What makes a book sell? What is that “thing” that has readers swarming to the stores to buy it? What attracts them to begin with? Is it the cover? The summary of the plot? Great reviews? The price? The author?
Again this week, I’d like you, the readers, to give your opinion on this book. I’d like to know–as does the author–what works for you and what doesn’t. We’d like an honest gut reaction to everything we present to you here to make sure the author is headed in the right direction or if there are things that can be tweaked to make this book the bestseller it has the potential to be.
If you choose to supplement your poll responses with personal, honest constructive comments, you will be entered to win a book from my ever growing stash of books. 
Thank you in advance for your time and your honestly. I know it’s valuable and I do appreciate it.
~~~
THE STORYTELLER
Author: Bonnie Dee
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 171
Digital Price: $2.99
Publisher: Bonnie Dee
Buy Links: Amazon ~ B&N
plus Smashwords, All romance Ebooks and Kobo
Danger, conspiracy, love, and redemption combine in an exciting gaslight fantasy.
Lily Nightingale’s role in life is lady-in-waiting to an impetuous princess—until she’s banished from the castle while protecting her mistress’s reputation. Her life careens off on a new course as she travels with the cause of her banishment—skirt-chasing, itinerate storyteller Kier Rohann. Yet odious as the man is, she is unaccountably drawn to his magnetic personality.
Rohann has been playing the part of a footloose performer for so long he’s almost forgotten his old life, but when he sees the man who once destroyed him, pain from his past cuts anew. Expelled from the castle with no opportunity for revenge, the storyteller instead fights a growing fascination with his traveling companion, Lily. This sensible, steadfast, loyal woman has all the qualities he’s avoided in his sexual dalliances yet he finds her unexpectedly desirable.
On the road, the reserved gentlewoman and flamboyant performer learn to value each other’s best traits while attraction simmers. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they uncover an elaborate conspiracy to seize the kingdom. Together they must escape the clutches of Rohann’s old enemy, warn the king, and destroy the powerful invention the plotters wield. Can sheltered Lily rise to the challenge of this heroic adventure? And will Rohann, a man who’s avoided any attachments in life, sacrifice himself for the greatest challenge of all—love?
~*~*~
SAMPLER – Opening of THE STORYTELLER
Lily had never seen eyes that unnatural shade of blue. When the man glanced at her, even from halfway across the room, they sizzled like the burning core of gas flames. The stranger drew the focus of everyone in the great hall, as if the courtiers were cold and reaching out to warm themselves by his fire. He certainly made heat pulse through Lily’s body. She could hardly drag her gaze away from the traveling performer even when Princess Carnelia called for her attention.
“Lily, I’ve forgotten my fan on my dressing table. Please go back for it.” But before she could obey, the princess grasped her arm and whispered, “Oh my!”
Her Royal Highness thrived on the attention of attractive men. Although the stranger was not classically handsome, he was more riveting than any other man in court. He used his entire body to tell his tale, illustrating with dramatic movements of arms and hands. Unkempt blond hair flowed over his shoulders in defiance of the current short, immaculately groomed men’s styles. His jaw was clean-shaven, but a thin scar cutting across one cheek gave him a permanently disreputable appearance. Beneath his threadbare green jacket, he wore a dingy white shirt and faded scarlet waistcoat. The garish garments marked him as a showman like the minstrels of old, bringing tales, jokes, and songs to entertain the jaded court. He held his audience, including the princess and Lily, in the palm of his hand.
~~~
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I voted on all the questions. I hope that this helps in your poll. 🙂
I really think that the book sounds like a good read, I however did not care for the cover. I think that with a different cover that this book would sell better.
This book did grap my interest. I answered all of the questions.
Honestly it sounds interesting. However, it’s not something to jump out at me. I would probably wait until it went on the free kindle list before I try the book out. I actually like the cover. The title is alright I think I would like something more catchier. Don’t ask me what it could be. Those are my thoughts on the book.
