Something well-written and immersive. And I'll know it when I see it. ;-)
I usually read the back of the book, and the first couple of pages to see if I like the writing. Also, I'm more inclined to buy on recommendation of people I know.
This is why I don't get too bent out of shape when my work is rejected. Everyone has their tastes, and with agents, it's not just whether the book works for them, its whether they love it *and* they feel they can sell it. The stakes are higher.
I have my own tastes, and I reject books all the time, just in a different context. If it doesn't spark my interest and hold it there long enough, I don't buy it.
Random middle checks are my preference, too. Sometimes the first few chapters are highly polished but the rest isn't.
Also, if I can be caught up in a story when I don't even know what the hell is going on, that's a sign that the writer's style and my brain match up very well.
A great story!
anonymous
July 16 2010, 23:38:27 UTC
So great I hound my husband to either (a) finish the damn thing so I can read it next or (b) he needs to finish the damn thing so I can talk about the spoilers.
I highly recommend the Dresden Files for couples' therapy.
Characters I can care about (not necessarily like, but it's helpful) and writing that doesn't make me want to roll my eyes. I'm not that picky, I will read cereal boxes if I don't have something else, but characters I can care about will have me calling the local bookstore to see if they happen to be open at midnight or going online to see how fast I can get the next book.
Adult-level SFF. Other than Dresden books, I find only Buffy knockoffs and simpering teenaged vampire lovers. Yii. Give us women something to sink our teeth into that isn't blood!
A great story that totally absorbs me. Often I want something that makes me think - a mystery to puzzle out, something unexpected and maybe twisted, thought-provoking ideas that linger. Other times I want to escape into worlds of adventure or into a subtle emotional journey.
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I usually read the back of the book, and the first couple of pages to see if I like the writing. Also, I'm more inclined to buy on recommendation of people I know.
This is why I don't get too bent out of shape when my work is rejected. Everyone has their tastes, and with agents, it's not just whether the book works for them, its whether they love it *and* they feel they can sell it. The stakes are higher.
I have my own tastes, and I reject books all the time, just in a different context. If it doesn't spark my interest and hold it there long enough, I don't buy it.
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Also, if I can be caught up in a story when I don't even know what the hell is going on, that's a sign that the writer's style and my brain match up very well.
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I highly recommend the Dresden Files for couples' therapy.
Suzan H.
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