First Impressions: Four Things Readers Will Look For When Buying Your Book

One of my favourite ways to spend a Sunday afternoon is wandering around a bookstore. From new releases to hidden gems, I’m always excited to browse through stacks of shelves to see what I find, which might end with a new addition to my library.

Without researching a book ahead of time, there are four components that I, along with most readers, subconsciously look for when purchasing a book. Knowing and refining these components will be important for any author wanting to give their book a better chance of getting picked up by readers.

Component #1: Title

A book title (and subtitle, if desired) is usually the first thing that grabs readers’ attention. Strong titles often have the following qualities:

• Novelty: An original title will pique readers’ curiosity as something they haven’t seen before.

• Tonal consistency: A title should match the writing style used in the book, whether comedic or dramatic, to prepare readers for the kind of story they will read.

• Clarity: Titles should give readers a good sense of the subject matter discussed in the story as well as the genre in which it is told.

One example of a book with a striking title is Puritans, Quakers & Witches by Nancy Penrose. Chronicling a 500-year journey of the Haight family, Nancy’s intriguing title prompts readers to want to learn more about the varied individuals in her family’s history.

Component #2: Cover

The imagery used on the cover, especially the front cover, is crucial for creating an initial atmosphere for your book. The goal of a cover is to communicate:

• Credibility: Readers will be more likely to take your book seriously if it adheres to professional design conventions, which might also include a quote from a positive book review.

• Tone: This can be influenced by colours, fonts, and images that give hints of the genre or category your book belongs to.

• Story: Depending on the arrangement of certain images, readers might also get a glimpse of the overall narrative or a key element within it.

An example of a book with a beautiful cover is Loss Within Waves by Elizabeth Johnstone. Unpacking the emotional journey of perinatal loss, the artwork of Elizabeth’s book places readers right at the shoreline, as if to contemplate the weight and the waves of grief.

Component #3: Book Summary

By providing a roughly 100-200 word preview of the contents of your book, readers will have a better sense of the journey your story takes. An effective book summary should include:

• An intriguing hook: The first line should draw readers in to want to learn more about the book.

• Key character(s) and ideas: Introducing the central individual(s) as well as the topics and themes in the book will preview the journey that readers will take, and whom they will take it with.

• A cliffhanger ending: Whether it’s an invitation to read on or a question that needs answering, the concluding remark should give readers a longing to find out what happens next.

From the first sentence of his book summary, Gord Price invites readers on a literary journey as he recounts his aviation career in Wings of Resilience. Gord uses powerful language to succinctly capture his story in such a way that makes readers feel like his copilot.

Component #4: Author Bio

A 100-150 word biography of yourself as the author will give readers a sense of your accomplishments as well as your personal attachment to the story. For maximum impact, an author bio should include:

• Your job and/or qualifications: Whether it’s your life experience, formal education, or extensive knowledge on the subject, readers will be intrigued to know your unique ability to write this book.

• Reason(s) for writing: Sharing your motivations with readers gives them a chance to understand your passion for the subject and desire to tell this story.

• Personal details: Adding one or two tidbits about yourself, which might be your city of residence or members of your immediate family, helps readers connect with you on a human level.

The book I Have Come A Long Way by Patricia Eyamba features a concise and compelling biography that summarizes Patricia’s education and work experience, both in Canada and in Nigeria. This biography, drafted with NextGen book marketing support, sets the stage for readers to discover more of her values and personality as she unpacks her immigration story.

We enjoy working with our authors to ensure that the remarkable book they have written can find interested readers. If you are wanting to take your book’s first impression to the next level, feel free to reach out to the NextGen team today.