Because I have not heard of the author I would want the book to be .99 or free just to see if I like her writing. I know when I see a book that is the authors first book and it is $7.99 I don’t even think about buying it. I wait until it goes way down in price. $2.99 is a good price for an author I haven’t heard of, but the book really has to catch me on all points. I am sure that holds me back from finding great new authors, but I don’t have the money to waste on books I am not sure about.
I voted in the poll. I think I said the same thing with the other book before…. I normally don’t buy books unless I love the writer since I read too many books and can’t afford to buy that many! Not to mention that I have no room left on my bookshelf. I do rely a lot on blogs and reviews whenever I do decide to buy books. I like the cover and the title is okay. I like more catchy titles and summary though in general in order for me to buy it.
Liked the title, dislike the cover. I am going to Amazon to download a sample for my Kindle. I am interested in new authors. Thanks
I would buy the book. I am an avid reader and I like to read a variety of authors. I usually select a book for its story line and what conflict the characters have to resolve. Covers not really that important to me.
I read the sample and the cover copy. While the writing is fine, this story does not appeal to me. The “elaborate conspiracy to seize the kingdom” is something that leaves me tired before I even pick up the novel. So no, I would not buy the book.
I voted on all but a couple. I didn’t hate the cover but I wasn’t totally attracted to it either. As to buying it, I don’t buy too many digital books as yet and for a new author I would probably want word of mouth, from trusted reviewers and also hear a buzz about the book online and possibly someone I know too. There are so many authors that have books that I know I will like I’m afraid it takes a lot for me to try new authors. I guess that’s why winning books (or used books), especially for unknown authors, works the best for me. If I find I enjoy one book, I usually go out and buy more. I’ve found many favorite authors this way.
While I liked the blurb and the sample was OK, I am confused but it being categorized as a fantasy novel, because neither the blurb nor the excerpt highlight that. I don’t really care for Fantasy novels, so if I liked the blurb and the excerpt, I think I would have had a problem with the book overall since what I read didn’t really highlight that aspect of the book. And the cover doesn’t have any “fantasy” like elements on it. If I went by just the cover, blurb and excerpt I would expect some kind of historical romance. And I also didn’t get a good feel for the heat level of the book. I like that to be addressed in some way in a blurb too.
I don’t think 2.99 is unreasonable, but with so many questions as to what the book is about I would pass on it. And I don’t know if while browsing online that I would have even gotten to the point of reading the blurb because the title and the cover didn’t really grab my attention.
also when you do another one of these I was hoping that you could add a choice to the following question:
What is your impression of the cover? or the one beneath it:
* It doesn’t really reflect the genre (or something along those lines)
That was my cut and paste screw up. I corrected it!
I like the cover just fine. I don’t care for the title. It’s position on the cover (right below the author’s name) makes it read like it’s a description of the author (Bonnie Dee, Story Teller) not the book title. If this is a true historical romance I’d rethink the title so it sounds more like an historical romance. The blurb is good but something about it doesn’t hook me. Maybe it’s a bit wordy? Or the stakes don’t seem high enough to grab my attention? Still, I’d read the book – especially if it was priced at 99 cents. I don’t usually read new-to-me authors/e-books if the book is priced higher than 99 cents.
I didn’t care for the cover. It just doesn’t really give any indication as to the genre of this story. I also had a slight problem with some of the language. I could be mistaken, but I believe a few words in the blurb aren’t from the era of the book. As an example, footloose as used in this instance dates back to 1873 and a skirt-chaser came into usage around 1942. I’m not a stickler for historical accuracy, but the language felt a bit too contemporary. The story feels like it’s set in medieval times, but not some of the words. Since this is self-published, I would worry the rest of the book might have similar problems.
I’ve never heard of this author, but that never stops me from buying a book. It’s definitely a genre I read, but I’ve never seen this book anywhere but here. I think it sounds original and intriguing, with potential for a very good romance and story line. I’m really interested to see where the story goes. The cover doesn’t appeal to me. I think it should portray more of the wonderful-sounding story, instead of just a man. Though the font is nice and gothic. I like the title. It actually has to do with what the story is about. The blurb is nice and informative. It urged me to read the excerpt. I was intrigued with the excerpt– it makes me want to know how the heroine/hero will interact. I think the price is to high for such a short book. The writing in the excerpt was strong and compelling– the author definitely caught my attention. Reviews would really back up my decision to buy this book. Overall, I liked everything except the cover and price.
