The First Ten Focus Group Feedback for The Journey: The Ultimate Power Book 1

Because The Journey was Book of the Day, some of our most trusted members have carefully looked over the cover, the description, and other aspects of this book as a part of purchase-intent focus group. We then asked each participant in the focus group if they planned to buy and read the book, and why they planned to buy and read the book or not. Their answer to that question and reasons are displayed below. We call this awesome feature The First Ten Focus Group.

Keep in mind, the responses from the members are not reviews. This is purchase-intent focus group which means the participants are people who have NOT yet bought or read your book. A purchase-intent focus group is an important and extremely useful marketing tool for any product, not just books. For other products, you might walk on the street and show people an item in a package and poll them about whether they would buy if or $X or not. These kind of focus groups are one of the ways big marketing companies find the ideal price points for products and test the effectiveness of different packaging. The focus group can help you identify your market so you how to target ads of your book, and it can (but may not) provide you new useful info about your "packaging" (e.g. your book cover, your book synopsis on Amazon, etc.). The point of the focus group comments is to give you information from people who have not bought or read your book about why they plan to buy your book which will help you in marketing the book. These are not reviews or critiques of your book because they are not from people have read the book. This is a marketing tool, not reviews. The trick of book marketing and book advertising is that you have to convince people who have not read your book yet that your book is worth buying and reading. For marketing, it doesn't matter much if people love your book after reading it if you cannot convince potential buyers before they read it that they will love it.

IMPORTANT: Any score over 10% is considered very good. And any score above 0% is acceptable. This is because we only poll about 20 or so readers, and all readers have to say "no" to almost all books. Over a million books are published each year. Even a very active reader cannot come close to even reading 1% of books out there.

This is also why publishing books is such a tough industry.

Kourtney Bradley

This probably isn't a book I would choose on my own. Although it did start out interesting with the nightmare, it seemed to slow down after that, which did not interest me. I like that the cover has an eerie feel to it, because eerie is always my go to. I'm going to pass on this one, I have too many books on my reading list currently. Also, I found a typo within the first ten pages, which is discouraging.

First Ten review added on March 11, 2017, at 7:49 am by Kourtney Bradley.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

Cjgarland89

I wouldn't have sampled this book without the program because the cover isn't interesting and the genre isn't for me. The OBC review reiterated that it's not a book I'm interested in. The sample was ok, the nightmare was mildly interesting but the rest of the sample drug on it seemed. I won't be finishing or buying the book

First Ten review added on March 11, 2017, at 12:58 am by Cjgarland89.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

L_Therese

I'm not such a fan of reading about characters with magic powers, so when I saw this book, I wasn't too enthusiastic. I only read the sample, not the OBC review, so I didn't have too many clear ideas about the book going into it. As I read the sample, I became certain that I would not be finishing it. The author is attempting to create a fantasy world, but the characters speak with modern American speech patterns. It seemed a little cookie-cutter to me overall.

First Ten review added on March 10, 2017, at 9:54 pm by L_Therese.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

Heidi M Simone

The cover and title piques my interest, I enjoy young adults, the reviews are mostly positive, and the blurb is compelling. Though the OBC review points out a couple of areas that could be improved, most likely I still would have sampled this read even without this program. Based on what I read, the book does seem to be professionally edited. As I am reading, I really like the author's way of writing; she has a way of both capturing her audience, but also allowing the reader to process what is happening at a good pace. Right now, I have a tough time differientating between Renee and Jasmine; they seem like they are the same person. As the story goes on, perhaps this will change. Overall, I am enjoying the read and wanted to surpass the sample. Therefore, I do plan on purchasing this book today and finishing it eventually.

First Ten review added on March 10, 2017, at 5:29 pm by Heidi M Simone.

Do you plan to read the whole book? Yes!

Momlovesbooks

The cover of the book looked interesting. I read the review and thought it would be a good read for fans of this genre. After sampling a few pages of the book, I was impressed with the characters and the way I became drawn into their story. However, I have so many books on my "to read" list that I think I'll pass on this one.

First Ten review added on March 10, 2017, at 12:30 pm by Momlovesbooks.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

Annelore Trujillo

I probably would have sampled this book without this program. I sometimes like young adult books and I sometimes don't. The OBC review and blurb had me interested in this book. After reading the first ten pages, I won't be buying this book. I liked the content, but not the style. I think it is a great style of writing for the young adult genre! It just wasn't the type of style that I like to read. It did seem to be professionally edited! I think a lot of people would really enjoy this book, I just couldn't really get into it.

