The importance of reviews to mid-list authors.

[Dougie]

My latest blog.

http://dougiebrimson.wordpress.com/20...

[Cheryl]

Excellent post, Dougie! And, I agree with you 100%. Reviews and word-of-mouth are so important to us authors who don't have the benefit of a big traditional publisher behind us to help flog and market our books.

I've been on Goodreads now since October 2010 and I've reviewed every book I've read since then, especially the self-published ones. As an author who has just recently ventured into the world of self-publishing myself, I'm finding out how important it is to get my name out there as much as possible, because how else are readers going to know about me? And, I definitely welcome reviews of my books so that I can learn what readers like and dislike about them and apply that learning to my future writing.

[Dougie]

Thanks Cheryl. I think it is vital that we as authors keep the pressure on our readers and the best way to do that is to remind them how important they are!

There's no shame in asking for reviews. It's all about spreading the word and if we don't do it, who will? :-)

[Scott]

In that spirit, then, I have written a number of reviews of books by independent authors since I joined Goodreads, although I can't claim to have reviewed them all. But I think I have at least rated them all.

So, I would like to offer my book for review. I've received 5 very good reviews so far. I'd be very grateful for any review, whatever you think.

The book is called The Bones of the Earth; the only criticism I've received is that it's not really appropriate for kids. I'd say it's not for anyone under 16.

[Joan]

Dougie, I tried to comment on your blog, but it said I had to be logged in to WP to post it and when I did, then the text of what I'd written out had been eaten by the cybermonsters. Sigh. Anyway... you are right on. We all keep trying, so hard, to get people to review!

[Robin]

Dougie, thanks for the blog post and topic. I most appreciated your comment:

"However, after a certain amount of time you have to get back to the actual process of writing which means that you have to let your latest stand on its merits and fend for itself. It’s at this point that all authors hope that their readers will kick in and take up the task of spreading the word on their behalf. Fundamental to that is the review."

I feel it's imperative to keep pushing the books, meanwhile my WIPs are languishing. Meanwhile, I keep downloading, reading and rating. What goes around, comes around. Right?

[Dougie]

Madeline wrote: "Dougie, thanks for the blog post and topic. I most appreciated your comment:

"However, after a certain amount of time you have to get back to the actual process of writing which means that you ha..."

I couldn't agree more Madeline. I think it's increasingly important to involve readers in our work for all kinds of reasons. Not least that they help sell books!

Spread the word I say!

[[deleted user]]

Very well said Dougie !! Being a new author I've realized how important reviews are. I intend to review all the books I read from now on.
I certainly love to hear what the readers have to say, it is so exciting to have others love a character or feel what I've felt when writing.

[E.]

Great points! That's why I opened my website up to reviews for Indie authors. I want to help where I can and if anyone is interested I am always offering my novel, The Truce, free for anyone who is interested in reviewing it. I'm still in the preliminary phases of trying to have reviews done.

I can add your book to my tbr list and pinterest board, just email emilanfiction@gmail.com, my site is emilanfiction.com The Truce

[Lisa]

Here's a promotion I ran to garner reviews of my book Fright Flight

once a week for 4 weeks I tallied all the new reviews (good or bad) on Amazon, Goodreads, B&N and iTunes and put their names in a hat. I picked one and donated a copy of my book to that person's chosen charity. I notified family and friends via e-mail (as that's who's mainly bought my debut book at this point) and posted on my blog about the 4 week promotion.

Here's the post about my results:
http://www.dreamseekeradventures.com/...

I more than doubled my reviews online. Still looking for more of course! If you'd like to read and review my early chapter book, let me know and I'll send you a complimentary e-pub file. Thanks!