Are you like me? When you come out with a new book, are you eager for feedback? Do you wait rather impatiently hoping to hear from a reader or see a review posted to your Amazon page? All you want is a little validation that the book you worked so hard to produce has struck a chord, caused someone to think or contemplate, made a reader smile, gave them an ah-ha moment, taught them something, or just provided hours or a moment of entertainment.
Amazon certainly tries to encourage feedback. They know who bought what books and when, and they nudge those customers to post reviews. Authors go out of their way to request feedback through their blogs, facebook pages, etc. We contact known reviewers of books similar to ours in hopes that they will like our book and give it a positive review.
I guess some authors would rather not solicit reviews. They fear what reviewers might say. They don’t want to know whether people like their book, approve of it or not. I know authors who do not read their book reviews. But these are generally one-shot authors. They don’t want or need the feedback because they don’t plan additional books. They didn’t produce a book in order to be popular or to receive compliments. Some authors have a beef or and ax to grind. They want to make a statement—maybe share an opinion through their books. And sometimes it’s not a popular one.
I think those of you reading this post today will agree that book reviews are important. Most authors want them and learn from them. We use them in their promotion. We are encouraged by them to keep writing. We value them.
So, as authors as well as readers, we should be generous with our reviews and our feedback. When Amazon contacts you for a review, and you feel you have something of value to contribute, post one.
At this time, I’d like to ask those of you who have read or are studying my latest book, “Propose Your Book,” please take the time to provide some feedback. There are no stars at the Amazon page, yet. http://www.amazon.com/Propose-Your-Book-Persuasive-Nonfiction/dp/1621534677/ref=sr_1_19?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1450875417&sr=1-19&keywords=patricia+fry And I have not heard a word from customers. PLFry620@yahoo.com
Thanks!