Does anybody have any of those party horns we can blow? Wahooooo! I have finished writing all the chapters for my book. And for all those who prayed for me through this process, please don't stop.
Often times the editing phase is harder than the writing phase. Please keep praying. Whenever I write a book, it is like entering a battle field. A lonely battlefield. So, thank you for praying for me, my family and this project.
I will be turning the book in today but I'd like to get your input on one more thing. I am finished writing the chapters but I still need to write the introduction. But, my question to you is, does anybody read the introductions to books?
If you do, what do you like to see in the introduction... not what do the official book writing manuals say should be included. Rather, what would make the introduction worth your time to read it?
If you don't read the introduction, what do you read to help you decided whether or not to invest your time and money in a book?
Thanks for your input. Now, I need to go find a horn or two to blow myself. Oh yeah, I forgot to remind you to eat something really yummy today. The calories should never count when you're celebrating... right?
Often times the editing phase is harder than the writing phase. Please keep praying. Whenever I write a book, it is like entering a battle field. A lonely battlefield. So, thank you for praying for me, my family and this project.
I will be turning the book in today but I'd like to get your input on one more thing. I am finished writing the chapters but I still need to write the introduction. But, my question to you is, does anybody read the introductions to books?
If you do, what do you like to see in the introduction... not what do the official book writing manuals say should be included. Rather, what would make the introduction worth your time to read it?
If you don't read the introduction, what do you read to help you decided whether or not to invest your time and money in a book?
Thanks for your input. Now, I need to go find a horn or two to blow myself. Oh yeah, I forgot to remind you to eat something really yummy today. The calories should never count when you're celebrating... right?
65 Comments:
Beautiful pics yesterday...saying more than words can!
I sometimes read the intro...but rarely allow the words to sink in unless there is some personal insight to what the author has gone through in his/her personal life. I like to scan the cover for any brief description of the book and look at the chapter headings.
Congrats!!!!
Love and blessings!
I read the intro after I've gotten the book if it's by the author or a name I know and it's full of stories about how the book came to be. If it's a bunch of stuffy people telling technical details about why they're important, I skip it - who wants to read that??! I read your bathtub intro and you're good at them - you should go for it!
I always read the intros - it's how I sometimes decide on a book that I'm not familiar with!!!! Looking forward to reading your intro!!!
I never read the intro to a book and I honestly don't know why. I immediately jump straight to chapter 1. I guess I just don't get new books very often so when I do I'm so excited that I dive right in for the meat! Right now I'm reading "Big Girls Don't Whine" by Jan Silvious. Man, o'man is it ever slappin' me right in the face. Maybe I should have read the intro first to decide if I wanted that kind of abuse. :)
Paula G.<><
I read the intro because it seems to me it sets the tone for the book when written by the author. My favorite intro's are the ones where you could be sitting and having coffee with a friend and they are sharing some behind the scenes, or personal reflections on the book, but in this case it is the author. Written friend to friend.
Congratulations! You get to enter the world of the not lonely anymore people. I hope to join you there soon!
Yes, I read intros, but not usually before I buy the book. I read the back cover, table of contents, and tidbits from a few chapters when I'm deciding whether or not to buy it.
I like to read intros to get a feel for the author, what's she's trying to do with the book, and why. I'm also one of those weirdos that likes to read the acknowledgements. Generally, before I read the actual book I like to feel like I've gotten to know the author a bit and that's what I like about the intro. It's sort of like I'm discovering who she is before I sit down and chat with her a while through her book. Make sense?
I also read the intro--I like having insight into why the author picked that particular topic and what it means to them. I even read the mushy acknowlegement parts!
I usually decide on a book based on the cover blurb, TOC, and a quick scan of the first chapter. I also often go online and read reviews if it is an author I haven't read before. I usually read the intro after I've gotten the book too and am about to dig in. I enjoy intros which lead me into the book rather than just listing what the book is about. I think the cover content and TOC are more useful for that. Something personal is often nice.
Good luck as you finish your book! I worked as a textbook editor for several years, so I have some understanding of the process and the potential frustrations yet to come.
Blessings,
Sherry
I think you should definitely do the intro - you do a good job writing and that intro sometimes puts the personal touch with the book and helps us get connected; not just with what we're reading but with you too. Can't wait to read it! Congrats - do something fun today as a reward. :-)
Diane
I definitely read the intro unless it is just full of "thank you's" for those involved. The intro sets the stage and can cause one to slip into an excitring anticipation for what lies ahead!!
In His Graces~Pamela
Hi Lysa,
I do read the intro. It allows me to quickly see if I like the authors style of writing. I also read through the titles of the chapters to see if they sound interesting. Congrats and do hope you have a little fun today to celebrate...Loft is always a good place to start! I will continue to pray for this entire project.
Blessings,
Margaret
I do read the intro, but never until AFTER I've purchased the book. I would generally read the front and back covers to make that decision.
Congrats,
Stephani
yes, I read all book intros because it gives me a look into what the writer was thinking about when they wrote the book. I like an honest, non-superficial view of why the writer wrote the book and that helps me to know if I want to read what they wrote about.
I always read the introduction when I read a book, but I will read a book without one.
Lysa-
I think everyone loves a good story - and you do such a great job relating to "everywoman". Maybe a "how this book idea came to be" snippet. Intros, in my opinion, sometimes feel like a chapter. I hate that. Tell me why you wrote it and why I will should spend time reading it.
Can't wait to get the finished product!
-Janet
I usually only read what's written on the back cover or inside the dust jacket before buying. Then when I start the book, IF the into is short and sweet I read it. IF it's 2 or 3 pages long I usually skip it.
Congratulations on finishing your book! I so admire authors! Would like to be one someday....more than just my short articles that have been published. But I probably don't have the grit to stay with it for months on end to tell the truth! :)
God bless you for hanging in there. I'm sure your new book will bless many people!
Marilyn
I, too, like the intro if it gives me an understanding of why or how the book came to be. I only read them once I have the book. I usually decide if something is a good read because a friend recommends it and then I read the back cover.
I look forward to this new release!
Lysa, I like short intros with a personal story. Those draw me in. If it's a dry explanatory introduction, I tend to skip right over it.
And now for a little celebration!!Toot toot!! Raah Raah!! Toot toot!!
Congrats to you for getting those chapters finished!
Doing the happy dance that you've completed the chapters and are turning your book in! WOO-HOO!!! I have prayed for this project and trust God enough to know it's gonna be a good book!
About the intro...I do read introductions. I am an avid reader, and I believe if the author takes the time to write the introduction, it's as much worth reading as the book. What would capture my attention and compel me to read it would be maybe writing about *why* God wanted you to write this book, *how* He inspired you to do it, *what* makes this book stand out to you...
Before I began reading introductions, it was the back of the book that always got my attention.
Now, go blow yourself a horn! You deserve it!
Congratulations! I'm proud of you! Keep up God's work
Christie
Lysa,
YIPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
What an incredible milestone. I know the process isn't over, but you've definitely reached a point where horn-blowing and happy-dancing are in order.
And I think you should splurge on a bouquet of fresh flowers.
As for the intro, I read several books a month...and I'm one of those people who reads every single word from cover to cover. I like to read the acknowledgments to see if I recognize any names. I like to read forewords to see the nice things others say about the book. I even read all the publishing info on the inside cover!! Seriously, I do.
But the intro is my favorite because it is sort of like the author taking the reader aside and saying, "This is what I want you to know before we start this journey together."
Definitely write one.
You are blessed and highly favored of the Lord. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Love,
Sandy Cooper
www.godspeakstoday.blogspot.com
Lysa,
Congratulations on finishing your book. I will usually read the introduction. I like it when the author offers a personal story or why they felt a need to write their book. The best introductions are the ones where it's like you are talking to a good friend.
Have a blessed day,
Deb
I just drank a Venti White Chocolate Raspberry Mocha w/ Skim no whip and a blueberry muffin to celebrate! (EXCUSE)
As for intros, I like the author to tell me what the book's about in a nutshell, what I'll learn, and why the author decided to write. If (like you) an author's written a few book, why does this book differ and how.
I usually read the intros at the red lights on my way home from the book store.
Congrats, Prayers and Blessings from Florida to you,
Cindy
First off, YAY!! Woo hoo!! Happy dance!
Ok, now, I am a by-the-book kind of girl. If there are pages in a book, I am going to read them.
But, if the intro is just a laundry list of thank you's, I skip it. I want to see the author's heart in that intro. If it's impersonal, I'm movin' on.
I read the introduction, but what makes it a must read is personal insight or reflection. I also want to know what you expect us to get out of the following chapters...you know, what journey I'll be taking if I read the book.
I think you've done a great job in your Yes to God books...I've read the introductions in both! And to top it off, I've enjoyed reading those intros!
Prayers and blessings! Congratulations on finishing this phase of the book! I know you have more phases to go before the book is published; plus all the dvd stuff. Will keep lifting you up!
