In last 20 years, most books I buy are on my own... am influenced by the blurb/summary flap, tables of contents (if any), cover.

In the area of fiction, there are certain styles of writing I avoid...

For non-fiction I have greater tolerance for writing style that is summary style with footnotes/endnotes/sources. Maybe a couple of small illustrations/photos.

I worked in a bookstore for about a year...and it was really interesting what people will buy for HARD COVER, first release edition. Some of it pure junk. I worked in 3 different locations where there were different customer groups, buying trends, and differences in book title inventory.

Location 1- in the heart of the financial district. Saw alot of money spent. Novels, plus business/management texts.

Location 2 -wealthy commercial area with fashion boutiques. Very mixed, since it was close to some museums.

Location 3- in the surburbs, a large shopping mall. More family oriented. Inventory variety got pretty thin.