Author Confessions: Reviews are Important

Authors will often request that if an author likes a book, that they write a review.

I realize, as authors, we are asking a lot of our readers.

First, we want them to actually spend money to purchase a book. While libraries and borrowing a paperback are wonderful, they don’t get us a royalty per copy sold. Obviously, we work hard to write that handheld doorway into a wonderful imagination and story, an escape from the trials of this world and a more worthwhile distraction than playing a video game. It would be nice if the author, editior, copyeditor, cover artist, and publisher could all make some money.

Secondly, after we ask you to buy a book, we hope you will actually read it and enjoy it. But after you’ve reached the end of the book we want you to go back to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, GoodReads or the publisher’s web site and write a review. You probably thought book reviews were left behind when you graduated high school.

Here’s the truth.

• Writing a review takes a little time, true. You need to log into whatever site you’re choosing.
• A review doesn’t need to be long. Just tell other readers what you liked about that book. It can be short and sweet.
• Telling others, in person, or on social media that you recommend a book can help a lot.

Reviews on Amazon help other readers find our books and book sales help authors continue to write those stories you might have enjoyed.

Lastly, if you really love a story or an author’s voice, tell them personally. Send an email or text or if you see them in person, go ahead, and fan-girl or guy around them. Writing and getting a book published (two seperate endeavors) takes a lot of hard work. I doubt your words of encouragement will swell their heads but it might give them the motivation to keep writing and doing all the hard work to provide you with another great story.

Who have you read lately that deserves a little “atta boy” or “atta girl” for a story you enjoyed? Got ahead and write that review. Reviews are important.