There is an odd divide between reader and writer, through the eyes of a reader I’m going to be discussing things in regard to the gap, how to bridge it and for any authors out there that would like to throw in their two cents go for it! I’m speaking on my behalf and from what I’ve experienced and seen myself.
Make yourself valuable to authors.
I’ve said it before and my quote has been used a few time since then – Authors are like faeries, you need to clap to show them you believe. It is true. Our clapping gives them power! I’m no author, but coming from a blogging standpoint if I write all of these segments, reviews and what not and receive little to no likes or comments it is more than a little disheartening. I put time and effort into my blog and it isn’t just for myself. I do this so other readers and bloggers have someone to relate to, to be informed and create relationships with bookish people.
So imagine you spend hundreds of hours working on this book whether it is traditionally published or Independently published [more so for Indie!] And you receive little to no praise or reviews. Well, that Book Faerie is going to suffer, because they need to hear the clapping, they need to know that someone outside of their close circle believes in them, too, and that they have a place in the difficult world of Book Writing!
So, this is how you can make yourself a valuable reader.
Read the darn book for starters!
When you’re done with the book write a review for them and plaster it on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble or any other book buying platform you can think of. Why? Because that is the CLAPPING that they need. This is going to help them achieve a few things, ranking and the ability to place ads. [To find out more about reviews and why they are important click here.]
Clapping from the stands is a good thing to… but, you know what is really awesome?
Cheerleaders
Between the fans in the stand clapping, hooting and hollering, the cheerleaders who are on the sidelines boost morale, too.
But how are you a cheerleader for an author?
There is this crazy divide between authors and fans, I’ve been on that side where I’ve cheered for an author, plastered them so hard on my Instagram stories, written them and told them how much I enjoyed X and while they chat with me here and there they still seem hesitant to reach out to me when it comes to me helping them.
This goes both ways – you don’t know what someone will say until you approach them.
Do you want to know if you can interview them, interview a character, host a blog tour or any number of things that would help promote the author? Contact them, don’t be shy! This goes for authors, too. Reach out to your fans, or someone you’d think would if not be a fan, an honest reviewer and a way to reach a different audience.
Ask, ask, ask.
Reviewers/Readers aren’t some scary monster!
Are you an author in love with a reviewer and you’d wish they’d snag one of your books, or interview you, or just spam their feed with YOU? Ask them, it isn’t going to hurt. Or better yet start a conversation with them, readers are human too, we aren’t some scary monster. I know sometimes it feels that way – because from a readers stand point it also seems like Authors are untouchable. We are both human and both [generally,] prefer to communicate and interact — especially when you have a few things in common – YOUR BOOK.
I enjoy being contacted by authors who say they not only enjoy reading my interviews but enjoy me because there are a ton of bloggers and reviewers out there, but what makes me stand out to them is my personality. Who doesn’t like hearing they have a great personality?
In short for readers:
- Be active in the bookish community
- Read & Review books
- Be personable
- Prove yourself a great cheerleader
- Communication
In short for authors:
- Communication.
That’s it. Plain and simple, because what it comes down to is interacting with your fans and readers. This goes beyond your street team or fan club, this is out reaching to whoever may get a hold of your book and raves about it.
Praise those people. Shower them in encouragement, because they LIKE when an author notices them. It’s almost like talking to a celebrity.
Reward them, with praise or with something one on one – a special video, a shout out, advertise their blog for them, send them swag… it really doesn’t have to cost you anything – just time and your consideration.
In closing, reach out to readers and reach out to authors. We’re all in this mad book world together!
Again, this is coming off of my personal experiences, feel free to chat below about anything you disagree with or agree with.
Are you an author and have your opinion? Share.
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