Rebecca
I always read the intro. It tells me the author's style and whether or not they are windbags using words superficially or good writers using words genuinely. One page intros are great. If it's longer than that, make it another chapter.
You are an authentic writer so I trust you will not fall into the windbag category! ;-)
G
Hooray! What a great feeling it must be to finish a book!
Yes, I read the introduction to a book if it gives some personal insights about why the author wrote it. As other's have said, if it's just a list of thank-yous, I skip it. And I ususally read it after I've gotten the book.
As far as deciding about reading a book, I read the cover flap and back of the cover. I also read online reviews, and sometimes I read a book because it's been recommended by a friend.
Congratulations! I know you have worked long and hard. I do like reading the intro, but like others have said, only if there is some personal story or how the book came about. If it is just listing the authors accomplishments...I skip it.
Yes, I always read the intro...I like it when it seems as if the author is sitting across from the table with me just chatting about what to expect from the book.
Can't wait to read this one!
Blessings!
Teresa
Hi Lysa,
Loved the photos yesterday.
As for the intro question. I almost always read them. I look at them as a teaser for what will be covered in the book - a little more in depth than what the back cover says. It's often the title, and back cover description that determines whether I will buy it or not. Unless it happens to be one of my favorite authors - like you :), then I just buy it because I know I can trust what is going to be said.
Congratulations on finishing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you eat something really good today! Perhaps I should too, to help you celebrate! :)
Blessings,
Pearls
Brilliant question, Lysa!
From a total book snob. I always read the intro....it just seems fair! I would like to say though....when they are too long, I get antsy!
I like to read the author's personal insight and get a glimpse into where I'm going. But to write a chapter/novella....naaaah! Save it!
Congratulations on finishing! Woohoo!
God bless ya!
Congrats Lysa! You definitely deserve to party, so blow horns, dance in the middle of your kitchen, eat yourself some yummies!
I like to read the intro...to get a feel for who the author is and what inspired them to write the book.
Love to you and praise up to Him!
YAHOO!!! Celebrating with you!!! I just came from my prayer time and your name and each family member was prayed for by name. It's so exciting when we see our prayers being answered. God is good!
Yes, I read the Intro. I devour every word in any book I purchase. I feel if the writer found it worthy to be included, then it is worthy to read.
I enjoy Intro's that give me a taste of what's to come without giving it all away. Sort of like a lure...makes me want to grab hold of each chapter and hang on. I also like it when the author shares what their desire is for me the reader. I want to know what the author wants me to take away by the end of the book. Why did they write the book? I want to know they have a personal connection to it, and that I'm not just going to be reading information...I want to have experienced God in some new way by the end of the book.
However, unless I know the author and have been blessed by her writing before ;o) , I usually only read the front and back covers and sleeves before purchasing the book, and read the Intro once I get the book home.
I have cut desserts out of my diet...however...I feel the need to enjoy something sweet and yummy today in order to appropriately celebrate with you. I will enjoy!!!
Love and continued prayers,
Joy
Hi Lysa
I do not read the introduction until after I purchase a book. I usally read the back cover and the can tell if it interests me. When I do read the introduction I like a little personal info about the author and their reason for writing the book.
Almost to the finish line......woo hoo!!!
Hey Lysa,
Congrats on finishing your book. Toot, toot for you! What an accomplishment for a woman who wears many hats.
I read the Intro's in books only if I see they discuss "the story behind the book". If the author is just selling him/her self I lose interest. That information can be shared in the back of the book under Author Profile.
The selling points for me are the chapter titles that I ALWAYS read to see if they peak my interest and I also visit a website where I can read an actual excerpt from the book as that really helps me decide if the book is one I would choose to read in it's entirety.
Blessings to you,
Carla
I always read the introduction and/or forward and also the thank yous if they are separate. A good intro is priceless!!
Thanks for asking.
Robin
I always read the back cover to decide if I'm buying the book. I only read the intro if I buy the book. If it's even slightly dull, I don't read it. I like the intro to be light and funny, like an appetizer to the book. THe book is the meal. I don't want to eat a steak in the intro (so to speak) when the real meal is still coming. So keep it light - so we can get filled up on the book!
I only read the introduction if the first few lines interst me.....I read intros if I know of and like the author.....I would read your intro. What would make me interested enough to finish reading the intro would be some personal information about you and your struggles with the subject of "Becoming a Good Bible Study Girl" --- sets the tone for the book if the author lets me know where he/she is coming from and how she arrived where she is.....does that make ANY sense whatsoever???? Also, humor is always good in an intro......maybe a humorous look at how you came to write the book and why the subject was so important to you.......cant wait to read it!!
