WHO is an indieBRAG reader? You might reply…duh, they are people who read for indieBRAG. RIGHT! But to be more precise, they are readers who love books–the same people who are buying your books, authors, so make sure you know them.
Many indieBRAG readers are authors themselves who say reading the “good” and the “bad” has immensely helped them with their own writing. Many also have a level of education and experience in the literary field that might impress you, while many do not–but all love reading and are happy to be taking part in the search for good books that deserve attention. They know what they like and what they expect from a book and, lest you think otherwise, they are not undemanding judges. It is their job to be discerning and thoughtful, a role I am proud to say they take very seriously. After all, who better to tell other readers if a book deserves their time and money?
We often hear from authors whose books were not chosen to receive a B.R.A.G Medallion (roughly 75% of the books we consider fall into this category). They feel they did everything right: punctuation, grammar, formatting and even professional content editing and graphic work. As a result, they are shocked that their book did not merit our Medallion. How could this happen? Well, it all goes back to the story itself. No amount of money spent on preparing a book can take the place of a good story–a sad tale that makes you cry, or a funny story that makes you laugh. Moreover, all the steamy sex scenes that can be imagined cannot save a poorly written love story. This is why we have multiple readers read a book. One reader may miss or even forgive some technical errors whereas these errors bother other readers. However, one thing that is never forgiven is a story that does not engage the reader.
To build on this incredible wealth of talent that is embodied in our reader group, we are beginning a new indieBRAG Blog Series “One Reader’s Voice Out Loud.” It will appear every Tuesday and Thursday and we hope it will help inspire both authors and readers alike.
Let’s hear what you have to say–visit us, join us, and give us your thoughts and comments. Tell us why you buy a book, what you like in a book and what books you share with your best friends.
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts-
Geri
One of the most important aspects for me is real and engaging characters. Not necessarily beautiful, just real people. I want to love them and cry for and with them. I love a series were an author has built a family and brings them back time and time again. One example is Lucinda Brant’s Roxton series – her characters feel like my friends. Another is Stella Riley’s Rockliffe series. Both superb authors in my opinion. I love their work.
I agree Wendy-
I am a great fan of Lucinda Brant and we are proud to have her books as B.R.A.G. Medallion Honorees. One thing I particularly appreciate in series such as hers, is although they continue her characters and refer back to various people from her other books, you do not need to have read one without the other and she does NOT rely on a cliffhanger to get you to read more of her books! She uses good writing and compelling stories to make you a fan-