What do people look for in a book?

Question

I am thinking about writing a book. I was wondering what people look for in one, and what are people reading? (reality, drama, horror, comedy, etc.)

Answer 1

Gavin, you keep asking the same questions and you apparently want people to lie to you and give you a fantasy and tell you you will be a famous writer and do all your work for you. These people have NO EXPERIENCE as writers (published writers). Then you get angry when someone bursts your bubble. You apparently want lies and NOT an explanation of the REAL publishing world. YOU need to do the research, kid, and YOU need to contact publishers, although I am once again telling you that as a NOVICE with NO EXPERIENCE, you are headed for failure. Why not begin at your school newspaper. You don't begin by writing the Great American Novel. You became angry at me when I told another poster that her little poetry book would probably never see publication because publishers are NOT publishing that kind of thing today. This is a hard reality but if you EVER want to become a REAL writer, you are in for years of rejection,, heart ache, and a whole lot of hard, hard work and sacrifice. You need to start writing on a small scale FIRST. I have decades of experience and am published in magazines and newspapers, and I have dealt with agents and the publishing world. What I am TELLING you is the truth, I am not trying to discourage you, but kid, you are going off half-****** and living in a fantasy world. You need to understand what being a writer is, and it isn't asking others what is going on out there. YOU need to find out and read, read, read, read, read, then read and research some more. Like I said, there is no easy way. If you don't believe that, try it your way and I GUARANTEE what will happen. Learn to listen to someone with much experience and don't have a little temper tantrum when they tell you what you are in store for. Try and grow up and learn to listen to those who know MORE than you!

Answer 2

People like anything that lets them escape from reality, and some people like books that have good lessons and Drama type books. it all really depends on the person reading. if you open a book in the middle and read just that page, if it doesnt interest you then toss it aside and get another one cause you wont like it!!

Answer 3

Great charecters make great books!!

Try to come up with a main character for your story. Write down a description - male, female, eye color, etc. etc.

Then take this character and imagine then in some odd place or scenario – anything goes! Write down ideas on what would have to happen to your character or how they would react to the scenario you placed them in.

You can do this for multiple characters if you like.

This may seem futile, but it will help you flesh out some characters and give you insight into what you may want to happen to this type of character in a potential story. You may even come up with multiple story lines!

Strong well crafted main characters can inspire readers to love your story as well as drive you to write a great story for these imagined beings so be in! :-)

Answer 4

I can read basically anything and it just depends on my mood. I like horror, romance, adventure, drama etc.

I do like biographies and autobiographies but don't like to read one after another, I am not big on reading comedy.

Answer 5

I know that I love fantasy, science-fic, and thriller. I'm saying a no to horror. It gives nightmares. I also agree with 90Lebasi.

Answer 6

If you think of what " people" want to read, you aren't starting well. Decide what you are going to write according to your talent for each genre and what you are really interested in. If not it is not going to be the best of you.

Answer 7

There are already enough shitty authors in the world. Please don't contribute your horrid mess to the horrors of mass production. The fact that you're asking around for ideas is an instant give away. If you want to become a decent author, give it time and read alot. Always take notes.

Answer 8

As far as I'm concerned I want memorable characters and human condition insights.

Answer 9

I personally like memoirs, especially coming of age stories.

Answer 10

Big letter prints, and of course lots of pictures works for me -:)