Authors Need Reviews

I am writing this because it has come to my attention (more than three times this week alone) that authors need reviews. Plain and simple. And let me be very clear about this despite what I am going to write with regards to my own experience: This is not about me—rather it is a general petition to audiences everywhere.

I also need to say this before I proceed: For anyone that has written me a review personally, I cannot thank you enough…truly. It means more to me than you can imagine to have you all helping me by giving me criticism, thoughts and most of all—appreciation!

Now, I was going to do a post about this a few weeks ago when I spoke to two authors who told me in passing that they received no support from friends or family in their writing career and I sympathized with them. But I let it go thinking that if I post something, it will come out the wrong way…and to some degree I still feel that way. So, I ignored my urge and continued putting my head down and plowing through my activities. Then yesterday, I received an email while continuing work on my second novel. It was from Goodreads and it gave me stats about my books and also included this:

Funny, right? So, those of you that believe in fate or what-have-you, I thought it was some higher power telling me to go ahead with the post (or at least someone at Goodreads with an uncanny sense of timing!)

One particular author went on to tell me, quote: 

“And most of my friends have been hopeless. One or two have been wonderful, but generally not. I've asked various family members to do reviews too, and said I'll give them the money to buy the books if they need me too.” 

This was remarkable to me and not the first time I have heard this story. I will not reveal the names of the people included here as I do not think it is fair to them, but their pleas needs to be heard and there are many! Another author has expressed the same sentiment and I am betting that if I spoke to many others, they might tell me the same thing. I have discussed the topic ad nauseum about their friends and family supporting them and have come up with the same general reply: no help or very little. All they are asking is for a little help and support. And I am addressing this to other authors as well: help out your peers!

Ask yourself these questions:

How long would it take to write a review?

Is it really that much of an inconvenience for me to read the book that *insert name here* took the time to outline, write and publish?

I understand that—in my case especially—my genre doesn’t appeal to everyone and that’s fine. It is what it is. But, I have many friends that write mystery, suspense and other ‘mainstream’ genres that appeal to an even broader audience and they tell me the same thing.

In closing, I am sorry that this might sound preachy, but it needed to be said. I am asking for all of the true friends and supporters of my fellow independent authors to step up and lend your support! Thanks for reading and have a wonderful week!

See you in Wothlondia! Cheers!

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