I was walking though a bookstore recently and overheard a conversation. Two people were looking at a bookshelf, when one of them picked up a book and handed it to the other.
"Have you read this book?"
"No."
"She's great. She was a lawyer before she started writing books."
"Really? I should give it a read."
The conversation shifted to something else as they walked to the cashier, book in hand.
What I think was interesting about that entire conversation was that at no time was there an endorsement of the author's talent or past works. Being a lawyer was significant in itself to warrant purchasing the book.
So my question is: Does the author's past (or current) job affect your purchasing decision?