Great questions, I enjoyed seeing everyone else’s responses as well. Great cover – just don’t care for the title. Don’t know about anyone else but it definitely reminded me of the 1980s.
I voted in all the poll’s. Bonnie Dee’s, THE STORYTELLER, sounds very good. The fact that it says it is Fantasy did puzzle me since the blurb didn’t mention anything that would make one think it is a Fantasy though. I don’t normally read Fantasy, but it sounds more like an Historical, which I love.
I concur, Cathy. It pretty much read like a historical read to me. I’m wondering where the fantasy element comes in. It’s not clear.
Some questions you should add to your poll would be to find out through what sources the readers discover new reads (i.e. What sources do you learn about new available books? A) Friends/family members B) Bookclub C) From other author(s) recommendations D) Self search) or offer readers the opportunity to answer with more than multiple choice answers or offer an “Other” option with a fill in the blank. Another question you should use is “What is it that usually draws your interest to a new title?
I am a reader of multiple genres/subgenres although I tend to read mostly Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance, or Crime fiction but I will read about anything that captures my interest. I often tell my friends or family about books that I am especially impressed with or when I am browsing at books in store I will impart my suggestions on complete strangers if they are looking at something I have already read (I know this can annoy some people but what can I say, I love to read 😉 and sharing a good book!).
I have read books from many different types of publications: self published, indie, e-published by small companies, mass marketing, etc. and if a story is good I will give it a chance even if the grammar, spelling, and use of punctuation is atrocious (and those are some of my biggest pet peeves because I have read even mass publications from very well known authors and have sent in emails to the publishing companies to inform them of errors I find).
To those authors who self publish the best advice I have to offer is to make sure that you are not the writer, editor, and publisher; enlist the help of someone who is capable of offering an unbiased review and edit before putting your book on the market because it may save you hundreds of bad reviews and possibly thousands of lost sales due to the poor reviews.
Readers want to be swept up into a fantasy world when they open the pages of a book. A story needs to be so well written and so completely believable that we are drawn in to the details on the pages and we become lost in the world the author created until we close the book. An author needs to focus on what a reader wants as opposed to writing something that interests only them, while there are plenty of authors who manage to get away with writing what sounds interesting to themselves and having it sell, the best authors write what a reader craves.
Lastly, when it comes to pricing, you could write something that is so phenomenal that you have an instant fan base overnight but if you have a purchase price that would pinch someone’s wallet, you are stuck with a fan base of readers who won’t buy your work. In today’s economy, so few people are going to have the luxury to drop $10 on a book even if it has starred reviews and is recommended by all of your favorite authors because it usually boils down to half a tank of gas or a new book that you can eventually check out at the library free of charge.
Thanks so much for such a thorough reply!
I answered all but two of the questions to the best of my ability. It’s not really a genre I’m into (steampunkish).
I agree with Jennifer about the placement of the title and authors name, it was a little confusing. But I do love the cover, it would make me stop and check it out. Though it feels like a historical to me, I am missing the fantasy elements. Before I would buy this I would check out some reviews, see how the writing is.
I see a mismatch here between the cover and the blurb. The cover immediately screamed “historical romance” to me, so that’s what I assumed it was. However, as soon as I started reading the blurb, it became clear that it was a fantasy romance. It seems to me that the cover needs something on it to suggest fantasy. As for my likelihood to purchase it, although I have read a couple of Bonnie Dee’s books and enjoyed them, I most likely wouldn’t purchase this unless I got some strong recommendations because I’m not a big fantasy romance fan, mainly because I don’t like the quasi-medieval settings. I don’t particularly like straight medieval romances either, so I would have had the same reaction even if there wasn’t a fantasy element to it. However, I’d imagine it would appeal to readers who do enjoy those kinds of settings. The blurb was interesting as was the short opening excerpt.
Here are the impressions I receive from the cover, sample and blurb:
The blurb makes me think this is a historical story with a side of romance. The sample, however, leads me to believe it may be relationship driven.
