Reviews and why I hate to love them
There were many things I assumed would make me happy when I became an author.
There are the far off dreams that I’ve yet to achieve. Those of best sellers lists, awards, TV and film rights, money and the house of my dreams. You assume they will fly into your lap shortly after publication and your life will be changed forever. But it’s not quite like that.
Then there are the other bits. When you get your book deal is pretty major. Then, whether you’re self published or with a publisher, when your book is finally published, and your friends and family can actually go and buy it (not that they all do!)... That’s pretty cool. As is the bit where it’s an actual real life book, that not only is on a shelf next to other real life books written by real life authors, but you can pick it off and hold it in your actual hands.
WOW.
But do you know what, they’re not the best bits. I mean, they’re AWESOME. The day I found my book in the library I was bouncing all over the place and even the biggest meltdown from my children couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. And, although the photos of people holding my book come in a VERY CLOSE second, that’s not the best bit even.
No, the best bit is when somebody reads and enjoys my book. I used to be terrified at the thought of people reading my book. I’d apologies in advance when they said they’d bought it “really? Oh…I’m sorry…” and even now, I get nervous when I see a review from amazon, or a tweet that starts with “I’ve just completed Mothers Ruined by @AimeeHorton ….”
My stomach twists in knots, and I read their opinion with one eye squinting through my fingers.
But then, if I’m lucky enough for it to be a positive review, for somebody to have written that they laughed out loud…THAT is the best bit.
You see, if I’m honest, writing a book is quite hard on the confidence. Releasing that book is even harder on the confidence, and sitting waiting for people to actually buy and read it. Well, let’s just say it’s a good job I love gin.
And I know I’m not the only one.
So, while it often makes us sound needy and desperate when we’re asking…if you have read our book…if you could take the time to write a review, it really is an important part of being an author. Not only does it help us sell books, and not only does give our ego the boost that it needs, breaking us away from the whole “OH MY GOD WHY AM I DOING THIS?” malarkey. But it also helps us know if we’re doing a good job.
I always say, ‘I love to write’, and I love to write stuff that other people enjoy. There’s not much point being an author if nobody reads your books. Yes, it might get the characters out of your head for a while, but at the end of the day, books are there to be read.
So with that in mind, when you’ve finished a book and enjoyed it, think of the author, and leave a review to let them know what you thought. And remember, I write to make people laugh…the review where somebody wrote they’d wet themselves a little bit made my day…especially when somebody confirmed they’d bought a copy based on that review.
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