The first thing I look at is the cover of the book, that’s always what first grabs my attention. And it really annoys me when I see crap covers. You spent so much time writing your book, spend another extra day or two and get the cover right. It doesn’t have to be very expensive. But realize that the cover represents your book, and it is the first thing a potential reader sees.

The next thing that decides if I’ll read the book or not, is the blurb. I really admire the folks that can write a great blurb. A blurb that captures the essence of the book and really makes you want to read the story. It really is an art form.

A blurb does not have to be long. I’ve seen blurbs that nearly reads like a novel, and just gives the entire book away. There’s no need for me to read the book after reading those blurbs. I know how the story goes. 

Then you have the short blurbs that gives nothing away, and you’re not sure what the story is about. And lastly, you have my least favorite kind of blurb;

The blurb that lies. 

I’ve stopped reading the blurbs on the books of one of my favorite authors because of this. The blurb says one thing, and then when you read the book you’re like – wtf? The only thing I recognize is the name of the characters and some vague details. But the story I’m reading is nothing like the blurb, causing confusion since I keep expecting something that never happens. Really annoying, but I love the books so I just skip the blurb. But that only works with authors I’m familiar with.

I’m sure that there are hundreds of outstanding books I’ve missed out on, just because of a poorly written blurb. And that is such a shame. 

If the blurb speaks to me, I will read the book even if the cover does not. And maybe I should stop judging books by their covers, and stop missing out on great stories. But then again, I hate surprises 🤷‍♀️