Our readers are the foundation of what makes indieBRAG unique. They not only select the books to become the next B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree but give feedback to our authors. This feedback is important not only to the authors but to the reader as well. Readers carry a lot of weight in what we regard as quality in self-publishing. Not only that but how readers see author’s platforms and performance on social media. Thank you for talking with us today, Antonella!
indieBRAG: How do you find books and what do you think of social media and books?
I find books in different ways, but I actually prefer reading books recommended by my friends. I think it is a waste of time to start books and then not finish them just because you don’t like them. That’s why I always welcome recommendations by people who have similar tastes similar to mine. I like reading about books on social media, it is an excellent way to get to know news works and authors.
indieBRAG: Do you go to an author’s website or social media when looking for a book or do you usually pick a book based on a search on sites such as amazon?
Sometimes. If I like an author very much I tend to keep updated about them and their next publications. I search on Amazon only to find out about a book I already know the title (or the author) of.
indieBRAG: If you search books retail sites such as amazon or B&N, how important is the cover, title and synopsis?
I prefer to look for books in ‘real’ bookstores. I like the visual impact of the covers, colors and titles staring at you from a bookshelf. And I love the smell and the touch of paper books. Said that, I do read ebooks too and in that case a quick synopsis is important to choose a book.
indieBRAG: Does it turn you off when an author promotes their book on social media a lot?
Not at all. I think it’s a good idea. I have discovered great authors through twitter and facebook. It is also a way for the writers to get to know their readers and for the readers to find out more about the authors whose books they read.
indieBRAG: When going to an author’s blog or Facebook pages do you hope for more than just promotion of their book?
Yes, I always hope that they would give more insight about their work, their inspiration and even their life. I also like it when you can submit your questions through social media or blogs.
indieBRAG: Does it make you more interested in an author’s books if you feel like you have gotten to know them a bit more?
Definitely. My childhood’s dream was to become a writer but unfortunately it did not happen (yet?). So I have always been fascinated by those wonderful people that can transport you to unimaginable new worlds with their magic pen. Getting to know them a little bit is like meeting the creators of your dreams…
indieBRAG: If you meet an author in person – at signings etc.-are you more likely to buy their books?
Well, it might inspire me to read one of their books as a start, but if I do not like the book, there is no way I keep on reading it however nice the author can be! On the other end I really enjoy meeting the authors of my favorite books. I find it a wonderful experience.
indieBRAG: By offering free short stories or pieces that expand on their characters, make it more likely you will look at the books they offer?
Yes, this would give me a taste of what there is on offer and invite me to read more about them. A good and well written short story can be as satisfactory as a full-length novel.
indieBRAG: Do you depend on reviews on sites such as Amazon and B&N? If so are you suspect that they may be padded with friends or members of an author’s writing group?
No, I personally do not rely on reviews on websites like Amazon, although they might be helpful sometimes, especially when you don’t have enough time to choose a book or you have to make a decision quickly. Call me naïve, but I don’t actually believe that those sites are padded with overindulgent reviews written friends and family. Let’s try to have faith in the ‘human writing kind’! And even so, readers might only be tricked to buy the one book and never got back for another written by the same author. So it is a bit silly, isn’t it?
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