Flash Says…

Since I got a Kindle app for my smartphone, my eyes have been opened to eBooks. I’ve only ever read free ones as there are so many out there, including classics, that I don’t need to pay for them. Instead, while I still enjoy buying novels in dead tree version, I only read books on my Kindle which will fill a different need. So what do I look for and what will get my attention?

On a Kindle I seek books which will keep me occupied when I’m travelling or can’t sleep; I need to be able to dip in and out readily. Other than that, these are the features that I look for:

• Attractive cover. It should be simple and easy to understand (especially when squished up small) but must not look too home made or I will be put off, in case the book is not professional either. Nor do I want something which will glare on my screen, so save vibrant yellow for other uses.

• Proper categorization. Nothing turns me off more than reading what I thought was a crime novel, only to find a fantasy-based ending that is not possible in reality. But getting the category right can work in the author’s favour, as I have been tempted to experiment with different categories of digital books, for example I am sampling “chick lit” and if I like it I may well buy several paper books in this genre, but I don’t feel confident enough to try it unless it’s free. Making sure your book is in the right category means I won’t be disappointed and might later spend money buying up other books of yours of the same type.

• A simple name. I don’t want something that’s trying to be clever, or is so obscure that I can’t work out what it’s about. Once I’ve made a bunch of downloads, the way I will choose which one to read next will come down to the name. Examples I’ve enjoyed include