James Nicoll wrote:
What Lures Readers Into Picking Up an Unfamiliar Book?
What elements do you look for when browsing the shelves?
https://reactormag.com/what-lures-readers-into-picking-up-an-unfamiliar-book/
Recommendations by authors I like played a big part. A blurb by
Zelazny, Ellison, Asimov, Clarke, and so on would almost guarantee a sale.
Unsigned newspaper blurbs have zero effect. I wish publishers would
learn this. I know people who have reviewed books for newspapers of
some note, and these people are of, let us say, varying ability and
diligence.
The description of the book plays a role. The inside cover and back
cover commentary for Gor said "Warmed over ERB", and I did not buy. I
don't think anyone I respected blurbed it. (If there was any suggestion
of the authors peculiar sexual politics, I missed it utterly).
"Neutron Star" did come with a blurb, possibly from Pohl, but I'd have
bought it anyway, given the description.
William Hyde
--- PyGate Linux v1.5.11
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)