what makes a book successful?

I’m a writer, but I’m also a reader. I love to 


read, and I have many favorite books. 

Within the fiction category, there are many genres. Each genre has its own specialized techniques, but all of them have a few in common.

Below are three I feel are the most important.

* No matter which genre I’m reading, I like books that allow readers to get into the head of the main character—to feel their love, excitement, fear, loss, confusion. I want to understand the reasons for their choices, their actions. Great books not only make me care about the character but to share his or her emotions as well.

* I also like books with a strong and new, fresh plot. I don’t want to read the same plot that I’ve read countless times from other authors. I enjoy stories that have surprising twists. I like to guess how the book will end; if I’m wrong and everything else in the book was good then I’m one happy reader.

* Before your characters have proven themselves as likable, and the reader has reached the twists and turns of your plot, you need a great hook to snag the readers’ attention. You can have the best characters ever crafted and a plot that’d make the Titanic sink, but if readers can’t get beyond your opening line, your book will settle into nothingness.

So, in your opinion, what makes a book successful? 


Please share your thoughts in the Comments section below. I’d love to hear your ideas!