Inspy Romance

Inspy Romance—Fall in Love With a Good Book

Sneak Peeks: Yes or No? (+ #Giveaway)

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Hello InspyRomancers! I have a big question for you today. Sneak peeks—yes or no? More specifically speaking, as a reader, do you like to read excerpts or sample chapters from a book that hasn’t been released yet?

I’ve asked this question to my reader group before and was surprised to discover that some readers prefer not to get a sneak peek. The reason why? One reader explained that if she reads a sample chapter before a book is out and then later on reads the same chapter after the book is published, she might assume that she’s already read the book and stop reading it. Considering the large number of books that romance readers devour, this is a probable situation.

On the other hand, there are some readers who enjoy getting a couple of “spoilers” ahead of time. I myself am one of them. It’s like being able to sample food at the grocery store. I find that sneak peeks make me more excited about a story, especially if I’ve been waiting for it for a while. Also, when I see a sneak peek that resonates with me from a new-to-me author, I’m more inclined to pick up the book and give it a try.

On that note, I’d like to share 3 short excerpts from my upcoming rom-com, One Vow for September. I hope you’ll enjoy these sneak peeks, however, if you’d prefer not to read them, that’s fine, too!

I’m the only one in my circle of friends who isn’t engaged or married, and it’s not the easiest situation. It’s about as awkward as the time I went to a new hair salon and after the stylist asked me what I did for a living, I asked, her, What about you? Needless to say, I haven’t been back since.

The Lord may have taken one of Adam’s ribs to make Eve, but He upped His game when He made women. It has been far too long since I’ve let myself appreciate this fact. But that doesn’t mean I’m interested in September. There is a world of difference between appreciation and desire. The former is distant and safe. The latter, only trouble. I am not interested in trouble.

A thrill shoots through my body when I see my reflection. The gown fits me perfectly, both in size and style. I feel beautiful and regal, even priceless. I know it’s just tulle and lace stitched together with thread, but this gown embodies the longing inside me. The longing to be someone’s partner, to love and to hold and to cherish him, for the rest of my days. A longing I hope and pray comes true.

Well, there you have it! Now that you’ve read these sneak peeks, do you feel like they whet your appetite for more of the story? If so, you can get One Vow for September, along with 11 other stories, for only 99¢ when you pre-order Save the Date HERE! This limited-time, one of a kind Christian wedding anthology is available on all retailers and will be releasing in one month on October 12th. You’ll recognize a couple of other current InspyRomance authors—Jaycee Weaver and Jan Thompson—in this set. Also, former InspyRomance author Marion Ueckermann contributed her story, as well as the cover image before she went to be with Jesus this past June. We are dedicating this box set in memory of our dear friend.

Giveaway: I’d like to give away a $5 Amazon gift card. Please comment and let me know if you’re a fan of sneak peeks. One winner will be randomly chosen from the comments below. The giveaway will remain open until midnight on Tuesday, September 14th.

Liwen Ho (65 Posts)

A chauffeur and referee by day (AKA a stay at home mom of two), Liwen Y. Ho writes inspirational and sweet romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots).


Welcome to the community at Inspy Romance! The authors are delighted to see you. Jump in with comments, and let’s get to know each other!

Comments

  1. I love spoilers jejjee I like to know if I would be interested in the book I bought or would I lose interest in the first pages.
    In fact, I’m one of those who reads huge reviews of goodreads full of spoilers and gifts and after I almost know everything that happens I say “it sounds interesting I want it” jajaja.
    The times I’ve wanted to be risky and get a book without knowing almost anything about it apart from the synopsis and good reviews, I end up not liking it too much.

    • Hi Lilly! Oh wow, you really love spoilers! That’s so fun to hear. Thanks for reading and commenting!

  5. No, like the other person said I may think I had already read it. Also am impatient or would not want to wait for the book to be released. Yes, I wait until the whole series is written to start too :D

  6. Hi Liwen! This avid reader and retiree is looking forward to the boxed set Save the Date. While as you stated in your post, I do not read chapter samples. But I do enjoy sneak peaks. Sneak peaks that peak my interest (new author or genre or troupe) causes me to explore the book more and / or buy (order) the book. Save the date is preordered. Nice sneak peaks. Best wishes and enjoy your weekend.

    • Hi Renate! You make a good point about preferring sneak peeks over chapter samples—the former may be enough of a spoiler for most readers. Thank you so much for preordering Save the Date! Have a great weekend, too!

  7. I am not usually a fan of sneak peaks because I will want to read the whole book after the peak grabs my attention and I don’t like to wait for the book to be published.

