New writer asking for some feedback Options

[MJH6]

Hi everyone,

I’m very happy to say that I’ve just 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 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 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! :)

[treschicgeek]

With this in mind, what do you think attracts a potential reader? Would it be the front cover like mine 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?

For me, as shallow as it may sound, image is everything. Despite the whole "Don't judge a book by it's cover" thing, I find that literally and figuratively I am judging by looks. Normally when I'm in the library or a book store and looking for a book, I go straight to the ones with the eye-popping colors and interesting font, same with the cover. If the cover doesn't look appealing to me, then I automatically assume that the book itself won't be that good.

A synopsis is also important. I hate when I'm in the book store and I find a book that looks like it's got potential, but looking at it I don't find a synopsis to it. When I read the synopsis I'm usually just scanning it, not "reading". So keep it short and sweet without divulging too much.

Hope that helps

And congrats on publishing a book too