@everyone When picking up a new book, do you go by the summary, the cover or the reviews?
Addis: I’ve learned a long time ago, never judge a book by its cover even if it is super pretty, it might still suck. lol. Also, even though Novel Updates is great for finding new novels, idk why almost everyone gives every novel 4 or 5 stars. I’ve read plenty of crappy novels that had high ratings and reviews. There’s also been really good novels that took me a really long time to read because the summary just… Sucked. It’s one of the reasons I rewrite summaries for novels I do and also make new covers. I try to make them as appealing as possible so readers find them.
I usually check the summary, reviews and tags. But, usually, I just read based on my mood.
The title and summary are my go-tos, but I will read a chapter if I’m unsure.
Covers have no effect on me at all when choosing, although I appreciate those that catch the eye.
Reviews are objective and one person’s pleasure and all that; so they don’t really sway me either.
I never see covers. Sometimes they are really funny. I usually read the summary before I start to read it. If its incomplete and I’m interested in the story I read the reviews. If the story is crappy I dont bother for the continuation or reviews.
The tags and the reviews are what sells something to me. If so many people are complaining about one particular thing then chances are it’s a valid complaint. If people love the book but wish the MC was as dumb or naive, chances are I’ll skip it even if the summary is good. Sometimes it is endearingly sweet how dumb MCs are, but it that is pretty rare to find. So I listen to the reviews on that.
Plus tags = godsend. I avoid “rapist becomes lover” like the plague. Not for me thanks!!!!
The covers are nice but don’t sway me. I feel the same way about reviews- sometimes they’re not as helpful as they could be. I find tags to be the best although sometimes they aren’t accurate.
mostly from summary and tags (the tags have to be in line with my cup tea 🍵) and of course, the feel that i got from reading the first chapter.
if i feel that i can drown in the story, then i’ll continue to read. if not, i’ll look for another book.
For me, 1st the title or the the cover. Mostly title, since cover doesn’t always represent the book but if it eye catching, it will tempt me take a look. 2nd the summary, sometimes goes for the first few chapters if I have doubts. Seldom based on reviews since it’s s based on preference.
Summary, not just because if the plot but you can have a glipms on the translation’s quality too, if the summary is already a mess, there is no point to read the story. And also the reviews. About the book and its cover thing: my theory is that if the cover is shitty, most of the cases the content is the same. But this just goes for ordinary books.
I usually check the summary
I always check the summary, and if i hesitate because i am not sure that i will like it, then i will buy it
Fisrt I will look at the cover and title and after the summary. If I am still unsure, I will read a few lines..