First Ten review added on March 10, 2017, at 10:49 am by Annelore Trujillo.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

Gravy

I like the sound of this, and likely would have looked into it.
Aside from really wishing a sentence had been worded differently (however correct it is, it was awkward to read), I found no errors. I did find that some of the character choices felt false. Why, given they're 'sixth sense', were they unaware of why she was out there, especially as she's often out there due to nightmares? It just didn't make sense to me. Because of this, and other issues of the sort, I don't plan to read this.

First Ten review added on March 10, 2017, at 7:06 am by Gravy.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

chocomeiske

I'm not a fan of this cover and so I wouldn't have looked further if not for this program. The sample was interesting with Elizabeth, the main character having a vivid dream which appears to be the norm. I felt the sample was intriguing enough to make me want to read further. I can't recall any glaring editing issues within the sample.

First Ten review added on March 10, 2017, at 4:25 am by chocomeiske.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

Catherine Hsu

If I had not read the sample, I would have read the book. I'm the most curious about the "alternate dystopian universe". It's always interesting to see how authors create their own worlds. The blurb was also interesting. After reading the sample, I have changed my mind. The writing seemed a little simplistic and awkward, too much "tell", not enough "show". It did seem professionally edited (if comma splices were part of the writing style), and I read the official review but it did not alter my opinion.

First Ten review added on March 10, 2017, at 2:46 am by Catherine Hsu.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

CataclysmicKnight

I really expected a nonfiction book about discovering your inner power from the cover and title, and I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong. The plot seemed interesting and so far there are a few neat threads that could become something very intriguing as the book goes on. However, it was also a bit repetitive and it felt a bit drawn out so far. Between that, my long to-read list and the fact that this book wasn't free I don't see finishing it.

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 11:38 pm by CataclysmicKnight.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

AA1495

Had I not sampled the book, I wouldn't have read it. I usually read romance books. Having read the sample, I liked how the characters' thoughts were described. However,I would have liked to know more about the characters' personalities and backgrounds. The book seems professionally edited. It has a favorable onlinebookclub review. While I will not be reading the book further now, I might read it in the future.

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 10:03 pm by AA1495.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

Bfrisco

I might have looked into this book given the title and the cover. I would have guessed it was a fantasy novel, and based on the official onlinebookclub review, that appears to be correct. I might not have guessed it was a YA novel, however. I haven't read YA novels in a while, so some of my issues may have more to do with the genre overall. I didn't enjoy the beginning, because I find the "it was just a dream" trope to be overdone, and I disliked the descriptions used for the main character and her friends. I would strongly suggest the author not use the phrase "full, both in the breast and in the butt" in any serious context ever, and I have consistently heard that it's considered offensive to describe skin tone in terms of food. I understand that the protagonist who doesn't believe she's as pretty as her attractive friends, even though she is described as such, is considered normal for the genre, but I personally find it to be grating. I appreciated that the author appeared to be interested in portraying positive relationships between female characters, however. I did feel the book was professionally edited. I would not be interested in reading more of this book.

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 10:02 pm by Bfrisco.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

Shelle

This book's cover and blurb looked interesting and I was glad to have to opportunity to sample it. The setting grabbed my attention and so did the first two characters I was introduced to. However, the writing style seemed so immature and lacked restraint and I just couldn't take anymore. It seemed like a Stephanie Meyer rip-off. I didn't notice any obvious errors, but a good editor could definitely add some polish and make the book feel more professional.

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 4:37 pm by Shelle.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

Azeline Arcenal

The beginning of the sample started off pretty well. There was enough tension and sample to get me interested in reading the book. However as the story progressed, I could tell where the story was going and I could predict what was going to happen next. So, I lost interest in the book and I won't read the whole book. I did not notice any major grammatical errors either.

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 1:36 pm by Azeline Arcenal.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

jamesabr

This book has a strong and incredibly vivid beginning. The dream was believable as an actual event up until it was broken by Elizabeth waking up in her room, and her friends Jasmine and Renee seem likable as well as beautiful. If I were not a part of this program, I would have sampled this novel due to the positive review it received on OnlineBookClub. The scene I enjoyed the most was the arrival of Jasmine under the purple moon, because she appears to be a character that will be endlessly entertaining while with the other girls. I enjoyed this sample, so I will definitely purchase and read this book. There were no typos or grammatical errors.

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 1:28 pm by jamesabr.

Do you plan to read the whole book? Yes!

