I dislike posting excerpts of my work on my site. 
I know, what am I crazy?
Yeah, I guess I must be. I think it’s because I see excerpts not just as selling tools, but also something that could turn away a reader. One 5 or 6 paragraph excerpt could be enough to turn someone off of an entire book. I wonder if this is why some authors don’t have excerpts on their sites. 
However, I know how much I enjoy reading excerpts and how many books I’ve purchased because the excerpt just made me desperate to read more, so I put them up on my site despite my unease. I love it when I get reader mail asking where they can buy the book. But I can’t help but wonder how many people come by and find that my work is just not their cuppa. Perhaps, if they’d have picked up the book first, they might have found something they liked enough to become a reader of mine.
Have you ever decided you wouldn’t buy anything from an author after reading their excerpts?
I’ve never decided I never buy from an author but I’ve decided I may not a buy a certain book. But I’m nervous about posting anything from works (Not their published) on my blog or anywhere else.
by Teresa May 3rd, 2005 at 3:28 amI’ve read a few excerpts before and decided that particular book wasn’t for me (as tall as my TBR pile gets, I really have to pick and choose). But NOT here. I enjoyed your Mad Duchess and can’t wait to read the whole thing. But I totally understand your reluctance to put an excerpt up, too. For me right now, my style and voice are still changing so much I hate to put much of my “old” work even from a year ago up.
by Joely Sue May 3rd, 2005 at 3:58 amI don’t usually read excerpts, but I do have them on my website! I think they are a great selling tool for those who want a sample of the author’s writing before they buy.
by Cheyenne McCray May 3rd, 2005 at 6:36 amYikes, I do.
All the time. I’m a very choosy reader. I don’t have a lot of time to read, so it better get me quick and hold me strong. Or I’m gone.
I use the net as a tool, stopping by sites before I buy. If their exerpts is strong I’ll remember when it’s time to purchase. If it’s luke warm or cold, forget about it.
Sounds a little harsh, especially to new writers. I don’t mean to be. But time is money and I don’t have extra of either. A new voice has to capture my attention.
There are soom I am really looking forward to buying.
by Renee Luke May 3rd, 2005 at 8:48 amI’ve decided not to buy a certain book based on an excerpt, but I’ve never dismissed an author on that basis.
But I really do love reading excerpts. Not only do I get to peek at authors’ books, but sometimes I even learn something!
by Lynn May 3rd, 2005 at 9:46 am