Authors seem so far distant from readers. Even in today’s world, where they have blogs, Facebook pages and twitter accounts, it still seems as if they’re apart from everyone else. As though they have all the answers, and can do it all.
But it’s not true. Authors need our help. No matter whether they’re self-published or traditionally published, whether they have one book or twenty, they all could do with a little help now and then.
Want to know how you can help your favourite author? Here’s how.
Review
Nothing is more helpful for selling books than reviews. No matter how many reviews your favourite book has (or doesn’t have), one more will always help. I don’t know about you, but I was always put off writing reviews because I didn’t know what to say. Now I’m making myself just write it. Any review is good, no matter how long or short, how eloquent or simple. Even if all you say was “I loved this book”, it helps.
This article gives some more great tips. Now get out there and write that review!
Share
The truth is, more sales are made by word of mouth than any other means. If you’ve enjoyed a book, help out the author by sharing it, on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, or wherever else you talk about books. And help out your friends at the same time by introducing them to a good book.
Communicate
If a book has really touched you, one of the best things you can do is tell the author. Even better than a review or sharing, an author loves to hear that their work has been enjoyed. Because that’s why most of us write. It’s not about the money, or the fame, it’s about sharing a story that we love with someone else.
Most authors are approachable, and would love to hear from you. Take the chance, give it a go.
Do you have a favourite author? Have you done any of these things to help them out? Do you think authors are more approachable than they used to be?
All this month I’m participating in the A-Z blogging challenge, writing a blog post for each letter of the alphabet, on every day of the month except Sundays. Check back regularly to see what else I have in store for you.
I have a profound admiration for authors who can frequently engage with their fans. Seanan McGuire, for instance, spends so much of her time chatting, answering questions and even messing around with her crowd, even though she’s disturbingly prolific. I think she has three books due out this year alone.
from John at The Bathroom Monologues
I’m pretty sure that chatting with fans gives you energy to write more! I’m sure it would for me. I always do better when I can talk to people about my stories and have them appreciate it.
Three books in one year is impressive for anyone though!
Great advice! Regarding reviews, I have ran into so many people who simply don’t know how to write a review on Amazon. It intimidates them or they simply don’t get it. Even when you try to walk them through it! One reader raved about my book on facebook. I kindly asked her to please write a review on Amazon. Sure thing, she said…and then promptly wrote out another glowing comment on my FB page. 😀
Yes, for some reason, leaving a review seems far more intimidating than saying something nice on facebook. But once I realised that no one was going to be judging my review, and that as an author, you appreciate any review, then it became a lot easier!
I’m both a writer and a reader, so I appreciate your post from both points of view. I’m trying to do a better job with writing reviews too, and that makes me respect reviewers all the more.
Yes! People who can post well thought out and articulate reviews are deserving of respect.
What a great post. I totall agree. I review everything. I’m a regular on Yelp and review consistently on Amazon. This is also what I use when I’m purchasing and looking for “bests”. Keep up the good and helpful posts. Jennifer a.k.a. Urban Gypsy Girl
Hi Jennifer. I use reviews on Amazon for selecting books too! Funnily enough, it’s usually the negative reviews that help me make up my mind. You can tell a lot about a book from what people don’t like about it.
I haven’t heard of Yelp, I’ll have to check them out.