Two Months Since Launch… Feels Like Forever!
It’s been two whole months since Welcome to Seagull Street officially launched on May 24 and if you had told me on release day how much would happen in just eight weeks, I wouldn’t have believed you!
It feels like I’ve been living on Seagull Street for years: signing books on the Ocean City Boardwalk, running ads, checking sales stats, making trips to the post office, and answering messages from new readers I’ve never met in real life but already adore.
The Reviews Are Finally Flowing…Getting reviews and ratings is so important to keep the momentum going, and to help the right readers discover Welcome to Seagull Street. The readers who love small-town beach vibes, a little mystery, a little romance, and diving into complicated characters for a slice-of-life look at differing perspectives on timely issues.
Now, the reviews and ratings are finally starting to come in on Amazon and Goodreads, and they’ve been worth the wait. Here are just a few of my favorites:
“This book made me want to go to the beach!”“The story was heartfelt and fun and I loved the seagull twist.”“It brought back all the memories: the Boardwalk energy, the food, the quiet bayside sunsets…”“Even though I’ve never been to Ocean City, the author made me feel like I have.”“Brilliantly woven story lines that leave the reader wanting the next book!!”If you’ve read the book, it would be great if you could leave a rating or review.
Leave an Amazon review
Or rate it on Goodreads
When a book first launches, most of the early ratings and reviews come from friends, family, critique partners, and maybe some advanced readers who were rooting for you from the start. It’s an encouraging and affirming stage, but also a bit of a manufactured hype bubble.
As time goes on, casual readers start picking it up. That’s when reviews get broader, and more honest. That’s where the real growth happens and the overall rating will naturally start to fall.
The Algorithm Doesn’t Love SilenceAmazon’s algorithm gives books more visibility based on momentum. Like how many ratings and reviews come in within a certain window. Written reviews (even short ones!) are more valuable than just star ratings. Consistency matters more than perfection.
That sparkling 5.0 average? It may look nice, but it can also seem suspicious. Many readers actually trust books more when they have lower ratings in the mix because it signals that the feedback is balanced and real.
Amazon ratings tend to skew higher because they’re usually left by verified buyers. Goodreads? Not so much. Anyone can rate a book, even before it’s released. Case in point: Welcome to Seagull Street got its very first Goodreads rating (four stars) before the book had been published or sent to any external readers. “Aubrey,” I don’t know who you are… but that was weird.
Happy reading, friends! I hope you’re enjoying your summer.
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