Into the Fire

If you’re a reader or if you’re a writer, you have a responsibility to share the beauty of a good book. Let’s stick to novels. A previous post emphasized how vital readers are to the time tested successful marketing technique “word of mouth”. The lifeline to publishing, readers provide part of the objective of writing. Writers want to be read. And without readers they will not achieve that critical part.

I want to reiterate that many readers don’t seem to realize their importance in the process. They read frequently and close the cover satisfied or disappointed. Sometimes they share their feelings about the book(s) and sometimes they don’t. Since a good portion of my life at present involves reading novels, I not only share my opinions and feelings about novels I’ve read in reviews on the internet, I tell friends, acquaintances, and anyone else who wants to talk novels about these books. If their responses indicate similar tastes, I mention my work to those who don’t know I write.

Authors need to champion other authors’ novels. They need to define their tastes and let other readers know why they like certain books. Some endorsements stop with their blurbs inside book covers. Nothing sells books like a favorite author talking about a book.

Recently a multi-published author self-published a novel. He bought and paid for a certain amount and is selling them privately and through Amazon. I’ve read three of his novels and plan to read more. I bought the self-published novel directly from him because I wanted to support his venture. I understand the reasoning behind the process. Hopefully I’ll get to the book soon and will post a review afterward.

If you’re a reader and a writer, don’t neglect your fellow authors. Be alert to prospective readers who might enjoy books you’ve read. Don’t hesitate to mention them. We all know it’s a tough business, but there are potential readers everywhere just waiting for someone to mention a good book to read.

Lord, give me insights to others and help me to be an asset to them. Ultimately may you receive all the praise for work done to honor you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.