By Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
I had a deadline Sunday that I met just
in the nick of time. :) It was a
deadline for a teaser chapter—the first chapter in my current WIP that will go
into the back of the December Penguin release.
in the nick of time. :) It was a
deadline for a teaser chapter—the first chapter in my current WIP that will go
into the back of the December Penguin release.
I realized that I treat teaser chapters
differently, depending on the situation.
I actually sweated a bit over this one, which was probably why I ran so
close to deadline. That’s because my
editor asked for this chapter (with a September 1 deadline) before I actually started writing the book or
even the outline. That means that I
wrote the chapter with an eye for marketing.
differently, depending on the situation.
I actually sweated a bit over this one, which was probably why I ran so
close to deadline. That’s because my
editor asked for this chapter (with a September 1 deadline) before I actually started writing the book or
even the outline. That means that I
wrote the chapter with an eye for marketing.
I was particularly conscious of the
opening hook and the chapter ending. Ordinarily…I really don’t think too much
about them. I always open with dialogue,
even though I keep reading that this is a “bad thing.” It’s worked out all
right for me.
opening hook and the chapter ending. Ordinarily…I really don’t think too much
about them. I always open with dialogue,
even though I keep reading that this is a “bad thing.” It’s worked out all
right for me.
It’s certainly easier on me when I get the request for a teaser chapter and I can lift the chapter out of an
already-completed first draft.
already-completed first draft.
My publisher tells me that they want the
first chapter “fairly firm”—in other words, they don’t want any major
changes. Minor word changes would be all
right. Changing the characters’
names—not so great.
first chapter “fairly firm”—in other words, they don’t want any major
changes. Minor word changes would be all
right. Changing the characters’
names—not so great.
My editor will always say that if I don’t
have a solid first chapter for the teaser that they’ll use the first chapter
for the first book in the series. My gut
tells me that’s a less-successful marketing technique so I always make sure
that I’ve got the first chapter for the new book ready (even if I’ve not
written the rest of it).
have a solid first chapter for the teaser that they’ll use the first chapter
for the first book in the series. My gut
tells me that’s a less-successful marketing technique so I always make sure
that I’ve got the first chapter for the new book ready (even if I’ve not
written the rest of it).
On the other hand—it occurred to me that
cliffhangers in trad-published teasers aren’t necessarily a great thing. Yes, it can pique
reader interest in the next book. But,
if the next book isn’t being released for nearly a year (as in this case), then
it might prompt some reader frustration, too.
cliffhangers in trad-published teasers aren’t necessarily a great thing. Yes, it can pique
reader interest in the next book. But,
if the next book isn’t being released for nearly a year (as in this case), then
it might prompt some reader frustration, too.
But if you’re self-publishing, this might be exactly the effect you’re looking
for. Maybe you’ve even got the next
release in your series ready to go. Perhaps these are even backlist books. In
that case, a cliffhanger of a teaser chapter would be smart marketing.
for. Maybe you’ve even got the next
release in your series ready to go. Perhaps these are even backlist books. In
that case, a cliffhanger of a teaser chapter would be smart marketing.
And then…part of me wonders if teaser
chapters make a huge difference to readers at all. For me, I’m already committed to
reading the next book in a series, if I’ve enjoyed the series so far. What I have
done, as a reader, is buy someone else’s
book when a book has been cross-promoted by a publisher with a teaser
chapter. This makes me think the
self-publishing practice of trading teasers with other authors is a
smart move.
chapters make a huge difference to readers at all. For me, I’m already committed to
reading the next book in a series, if I’ve enjoyed the series so far. What I have
done, as a reader, is buy someone else’s
book when a book has been cross-promoted by a publisher with a teaser
chapter. This makes me think the
self-publishing practice of trading teasers with other authors is a
smart move.
As a writer, do you use teaser
chapters? As a reader, do they have an
impact on your buying habits?
chapters? As a reader, do they have an
impact on your buying habits?
I do enjoy the teaser. If I enjoy the first book I love knowing about the next one, but I can see how difficult that is if the second isn’t yet written. Maybe a tagline or blurb would be better? Interesting question.
