. o.o Now I'll definately order that book next week.


(Edit: I just bought the book and wow. I think some of you other user's would like this book just as much as I am enjoying it right now)

[Nyx]

Wow. What a smashing review. o.o Now I'll definately order that book next week.


(Edit: I just bought the book and wow. I think some of you other user's would like this book just as much as I am enjoying it right now)

Don't tease me dammit. I haven't read anything in so long...*almost a week*

[Athos]

Oh my lord! *grabs Nyx and straps her on a gurney* Quick! Someone give this woman a book! STAT! *Shoves Nyx into an Ambulance and speeds off to the bookstore with lights and sirens blaring* XD

Nyx, you should really read it. Also, I'm off to buy a book to use for my essay >__>

[MarkH]

Thanks to Athos for the encouragement And I hope Nyx gets a chance to read it some time soon too.

[MarkH]

Just thought that I would post this in the spirit of balance, but I’ve just had my first really negative review on Amazon USA! After three five star reviews I got a one (count them!!) star review from someone who thought the book was not good at all. Oh well, you can’t win ‘em all

[MarkH]

For anyone who might be interested I've posted the first two chapters of what will hopefully be my next book at http://www.freewebs.com/markhockley/
It's a work in progress, but it would be great if you got a chance to take a look and let me know what you think. It's called The Shadow of the Rose.

[MarkH]

Hope you don't mind me sharing this new review from Amazon

'This book is the story of two fourteen year old boys who find themselves transported into a realm of magic and nightmare.
Reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia, the story quickly turns into a dark tale of nightmare, lust and cruelty as the two boys find themselves locked in a contest against the ultimate evil, with the stakes being not only their lives, but their souls as well.
Joining Tom Lewis and Jack Barton as they journey through the contantly changing dreamscape of The Magic Lands is like sitting down with Alice In Wonderland and Rob Zombie to drop some acid.
Loaded with iconic imagery, The Magic Lands is a tour de force into a surreal realm dominated by evil and insidious temptation.'

[Dreams]

Hey, this sounds good! If only I wasn't dirt poor I could buy a copy.
Is your book up on Books in Print?
Or have you called the Borders home office and sent them a copy for review yet?
Because if we get it in the store, then I can get an employee discount, wheehee!
And if I read it, I can put it on my 'staff picks' endcap...
We'd be helping each other, really. :D
rotfwt

But seriously, huge kudos that your book is taking off!
I'm working on a novel now that I started in high school (it had to be totally redone, but I'm excited).

[Athos]

Hey, if you want Dreams, I'll send you my copy! *After I get it back from my coworker* According to my system, it's a POD and for some forsaken reason, the publisher's have it classified as a textbook.

[Dreams]

the publisher's have it classified as a textbook.

lmfao

I'm gonna see if it's in BIP tomorrow. If not, we can strike up a deal.

I had to do vendor for 6 hours today.
Nothin' like 20 boxes of vendor.