VertigoOne OP t1_itqkiz2 wrote on October 25, 2022 at 4:04 PM

Reply to comment by Nova_Saibrock in ELI5: Why do book adverts so often use review quotes rather than plot/character/setting detail? by VertigoOne

On the cover, yes. I'm not talking about the cover.

I'm talking about print and digital advertising where space is more available.

I was hoping if there was a more in-depth reason as speaking for myself and many others I've spoken to, this style of advertising is more annoying that enticing. I was hoping I'd hear of some deeper reason etc. It just seems like this is an example of "we've always done it this way" that's not been met with common sense.

Nova_Saibrock t1_itqn6n6 wrote on October 25, 2022 at 4:22 PM

The principal remains valid. Market research has shown that is the better way to sell a book, so that’s what they do.

VertigoOne OP t1_itqnn8w wrote on October 25, 2022 at 4:25 PM

See I'd love to see if there's actual data on this that people use.

Tashus t1_itqowd2 wrote on October 25, 2022 at 4:33 PM

Are you interested in a high fantasy setting with original characters and a murderous plot? Well then I've got just the story for you! It has dwarves, magic relics, a dragon, etc. Does that sound like the kind of story that might interest you? That's too bad, because I wrote it in sixth grade, and it's not very good.

My point is that a book might be in the genre you care about and still be garbage. However, if a book receives positive praise from reputable sources (e.g. authors you like or critics you respect), then it might be worth reading even if it's not in your favorite genre.