On my nightstand is a stack of books that I have committed
to read. Most I paid full price for—those are the ones at the bottom of the
stack. The ARCS (advance reader copies) that other authors send, requesting a
review, always go on the top. I don’t read a lot of famous authors. Most of my
books I purchased at conferences or through my local bookstore, even Amazon, to
help authors realize their dream. I’m not always interested in the topic or the
writing level, but when spending 8 hours of my life seems worthwhile, it is karma
revisited. My next book will be out soon and others will return the
favor.
I try to be prompt, not one of those people who request an
advance copy and then don’t read it. I’m sorry to say, those people unleash in
me the pain of a maimed dog. On the other hand, the simple tap of the “share”
button on Facebook for a book event or launch is an act of
affirmation that cements relationships.
The process of grinding out a novel is tedious, lonely and
beset with waves of doubt and self-loathing that flattens the writer’s tush and
wears out office chairs. In case another simile is needed: the writing process
is like swimming alone in a deep pool at night. We’re swimming blind. By the
time the book finds a publisher, we
need another body in the pool, a lifeline, a light illuminating the surface—anything
helps.
That’s where the critique comes in. The first review is
breathtaking. We read it and it’s as though we’re reading about someone else’s
work, someone brilliant and deserving. But sure enough, the title is the one we
submitted to a publisher two years earlier. Then the second review pops up and
suddenly our readers have found us! Publishers pay attention. Bookbuyers and
librarians google reviews to see how the stars line up. Five, four, three--things
start to get gnarly at three. A one-star review makes authors crazy.
What a reader says is important. When they say a book is
suitable for YA as well as adults, this is good information. When they say the end surprised them, or they
wanted to cry for the main character, this is very good. Reviewers don’t need
to give an analysis of the use of simile and metaphor. Readers want
to know if the book delivers. At least I do.
Be kind. Rewind. That's what we used to say, back in the day of VHS and track tapes. Today's advice should be, Be kind, Review. Writing a review can be addictive. Just
go to your favorite book site on Amazon, Goodreads, or other sites. Click on
the line of stars. Find where it says, “Leave a Review” and start writing. Be
as fair as possible. Click if you find someone else’s review helpful. Be part
of the process. And don’t forget the “little author.” If a book already has 350
reviews, try leaving one for a newly-released book. You can start with
mine. Maria Ines
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