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I usally buy based on the synopsis. If it sounds interesting, and the synopsis alone provokes thought, I'll buy it. However, that rarely happens. =/

1st of all, the link isn't working for me any more.
2nd Cover doesn't get me to read anything. If it's in Sci-fi, or Fantasy corner i'll look at it. But the cover won't lure me into it.

I would say if the synopsis is well written and grabs your attention, that is usually what will get me to pick up a book. If it doesn't look interesting I just put it back on the shelf.

I just read the Synopsis on Amazon and can I just OMG UR FREAKING KIDDING ME My real life name is Tom Lewis, completley and utterly serious for once. That's the biggest bloody coincidence I've ever experienced in my life. Also, My brother is Called Jack .


And just to clarify, your book is "The Magic Lands" right? I didn't just read the wrong book synopsis did I?

Also also, This is a pretty good synopsis, if I can get it delivered to me before wednesday next week, I'll buy this book to read on the plane to America.

Edited, May 30th 2007 9:48am by remorajunbao

Edited, May 30th 2007 9:51am by remorajunbao

Oh yes, forgot to say, definitely the right book. The Magic Lands by Mark Hockley.

Thanks Tom (hope you don't mind me calling you Tom!!)

I'm still amazed by the coincidence. I just genuinely hope you enjoy the book. And I would be really pleased to hear your opinion on it when you get a chance.

Thanks again.

The vast majority of books I read I pick up based on word of mouth.

The slim few that weren't word of mouth were based on having a good looking cover and an interesting synopsis to back it up.

Just to let anyone know who may be interested that I've added another excerpt from my book The Magic Lands at this link: http://hometown.aol.co.uk/markjohnhockley/myhomepage/mywork.html
As always, feedback would be very much appreciated :)

Edited, Jul 18th 2007 9:19am by MarkHockley

/nod

Need a compelling cover and then you flip it over. It's much like trying to get a date. You need to look good and then have a witty conversation for someone to spend money on you.

Just thought I would post a character breakdown from my book for anyone who is interested. As always feedback would be appreciated


Tom Lewis.
Jack Barton.
Two boys about to embark on a journey that will take them toward adulthood, a change embracing both enlightenment and loss. Two boys who will discover a place apart from the world we know, a realm where dreams and reality seem to interweave and deception is at the heart of everything.

Mo.
To the boys he is a badger, an animal. But one capable of speech, capable of far more than they suspect. To Tom and Jack he is a mentor, a guide, but as their journey unfolds, they will discover that he holds the key to many mysteries and keeps hidden from them many secrets.

The White Wolf.
A beast, a cruel adversary. But one with a purpose. One who delights in the darkness. One who enjoys the deadliest of games where life and death are but the smallest of wagers.

Dredger.
A warrior from the past, held in limbo for so long his mind may well have become unhinged. A man who holds duty above all things, but who carries a darkness within his soul that may be not only his own undoing, but also bring down those who he has sworn to protect.

Lisa.
The girl of Tom’s dreams. Or his nightmares. Enigmatic, innocent and yet sensual. A mystery.

Ira.
An old man who has travelled further than can be possibly imagined. A man who must send his only son on a quest that may very well lead to death, or perhaps things far worse than death.

Geheimnis.
A man who wears a mask. An enemy or an ally? A dangerous man, if indeed a man he is.

A disparate band brought together to find a solution to a question asked at the dawn of time. To find a reason for both the darkness and the light. To find hope. But also to pay the price.

Excerpts from THE MAGIC LANDS at this link: http://hometown.aol.co.uk/markjohnhockley/myhomepage/mywork.html

No Dutch translation yet? :P

But the review did have a point I already thought of your book, that it is targeted to a younger audience (is this true?)

The question of the target audience is a very valid one. When I wrote The Magic Lands I always intended it to appeal to adults, but because of the basic set-up of two teenagers finding themselves in another world and the story being fantasy adventure most people would think it was aimed at children. My story is quite dark and emotionally harrowing so I personally would not be happy to see it read by anyone under around eleven years old. Teenagers would be fine, but I hope that adults will appreciate it too. It was really meant for them :)

30 seconds? I think you are really overestimating your own attention span