Well, I must say, if you're telling the truth and you really are an author with published work, then I'm very impressed. I hope you didn't join the site only to advertise your book though, even though this place is rather dead at the moment!

Cover art? Personally cover art is what draws me in. That's the very first thing you see. Cover art + title will be the first to draw someone to the novel. I'd be much more likely to buy a book with a catchy title and nice cover than one with a long and tedious title and cheap cover art, even if the story inside turns out to be better under the latter. Synopsis is important as well, but I don't think as important as the cover art. It just needs to be clear, enticing, and be able to leave you hanging there without cheesy hypothetical questions like "Oh whatever will Tom and Jack do?" =D As to what determines the decision to take that time, I don't have much of a unique answer for that. Just a combination of good cover art, clever or catchy title, and clear, interesting synopsis.

Something like the cover you have on your webpage is okay I guess, but it's a bit out of style. Those types are from year ago. Now what I'd suggest -- just go with the simple is better philosophy. Sometimes, a lot of times, just a plain title with a few printed age marks and a small title in the middle of the top is catchy enough. If you know what I mean...sometime that looks like a really old book. I love that stuff.

And the writing is very nice, by the way. =D