Last night, I had the good fortune to sit next to YA author Mette Ivie Harrison (author The Princess and the Hound) at an author signing event at the Barnes & Noble in Layton, Utah. She brought up an interesting conversation topic: What makes a book popular? Sure, advertising/publicity, reviews, awards, and marketing considerations including: cover, placement, and availability play roles.
But what about the book in and of itself? We agreed a book's popularity isn't solely the writing or even the story. We suggested that a world that's created completely and imaginatively, a strong connection to its audience, and timelessness are important.
What do YOU think makes a book popular?
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8 comments:
Great post Wendy! I'll take a stab at it: An intriguing world you're reluctant to leave, empathetic characters facing big challenges, a universal theme . . .
Can't wait to see what everyone else says!
I can't answer for anyone but myself- If I know and like the authors other work I will buy the new book. I tend to shop authors. For a new book by an author unknown to me the cover and reviews are important. But, it all comes down to what does the book do for me. I like to learn more about me and life. I like books that teach me about me and where I can relate to at least one of the characters. I like YA novels that are real- where characters talk like us and think like us. This can be shown in esoteric or fanciful ways - like where Roxy becomes a siren. However, there has to be some grasp of reality. I like books that are well written and grab you from the begining. I like endings that are real. I'd rather they end happily but real is most important. I like books that draw me in and won't let me go even when I have finished reading. So I guess I have said in a kabillion words what Alyson noel said in a few.
This is something I think about a lot. For me, it's definitley nothing to do with the quality of writing. It's something to do with the story telling ability that makes me keep turning the pages, and when I'm not reading I'm thinking about what's going to happen next. Books that do this to me are so diverse.... Harry Potter, Da Vinci Code, House of Night Series, J D Robb.....
For mainstream popularity/sales, it's about relatability and accessibility. To be truly well-liked, the story must be truly good: good writing, good plotting, good pacing, GOOD story!
Yes! These are all great points.
Great post! Since you have a pic of Stephenie Meyer's book here, I think I'll focus my comments on that book's success. I think it succeed's because while it may tap into the current love of vampires/paranormal, it's really a hybrid retelling of classic tales: part Romeo & Juliet, part Beauty & the Beast. An impossible love - we readers find such stories irresistible.
I agree with everyone above, and I have to say that a great cover is HUGE. I've read a few FANTASTIC books that have bad covers (can't name names!) and I often feel that they would have been total breakthroughs with a better package, looks wise. Sad but maybe true?
Lauren, I agree that the impossible love element of the Twilight saga is a big attraction.
Melissa, covers/packaging do play a huge roll, for better or for worse. I think that's why so many authors pray to the cover gods for a good 'un. :)
Thanks for your ideas!
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