Oh, bless you, Lysa TerKeurst!! I'm working on my intro for my next book right now and thinking to myself, "Are people even going to care about this??"
So far, it's a fun (I hope) personal story of how the book came to be, and according to these DARLING GALS who visit your blog, that's exactly what they want to read!
Oh, I've been praying the past few days for DIVINE WISDOM and HELP and God led me here. I can't tell you. Wow.
And now, since I don't want to be all take and no give, here's my advice. Make the intro fun, catchy, personal, and a little bit of a tease. People will eat it up!
Thanks, dear friend!! A zillion blessings on your day!
Hi, Lysa!
As a freelance editor who has worked on hundreds of books for Thomas Nelson and other Christian publishers, I thought I'd chime in on this subject.
If your introduction contains essential information for the readers (things you want them to know before diving into the book), then I suggest you either omit the word "Introduction" and instead use a catchy title, or set the intro as "chapter 1." Because, as your comments reveal, readers tend to see the word "Introduction" and dismiss the material as optional.
If you choose to omit the word "Intro" but maintain the section as part of the front matter, be sure to communicate to your editor that you'd like your introductory material to begin on page 1 of the book (not with Roman numerals, which are used for front matter), per CMS 1.53. This will encourage your readers to start there!
God's blessings on you and your new book. May He use the message He has given you to change the hearts and lives of many, many readers!
Warmly,
Jennifer Stair
If its a grabber about the book I love them, if it's fluff about the writer, I don't care so much. I want to know what journey God is going to take me on. While I think you're just swell (even though I only "know" you through your blog)I really want the focus to be God. That He spoke through you may be obvious to many, but I like to read glorious words about Him and what He's ready to impart to me through the book. Still looking forward to pictures of some of those glorious recipes dropped in your lap.
Lysa,
I have read some of your great books and many, many others. And I've purchased many more that I still haven't read!
I often don't read the intro to a book. What I look at is the table of contents - the title of a chapter and/or brief description sort of lead me through. As a mom of 2 small kids I don't have tons of free time for reading so often I'll go to a book and look for what I'm needing in that season and I'll read the one or two chapters that help me for that time.
Congrats on finishing! May the Lord be with you through the battle of the editing phase! :)
Blessings,
Alesha
amoreno@carolina.rr.com
Congrats on finishing up those chapters and have fun celebrating :)
I must admit, I don't always read the intros. I like to just dive in with Chapter 1! However, if the intro is short and seems like it will give me a quick glimpse into the authors heart for the project, I'll read it :) And how do I decide to buy a book? I usually read the back and the table of contents. And usually, as I stand and stare at all of the books on the shelf - I ask God to lead me to the ones He will speak to me through. :)
Have a wonderful day :)
I love intros! It lets me get a feel for the writing style of the author (dry, humorous, witty, boring etc...)plus it is where I decide if this will be a topic that is really going to be applicable to me. The back jacket cover is never good for me to see if it will apply to myself or something I can pass on. I need that little extra from the intro.
Yeah! Congratulations! Can't wait to read it. Yes, I always read the introduction. And I like for it just be an overview of the book, maybe a little more detailed than what the back of the book says.
Hey, I just received another email from the church about our pastor and his family. Apparently, the government is NOT releasing the clearance paper that is needed to leave the country. They are requiring additional paperwork. The paperwork should be at the Embassy but there are only 2 working days left until the Dauphin family is supposed to be on a plane headed home. Please pray. The spiritual warfare is serious and oppressive.
Thanks, girl! You're the best!
Lysa,
I like introductions that actually give you an overview of what the book is about. So often, the introduction only touches on why the author wrote the book but doesn't really summarize what the book is really about. That helps me decide whether I really want to read the book.
Congratulations on finishing!
Blessings,
Linda
YAHOOOO!!! I am so happy for you, girlfriend! I read the introduction if it is less than two pages. Any longer and usually I head for Chapter 1. Sweet blessings my friend. I will keep praying you through the rest of the process. :)
Wow! Major congrats.
I read the intro because I want to know what prompted the author to write that book. That's what I would like to see.
I may be too late to weigh in....
Congratulations!!! So happy for you!
Yes, I do read the introduction, which is different from the acknowledgements (which I also read). I look for insights into what the author was thinking when she wrote the book, a little background as to why she wrote the book, stuff like that. I like to get to see into the life of the author a little bit.