The cover looks like a historical novel, but not the ones I’m used to (think Bev’s covers, Meljean Brooks’ Iron Seas series) and gives me no hint of fantasy. Many times the covers can’t portray fantasy and the titles have to. (This title doesn’t.) Or the covers look so yummy it makes readers turn the book over and the blurb explains the fantasy element. (This blurb doesn’t.)
This cover also makes me think there’s no sex, because the model’s very, very clothed. I can tell it’s a romance (hello smoldering eyes and kissable lips), but it would be more clear if the clothed model had a woman on the cover with him.
The cover also looks like a photograph and not a professionally created novel cover. The font, color and squiggly design looks like it is hastily done (when I’m sure it was not) and it is a a bit chaotic/distracting from the model.
From the sample and blurb I’m not able to tell if the hero is an alpha male.
“Can sheltered Lily rise to the challenge of this heroic adventure?” reads a bit vague. Rise to what challenge and how?
“Skirt-chasing” gives the impression the hero is very promiscuous.
That said – her writing and her novel picture is good.
If I had friends who loved this book, I would buy it.
Bless Bonnie for asking opinions on such an open forum. That takes MUCH courage.
Good luck!
I like to give self-published authors a chance, but I usually read books by authors I already know rather than brand new ones, unless the book is offered for free. Then I check out the reviews and if there are frequent mentions of editing, proofreading problems, I give them a pass. This book’s cover could stand to be a little more professional looking, but the story sounds good.
I’m sorry to say but when I’m out looking for a new book to read I’m drawn to covers 1st. I really font like this cover. It doesn’t look professional.
Lorimeehan1@aol.com
I took the poll. I like the cover and blurb. Not sure how the title really ties in with the book. I’d like to read it. The book sounds good.
This book looks good. It has a nice cover and the blurb was interesting (though the blurb may be a little long). If I had an ereader I’d consider buying it. I assume it isn’t out in paperback?
Nice book, not my kind f genre I read,but good cover,
I voted (Poll ID #82) ^_^ —
This reminded me of Anne Stuart’s Lord of Danger — I loved that story so I’m curious about this one by Bonnie Dee.
I actually voted “yes” on the “genre” question because it sounds like a historical romance to me.
I thought the back cover blurb was too long. I feel like it could have been simplified and some of the cumbersome wording eliminated to make it read better. The sentence with the word odious is very awkward to me. Maybe I just don’t like the word odious – distasteful or unsavory might be better words.
I liked the cover, although I have to agree with some of the other commenters that it does not show the book was in the fantasy genre.
The sampler was interesting and it does pique my curiosity.
I did like the cover and title. First impression was some type of historical but then as soon as I saw the opening tag of “gaslight fantasy” the title then made sense to me as fantasy, probably because I recognize gaslight as a fantasy subgenre along with steampunk, which I know this author has done, so it works for me. Perhaps “A Gaslight Fantasy” in a small font could be put on the cover which might encourage some not familiar with the subgenre to google it and see what to expect. I do agree the blurb and excerpt do not give the reader a sense of the fantasy element, so something there should be revised to let the reader know. If set in an alternate universe, or something magical to do with the Storyteller, the blurb should reflect that seeing all the comments here.
Also as far as the poll review question, an option I would have chosen if there would be “review would not impact my decision” as that is my last consideration; the blurb and/or excerpt is most important to me regardless of reviews positive or negative.
The general response seems to be that no one feels really confident of what the genre is. That’s what I need to work on defining. The problem is it falls between the cracks of several genres. I originally considered it steampunk but my editor passed on it because it wasn’t steampunky enough. I knew some people were using “gaslight fantasy” to describe their books and I thought that was more like what it is–more like a historical but with inventions that never existed in real life and set an alternate, Victorian-type world. I like the idea of putting “A gaslight fantasy” on the cover though I don’t know if that will help.
I guess try and refer to that alternate world in the blurb and/or excerpt. I think the excerpt seems heavy on the erotic romance, rather than go that way, how about choosing a different excerpt focusing on the alternate reality to make it clearer.
