Tell me the hook for your book

A really catchy idea for a book can make waves when you least expect it. And so I bring you news of a delightful book that is selling fast and may become a Christmas bestseller.

Now that I've heard about How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog, I find myself strangely attracted to quantum physics. This is an odd sensation for me.

For some reason I am utterly charmed by the thought of Emmy (the rescue dog) being fascinated by quantum physics. I want to know whether Emmy will be able to fathom concepts that Einstein grappled with, and whether she can use quantum tunnelling to get through the neighbour's fence.

And the best bit is, I'm not alone.

Says Bookbrunch:

"How To Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog by Chad Orzel has sold 14,000 copies since its publication in October, and Oxford-based indie Oneworld has delivered a further 2,000 to WHSmith Travel, where it is in the non-fiction chart, plus 3,000 to Waterstone's."

Now those figures are quite something for a niche title. I love that an indie book about an obscure topic can capture so many people's imaginations.

What do you think? What's your hook for your book?

Best wishes,
Claire

(Publisher, yearbooks)

1. 

   How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog: Obsessive Update [Uncertain Principles] | Death By Cucumber News on November 10, 2010

   [...] very nice. It’s also apparently selling briskly in WH Smith’s stores in the UK, as mentioned in this publishing blog, which also says nice things about the concept. The numbers there are a little off (based on what [...]

2. 

   Fenn on November 17, 2010

   I've yet to work out the 'hook to my book' (there is one, it's just too long and unwieldy at the moment!), but I do suddenly have an urge to read more about quantum physics!
   
   I love books that teach you whilst you're reading, often without you realising it. My other half despairs of my habit of spouting random knowledge and can't believe I don't spend my days chewing reference books. But it's all from reading fiction and taking in the little details!

3. 

   Ayad Gharbawi on November 19, 2010

   Writing about Quantum Physics is so important because the implications that arise from that fields of physics have such profound consequences for every one of us. Quantum means that our questions such as what is Consciousness? What is the 'Self'? What is the 'Mind'? need to be revised in light of what it has to say. Thus what is 'truth' for the sub-atomic particle is directly linked to the nature of what our 'Mind' is!

4. 

   Claire Fogg on November 19, 2010

   Fenn - good luck with your hook. It's funny how *fiction* can prove so rewarding in a 'random knowledge' sort of way. Although I do have a tendency to forget a lot of the little details within about 24 hours of reading a novel, and just end up with the themes staying with me.
   
   Ayad Gharbawai, are you a quantum expert?

5. 

   Jonathan Hopkins on November 21, 2010

   Chaos theory does it for me, but it's a dog book. Any obscure sounding title would have done as long as it had 'dog' in it, I reckon.

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