Book introductions should be the default free sample text for eBooks.
The introduction to a fiction book should not be the most memorable part of reading a book. An introduction by the author or a scholar are usually included when a book has been reissued, rediscovered or is a classic text. We sometimes skip over the introduction in our rush to read the book. This was a temptation when I bought Ian Rankin’s book Westwind. Rankin wrote an introduction because the book was being reissued and he wanted to share with readers why it had been re-issued, the journey the book took and best of all, an insight into Rankin’s early writing years before he became a household name. Other great fiction book introductions exist like that to a series of books SF Masterworks.
At their best, a good introduction can set the scene and satisfy the appetite of the reader. Better still, an introduction can set the book in context, explain to reader why certain language is used and what the historical context is for the book. At worst, introductions can reveal plot details or go on with too many lines of thanks to all those who helped the author. A noble endeavour but not rewarding for the reader.
I like a good introduction to a fiction book and would like publishers such as Kindle to make book introductions the default free sample that it can be read before the book is bought. After reading the introduction the customer may decide not to buy the book. The introduction may flash up warning lights around content the reader may not be comfortable with. They can then decide not to buy the eBook. Yes, I realise it is more likely than not that it is publishers or authors who decide what passage from the book is the free sample. The free reading sample is a marketing device to hook the customer into reading in the hope that the reader buys the book. A good introduction to a book as a free sample, read before buying the book, can if written well, convert an eBook browser into one that buys the eBook. Even if they do not buy the eBook, the person who has read the introduction will know more about the book then refer it on to a friend rather than buying the book themselves. I am over optimistic about this happening, but book lovers sometimes look out for books for friends.
I suppose the biggest objection to an introduction regardless of how beautifully written it is or who has wrote it is that the introduction injects ideas, ways of thinking into the readers mind before they have set sail to read the book. We want to make our own minds up and not have the introduction do it for us. Though reading the introduction as a sample before buying the book is a choice some will risk while others will not. Whatever your choice, there should be more book introductions to fiction books starting with eBooks.