If the genre had been historical romances set in my favorite time period, the cover and title probably would have captured my attention more. But I don’t care for fantasy books.
Based on Bonnie Dee’s comments about Gaslight Fantasy, this all makes more sense to me, but I’m still confused about the talk of castles and kingdoms and such. I’ve only read a couple of steampunk short stories and my jury is still out on those. I still have my doubts about this book.
I’m not really into fantasy. I do read it but like Cathy P had mentioned, the blurb didn’t read as a fantasy novel. I was a bit confused. Also, the cover is not that attractive. I would have to sample this to see if I would go further with it.
I felt very positively about this book. It probably helped that I’ve read and enjoyed the author before. The summary didn’t especially grab me — I kind of glazed over — but the sample intrigued me. The only thing I didn’t like was I found the guy on the cover unattractive, but I don’t pay that much attention to covers unless they’re strikingly bad or strikingly beautiful. It certainly wouldn’t stop me from buying this.
P.S. I put the book on my wishlist. 🙂
From the cover, I have assumed it is an historical romance all this time. Surprised to discover it is fantasy. I second the suggestion of adding “gaslight fantasy” to the cover. I have to admit, the blurb isn’t enough to entice me to buy. Price point is fine in my opinion for author I don’t know, if everything else had enticed me to buy. I would consider downloading while it was free in order to read a full-length digital.
I am sorry to say
oops, comment posted before I finished. Sorry.
I wanted to say that I didn’t pay enough attention to the Genre–Fantasy. I too thought it was Historical Romance.
I did like the cover which would then bring me to the back blurb. I’ve never read Bonnie before but I would read it because I’d love to read any new Author (to me) and see if I liked it and the genre which I haven’t read many books on..
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
lol–guess I must be slow because I thought it was a “fantasy.” Didn’t realize it was a steampunk. Sort of like the UF with the hot woman with the tattoos, I guess I’ve come to expect steampunk to look a certain way. I thought it was a medieval fantasy. 🙁 I’ve come to realize I’m very influenced by covers.
I had previously listened to two of Bonnie Dee’s audiobooks, the “gay Tarzan” one, I think called Jungle Heat, and the steampunk novella whose name I’m afraid I’ve forgotten.
Jungle Heat I bought as an avid gay historical romance reader, expecting a fun but sleazy jungle romp, and was surprised by how smart and deep it was, and how utterly absorbed I was by the story.
The steampunk tale was enjoyable and inventive, but was too short to really be well developed. To be fair, it was well written, but felt like it was a piece of a bigger story than had been abandoned.
I have on the basis of my enjoyment of Jungle Heat read up a little on Bonnie Dee’s other books, and was intrigued by how different the characters seemed just from the blurbs. Even the hetero romances were shockingly different from pretty much anything else I was familair with. An Asian heroine in a Western setting romance? A vulnderable and non alpha male tattooed man hiding out with a more mature widow? These were real departures from standard romances and I like to read about different things, so Bonnie Dee has remained on my watch for list, even if I haven’t had a chance to read anything else by her yet.
The cover is attractive, handsome man with a background in dark colors grabs my eye. To be honest the back cover blurb didn’t grab me. I wasn’t terribly interested in the heroine who sounded weak and needed a wild man to mature her, but the sample was good and did get me interested in reading more in spite of my inital reservations. To be fair, it’s a hard sell to get me to read hetero romance. My impression of Bonnie Dee as writing from the pov of minorities and the disenfranchised would help me take a chance on a title that didn’t at first glance seem like my thing. The price seems very reasonable.
ps I read many books from indie presses and find my interests are usually piqued more by small press than mainstream best sellers.
The tagline A Gaslight Fantasy or something like that would draw my intrest and help sell the book to me as being something more quirky and interesting than a standard histoical het romance.
The sample excerpt is okay but not enough to really grab my attention. And I think the cover could be better. But the blurb sounds fairly good so if there are a couple more interesting excerpts or snippets, I would be interested.
This sounds more like a historical romance than fantasy. I haven’t read this author before, but the blurb and sample intrigue me. However, the cover didn’t grab me.