The Reader's 2 Cents Issue 1

In my twitter thread I went over some things I key in on as a reader. I figure Ill make a semi series out of this. If only to help other writers, to get some insight into what draws me in or kicks me out of something.

Here

Key elements:

• Book Cover
• Blurbs
• Keywords to Genre Readers
• Is this like X, Y or Z? 
• Don't combat people over less then stellar reviews. I know it hurts but sometimes 1 stars cause me to either insta buy a series or avoid it. Those help too but realize its probably mostly due to not fulling that genre reader's needs. Some are trolling because of politics but some of them are because that Paranormal Romance book tried to hide itself as Space Opera. Or that Harem book disguised itself as a Superhero Prose.

Things that hit my lizard brain:

Previous stuff in that genre, either other series or tv shows, IE: For fans of X, Y or Z, my series is like that!

Like what this guy did for his book: lizard brain keyed in on.....

Here

If you love Babylon 5, Safehold, and Destroyermen, you must read “Echoes of War,”

I have read/saw all those series BTW. SO it instantly transmitted what tropes or themes his book will have. Without going overboard on description.

This is what I mean by keywords or search words you should add. What kind of readers are you targeting for your books. Maybe even do surveys. See what those genre readers like or what clues them in. 

Look at the Big Hitters in Classics for your genre. Stuff that lasts the test of time. Ill still use favorite shows as an example: Does it have a Babylon 5 feel? Lost in Space feel? Flash Gordon? BSG? Stuff that's in the cultural consciousness of that genre. It gives the reader a base to reference even when it comes to books. Let's us connect the dots super quick to reel us in. As readers that is.

Random Comics I love:

• Freedom Fighters 
• GOW Omnibus 
• Nexus