Elizabeth – As a reader, I don’t really care much for teaser chapters. I’d rather plunge into a story when it comes out than sample a chapter. I definitely see the value of sample chapters if I’m not familiar with the author, but if I’m reading a book, then I already know the author’s work. I already know whether I like it or not. But I know that not everyone feels that way about teasers.
I haven’t actively used teaser chapters, but I have posted small excerpts on Twitter and Facebook. I would consider it, though, particularly if trying to promote a new series.
As a reader, I tend to avoid sample chapters. I like to get into a story and keep going, so I’m more inclined to rad a sample if it’s on Amazon and I can order the book there and then, but not if the book won’t be out for a while.
Another reason I tend to ignore teaser chapters is that after I finish a book, I want to take some time to keep the characters and story in my head. I won’t usually start another book for at least a day, so I definitely don’t want a teaser intruding on my mental and emotional come-down like that.
I don’t particularly like teaser chapters. I’d much rather wait and read the real thing. I guess with an author I don’t know yet, it might be helpful, but with an established author whose work I already know, not so much.
I like teaaser chapters. I’ve actually purchased several books based on them that I might not have otherwise considered.
Yolanda–I like your idea of sticking the back cover copy for the next book in there. It’s designed to function as ad copy, anyway, so may as well use it. In trad. publishing, though, that seems (in my experience) to be one of the last things the copywriters at the publisher come up with. Wonder if they could swing it by coming up with cover copy off an outline? Hmm.
Paul–I’m with you. I noticed this morning that there’s a new Elizabeth George book coming out in late October (she’s one of the writers I enjoy reading) and I wouldn’t dream of trying to find a teaser for the book. It can be frustrating if you can’t read the rest of the book yet.
I switched to including the back cover copy for the my other books, instead of a teaser chapter. I figured I’d try something different. I’m not sure how much the decision affects sales or not. :) I think letting the reader know it’s there and providing the purchase link is most important.
That’s a great idea, Laura. I’m much more likely to read cover copy than I am a teaser chapter. The advantage too, is that cover copy is a nice, small bitesize piece of marketing material.
A teaser chapter would send me over the edge, I’m sure. I like to change things too much.
Yikes.
I put sample chapters in short works and freebies. While I did find that sometimes those books drove the reader to buy the next book, I was never sure if it was really the sample chapters or if it was just the book itself. The first book is the advertisement for the next book.
I finally decided to remove all samples from my books because I’ve heard from readers who say that A) it fools them into thinking the book is longer than it is, and B) some readers like to rate or review the book via the link Amazon adds at the end of the book.
My publisher doesn’t use them. Which is good, because I’d be in an even worse spot if they did.
If I like the author’s work, I’ll buy the next book regardless if there’s a teaser or not.
Laura–The buy link is everything, isn’t it? And teaser chapters don’t have them…book isn’t out yet or available for purchase.
Paul–Exactly–it’s meant to market. Not like a first chapter is.
Margot–I think I’m with you on that. That’s what makes me think that cross-promoting teasers might work better. Like a trade with another author who writes our genre.
Karen–I’m the same way.
Isis–Were they books by that author? Or by a different author who wrote similar books?
Alex–Ha! I know what you mean. I always go into a mild panic when I get the request. :)
Teresa–It’s definitely making a commitment to the start of the story. That’s one thing that makes me nervous…
I think you’re totally right that ‘it depends’. I often don’t read the teaser at all in a stand-alone type series. I will read the whole next book when I’m ready. In a series that has to go in ORDER, that I am committed to reading ALL of, then I love them, but yes… a cliff hanger for a whole year or more can be frustrating (I’m looking at you, GRR Martin!)
And in cozies, I LOVE starting with dialog–both to read and to write. I think it gives a feel faster for character–sets the mood. Quirky characters are something you need to SHOW, not describe.
The Daring Novelist– I’m thinking that probably the best use of that space (if we use it at all) is to either trade teasers (keeping the teasers short) with another author or to cross-promote another of our own series and maybe make the reader aware that we write more than one.
Yes, I’ve heard that too (about the readers not liking thinking a book is longer than it is.) I’m thinking maybe a *short* sample in self-pubbed books (I can’t, obviously, do anything about the trad pubbed) that won’t greatly change the length of the book. But I don’t know. I’m torn on it.
