2009 Debutantes

As a writer and a reader, I'm fascinated with promotion strategies--what works and what doesn't. I've seen a lot over my time, like radio ads, magazine ads, blog tours, contests, and so on.

For me, the number one promotion that entices me to buy a book is word of mouth. If I hear from reliable sources that a book is good, and it sounds like something I'd be interested in, I'll run out and grab it. Excerpts are also tied for #1...if I read the first chunk of pages and am hooked, I'll be desperate to grab the rest.

Another thing that entices me to buy a book is the cover and back blurb--yes, I know these are out of the author's control, but they do work. A compelling cover and back blurb will whet my appetite.

I like seeing authors on blog tours, as well. I can get a good feel for their voice, and they often post excerpts that help me get more familiar with them and their work. The more I see them, the more their name sticks in my mind, and when I'm out shopping at a bookstore, I'll think, "Oh, I wanted to see if that author's book was here."

I love entering contests, but they don't always make me buy a book. Nor do all the little swag, like bookmarks, pens, etc. So as an author, I'm going to keep costs down and not buy a lot of those.

One thing that's a total turnoff are authors who only post places so you'll buy their book. Promo hos don't do it  for me at all, LOL. Also, books that seem overpriced are a turnoff, too (and I know this is out of the author's control, as well). Luckily, YA books seem to be reasonably priced, so I don't typically encounter this problem with YA.

What about you--what entices you to buy a book as a writer and/or a reader? What turns you off?