Dear Book Bloggers,
I really wanted to write an Ode to you, the dedicated Book Bloggers. An Ode seemed perfect: according to dictionary.com 'A kind of poem devoted to the praise of a person, animal, or thing. An ode . . . expresses deep feeling'. Yes, exactly what I needed! However, a quick overview of the actual structure of Odes reminded me that I am not a poet, and that this is not the time to learn.
So I will have to express my gratitude for reviews of my latest child, Plain Jane, in mere paragraphs instead, maybe with a little dialogue?
'Oh, Book Bloggers I love you!' *Virtual hugs to all* 'Shall I name you one by one? But then--I shall surely miss a ton.' (I did warn you about the 'not a poet' thing.)
Seriously though, I am in awe of the time and effort that Book Bloggers put into reviewing books like, say, just as an example, 'Plain Jane'. I am so amazed and grateful for that effort. I know that it is done for no reward what-so-ever (okay, maybe a free copy of a book here and there--but that is not much). In a world where people turn to the internet more often than a friend for book recommendations, authors NEED this kind of exposure (especially authors like me, who cringe a little at having to promote themselves).
I also know that, really, your effort isn't expended for authors, it is done for readers. I always feel a little like I am 'crashing a party' to even say thank you for reviews posted on social media. What if a Blogger wants to post a not-so-positive review of a future book? Will you feel pressured not to, with the thought of the author a mere hashtag away? Reviews are only helpful if they are honest--to both readers and to authors interested in continuing to write better and better books.
So, just so you know, Oh, Book Bloggers--I welcome every written word (the good, the bad--maybe not so much of the ugly) about my books. And thank you!
From a Grateful Author
I really wanted to write an Ode to you, the dedicated Book Bloggers. An Ode seemed perfect: according to dictionary.com 'A kind of poem devoted to the praise of a person, animal, or thing. An ode . . . expresses deep feeling'. Yes, exactly what I needed! However, a quick overview of the actual structure of Odes reminded me that I am not a poet, and that this is not the time to learn.
So I will have to express my gratitude for reviews of my latest child, Plain Jane, in mere paragraphs instead, maybe with a little dialogue?
'Oh, Book Bloggers I love you!' *Virtual hugs to all* 'Shall I name you one by one? But then--I shall surely miss a ton.' (I did warn you about the 'not a poet' thing.)
Seriously though, I am in awe of the time and effort that Book Bloggers put into reviewing books like, say, just as an example, 'Plain Jane'. I am so amazed and grateful for that effort. I know that it is done for no reward what-so-ever (okay, maybe a free copy of a book here and there--but that is not much). In a world where people turn to the internet more often than a friend for book recommendations, authors NEED this kind of exposure (especially authors like me, who cringe a little at having to promote themselves).
I also know that, really, your effort isn't expended for authors, it is done for readers. I always feel a little like I am 'crashing a party' to even say thank you for reviews posted on social media. What if a Blogger wants to post a not-so-positive review of a future book? Will you feel pressured not to, with the thought of the author a mere hashtag away? Reviews are only helpful if they are honest--to both readers and to authors interested in continuing to write better and better books.
So, just so you know, Oh, Book Bloggers--I welcome every written word (the good, the bad--maybe not so much of the ugly) about my books. And thank you!
From a Grateful Author
RSS Feed