That’s probably why I don’t read a lot of political non-fiction. Harder to go along for the ride.

The fact that you’ll try again if a 3rd party recommends an author shows that you too are willing to give second chances. I’m told the last chapter, or even last line, sells the next book. So if you don’t like one but you get a glimmer of better things to come, it sounds like you’d pick up another by the same author.

Angie

But if the voice doesn’t resonate with me at all, or if the reading is painful, I won’t read another.

Some books I know are good but I don’t particularly like the subject matter/genre. I’ll usually read one to get a feeling for the author, and then when someone tells me they like that genre, I can comfortably recommend authors that I don’t regularly read.

As an author, I understand that I can’t please all the people all the time. I can live with that. I hope I please MOST of them who pick up my books, but it is subjective.

Angie: Maybe readers do owe the writers something, namely a fair shot. I stay away from works I’m predisposed against, based on buzz, blurbs, or whatever. I might change my mind, which then makes it a good time to give it a try. I did this with the Harry Potter series–didn’t think I would get into the whole wizarding fantasy thing–and became an immediate convert.

Bettye: I have favorite authors. This predisposes me to take a look at their stuff, not necessarily to read everything they write. If it is a continuation of a series I’ve already started and loved, chances are I’m selecting the book for no other reason. If not, I’ll check out the blurb. But I start with these authors when I’m looking for something to read.

Cassie and Angela: Sounds like your both flexible and open in your approach. Can I put you on my potential reader list when I have a book to sell?

Lynn: Writing a series must be tough. If you hook the reader with the first book, the expectations are elevated for all subsequent books in the series. Since you do it successfully, my hat is off to you.

I expect the most out of series writers, probably because I’ve written so many series novels. I expect to get at least as much out of theirs as I put into mine. It’s also depressing to keep reading a series where the writing has gone from fantastic to phoning it in.

Everyone else has the same shot every time — if I like your premise and the first five pages, I’ll read your book. If for whatever reason you don’t deliver, I’ll remember it when I pick up the next book you write, and it will factor into whether I buy it or not.

Bettye