CrescentMoon

After reading the blurb, I don't think I would try this book because I have read many young adult and paranormal books that I am ready for new genres. After sampling the first ten pages, I really couldn't get into the author's writing style. It was hard for me to decipher the writing and I wasn't really hooked so I won't be reading the rest.

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 1:18 pm by CrescentMoon.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

Sarah_Khan

At first glance, I like the mysterious feeling of the cover art and the title. The Online Book Club review was favorable.
After reading the first ten pages, I have to say I was a bit disappointed. I did not find the plot very interesting. I am a fan of YA novels and although this book seems professionally edited and well-written, the writing felt like it was aimed towards pre-teens. Therefore, I do not intend to read the rest of this book.

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 12:59 pm by Sarah_Khan.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

ananya92

The book shows a lot of promise, though the plot isn't something completely new. From the sample, it is obvious that this book is in the fantasy genre. The book is written in third person, and shifts between characters to cover the story from different angles. However, there is lack of clarity in the book, for example, Elizabeth and her friends are born on the same day and supposedly look similar, yet their physical description was distinct and Elizabeth always felt overshadowed by her friends. Though the review was quite insightful, I think this book is not my cup of tea.

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 12:35 pm by ananya92.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

Vermont Reviews

The Journey by Elizabeth Shadahyah shows her readers the story of Elizabeth and her two friends who all share the same birthday. Elizabeth's father is holding on to a secret that is about to be revealed. I loved the preview and bought the book. I have added it to my 2017 reading list.
Vermont Reviews

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 12:01 pm by Vermont Reviews.

Do you plan to read the whole book? Yes!

ashley_claire

This seems like a book I'd be interested in just based on the title and cover alone. I love books where the characters go on a journey. The cover art makes it seem like there will also be darker elements to the book, which I am also a fan of. Nothing especially exciting happened in the first ten pages, but they were well-written and I can tell that I like the writing style of the author. I like the idea of these three friends being connected by all these different elements but we don't know what the purpose is yet. I like the premise of this book and it seems like a fresh take on YA fantasy that I would love to read more of.

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 11:53 am by ashley_claire.

Do you plan to read the whole book? Yes!

James Craft

The cover of this one is really well designed and has a great color scheme. The hook of the book is less than I would have liked, and the fact that it only got three stars makes me leery about checking this one out. I did like the opening, but it didn't excite me enough to push any other books off my TBR list.

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 10:43 am by James Craft.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

bookowlie

The summary blurb isn't formatted well, with too many line breaks between paragraphs. It is also a little sparse; I would have liked to know a little more about the plot. There are errors in the beginning pages - for example, "a few second later", "he certainty did not want" (correct word should be certainly). The writing is sometimes awkwardly worded and I found the story hard to follow.

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 10:41 am by bookowlie.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

gali

I probably wouldn't have sampled the book based on the cover as it isn't that appealing. The blurb was ok, but it had a typo. The book started well enough, with the nightmare, but it slowed down afterward. I won't buy the book as it didn't grab me nor am I the target audience.

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 10:27 am by gali.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

SandraTWP-BRW

I love the cover for this book. Everything really works together: the colors, the light, the shapes in the forest that are both foreboding but clearly indicate a path, how the characters are dwarfed by their surroundings. It's wonderful. The blurb and the reviews definitely motivate a reader to give the book a try.

In the excerpt I read, I really enjoyed the friendship between the girls. I also liked the order of presentation: meeting Elizabeth, experiencing her nightmare with her, then her relationships with her friends being revealed.

Sometimes, the language used by the girls felt... awkward. These were "country" girls from a "village," which brings to mind times past. But the phrases they use in conversation sound like modern teenagers. It was a bit of a disjunct.

The excerpt could benefit from a closer editorial eye. I came across numerous punctuation errors.

I will probably not be reading this book. It simply isn't appealing enough to me to finish reading it based on the short excerpt I read.

First Ten review added on March 9, 2017, at 10:24 am by SandraTWP-BRW.

Do you plan to read the whole book? No

Total ~ 17%

The Journey earned a score of 17%.

In other words, out of the top-level reviewers who read at least the first 10 pages of this book, 17% plan to read the whole book.

IMPORTANT: Any score over 10% is considered very good. And any score above 0% is acceptable.

Over a million books are published each year. Any given person could not even read .0001% of the books out there. This means readers have to be very selective. Even taking the time to look over reviews and blurbs, let alone read samples, is more time than most readers can afford for most books. The First Ten is a powerful focus group that addresses those issues. It creates a helpful tool for authors, publishers, and other readers.

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