P.S. I'll see you on Friday! :)
First of all...I've been praying for you and CONGRATS, LYSA!!! I am SO excited for you!!! I pray that the editing process will be smoother than you ever anticipated. That the Lord would give you divine wisdom and focus. :-)
So...I love books and cherish every single word from beginning to end. That said, YES, I do read intros. I love the ones that are personal and tell a bit about your book idea and the writing process. Kinda like your blogs...personal and real. Hope you find just the right words.
Rejoicing with you (and your family!)
Amy in OR
I absolutely read the intro. I enjoy it and believe it should contain why you wrote the book. What brought you to write it, what you learned during the process of writing it, that sort of thing.
I always read the introduction AND the acknowledgments AND the footnotes (for the most part!). Yep, I'm a nerd! My favorite kinds of intro's are those that grant a glimpse into the author's journey through the subject matter (the why's and how's).
Congrats!
I usually skim over the first few lines of the intro, and if it interests me, I read the entire thing. I tend to enjoy intros if they are written from a personal view point about how and why the author came to write the book. I just like getting to glimpse the "real" person inside the author's mind.
I cannot wait until your book makes it's debut! I'm looking forward to reading it!
Love and Blessings,
Starr
Yes! I read the intro! I love when it really reflects the heart of the author and is very personal. Your books are like that, too, in all the chapters.
And...I always look reading book dedications! Though usually brief, they are meaningful, touch and fun!
As you know, this has been and will continue to be my prayer for you... "...and he let none of his words falls to the ground"
1 Samuel 3:19
Enjoy your celebration. Don't count calories, carbs, points...nothing! :)
I usually read the introduction but only after buying the book. Like several here, I usually read the front an back cover in deciding whether to buy the book. I read the intro to get a mindset for the author's style and to get acquainted with the author. I enjoy a book more if I know something about what the book means to the author.
Hooray! Hooray! Congratulations on finishing writing your book! I will keep praying!
I would not be a good person to ask about the intro. I think I read them mostly out of book legalism. You know, like I'm cheating or something if I don't read ALL of the book. :) Sad and a little strange, I know. :)
Blessings, sweet Lysa! Thanks for your servant's heart!
I absolutely read the introductions. When making a final choice on whether or not to read, I read the back of the jacket as well as the inside flap.
I feel that an opening summarizing why you chose to write the book should suffice.
So many opinions, yet, I've never been published. :)
Rena Gunther
WAHOO! Well Done! I like introductions if they are heart felt wishes from the authors and encourage me on to finish the race set before me. Will keep up the prayers!
Yes, I read the intro-I like to know where the writer is coming from and where they are trying to take me. Also who, what was instrumental in the completion of the book. It helps me get ready to absorb the information.
Congrats! I know I'm late to the party but I hope you enjoyed your celebration day.
Hi Lysa, I am a fairly new reader of your blog. . .I always read the intro because I don't want to miss anything.
It also gives me a feel for where the author might be coming from. . .what they are like. . .why they wrote on that particular topic, etc.
I so look forward to reading more of what you have to say. God has really touched my heart through your words.
I love to read an intro if it isn't too long! :) I would enjoy reading how God put the book on your heart and how He lead you through the process of writing it, editing it and who was there to encourage, inspire and love you through it! Best wishes! Susan Roberts, She Speaks Graduate!
http://mosaicheartministry.blogspot.com
I love to read an intro if it isn't too long! :) I would enjoy reading how God put the book on your heart and how He lead you through the process of writing it, editing it and who was there to encourage, inspire and love you through it! Best wishes! Susan Roberts, She Speaks Graduate!
http://mosaicheartministry.blogspot.com
WHOOOO HOOOOO!!! Congratulations are this very big step in the project!! I'll keep praying, sista! :)
I do read the intro, but usually when I start the book, unless I'm not familiar with the author. I am an underliner, circler, starrer, you name it, I do it to the sentence if it grabs my heart. I would love to know your personal journey of when God led you to write this particular book. Or, for a twist...let Holly introduce this love project of yours...Holly's take on the whole process of this book I think would be awesome since she has been right beside you.
I'm so proud of you Lysa!
Oh...I forgot, I usually buy a book off of recommendation from a trusted sister in Christ, or if I'm browsing in a book store, it's the back of the book that usually gets me.
Oh, but if it has Lysa TerKeurst on it...it's headin' to the cash register. ;) Lol...don't you just love when you involve us? :)
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