An Independent writers dilemma. Whoring yourself for reviews.
- Thomas Washburn Jr.
- Jan 11, 2017
- 3 min read
One of the most frustrating things I have come across so far as an independent author is trying to find ways to promote without spending a ton of money I don't often have. Like many authors in my situation I work a full time job on top of writing and often the extra funds are few and far between to put into paid promotion. Which from what I have seen doesn't appear to be much of a difference maker unless you can afford to drop hundreds of dollars into them. In fact it seems to be a moot point really.
In the current day and age of social media that is already flooded with every Sally, Steve and Bob trying to promote their music, books, home business or art; it become a difficult task to stand out from the countless masses doing the same thing that you are doing. It often feels like you are drowning in a sea of constant bombardment of someone trying to get you to buy something or try their product. So how do you go about getting more people to recognize your product? Reviews.
I hate begging for reviews. It makes me feel cheap. I know that probably sounds stupid and you're all going what the hell is wrong with pushing yourself? I will tell you why I feel that way. I feel that way because the algorithms on sites like Amazon make it almost impossible for anyone to see your book unless you have X amount of reviews. The more reviews you get the higher up in the algorithm scale you go and the more likely your work is to be seen by the masses who might be interested in checking it out. So when it boils down to it, it makes me feel like they are saying. "Go out there and show a little leg, maybe some tight pants to draw attention to your ass." In turn I feel like my only option is to whore myself out and beg people to leave reviews. This in turn makes me feel like an asshole for hounding the folks who picked up my work and were nice enough to give it a shot in the first place. In a lot of ways I feel like it does more to piss the reader off than help the cause, but it becomes a bit of a needed evil to try and promote yourself on the cheap.
So my huge favor to ask anyone who picks up a book on Amazon or uses sites like Goodreads. Please take a moment to leave a review. Even if it's just a simple one like. "I really enjoyed Happy Fun Bunny Squad. 4/5 stars. Even a less than stellar review isn't always a bad thing if it's done in a constructive manner. A review like, "Happy Fun Bunny Squad was not what I was expecting. While I didn't hate it, it was not really my cup of tea. I think with a bit more fleshing out and character development it could have been better. 2/5 stars. It helps authors out and gives us more exposure. It also lets us know what our readers are thinking and like and don't like about our work.
The most important thing though. Those reviews keep us from having to stand at the corner of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter avenues in a pair of daisy dukes and a tight white shirt asking if you're looking for a good time. I shiver at the thought of me in daisy dukes and a tight white belly shirt. No one wants that including me.
Comments