    • Hi Lori! Yes, it’s true that sneak peeks make it harder to wait for a book to come out; I suppose that’s the downside to them! Thanks for reading and commenting!

  8. I don’t read sneak peaks as it spoils the anticipation of waiting for the book to release.

  9. I don’t like chapter sneak peeks; however, short snippet sneak peeks like you did here I do like!! I also don’t like (and don’t read!!) chapter sneak peeks in author newsletters. I just ignore them.

    • Hi Trudy! Yes, it seems that short and sweet may be the preference for many readers. Thanks for reading and commenting!

  10. I typically do not read sneak peeks. Especially if it’s a chapter or two. I’d rather be fully immersed in the book from start to finish!

  13. I like sneak peeks. If I’ve never read an author before it gives me a chance to sample their work. And if I like the sneak peek I’m just more excited to read the book.

  14. If it’s an author I already know, I don’t usually read the sneak peaks because I want to wait and savor the whole thing. With an author I don’t know, I have at times downloaded the sample from Amazon just to see if I might like the book. A few times I immediately went back and bought the whole book, and other times it’s warned me off :-) Of course those samples are of books already available. I’m like several other commentators above – I don’t want to get sucked in and then have to wait for the book to be published! And I’m always glad when I discover an author after the whole series is written :-)

    • Hi Margaret! Those are all great points! And yes, it is hard to wait for books to come out (speaking as an author and reader, lol). Thanks for reading and commenting!

  16. No, if I like the sneak peak I’ll just be mad that I have to read. When i hear about an upcoming book i want to read, I put on my Amazon wish list but I do sign up for the author’s newsletter right away so I can be notified of any preorder specials.

    • Hi Jcp! Those are great ideas (using Amazon’s wish list and signing up for the author’s newsletter)! I can tell you’re an experienced reader. :) Thanks for reading and commenting!

  17. Short sneak peeks as above are fine. I don’t like getting full chapters. One, it makes me want to finish the book right then and two, later on when I do read the book and get to that chapter I starting questioning if I already read it or some other book that is almost the same.

    So if an author puts out a long sneak peek about the new book, I just ignore it.

  18. Yes, I do! I want to know what a book is about before it comes out, that way I can keep an eye out for when it comes out to purchase it. Have a great weekend and stay safe. I enjoyed reading this post.

    • Hi Alicia! I’m glad you enjoyed this post! Thanks for your support and I hope you have a great weekend, too!

  19. I do like sneek peaks but not whole chapter or chapters as I get so many emails. I am trying to cut the number of emails I receive to mainly from the writers I read.

    • Hi Pam! Yes, it seems that most readers are like you and prefer short and sweet. :) Thanks for reading and commenting!

  20. It’s ok if it’s not a whole chapter, because then I want to read more right away. But a few paragraphs is ok to whet my appetite.

  21. I like reading sneak peeks or short excerpts if a book is published shortly thereafter. That way I don’t have to wait for several months before I can actually read the whole story. I don’t like spoilers though.

    • Hi Elizabeth! Yes, it’s nice if the wait isn’t too long after reading a sneak peek! Thanks for reading and commenting!

  22. I sometimes like sneak peeks but I don’t always read it. If it is at the end of a book, I might just skip it and read something else. But I do like seeing them on blogs and Instagram posts

  23. I can take them or leave them. If there is a sneak peek in the back of a book, I will probably read it (if I don’t already have that next book) but if it’s not there I don’t miss it.

  24. I am a fan of sneak peeks in author newsletters or excerpts on blog tours. These sneak peeks have influenced me to buy books! Of course, sometimes these sneak peeks make me not buy the book. I very rarely read chapters from uncoming releases that are included at the end of a book.

  25. I like sneak peeks, more so if it’s a new to me author as it helps me decide whether to read some of their other stories or not. If an author I really love has a sneak peek I usually skip it just because I’ll buy the book anyway and I don’t want to spoil it.

  26. I like brief sneaks peeks such as yours. I’m not as much a fan of having sneak peeks at the first few chapters. If I’m going to spend time reading those, I want to just be able to continue to read the rest of the book.
    Thanks for the reminder of the Save the Date collection. I just pre-ordered.

    • Hi Pam! Yes, I understand that it’d be hard to wait to read the rest of the book after reading the first few chapters. Thanks so much for preordering Save the Date!

  27. Hi, Liwen!
    I’m in the “take it or leave it” camp. Very often, I will read the “Look Inside” selection on Amazon to get a feel for the author and the story. Previews at the end of a book are less appealing. Little snippets like you presented above are fun in and of themselves, but I can do without.

    My appetite for reading comes pre-whetted so there is no need to gain my interest. Most often those “Look Inside” selections give me a reason to take a pass on a story or an author, rather than drawing me in.

    I, too, have my pre-order for Save the Date all lined up and ready to go.

    Thanks for a fun post!

    • Hi Lincoln! Yes, I appreciate those “Look Insides”, too, especially for books from new-to-me authors. Thank you so much for preordering Save the Date!

  28. I have Save the date on pre-order (I bought it partly to support Marion after her passing).
    I don’t read snippets of books before they are published I don’t normally download a sample unless its an author that I am not sure about. (Last one was after reading errors on the blurb to check if the book would be the same standard and after one page it was so I didn’t go further). I have to say this is not often. I am more likely to download a sample of a devotional or non fiction.
    I have been known to read the last page of a book but thats after its published.
    I have to admit I rarely read posts or blogs that have an excerpt of the first chapter.

    • Hi Jenny! Thank you so much for preordering Save the Date! A portion of the preorder profits will be going to Marion’s family.

      You’re not the first person I know who sneaks a peek at the last page of a book. :) Thanks for reading and commenting!

    • Hi Mary! Haha, yes, I think that’s what they’re meant to be. ;) Thanks for reading and commenting!

  31. Yes, I enjoy sneak peaks. It always leaves me wanting more. The problem is waiting for the next book to be released. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.

    • Hi Debra! So true! It’s always nice if we don’t have to wait too long. Thanks for reading and commenting!

  33. Hi Liwen!

    For me, I think it depends. Sometimes, like you said, it’ll help me decide to take a chance on a new-to-me author, but sometimes, especially with authors I’m already familiar with, it can be tricky based on *when* in the story does the sneak peek come from. If it’s from early on, it’s totally fine, but if it’s from the half or later point, then that can turn into a (major?) spoiler, especially if it’s a series and, say, the reader is still working their way through the first one. On the other hand, if I already follow an author’s work, for the most part I avoid it when they share the first chapter of their next book, especially when it’s not out yet, since I know I’ll be hooked to the story by the end of it and the waiting will feel longer that way, lol. With all that being said, however, there have been times when a sneak peek has helped me make up my mind about a book that I was on the fence about (from an author I love), since the blurb hadn’t completely sold me on it.
    So, yeah, it depends. And yes, I have an issue with spoilers 😅😂

    • Hi Priscila! What a detailed response! :) I can tell you’ve thought about this a lot. Thanks for your feedback!

  34. I don’t ever read sneak peaks, chapters! Reading the back covers/knowing the authors is all I want to know ahead. It is too easy for me to get hooked on a book and I get irritated to start then finish reading so quickly….especially if the ‘next’ book has not been published yet. When I read mostly ARCs or am editing there is usually time to wait before that book will even be out. I’ll stick to reading it when I can go from start to finish! Even when it is a set or series I have multiple books of I just dive right into the next full book!

    • Hi Deb! Yes, it is hard having to wait for a book to be released. Thanks for reading and commenting!

  36. I like spoilers because they make me want to read & pre-order the book right away & then read it once it’s out right away!!

    • Hi Amy! It’s good that you don’t mind waiting for a book to be released! Thanks for reading and commenting!

  37. I enjoy some spoilers but it depends on the book like if it’s series of books or a single book. Series I want to hear about the next right away.

  38. I love sneak peeks. They help the reader get a sense of the plot, the characters, the setting and the mood of the book. This in turn, will help determine whether the book is a good fit for the reader.

  39. I don’t read book excerpts or first chapters because if I get interested in the book and can’t somehow borrow or buy it, then it can be a let down for me. Like getting just taste of something sweet but not being able to eat the whole thing ;-)

  40. I only like to read the back cover in advance. I don’t usually read a chapter or chapters in advance. Especially if the release date is very far away.

  41. I like sneak peeks, as long as there are no spoilers! I usually won’t read more than a chapter though, because when I go to read the whole book, it feels like I’ve already read it.

  42. I like the blurbs – just to know what the story is about. I wouldn’t read the whole chapter though.

  43. I do like sneak peaks or excerpts. Especially when it’s a series and the first chapter of the next book is at the end. Anticipaaaaation, it’s making me wait.

    • Hi Shannon! I’m glad you like the anticipation and that it doesn’t drive you crazy! Or does it? ;) Thanks for reading and commenting!

  44. I like sneak peeks if I’m not familiar with the author. It helps to give me a feel for the writer’s style and content and whether or not I would like the book/author. On the other hand, if it is an author I already know and like (i.e., you!), I often don’t read the sneak peeks because I don’t want any spoilers.
    I’m looking forward to the release of Save the Date! I pre-ordered months ago :)

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