Jonathan Janz
Hey, Perry! I'd say it's a combination of many things, the first of which being the fact that I'm doing my very best to write books that folks want to read. I don't say that sarcastically or immodestly; I simply mean that word-of-mouth is the most powerful force in the advertising universe, and people are telling other people about my work. There was a time when I'd go two weeks without a single rating. Now, I'm getting ratings and reviews every day. It's all due to a gradual word-of-mouth-fueled growth.
Aside from that, I'd guess that the way I approach Goodreads has something to do with that. I'm here as a reader first, and other readers sense, respect, and appreciate that. There's a vast forest of white noise generated by authors screaming "Look at me! Look at me!" and as a reader, that turns me off. Which means it undoubtedly turns off other readers too. So by being a reader, I share a love of books with other readers rather than treating them like potential marks.
Which leads me to the last thing--engagement. When people are nice enough to say kind things about me and my work, I appreciate that, and I make sure I let them know that. No, I don't go around responding to every positive review, but if someone reviews three of my books and says incredibly kind things about all of them, I think that deserves a thank you. I also never, ever respond to negative reviews because that will never go well.
Anyway, that was way more than you asked for, and being a writer yourself, I know that you already know most of these things. But for others who read this answer, I think these are good guidelines.
Aside from that, I'd guess that the way I approach Goodreads has something to do with that. I'm here as a reader first, and other readers sense, respect, and appreciate that. There's a vast forest of white noise generated by authors screaming "Look at me! Look at me!" and as a reader, that turns me off. Which means it undoubtedly turns off other readers too. So by being a reader, I share a love of books with other readers rather than treating them like potential marks.
Which leads me to the last thing--engagement. When people are nice enough to say kind things about me and my work, I appreciate that, and I make sure I let them know that. No, I don't go around responding to every positive review, but if someone reviews three of my books and says incredibly kind things about all of them, I think that deserves a thank you. I also never, ever respond to negative reviews because that will never go well.
Anyway, that was way more than you asked for, and being a writer yourself, I know that you already know most of these things. But for others who read this answer, I think these are good guidelines.
More Answered Questions
DD Franks
asked
Jonathan Janz:
Hi Jonathan, A few weeks back, I finished Children of the Dark. What an amazing read. I'm eagerly looking forward towards the release of Children of the Dark 2, The Night Flyers. I see here on Goodreads that it's set for March 1st, 2024. Will it be released as an e-book for Kindle as well? Thanks, DD.
Leon
asked
Jonathan Janz:
How much of a story do you map out before beginning to write a novel? Do you do extensive outlining and adhere rigidly to it, with all the major plot points calculated in advance? Also, how many drafts does a novel of yours typically take before you're satisfied, and do the rewrites usually consist of substantial structural changes, or are they more along the lines of polishing? Thanks!
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