That first page is a huge factor for me. After spending some time as a slush pile reader at DGLM, the first page became critical. Sure, I would give writers a page or two of my attention usually, but if that first page was a train wreck, the expression on my face would reflect my every-growing concern about the author’s sanity. In a bookstore, if that book made it that far, that first page, nay, that first paragraph had better rock my world otherwise I’m moving on.

I also prefer to see covers staring at me on stacks on a table versus hiding from me sideways on a shelf. What are you hiding? Look at me. Look me right between the eyes and tell me that I will be happy that I bought you.

Ever since I realized that I’m disproportionately predisposed to covers that are blue, I stopped trusting that as my go to, but it can’t help but be persuasive to me when done right.

The book cover is the first step. Something about the cover has to pique my interest: the title, the colors, the subject matter, cover photo, etc.

Once I have the book in hand, I’ll read the back cover. If it sounds interesting, I’ll read the inside jacket to find out more. Half the time I’ll abandon the book before I finish reading the jacket.

If I do finish, I’ll open the book and go to the first page. This is where it’s a make or break deal. That first page is enough for me to know if I’m going to like the book or not and nine times out of ten, I know just from reading the first paragraph. Most books I pick up don’t get past that first page, but if it does, more than likely that book will be coming home with me.

Blurbs don’t have much impact either, unless I a) know the blurber (by reputation), b) know that they don’t recommend books lightly, c) like their work, and d) the blurb interests me.

Best-seller lists don’t work for me either.

I get most of my books through a combination of advertising, word-of-mouth and author sites.

Plain, old-fashioned advertising dispensed through modern methods like the intranet is good. Put the book in front of me often enough and if it piques my interest I’ll finally look at it.

I like reviews — Amazon and GoodReads. I also like places like John Scalzi’s Big Idea, where the author talks about the book.

The final decider for me every time though, is the first chapter. I can’t think of a book I have bought in the last two years where I didn’t pop onto a site like Amazon first and read the first pages.