Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion

Ok, just had a weird flurry of activity around my book and I'm now looking for some legit input. If you're just looking to b*tch or say how much you hate this that or something else...not really the discussion we're looking for here.

My book (linked to this thread) recently was reviewed by a site that professes to help authors, but appears to be more about bashing them (unintentionally it appears).

Prior to this review I had received no less than thirty "omg, pretty cover!" and "ooooh, story sounds fun!" comments. Not one negative. I was really pleased. Now don't get me wrong, I know the cover text could use some work and I know the picture is not ideal for ebook (still working on re-cropping to make it better), but I think it's gorgeous on the paperback.

The reason I am posting here...

This review site lambasted everything external to the book. I'm talking scathing hatred from some of the reviewers and just downright nasty crap from the rest. They unanimously agreed that the book isn't fantasy or even spec-fic, despite the random animal people on the cover with medieval weapons.

So...the book cover and cover text...anyone mind glancing over the link and pop me a message or reply with the following:

- Does this appear to be a fantasy book?
- Is the back text ok (yes, I'm working to improve it, but question remains)?
- If you can get a good look at the picture, is it ok?

Thanks to anyone who's willing to let me know on this, as the random review folks have me slightly paranoid now. :)

Jim

It's a beautiful painting and yes there is a fantasy element about it. Is it an actual cover because I don't see a title or author's name.

Didn't see a link for the back text.

All the best

Jim,
I'd say fantasy based on the cover art (with is quite nice) and description. I noted as Karina did that the cover lacks title and author, but if you are working on cropping, then I can see why you might wait on adding these elements.

You seemed to have received some nice reviews and captured the interest of several readers, so relax and see what else is said by others.
Elldee

My book, ETHEREAL INFLUENCE: THE BIRTH, is not getting good sales. Not even mediocre sales. Someone suggested to me that the title is what is turning people away. He told me that "ethereal" is not a word used by most people and that they do not understand it. Is there any merit to this? I'm working on the second book in the series and if the suggestion is a good one, I was thinking of going with CELESTIAL INFLUENCE. I would love some comments and/or suggestions.

I find it amusing that a post I made many many months ago is suddenly resurrected for discussion.

Lana, you may want to start your own thread on that, otherwise we're going to get a really weird disjointed conversation in here.

Done, Jim! Thank you for the suggestion. I haven't spent too much time on Goodreads. I'm still learning all the ropes.

No worries. :)

Lana wrote: "My book, ETHEREAL INFLUENCE: THE BIRTH, is not getting good sales. Not even mediocre sales. Someone suggested to me that the title is what is turning people away. He told me that "ethereal" is not ..."

One of the savviest editors I ever worked with when I published with The Viking Press said to me: "The best titles of nonfiction works tell readers EXACTLY what they're going to get if they buy this book (and the worst titles mislead them). The best titles for fiction give a very solid hint as to the tone, style, and genre of the novel and make it all sound very intriguing (and the worst titles simply confuse). Don't know if that helps, but this advice has always guided me. All best!