Yes, it’s true.  That is the approximate length of the time that it takes for someone to decide whether to purchase your book or not. 

     Did the above title hook you into reading more of this?  Did it make you pause? 

     What does a person look at in those ten seconds?  I will read the blurb on the back and look at the opening line.  If I like that, I’ll read the first paragraph.  Get me that far, make me want to read more, and I’ll most likely purchase the book.

     Are you now thinking of your novel’s opening line, first sentence, and first paragraph?

     Do they need punching up?  What are you waiting for?  Go do it.

     **I have a page set aside for comments on my books.  Let me know, do they hook you or not?**

     If you want ideas on how to hook your readers, many books are available that will help.  I’ve listed a couple below.

     Noah Lukeman’s The First Five Pages.  A Writer’s Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile published by Simon and Shuster in 2000.  I suggest that if you haven’t read it or added it to your writing library, go forth, and do so.

     Hallie Ephron’s Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel, how to knock ’em DEAD with style.  Not just for mystery writers this book is great for all fiction writers.