Hart–Oh, gosh, you and my husband should get together to talk about G.R.R. Martin. He’s tired of waiting for that next book! I told him to reread the whole series and maybe by that time the next book would be out. :) But maybe not…
Good! Thanks for the validation on that. I always hesitate when I start out with dialogue (but then I go ahead and do it anyway…ha!)
This was a great post! I’m still unsure of whether or not I enjoy teaser chapters. I feel it gives a lot away.
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I can’t wait to have enough in a series to where I can *have* teaser chapters! :)
As a reader, however, I only read them if 1) I know it won’t be very long until the next book comes out or it already is or 2) I’m not too too worried about having to wait. If it’s a book I just loved and I’m really wanting to know what happens next but the next one doesn’t come out for months, I won’t read it because that’s like torture! ;)
As a reader, I dislike teasers. If the book is ready, I want to read it, and if it’s not, it’s like smelling a great meal and being sent outside to wait. This should make me happy?!?
Once book 2 is done, though, boy howdy slap that teaser in the back of book 1. And 2/3, 3/4, on and on forever. Back-fill with teasers, oh yeah.
Pitching the unfinished next book is great. It’s like learning that next Sunday, you’re serving my favorite meal. No teasing (this is a BAD thing, teasing, did anyone mention that?) just promise and hope.
I’ve never heard of indie authors “trading” teaser chapters! That’s a cool idea. There’s only one series that I loved so much that I read the teaser at the end and had to read the next book NOW. Not an easy thing to accomplish. It’s fun getting inside your head :)
As a reader, I never read them. The reason is that I buy so many books I have trouble remembering if I’ve bought one or not. I read the first chapter in the bookstore to decide–and if I’ve read it in the previous book, I often presume I read the book and don’t buy it. So now, I don’t read them at all.
Gina–They sure could, depending on the type of book. Frequently I’ll even have clues in the first chapter.
Jessica–It probably comes under the heading of “a good problem to have”…ha! And I know what you mean, as a reader. I don’t like teasers unless I can get my hands on the book soon.
Joel–Definitely. So what I’m thinking (and, okay, this is only for my self-pub since I have little to no control over the trad pub), is that it’s better to either cross-promote a *published* book in another series of mine, trade teasers with another author for one of their *published* works, or else tease something that’s really on its way out the door (since self-pubbing takes a fraction of the time of trad pub.) It would be frustrating otherwise.
Good point! Yes, teasing isn’t nice, is it? I’d fuss at my kids for teasing each other. And yet I’m writing teasers! Not a nice thing.
Julie–They sure do and I want to say the practice started with Konrath but I might be misremembering that.
Terrie–Do you know, a reader emailed me yesterday about that very same point–she’ll read the first few pages, figure that she’d already read the book, and not buy it. Ack! So you’re not the only one.
Unless I am wild about the book and know that I can get my hands on the next book immediately, I won’t read a teaser chapter. I self-publish and could easily provide teaser chapters for books I’m about to re-release now that I have the rights, but probably won’t do it. Although all of this is food for thought. Thanks.
Carolyn–It’s definitely food for thought. And Camille has a good point about reader tastes and the way teasers appear to add length to books (makes readers think they have plenty of story left…but it’s just teaser left.)
Great post, Elizabeth! I’ve been toying with adding a teaser from book 2 of my series at the end of book 1.
I love your idea of putting your teaser in another author’s book and visa versa. Publishers have been doing it so why not indie authors.
Elke–I think the trading of teasers by indie authors has been going on for some time now, and with some success. I think that there was a point raised earlier, though, that maybe the teaser should be either a very short chapter or part of a chapter–readers don’t like to think they have 1% of a book left to read, but then find that the 1% is a teaser (this, obviously, only applies to ebooks).
I haven’t done teaser chapters for my series at this point. I figure I’ve left each book at the point I want to leave it at (where most things are resolved, but there is the promise for more to come), and I just include the blurb for the next book (or hint at it if I don’t have the whole plot yet).
When my new, unrelated book comes out in December, I may put a teaser from it in the back of my current books.