When I go to the local book store, I always walk along my favorite sections and scan the covers of the books. Sometimes, I will walk down the aisle once and then circle back, just to get an over-view of what attracts me.
Attention grabber number one comes when the cover catches my eye. That is when I slow down and stand there for a minute looking at all of the elements of the cover. I read the title and then I look at the illustration on the cover. If the cover tells a story that makes me want to know more, I pick the book up and look at the back cover.
Attention grabber number two depends on the content on the back cover. I do not know about everyone else, but I like to read endorsements. I like to know that someone else read the book and liked it. More than a name, I like to see that the person is a teacher, writer, or someone who has some area of work that shows they might be someone to listen to as they endorse that book.
Attention grabber number three (the commitment to purchase) comes after the book is opened. I like to read a little at the beginning and get an idea of the "flow." I usually look at the table of contents and read the titles. I then turn to Chapter One and read a little. I always flip back to the back cover and then the front and then I look at price.
If the book passes all three and the price is something that I am willing to pay, I walk out of the store with a new book.
How about you? What is your "book buying ritual?"