Tip 1.  You know your favorite kinds of books.  Look for authors who LOVE the same kinds.

One mistake authors make is to write to the market or to attempt to write what they determine the next “big thing” will be in books.  But after 34 years writing, I can tell you the only books authors should write are books they love.  Why?  Because their love for that book shines through in the story in incalculable ways.  It’s like anything else really.  When you love something or someone, you invest in ways you just don’t or can’t in those you don’t love.  So look for authors who love the same kind of story you love.

 Tip 2. Read the sample of the book before you buy.  

If you’re intrigued, feel a connection, and you want to read on, your odds of loving the book are better than if you find yourself skipping lines or paragraphs or (heaven forbid) pages.  Typically, you’ll have a good feel for a book within the first couple of pages.  Now that isn’t to say you won’t miss some lovely books that take a little longer to get into, but it’s a rule of thumb to gauge your interest and if you intuit the potential for a connection to the book. If so, read on! Odds are better you’ll love it.

Tip 3. Look for books recommended by authors whose work you’ve enjoyed in the past. 

 Generally speaking, authors are selective about works they endorse for other authors.  They agree to endorse books that are similar to their own, or books they’ve read, really enjoyed and deem have merit to their own readers.  An endorsement doesn’t mean the book is like their books, but it does mean it is one they believe is compatible with their readers and their readers will like it.

Tip 4. Consider the reviews on a book with an eagle eye.  

Some books click with some readers and others push one of their proverbial hot buttons.  Unless you share that hot-button, overlook the mention of it.  Seek the reviews that comment on story elements—a place, a personal trait, a situation a character is facing, a character you relate to—you enjoy.  Remember, reading is a personal experience.  An author brings the sum of all in them to a book, and readers read a book from the perspective sum of all in them.  But you can look at specific comments for ones that draw your interest, your attention, and are compatible with those books you love.

Tip 5. Keep an open mind.  

Because of that sum of all in the author, and that sum in all of the reader, it is easy to miss a book you would love.  If you find bits of things or elements that attract you to a book, give it a try.  You might gain some insight, open a new door, see something from a different point of view that proves beneficial to you and you find very enjoyable.

I hope these tips help and you find books you love.

Blessings,

Vicki Hinze