Books are gifts that keep on giving!
The memory of stories we read, the knowledge we gain, and the pleasure of a few hours living through our imagination all are lasting benefits of reading. Experts say that reading helps us focus, relieves stress, and helps us gain perspective in a hectic world. There’s just nothing like opening the new pages of a book, or flipping past pages on a Kindle reader. It’s all about a new revelation about to unfold.
Do we stop to consider the author’s journey to write the book? Not that we don’t appreciate their talent and time, but there is an author investment we can’t relate to unless we too are authors. Personally, writing books is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I have great gratitude for all the writers who have blessed me with their words.
There are several ways for us to show our appreciation for the authors who have entertained and informed us. I would like to talk about one.
Online reviews.
Because of the way the algorithms work at online booksellers, especially Amazon, reviews are an important part of the success of a book. In fact, it can make or break sales, the book’s visibility, consumer confidence in the author, and much more. Reviews are important, yet very hard to acquire unless you are an already known author with an abundance of followers/fans.
Reviews don’t have to be 5 stars, and they don’t have to be long or explain the plot. The best reviews are ones that tell other readers how the book made you feel, what you thought the theme was, who your favorite characters were, and/or the spiritual message (if that applies). Telling too much about the plot can spoil the story for future readers, and authors often cringe at reviewers who give too much away.
In case you don’t know how to leave an Amazon review, here is a quick lesson.
1. Bring up the book on Amazon and look for the stars under the title. (If there are no stars yet, there will be a “be the first to leave a review” link on the page.
2. Click on the stars or where it names number of reviews.
3. It will take you to this where you will click the box to write a review.
4. Here you will click the number of stars you wish to give the book and then fill in the boxes with a short “heading” (Like: loved this book, or, a must read, or, not my favorite…) Then you can write the review in the next box and click Submit.
That’s it. It may take a while for it to show up on the book’s page, and if you are a close relative or have a strong association with the author, Amazon may reject your review. Never fear – you can leave reviews on Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, and other booksellers where the book is listed. It’s all helpful.
All that said…I have a few copies of my latest release to give to someone who would agree to leave an honest review. It’s the 3rd and last novel in my series, and it’s set in WW2. 
If you would like to try your hand at a review, I will choose from those who email me to send either an Ebook file or print copy (limited supply) – just indicate which you prefer. [email protected]
Thanks for reading this post. I hope you will begin to leave reviews for the books you read. It’s a great way to keep the flow of good writers coming.
Best wishes for the New Year!
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