Celebrating Bloggers: The Writing Pilgrim Way
As part of Terri Giuliano Long’s ‘Celebrating Bloggers’ event, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave will be sharing their thoughts on Monday and Thursday. Today, David M. Brown talks about bloggers from an authors’ perspective – or rather his trusty friend the Writing Pilgrim does…
Celebrating Bloggers
The Writing Pilgrim clutched a copy of his self-published novel and wandered alone through an uncompromising desert. He had spent the last of his money publishing his work and was now travelling the world in search of reviews.
Later that day he thought he saw a mirage in the form of a series of stalls watched over by merchants. The Writing Pilgrim approached the first one where a rotund merchant with a Machiavellian stare was watching him closely.
‘I want someone to review my book, can you help?’ the Writing Pilgrim asked.
‘For you, sir, I can guarantee you glowing reviews but at a price,’ the merchant replied, scratching his chin. ‘Only positive reviews of your book will help you to be noticed, nothing else.’
‘I’m afraid I have no money.’
‘No money? Then why waste my time? Move along!’
‘Please, is there no one that can help?’
‘I suppose you could try the book bloggers at the far end. They might be able to help you but not as much as I could.’
The Writing Pilgrim tried the next stall which was piled high with dusty books. The merchant behind it was dressed in starry robes and a pointy hat.
‘Here’s my book for you to review,’ the Writing Pilgrim said, placing it on top of the neat pile of books without even glancing at their titles.
The merchant frowned and looked at the book’s cover and then the synopsis on the back.
‘This is a crime/thriller,’ the merchant said. ‘I only read sci-fi/fantasy. Did you not read the review policy on the notice board?’
‘No. I just assumed you’d review and sell my book for me.’
‘That’s not what book bloggers do. You have much to learn. First, your approach is wrong. You didn’t read the notice boards. Had you done so you would have realised my name is Kervin and that I review sci-fi/fantasy. Research a book blogger before you approach them and if you treat them with respect you never know what might happen. Just remember, they spread the word about you. It’s not their job to sell your book.’
‘Okay, thanks.’
The Writing Pilgrim approached various book blogger stalls and read the notice boards only to find they were not interested in crime/thrillers. He began to despair when he suddenly noticed a merchant dressed in a tuxedo, ducking and diving behind his stall and wielding a pistol which he continually aimed at an unseen assailant.
After reading the notice boards, the Writing Pilgrim found the blogger accepted his genre of book and that his name was Hemlock Homes.
‘Are you Hemlock Homes?’ the Writing Pilgrim asked.
‘Yes,’ Hemlock replied, peering nervously above the table. ‘How can I help?’
‘I’ve published a crime novel and was wondering if you would be interested in reviewing it? I checked your notice boards and they said that you enjoy crime/thrillers.’
‘I do. Let’s have look.’ Hemlock put his gun down and glanced through the Writing Pilgrim’s book. ‘This looks interesting. I’d be happy to review it. Would you like a book feature and guest blog as well? I share all my posts across the social networks and even put my reviews on Goodreads and Amazon if you like. I understand reviews on Amazon are highly sought by writers. You can expect an honest opinion from me about your book as well.’
‘How much would all that cost?’
‘Just a copy of your book. Nothing more.’
‘I don’t have to pay anything?’
‘No.’
‘That sounds like a lot of work though. Why would you do all that for my benefit and not ask for anything in return?’
‘Because I’m a book blogger and that’s what we do. I love books and I love to help authors with their work.’
The Writing Pilgrim smiled. ‘Now I understand the need to treat book bloggers well,’ he said. ‘You’re the friends that writers need.’
‘There’s no better way of letting the world know about you and your books than through book blogs,’ Hemlock replied. ‘Give me a week to read your book and you’ll be better known than ever before.’
‘I can’t wait.’
The Writing Pilgrim turned from the stall and smiled for the first time since publishing his book.
Visit The Art and Craft of Writing Creatively to find out more about Celebrating Bloggers and find posts from other authors and bloggers.
Celebrating Bloggers: The Writing Pilgrim Way | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave
