Does Avatar influence sale of your books?

[David 'Half-Orc' Dalglish]

I doubt they help that much at least in terms of here on the Kindleboards, but I do think you should have a fairly professional author photo up *on Amazon*.

[Kevis 'The Berserker' Hendrickson]

Mine affects the number of internet fights I get into, which can influence sales 

[TexasGirl]

Since switching from the kitten photo I used here previously to my current avatar, I've not noticed any measurable effect on sales either way, leading me to believe that the vast majority of people simply don't care.

George, I TOTALLY noticed when you changed yours. Every time I see it, I think of glass...ahem, what won't get my post kicked off the boards? Well, glass, TOYS, let's say, the pretty ones in cases up front at "those" stores (not that I've ever been in one la la la la la) and this one so large that, well. I'll just stop here.

[Susanne OLeary]

I like seeing the author's face. It makes me feel I'm in touch with the person behind the books.

[CoraBuhlert]

This thread has inspired me to finally upload a profile picture, actually the same author photo I use at Amazon and elsewhere.

Let's see if it has an influence on sales.

[Rosen Trevithick]

I tend to use a photo of me as an avatar. It gives people a feel for who they're talking to. I use the same one on everything to draw discussions and books together.

I don't think that it's unreasonable of you to consider the impact of your avatar. Some people might view an unrelenting interest in promoting your book and an annoyance, but the most successful writers are usually those who pull out all the stops.

[Andrew Ashling]

Since switching from the kitten photo I used here previously to my current avatar, I've not noticed any measurable effect on sales either way, leading me to believe that the vast majority of people simply don't care.

I loved that kitty and its disaster-stricken look. Somehow, that glass dildo doesn't do it for me.

[Dara England]

I have this quirky thing where I love stuff to match, so if I had a good photo of myself posted on my website and Amazon page I might want to use the same picture on forums and social networking sites. I like organization and there may be something to be said for having a recognizable face, so people can place you. I'm not thinking from a marketing perspective, so much as from a social viewpoint. If you're going to be all over the net, chatting with people, it's nice for them to remember who you are and whether they've talked with you before. And I remember faces better than book covers because covers are often swapped out for new releases, making it hard to keep up with who is who.

Of course, all the above is a moot point in my case because I have no picture of myself that I like enough to want to use everywhere. Instead, I just grab whatever looks fun or features a favorite pet.  

[Gretchen Galway]

Also, I think it lends an air of a modern Morticia to me.

I scrolled back to see if you had the same odd hair characteristic as me--a white forelock--but no, it's your length you were talking about.

Mine started turning gray when I was twenty; I just stopped coloring it. (Now that I'm twenty-two. Just kidding.) It's hard to get used to. I'm always on the verge of covering it up again.

Maybe I need to make sure it's visible in my avatar. Sell more books?

[DDark]

My avatar simply reflects how I tackle writing. I'm not sure how many friends it will make me....

If it's any consolation, I look like my avatar.

Minus the glocks.

[*DrDln* (dr.s.dhillon)]

I don't hang around here to sell but to learn and discuss.

Perhaps many of us are here for the same purpose, whether it is avatar or book cover to grab attention or to learn...lol

[*DrDln* (dr.s.dhillon)]

If I see some pleasant avatar, it does attract me. I am never turned off by any avatar.  But it is scary to see blood and daggers--which show up on some books covers too...lol

[Susanne OLeary]

I personally don't like avatars with pictures of old Hollywood film stars.

[*DrDln* (dr.s.dhillon)]

I like seeing the author's face. It makes me feel I'm in touch with the person behind the books.

I agree and basically feel the same.

[Terrence OBrien]

"I like seeing the author's face. It makes me feel I'm in touch with the person behind the books."

I ran the same ad, in the same place, on the same day of the week. The only difference was the picture. One showed the book cover. The other showed my smiling headshot. When the book cover ran, sales spiked. When the headshot ran, they tanked. It was a crushing blow to my self-esteem, but with time, the wound will heal.

[RuthMadison]

I happened to find this picture that was such an absolute perfect representation of my brand, so I bought it and use it for my avatar almost every where that I post as Ruth! Don't know what it means in terms of sales, but it's just so, so, so me and my books. lol. Plus I guess if you see it in other places around the Internet, you'll "recognize" me

[Susanne OLeary]

I just changed into a swimsuit. Let's see if this improves sales...

[DebBennett]

I've only ever used the same piccie in all my online accounts and social networking. It's even on my business cards. Maybe I'm boring, but I like to think I'm just consistent. I'm hoping that people will remember me from other sites.

[Susanne OLeary]

I change my avatar according to my mood.

[EllenFisher]

I don't use a cover avi because I think it will make thousands of people run out and buy my books, but because I love my covers, and I like to be able to admire my newest one when I stop by KB. I have no desire to put up a picture of myself, but I do admire other people's furbaby pictures, so if I ever decide to use a non-cover avi, it'll probably be one of my dogs.  They're prettier than I am anyway.

[MikeAngel]

"You're taking the fall, kid."

[*DrDln* (dr.s.dhillon)]

I am keeping the same avatar for a long time. Perhaps someone is going to convince me to change the avatar. Let us wait and see...

[Kevis 'The Berserker' Hendrickson]

I change my avatar according to my mood.

Ditto.

[psychotick]

I can't imagine that my avatar would have a huge effect on sales, especially here since it seems most of the posters are authors. I just use my latest cover because I'm proud of it, and because I think anyone staring at my ugly mug might well run screaming!

Cheers, Greg.